Added value of strain elastosonography in prediction of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule

Abstract

Aim and objectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of elastosonographyin prediction of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodule. Methodology60 patients (37 females and 23 male) with solitary thyroid nodule were included, their age ranged from 21 to 52 years (mean age 30.6 years), grey scale, color-power Doppler US and elastography were performed for all patient. ResultsPresence of hypoechogenicity, absent halo sign, irregular margins, microcalcifications and predominant intranodular vascularity were the most US patterns predictive of malignancy. Suspicious nodule by elastography (Astria score 3 and 4) were found in 19 nodules (31.7%), 9 of them were benign and 10 of them were malignant with sensitivity 58.82%, specificity 79.07% and accuracy 73.33%, combined suspicious US findings (TIRAD 4&5) and suspicious elastography score (3&4) were most predictive of malignancy which was found in 16 out of 17 nodules with sensitivity 94.12%, specificity 76.74% and accuracy 81.67%. ConclusionCombined gray scale, color Doppler US and elastography were more sensitive and accurate than US features alone in prediction of malignancy of solitary thyroid nodules with sensitivity 94.12%, specificity 76.74% and accuracy 81.67%.