Thyroid Ultrasound Reports: Deficiencies and Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Thyroid ultrasound is vital for managing thyroid nodules.
• Comprehensive reports aid in risk stratification and biopsy decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the content and completeness of thyroid radiology reports.
• Assess the inclusion of essential nodule characteristics in reports.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 182 thyroid ultrasound reports.
• Evaluation for nodule characteristics: size, 3-axis dimensions, location, microcalcification, hypoechogenicity, irregular margin, height-to-width ratio, and vascularity.

Main Results:

• Only 23.6% of nodules reported in 3 dimensions; 33.5% localized.
• Reporting frequencies for key features were low: echogenicity (50%), vascularity (19.2%), margin (10.4%), calcifications (9.3%).
• No report included ≥4 characteristics; cumulative reporting of ≥2 characteristics was low (27%).

Conclusions:

• Thyroid nodule sonogram reporting remains incomplete and inconsistent.
• Incomplete reports hinder timely medical decisions and patient follow-up.
• Standardized reporting templates are underutilized, representing a missed opportunity.