Which Doppler pattern is classically associated with Graves disease?

• A. Hypervascularity with diffuse flow
• B. Hypovascularity
• C. No flow
• D. Calcifications

Answer: (A)

Graves disease causes generalized thyroid overactivity, so the gland develops increased blood flow to meet its higher metabolic demands. On Doppler ultrasound this shows as diffuse hypervascularity throughout the entire gland, often described as an intense or “thyroid inferno” of color flow. This widespread vascular signal distinguishes Graves from other thyroid conditions that have reduced or absent flow (such as inflammatory thyroiditis) or from patterns like calcifications, which reflect structural changes rather than a vascular pattern.