Ultrasound stratification of the FDG-avid thyroid nodule.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• FDG-avid thyroid nodules require risk stratification.
• Ultrasound features can indicate malignancy risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if ultrasound features stratify malignancy risk in FDG-avid thyroid nodules.
• To identify nodules needing further cytological assessment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of FDG-PET/CT studies.
• Correlation of ultrasound features (hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, etc.) with cytology.

Main Results:

• Malignancy rate was 10.4% in FDG-avid nodules.
• Nodules lacking suspicious ultrasound features were predominantly benign (91.6%).
• Suspicious features like irregular margins and hypoechogenicity correlated with malignancy.

Conclusions:

• Malignancy risk is low in FDG-avid nodules without suspicious ultrasound features.
• Ultrasound effectively stratifies risk, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.
• SUV values did not differentiate benign from malignant cytology.