Ultrasound and Colour Doppler Evaluation of Nodular Thyroid Masses

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasonography (USG) of thyroid nodules is a safe, non-invasive and effective method for evaluation of nodular thyroid masses. They give a clear cut characteristic of the thyroid nodule besides their site, shape, size and number. However, its efficacy and role in differentiating nodules as benign and malignant is not well documented. Aim: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of USG and colour doppler in differentiating a malignant thyroid nodule from a benign lesion. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 52 patients clinically diagnosed with thyroid, from January 2018 to June 2019. After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, USG and colour doppler were performed on these participants. The findings were evaluated based on hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, vascularity. The diagnostic accuracy of USG and colour doppler was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) in comparison with the postsurgical histopathology findings. Results: Forty two nodules were benign while 10 were malignant. It was observed that the sensitivity was 100% for detection of halo and presence of vascularity. The specificity was 97.6% for calcification and 76.2% for vascularity. Assessment of lymph node had higher sensitivity (70%) and specificity (100%) with high positive (100%) and negative (93.3%) predictive values. Conclusion: Ultrasound and colour doppler imaging features such as inhomogeniety, presence of vascularity, halo and lymph node with malignant features had excellent histopathological correlation with malignancy.