Correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic features with microvessel density in papillary thyroid carcinomas

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic (CEUS) features with microvessel density (MVD) in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) was performed in 62 patients (17 men and 45 women) with PTC. Tomtec software was applied to analyze the time intensity curve of CEUS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the level of MVD in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Then the relationship between quantitative feature and the level of MVD was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software.

The mean peak intensity of PTC tissues was lower than that of peripheral thyroid parenchyma (61.9 ± 11.8% vs 100%, p < 0.05). The MVDs of CD34 and CD31 antibodies staining were 38.0 ± 6.1 and 37.9 ± 5.1 respectively in 62 PTC samples. A significantly positive correlation was observed between peak intensity and MVD in PTC tissues (PCD34 < 0.01, rCD34 = 0.838, PCD31 < 0.01, rCD31 = 0.837).

The peak intensity in CEUS could reflect the MVD in PTC tissues. Therefore, quantification of CEUS seems to be helpful for assessment of MVD in PTC tissues.