Abstract
More and more new ultrasound techniques with their own characteristics are applied in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. This study amied to assess and compare the diagnostic value of the Demetics ultrasound-assisted diagnosis system and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with the Thyroid Image Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) for thyroid nodules. A total of 600 thyroid nodules with pathological findings were retrospectively analysed. Demetics and CEUS were performed for all nodules. The diagnostic efficacy of Demetics and CEUS for nodules of different sizes was evaluated and compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+)and negative likelihood ratio (LR-). The characteristics of nodules diagnosed and misdiagnosed by Demetics were compared to analyse the factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of Demetics. The necessity of CEUS for nodules that are prone to misdiagnosis in Demetics was assessed. Both Demetics and CEUS can be used for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules of different sizes. The diagnostic agreement between Demetics and CEUS for thyroid nodules of different sizes was moderate, substantialand fair, respectively. The sensitivity and NPV of Demetics were higher than those of CEUS, and the specificity, PPV and LR+ of CEUS were higher than that of Demetics. The LR-of Demetics was lower than those of CEUS. There were significant differences in age, calcification and margin in analysing the factors affecting Demetics. CEUS correctly diagnosed 50 of the 101 nodules misdiagnosed by Demetics. Demetics showed high sensitivity in diagnosing thyroid nodules, while CEUS showed high specificity. In clinical practice, CEUS can further improve the diagnostic accuracy for nodules that are easily misdiagnosed by Demetics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
