Correlation between thyroid imaging reporting and data system with histopathology in classification of thyroid nodules

Abstract

Objective This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the ACR-thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) classification system in predicting thyroid malignancy by using pathology diagnosis as the reference standard. Patients and methods This was a prospective study that was carried out at Alzahraa University Hospital. Records of patients with focal thyroid nodules on ultrasound for which ultrasound-guided core needle was performed and pathology results were available, from January 2019 to June 2019, were selected for review. Correlation of the American college of Radiology - thyroid imaging reporting and data system (ACR-TIRADS) classification with pathology results was assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated in a conservative and nonconservative method. The threshold for statistical performance was set at 0.05. Each sonographic feature was also compared with its pathology results. Results A total number of 20 patients with 51 nodules were eligible in the study; seven (13.7%) of 51 nodules were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 85.7, 97.7, 85.7, 97.7, and 96.1%, respectively. Conclusion The ACR-TIRADS classification is reliable in predicting thyroid malignancy. More evidence is nevertheless necessary for widespread adaptation and use.