Ultrasonic diagnosis for thyroid Hürthle cell tumor

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Thyroid Hürthle cell tumors are a distinct entity.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound in characterizing thyroid Hürthle cell tumors.
• To assess the utility of ultrasound in differentiating benign from malignant Hürthle cell tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 27 thyroid Hürthle cell tumor cases.
• Ultrasound features (size, shape, boundary, echo, aspect ratio, cystic degeneration, calcification, halo, vascularity) were analyzed.
• Comparison with postoperative histopathological findings.

Main Results:

• Thyroid Hürthle cell tumors typically present as oval nodules with clear boundaries, aspect ratio > 1, and peripheral low-echo halos.
• Variable echo patterns (even, mixed) and cystic changes were observed.
• Vascularity was predominantly peripheral or internal.
• Apparent 'micro-calcifications' were confirmed as collagen.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound reveals characteristic features of thyroid Hürthle cell tumors.
• Ultrasound demonstrates no significant value in differentiating benign from malignant Hürthle cell tumors.
• Histopathological analysis remains essential for definitive diagnosis.