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Updated: Sep 19, 2026
A Swin Transformer-Based Model for Thyroid Nodule Detection in Ultrasound Images
Published on: April 21, 2023
The FT4/FT3 ratio combined with thyroglobulin and parathyroid hormone for distinguishing benign from malignant
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the diagnostic value of the FT4/FT3 ratio combined with other laboratory markers in distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodules.
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 359 patients with thyroid nodules (142 benign, 217 malignant) based on histopathological results. Clinical and laboratory data, including FT3, FT4, FT4/FT3 ratio, thyroglobulin (TG), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and TSH, were collected. Statistical analyses included ROC curves and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:
Malignant nodules showed higher FT4/FT3 ratios, TG, PTH, and TSH levels (p < 0.001). The FT4/FT3 ratio demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.708). TG and PTH had higher AUCs (0.750 and 0.776, respectively). Combining these markers improved the AUC to 0.896. Higher FT4/FT3 ratios, TG, and PTH were independent malignancy risk factors (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The FT4/FT3 ratio, combined with TG and PTH levels, enhances the differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules, offering a reliable diagnostic tool.
