Оn the need to introduce the TI-RADS classification in Russia

Abstract

An active discussion of TI-RADS modifications (Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Diagnostic System) classification continues in the world professional medical community. This system of thyroid nodules stratification on the malignancy signs is intended primarily to select thyroid nodules for a fine needle aspiration biopsy. The classification should be uniform for all medical institutions of our country, easy to use and understandable by various medical specialists. This article presents a modification of TI-RADS prepared for discussion in the professional communities of Russia. Some “major” ultrasound features of malignancy (with specificity >95%) and additional or “minor” features (with specificity >90%) of thyroid nodules are pointed out to emphasise the need of fine needle biopsy. After comparison of diagnostic parameters of proposed TI-RADS and European TIRADS (EU-TIRADS), both systems showed comparable specificity of 93%, while sensitivity of proposed TI-RADS was slightly higher than for EU-TIRADS, with 94.2% and 91.0%, respectively. This discrepancy may be related to “minor” features of malignancy which were taken into consideration.