Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Synchronous Triplanar Reconstruction Integrated with Color Doppler Mapping for Precise and Rapid Localization of Thyroid Lesions
Published on: February 9, 2024
Characterization of thyroid nodules using the proposed thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS)
Shih-Ping Cheng1, Jie-Jen Lee, Jiun-Lu Lin
1Department of Surgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Background:
The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) was proposed based on a scheme similar to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon used in breast lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its interobserver variability and accuracy.
Methods:
We included 498 nodules in 437 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Two endocrine surgeons and 2 endocrinologists independently reviewed sonographic images.
Results:
There was moderate to substantial interobserver agreement for final assessment category (kappa = 0.61). The overall sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) were 94%, 43%, and 96%, respectively. Positive predictive values (PPVs) for categories 4 and 5 were 32% and 60%. The sensitivity was 92%, 99%, 96%, and 89%, whereas the specificity was 25%, 37%, 41%, and 62% for tumor sizes of <2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, and >4 cm, respectively.
Conclusion:
TI-RADS is a helpful but not optimal reporting tool in characterizing thyroid lesions. Tumor size has a considerable impact on interobserver concordance and diagnostic performance.
Related Concept Videos
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...

