Diagnostic Accuracy of Real-Time Sonography in Differentiating Diffuse Thyroid Disease From Normal Thyroid...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Endocrinology
• Pathology

Background:

• Diffuse thyroid disease (DTD) diagnosis can be challenging.
• Accurate differentiation from normal thyroid parenchyma is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time ultrasound (US) in distinguishing DTD from normal thyroid tissue.
• To compare diagnostic accuracy among radiologists from different institutions.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter study involving 214 patients undergoing preoperative thyroid US and surgery.
• Radiologists classified US findings into four categories: no DTD, indeterminate, suspicious for DTD, and DTD.
• US diagnoses were compared with histopathologic results.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed between normal thyroid parenchyma and DTD in echogenicity, echotexture, size, glandular margin, and vascularity.
• A positive correlation existed between US classification and histopathology for DTD detection across all institutions.
• Favorable diagnostic accuracy was achieved for DTD diagnosis at all participating sites.

Conclusions:

• Real-time ultrasound is a valuable tool for differentiating diffuse thyroid disease from normal thyroid parenchyma.
• The study highlights the utility of US in thyroid diagnostics, with consistent accuracy across different institutions.