ELASTOGRAPHY AND MORPHOLOGY CHANGES OF TESTICLES IN POSTOPERATIVE HYPOTHYROIDISM PATIENTS
Thyroid function is in close cooperation with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, primarily due to the presence of common central regulation mechanisms. One of the possible and important manifestations of thyroid function disorders in men is postoperative hypogonadism, or reduced functional activity of the reproductive system. Determine the possibility of using elastography and morphological examination in postoperative hypothyroidism. A randomized study of 48 patients aged 35 to 55 has been conducted. The subjects were divided into three groups. The first group included donors - 10 people (healthy). The second group: 18 patients after hemithyroidectomy. The third group (n=20) included men after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Elastography was performed with ultrasonic scanner Aixplorer with 5-15MHz sensor. Hormone analysis was performed with immune chemical luminescence analyzer Liason XL, morphological examination - according to the standard methodology. The shear rate Vs in group 2 patients was 1,1-1,5 m/s and was increased by 10-15% compared to the first group; Group 3 patients demonstrated a decrease in the mapping area and a decrease in concentration and share of active sperm cells. The deformation elasticity coefficient in the scrotum wall near field test zone compared to the testicular tissue was lower in the second group than in the third group, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0,008). The Johnsen score of spermatogenesis was higher in the second group than in the third group and had a statistically significant difference (p=0,003). The use of such tactics of the instrumental diagnostic method can allow assuming reproductive disorders in patients after thyroid surgery at the stage of examination.