[Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound for Thyroid Nodules With a Spoke-Wheel Blood Flow Pattern]

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound for thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern.Methods The clinical data of the patients with thyroid nodules presenting a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern examined by ultrasound were collected,and the gray-scale ultrasound features of the nodules were recorded.The diagnostic performance of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS),Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS),and combined specific indicators for the thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern was evaluated by comparison with the pathological results,which was regarded as the gold standard.Results A total of 64 patients with thyroid nodules were finally included,including 47 patients with malignant nodules and 17 patients with benign nodules.In addition to the general ultrasound features,central scar mostly appeared in malignant nodules (χ=5.968,P=0.015),while central coarse calcification was more common in benign nodules (χ=10.899,P=0.001).After the combination of central scar and central gross calcification,the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS and C-TIRADS was improved (both P<0.001).Conclusions When the thyroid nodule shows a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern,one should be cautious of the possibility of malignancy.Combining central scar and central coarse calcification can improve the accuracy of ultrasonic diagnosis.