Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
05:41
Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Nodular thyroid cancer. Diagnostic value of real time elastography
D Stoian1, M Cornianuz, A Dobrescu
1Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeş", Timişoara County Hospital no 1, Centrul Dr. D, Timişoara, Romania. drd@nutritietimisoara.ro
Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|April 7, 2012
Summary
Ultrasound elastography effectively differentiates malignant from benign thyroid nodules. A score of 4 on the UENO scale strongly predicts cancer, aiding in early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules is crucial for identifying malignancy.
- Ultrasound (US) elastography measures tissue elasticity to differentiate lesions.
- It is a novel technique used to assess thyroid nodule characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of US elastography in diagnosing thyroid malignancy.
- To determine the correlation between elastography scores and histopathological findings.
- To assess if nodule volume affects diagnostic accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 69 patients with thyroid nodules.
- Conventional US and US elastography were performed.
- Histopathological examination post-surgery was used for diagnosis.
- Tissue stiffness was scored using the UENO scale (1-5).
Main Results:
- 107 nodules analyzed; scores 1 and 2 (27 and 37 nodules) were all benign.
- Score 3 (33 cases) showed 32 benign and 1 papillary carcinoma.
- Score 4 (10 cases) were all malignant (papillary carcinomas).
- Elastography score 4 demonstrated high predictive value for malignancy (90.9% sensitivity, 98.96% specificity).
Conclusions:
- US elastography shows significant potential for diagnosing thyroid cancer.
- Diagnostic accuracy is independent of nodule volume, enabling assessment of small nodules (<0.5 ml).
- This technique aids in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid lesions.
