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Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
Diagnostic value of two-dimensional shear wave elastography in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Shao-Bo Duan1, Jie Yu2, Xin Li2
1Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Medical Center Tsinghua University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Department of Interventional Ultrasound, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) significantly improves the detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) compared to conventional ultrasound alone. Quantitative 2D-SWE parameters are independent predictors, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for PTMC.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) diagnosis can be challenging with conventional ultrasound (US).
- Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) offers quantitative tissue stiffness assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of 2D-SWE for diagnosing PTMC.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of 2D-SWE combined with US versus US alone.
Main Methods:
- 118 patients with 137 thyroid nodules underwent conventional US and 2D-SWE.
- Diagnostic performance was assessed by comparing US findings with and without 2D-SWE against pathology results.
Main Results:
- 2D-SWE values (SWE_mean, SWE_min, SWE_max) were significantly higher in PTMC than benign nodules (P<0.001).
- Optimal cut-off values for SWE_mean, SWE_min, and SWE_max were determined for malignancy prediction.
- Combined US and 2D-SWE demonstrated superior sensitivity (95.7%) and specificity (94.5%) compared to US alone.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative 2D-SWE parameters are independent predictors for PTMC diagnosis.
- 2D-SWE provides valuable supplementary information when conventional US results are indeterminate.
- The combined approach enhances diagnostic accuracy for PTMC.
