


Volume 17 No 6 (2019)
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Cross-Sectional Study on Acoustic Radiation in Thyroid Lesions
Dr. Swamy. K, Dr. Rohith Vallabhaneni
Abstract
Introduction: Thyroid nodules are prevalent, with reported rates of 20% to 76%, necessitating accurate differentiation between benign and malignant nodules for appropriate clinical management. Conventional ultrasound is commonly used but has limitations, especially with indeterminate cytology. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging assesses tissue stiffness, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This cross-sectional study investigates ARFI imaging's utility in thyroid nodule assessment, aiming to compare ARFI findings with histopathology or cytology and explore correlations with ultrasound features.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2018, involved 100 patients with thyroid nodules undergoing ARFI imaging alongside ultrasound evaluation. Nodules were classified by the Bethesda system, and ARFI values were measured using a standardized protocol. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to assess ARFI imaging's sensitivity and specificity in predicting malignancy.
Results: Of 100 thyroid nodules, 78 were benign and 22 malignant. Mean ARFI values were significantly higher in malignant nodules (2.89 m/s) compared to benign nodules (1.42 m/s), increasing with Bethesda category. The ROC curve analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.899, with an optimal cut-off value of 2.19 m/s. Subgroup analysis of nodules with indeterminate cytology showed significantly higher ARFI values in malignant nodules.
Conclusion: ARFI imaging is a promising adjunct to conventional ultrasound in thyroid nodule evaluation, providing valuable information on tissue stiffness. Its high sensitivity and specificity in predicting malignancy, especially in nodules with indeterminate cytology, suggest potential clinical utility. Further research is warranted to validate findings and establish ARFI imaging's role in thyroid nodule management.
Keywords
Thyroid nodules are prevalent, with reported rates of 20% to 76%, necessitating accurate differentiation between benign and malignant nodules for appropriate clinical management.
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