Retrospective Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules Detected During Carotid Doppler Ultrasonography

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and malignancy risk of incidental thyroid nodules detected during carotid Doppler ultrasonography in patients without a prior history of thyroid disease. Methods: This retrospective study included 475 patients who underwent carotid Doppler ultrasonography between January and July 2025. Patients with known thyroid nodules or a history of thyroidectomy were excluded. Demographic data, thyroid findings, and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) scores were recorded from radiology reports, and cytology results were noted when fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) had been performed. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Thyroid nodules were incidentally detected in 272 of 475 patients (57.3%). The prevalence was 59.4% in females and 54.0% in males, with no significant sex difference (p = 0.28). Patients with nodules were significantly older than those without (65.2 ± 12.0 vs 61.4 ± 13.6 years, p = 0.003). The mean maximum nodule diameter was 10.5 ± 8.1 mm, and 30.1% of patients had nodules ≤ 5 mm. FNAB was performed in 15 patients; eight patients (2.9% of all 272 nodules) had cytology results that were malignant or suspicious for malignancy. Conclusion: Incidental thyroid nodules are frequently detected during carotid Doppler ultrasonography. Most are benign, yet a small subset carries a risk of malignancy. Recognition and appropriate reporting of these findings are important for guiding further management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.