Comparison of conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elasticity imaging in thyroid carcinoma

JIN Zhuorong; WANG Qin

Abstract：Objective To analyze the imaging features of micro nodules of thyroid by conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography, and to compare the diagnostic value of the two methods for thyroid microcarcinoma. Methods 100 cases (149 nodules) of thyroid nodule resection in our hospital from 2010 to 2014 were selected. All the resected specimens were diagnosed by pathology. All patients underwent conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography imaging examination. Semi-quantitative scoring method was used to observe and compare the results of two methods in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Results Of the 149 nodules, 101 were benign, accounting for 67.8%, and 48 were malignant, accounting for 32.2%. Among the 100 cases, 38 cases were single, including 23 cases of benign and 15 cases of malignant; 62 cases were multiple nodules, including 49 cases of benign and 13 cases of malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, misdiagnosis rate, missed diagnosis rate and diagnostic coincidence rate of conventional ultrasound were 72.9%, 81.2%, 18.8%, 27.1%, 78.5% respectively; and those of ultrasound elasticity imaging were 89.6%, 89.1%, 10.9%, 10.4% and 89.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound elasticity imaging in diagnosis of thyroid microcarcinoma were significantly higher than those of conventional ultrasound, while, the rate of missed diagnosis was significantly lower than that of conventional ultrasound (P<0.05). As to the specificity and misdiagnosis, there was no significant difference between the two methods (P>0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound elasticity imaging can improve the diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of thyroid microcarcinoma and help to reduce the occurrence of missed diagnosis. It can be used as an effective supplement of conventional ultrasound.