Correlation between elasticity score and strain ratio of real-time ultrasound elastography and the microvessel density in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the correlation between elasticity score, strain ratio(SR)of real-time ultrasound elastrography(RTE)and microvessel density(MVD)in papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods A retrospective study was performed on 54 cases(58 nodules)of patients with PTC who were admitted from January 2016 to December 2017.All patients underwent standard RTE examination preoperatively, CD 34 immunohistochemical staining and MVD count were performed postoperatively.The nodules were divided into ≤10 mm, 10~20 mm and >20 mm groups.The difference of elasticity score, SR and MVD in the three groups was compared, and the correlation between elasticity score, SR and MVD in PTC nodules was analyzed. Results Among the 58 PTC nodules, 54 had elastic scores greater than or equal to 3 points(93.1%), and the average SR value was(3.6±1.3). There was no statistically significant difference between the maximum diameter ≤10 mm group, 10 ~ 20 mm group and >20 mm group(P>0.05). Among the 58 PTC nodules, the expression rate of CD 34 was 100%.Nodules of MVD in the 3 groups were(47.7±8.8)/HP, (51.1±8.5)/HP and(56.1±5.8)/HP, respectively, with statistically significant differences(P 0.05). PTC elastic score was negatively correlated with MVD, and the difference was statistically significant(r=-0.567, P=0.000); SR and MVD of PTC were also negatively correlated, with statistically significant differences(r=-0.570, P=0.000). Conclusion Both elasticity score and SR have significantly negative correlation with MVD in PTC nodules.RTE may have potential clinical value in predicting aggressiveness and prognosis of PTC preoperatively. Key words: Papillary thyroid carcinoma; Real-time ultrasound elastography; Elasticity score; Strain ratio; Microvessel density