Quantitative ultrasound imaging parameters in patients with cancerous thyroid nodules: development of a diagnostic model

Mingyang Liu ¹, Na Pan ²

⁰Department of Ultrasound, Xingtai People's Hospital No. 16 Hongxing Street, Xingtai 054500, Hebei, China.

American Journal of Translational Research +

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July 15, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Quantitative ultrasound effectively differentiates benign from malignant thyroid nodules. A new diagnostic model using calcification, margin, resistive index (RI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) improves accuracy.

Area Of Science

Radiology and Medical Imaging
Oncology
Endocrinology

Background

Thyroid nodules are common, with accurate differentiation between benign and malignant types crucial for patient management.
Current diagnostic methods can be limited, necessitating improved tools for precise characterization.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and validate a diagnostic model using quantitative ultrasound parameters for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules.
To identify key ultrasound features and hemodynamic indicators that predict malignancy.

Main Methods

Retrospective analysis of 194 patients (129 benign, 65 malignant) with thyroid nodules.
Comparison of clinical data, ultrasound characteristics, and hemodynamic parameters.
Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis to identify independent diagnostic markers.

Main Results

Malignant nodules showed significant differences in composition, echogenicity, shape, calcification, blood flow, and margins compared to benign nodules (P<0.05).
Key hemodynamic differences included lower end-diastolic volume (EDV) and higher peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) in malignant nodules (P<0.001).
A predictive model incorporating calcification, margin definition, RI, and VFI achieved an ROC area of 0.964, effectively distinguishing nodule types.

Conclusions

Color Doppler ultrasound, particularly with quantitative parameters, is effective in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules.
The developed diagnostic model, highlighting calcification, margin clarity, RI, and VFI, significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy.
This model aids in informed clinical decision-making for thyroid nodule management.

Keywords:

Color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic model hemodynamics quantitative imaging parameters thyroid nodules