Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System Classification Research Articles

Virtual touch tissue imaging for differential diagnosis in ACR TI-RADS category 3-4 thyroid nodules: Conservative and aggressive methods.

Many Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) category 3-4 nodules are benign. Our study aimed to add virtual touch tissue imaging (VTI) to TI-RADS using two methods, namely conservative and aggressive, and to explore which method had better diagnostic performance and which method avoided more unnecessary biopsies. From January 2016 to December 2021, we included 121 thyroid nodules classified as TI-RADS category 3-4 in 115 consecutive patients in this retrospective study. This study used the reference standard for pathological diagnosis by surgical resection or biopsy. The diagnostic performance of the different methods was evaluated and compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC). In this study, the aggressive approach had the best diagnostic performance among TI-RADS alone, the conservative approach, and the aggressive approach (AUC: 0.863 versus 0.598, P = 0.0007; 0.863 versus 0.755, P = 0.0067). When we used an aggressive approach, 75.44% (43/57) of the 57 false-positive nodes diagnosed by TI-RADS were appropriately downgraded from TI-RADS category 4 to category 3, avoiding unnecessary biopsies. VTI improves the diagnostic performance of TI-RADS. The aggressive approach of combining the TI-RADS with VTI would help reduce unnecessary biopsies.

Comparative evaluation of thyroid imaging reporting and data system and cytopathological correlation in thyroid nodules

Background: With the increasing availability of ultrasound (USG) and concern for malignancy, there has been significant increase in the detection of thyroid lesions. However, there is no uniformity in the reporting pattern among radiologists, and hence, such USG reports are mostly inconclusive to exclude thyroid malignancy. Therefore, most of the patients have to undergo fine needle aspiration cytology or fine needle non-aspiration cytology (FNNAC), which is avoidable. The sonographic assessment of thyroid nodule can provide alternative method to this invasive modality of diagnosis. Therefore, the need was felt for establishing uniformity in USG reporting of thyroid nodules and risk stratification for malignancy with aim of reducing unnecessary FNNAC. Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) classification brings uniformity in reporting and reduces ambiguity in management of the patients. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to perform comparative evaluation of TIRADS and cytopathological evaluation of thyroid nodules FNNAC in Indian scenario. Materials and Methods: Multicentric prospective study was conducted in the department of radio diagnosis and department of surgery at defence service hospitals of Jaipur and Chandimandir during the study period of July 01, 2017–October 31, 2022. Results: Out of the 208 nodules, 28 (13.5%) turned out to be malignant. The percentage of malignant thyroid nodules was higher in nodules with TIRADS scores 4 and 5. The percentage of malignant thyroid nodules was 1% and 2%, respectively, for TIRADS 2 and 3 categories. The most common finding of USG evaluation was diffuse thyroiditis. There was a significant correlation between the USG findings and FNNAC findings in TIRADS scoring system. Conclusion: Our study shows high degree of correlation between TIRADS classification and cytopathological evaluation of thyroid nodules. Hence, TIRADS can be used an effective tool for avoiding unnecessary FNNAC procedures.

Value of TI-RADS and elastography strain ratio in predicting malignant thyroid nodules: experience from a single center in Egypt

IntroductionThyroid nodules are highly prevalent in the general population; therefore, it is crucial to discriminate benign from malignant nodules. A practical thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) for thyroid nodules and ultrasound elastography are valuable tools not only for characterization of nodules but also for the selection of tumors for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US evaluation in the prediction of malignant thyroid nodules and evaluate the role of the elastography score, strain ratio (SR), and the TI-RADS scoring system as non-invasive tools in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.Material and methodsA total of 1269 patients were evaluated between February 2017 and April 2020 by a single expert thyroid ultrasound operator. The final diagnosis was achieved from cytological and/or histological evaluation and follow-up for at least 1 year.ResultsThere were 1088 females and 181 males with a mean age of 44 ± 10 SD. The final diagnosis was 1197 benign nodules and 72 malignant nodules. Most malignant nodules were scored elastography score 4 (83.3%) and TI-RADS category 5 (86.11%). We found that nodules with antero-posterior to transverse (A-P/T) diameter > 1, have 21 times more risk to be malignant than those with A-P/T diameter < 1, patients with solitary thyroid nodules have 4.5 times to develop malignancy compared to those with multinodular goiter (MNG), nodules with absent halo have 4 times more risk of malignancy. Furthermore, microcalcifications in thyroid nodules increase the risk of malignancy 9 times compared to those without calcifications. SR was found to be an excellent discriminator to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules with P < 0.001. Also, we found that for every unit increase in SR, the risk of malignancy increased by 20%. We reported that the accuracy of ultrasonography in the detection of malignant thyroid nodules had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 98%, 70% PPV, and 99.3% NPV, with an overall accuracy of 97.2%.ConclusionThe application of ultrasonographic non-invasive criteria for thyroid nodules in clinical practice might significantly reduce the number of unnecessary FNAC. Elastography, SR, and TI-RADS classification could be good predictors for malignant thyroid nodules.

Association of Ultrasonography With Final Histopathology in Diagnosing Thyroid Malignancy: A Single-Institute Retrospective Study.

Background Thyroid nodules are well-defined regions of aberrant echogenicity within the thyroid parenchyma that are radiologically distinct from the normal thyroid gland. The most common incidental finding in imaging scans that include the neck is a thyroid nodule. Rarely are thyroid nodules cancerous, as the majority are benign. Aim The current study aims to assess the concordance between ultrasound (US) of thyroid nodules and final histopathology results to identify the different types of detected thyroid lesions. Methodology A retrospective study reviewed the medical files of all patients presenting to the Armed Forces Hospital, Southern Region, with suspected thyroid nodules from April 2018 to January 2020. Data were extracted using pre-structured proforma to avoid inconsistency. Data extracted included patient demographic, swelling laterality, size, and US and histopathological findings. Results In the present study, 47 samples had a mean age of 44.27 (SD = ±13.5) years, 85.1% were of the female gender, the majority (85.1%) had multiple nodules, 38.3% were with Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) TR4 US score, and the median size of the nodule on US was 3 cm with a range of 0.6 to 14 cm. The study showed that 10% of TR1 samples were lymphocytic in histopathology, 66.7% of TR3 samples were benign multinodular goiter in histopathology, and 55.6% of samples of TR4 were malignant in histopathology. Conclusions The current study showed that the malignancy rate of the examined nodules was not uncommon both by US and histopathology, where papillary carcinoma was the most detected malignancy. The study showed a satisfactory agreement rate between TI-RADS classification by US sonography and histopathological reporting, where TR4 and TR5 by the US were mainly categorized as pre-malignant/malignant lesions by histopathology.

A single-center multidisciplinary study analyzing thyroid nodule risk stratification by comparing the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) and American thyroid association (ATA) risk of malignancy for thyroid nodules

ObjectivesThe thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) and 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines are two well-known risk stratification systems for classifying thyroid nodules based on cancer risk. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of these two systems in predicting malignancy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. MethodsWe studied data on 120 individuals who were scheduled to undergo surgery for benign or malignant nodular diseases of the thyroid gland between October 2017 and October 2019. The TI-RADS category and ultrasound pattern based on ATA guidelines were assigned to dominant thyroid nodule categories by two experienced radiologists blinded to patients’ previous thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy results. A pathologist with experience in thyroid diseases blinded to patients’ sonographic and clinical data reviewed the thyroidectomy specimens. ResultsA total of 120 patients, 88 women and 32 men, were included in our study. Final histopathological results were as follows: 50% (n=60) papillary thyroid carcinoma, 36.6% (n=44) benign nodular thyroid diseases, 4.1% (n=5) follicular adenoma, 2.5% (n=3) hurtle cell adenoma, 1.7% (n=2) follicular thyroid carcinoma, 1.7% (n=2) medullary thyroid carcinoma, 1.7% (n=2) hurtle cell carcinoma, and 1.7% (n=2) follicular tumor of uncertain malignancy potential. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for TI-RADS were 80%, 56%, 72%, and 67%, respectively, and that for ATA were 80%, 64%, 76%, and 69%, respectively. ConclusionThe TI-RADS and ATA showed similar rates of sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV. Our observed risk of malignancy was higher than expected for the ACR TI-RADS 3–5 categories and the very low, low, and intermediate suspicion risk strata in the ATA guidelines. We found no difference between observed and expected malignancy risk for the ACR TI-RADS 2’s and ATA's high suspicion categories.

Consistency of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Reporting in Community-Based Imaging Centers Versus a Large Tertiary Hospital

ObjectiveIn our country, thyroid nodules are sonographically evaluated in health maintenance organization (HMO) imaging centers, and patients are referred to tertiary hospitals for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy when indicated. We evaluated the concordance in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) classification reporting between these sites. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing the sonographic features of thyroid nodules evaluated both at the HMO and a large tertiary center between January 2018 and December 2019. The primary outcome was concordance between the TI-RADS classification at both sites. Additional endpoints included correlation of TI-RADS to the Bethesda category following FNA and correlation of TI-RADS with malignancy on final pathology at each site. ResultsThe records of 336 patients with 370 nodules were reviewed. The level of concordance was poor (19.8%), with 277 (74.8%) nodules demonstrating higher TI-RADS and 20 (5.4%) lower TI-RADS at the HMO compared to the hospital (P < .001; weighted κ = 0.120). FNA results were available for 236 (63.8%) nodules. The Bethesda category strongly correlated with the hospital TI-RADS (P < .001), yet not with HMO TI-RADS (P = .123). In the surgically removed 57 nodules, a strong correlation was identified between the malignancy on final pathology and TI-RADS documented at the hospital (P < .001), yet not at the HMO (P = .259). ConclusionsThere is poor agreement between TI-RADS classification on ultrasound performed in the HMO compared to a tertiary hospital. The hospital’s TI-RADS strongly correlated with the Bethesda category and the final risk of malignancy, unlike the HMO.

American college of radiology thyroid imaging reporting and data system score has high diagnostic value in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules: A prospective single-center cross-sectional study.

A palpable thyroid swelling is a very common finding and is seen in almost 12% of Asian Indian population. Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) can be used as a risk stratification system to determine malignant or benign thyroid nodules and necessity of further intervention. The objective of this study was to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of TI-RADS category/ultrasound using TI-RADS categories in the diagnosis of malignancy in clinically suspected thyroid nodule and necessity for further intervention in the case of malignant thyroid nodules. We conducted a prospective study evaluating 110 patients (140 thyroid nodules) from March 2018 to April 2020 including patients with thyroid swelling. Ultrasound was performed by a radiologist on the patients, and targeted fine-needle aspiration cytology from thyroid nodules was interpreted by an experienced pathologist. Ultrasound features and TI-RADS category were compared with cytology and surgical histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and positive likelihood ratio in different categories of TI-RADS nodules were calculated. A total of 113 thyroid nodules were assessed. Out of 113 nodules (right lobe - 64, isthmus - 6, and left lobe - 43), 84 nodules were benign and 29 nodules were malignant. Eleven (10%) patients were found to have metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of malignant nodules according to gender, location of the nodule, or size of the nodule. The mean anteroposterior and transverse diameter of benign nodule was 14.1 ± 6.9 mm and 20.9 ± 9.9 mm, respectively, whereas in the case of malignant nodules, it was 15.6 ± 7.1 mm and 19.5 ± 9.0 mm, respectively. A TI-RADS score of ≥4 had 84% PPV for malignancy. The PPV for malignancy was 32.2%, 49.1%, and 100% for TI-RADS 2, 3, and 5 categories. TI-RADS is a simple, practical, and cost-effective tool for assessing the malignancy rates of thyroid nodules. TI-RADS categories 4 and 5 have high PPV for malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Do ACR TI-RADS scores demonstrate unique thyroid molecular profiles?

PurposeThe present study aimed to examine the molecular profiles of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules stratified by American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) categories and to determine whether certain ultrasonographic features display particular molecular alterations.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of cases from January 1, 2016 to April 1, 2018. Cases with in-house ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) diagnoses, molecular testing, and surgery were included. All cases were diagnosed as TBSRTC indeterminate categories. The ultrasound studies were retrospectively reviewed and assigned TI-RADS scores (TR1-TR5) by board-certified radiologists. The final diagnoses were determined based on the surgical resection pathology. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to study whether demographic characteristics, TI-RADS levels, and TBSRTC diagnoses were associated with ThyroSeq molecular results.ResultsEighty-one cases met the inclusion criteria. RAS mutations were the most common alteration across all TI-RADS categories (TR2 2/2; TR3 10/19, TR4 13/44, and TR5 8/16), and did not stratify with any particular TI-RADS category. Only TR4 and TR5 categories displayed more aggressive mutations such as BRAFV600E; and TERT. ThyroSeq results were positively correlated with thyroid malignancy when non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) was categorized in the malignant category (odds ratio [OR], 6.859; P<0.01), but not when NIFTP was removed from the malignancy category. Echogenicity scores were found to be negatively correlated with ThyroSeq results in thyroid nodules (OR, 0.162; P<0.01).ConclusionHigher-risk molecular alterations tended to stratify with the higher TI-RADS categories.

Effect of the size of benign thyroid degenerative nodules on ACR TI-RADS categories.

Our study aimed to identify ultrasound characteristics of benign thyroid degenerative nodules and reveal the correlation between their sizes and 2017 ACR Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) categories. A total of 174 thyroid degenerative nodules were divided into three groups: 0.5-1cm group (70 nodules), 1-2cm group (27 nodules), and > 2cm group (77 nodules). The ultrasound appearance of each nodule was evaluated, and the ACR TI-RADS scores and levels of the nodules were also calculated and compared among the three groups. The ultrasound appearance of degenerative nodules of different sizes is diversified, and the 0.5-1cm group tended to have more malignant features and higher TI-RADS scores and categories. The scatterplot of Spearman correlation showed a significant negative correlation between the nodule sizes and TI-RADS categories. The 2017 ACR TI-RADS, which recommends fine-needle aspiration according to the nodule size and category, is still useful in managing these nodules, and following the clinical recommendations of ACR TI-RADS is necessary.

Diagnostic value of 2017 ACR Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) combined with fine needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules

To evaluate diagnostic value of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System published by American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS) in 2017, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA), and the combination of both methods in differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The data of US-FNA and ACR TI-RADS are collected from 159 patients underwent thyroid surgery in our hospital, which include a total of 178 thyroid nodules. A Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology category of ≥IV and an ACR TI-RADS category ≥4 are regarded as diagnosis standards for malignancy in US-FNA and ACR TI-RADS, respectively. The pathological results after surgery are considered as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the ACR TI-RADS, US-FNA and the combination of both methods for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules are calculated, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ACR TI-RADS are 85.4%, 37.5%and 72.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of US-FNA are 70.0%, 100%and 78.1%, respectively. After combining these two methods, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy increase to 99.23%, 37.50%and 82.58%, respectively. The sensitivity of ACR TI-RADS is higher than that of US-FAN, and the sensitivity of combining these two methods is also higher than that of using ACR TI-RADS and US-FNA alone. The established ACR TI-RADS can help in selecting the target during nodule puncture, while the combination of ACR TI-RADS and US-FAN can further improve diagnostic ability for detecting malignant thyroid nodules.

Value of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in Initial Bethesda Category III Thyroid Nodules

Background. To evaluate the role of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in predicting malignancy for cytological Bethesda system III nodules. Method. The study included 188 thyroid nodules with first Bethesda system III cytology on surgery or repeat FNA. Patients' clinicopathologic parameters and ultrasonographic (US) nodule characteristics were evaluated according to benignity and malignancy. Using the TI-RADS classification system, thyroid nodules were categorized. Results. The size of malignant nodules was significantly lower than that of benign nodules ( P &lt; 0.001). Thyroid nodules associated with concomitant thyroid carcinoma had a significantly increased risk of malignancy ( P &lt; 0.001). Univariate analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the images of benign and malignant nodules in terms of solid composition, hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity, a taller-than-wide or irregular shape, ill-defined margins, and microcalcifications presence ( P &lt; 0.05). TI-RADS categories 4c (OR = 8.3, 95% CI 3.8–18.1; P = 0.043) and 5 (OR = 9.4; 95% CI 1.2–74.2; P = 0.026) were predictive for malignancy. Conclusions. The TI-RADS US evaluation may assist the physician in deciding whether to proceed with follow-up, repeating FNA, or surgical intervention.

Correlation between Age, Nodule Diameter, and TI-RADS Score in Thyroid Nodule Classification on Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Thyroid cancer is a malignancy of the endocrine gland with the highest incidence. There are many radiological examination modalities that are used to help diagnose thyroid carcinoma, one of which is Ultrasonography. Ultrasonography (USG) can be useful to support the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. A classification method that categorizes thyroid nodules based on risk for cancer, one of which is by using the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). TI-RADS (Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System) is a classification of thyroid ultrasound readings to differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Several research efforts that have been done at Dr. Soetomo Hospital previously related to diagnostic of thyroid carcinoma but the results are meaningless and require large funds for the laboratory examination. The aim of this study is to make a relatively easy and inexpensive method using the TI-RADS classification, which is expected to assist in the preoperative diagnostics of a follicular thyroid carcinoma. It is hoped that there will be a method or modality that is easier, cheaper, accurate, and minimally invasive in predicting a follicular thyroid carcinoma. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included patients with thyroid mass who underwent treatment in Surgery Department, Dr. Soetomo Teaching Hospital between January 2012 and December 2020. In this study, we utilized the patients’ medical record to collect the necessary clinical data. The inclusion criteria in this study were patients with singular thyroid nodule, underwent thyroid ultrasound, and diagnosed as follicular nodular carcinoma by histopathology examination. Finally, a total of 53 patients were included for further analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Dr. Soetomo Teaching Hospital (Surabaya, Indonesia). Results: From a total of 53 research subjects, the subjects with the most age were more than 50 years old with a percentage of 52.8% or 28 patients and the rest, 47.2% or 25 patients. The results of this study indicates that nodule diameters less than 5 cm and more than 5 cm have almost the same number based on the number of data samples in this study, namely 53 patients. This can be seen from the number of respectively 27 (50.9%) and 26 (49%). In the TIRADS nodule score, the largest percentage obtained from medical data records in the form of a TIRADS score, namely a TIRADS score greater than TR 4 with a percentage of 60.4% or as many as 32 patients and the rest, namely a TIRADS score less than TR 4 of 39.6% or as much as 21 patients. In the third dependent variable, the authors looked for the odd ratio value for each variable on follicular carcinoma. The authors calculated the OR values ​​for each variable, obtaining results of 1.012 for age, 1.111 for nodule size, and 3.520 for TIRADS scores. Conclusion: There is a correlation between the TIRADS scores with the incidence of follicular thyroid carcinoma. Keywords: Thyroid cancer, TIRADS, Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma.

Diagnostic value of thyroid imaging reporting and data system in thyroid nodules

Background: The improved detection of TNs (TNs) with US has resulted in an increase in the number of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Appropriate criteria are necessary to avoid an increase of rather unnecessary benign cytologic results in TNs. Thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) was first used by Horvath et al in 2009. This was to standardize the reporting of results of thyroid (ultrasonography) US that can be understood by clinicians and also stratify the risk of malignancy of a lesion based on the US features of the lesion.Methods: Cases with uninodular or multinodular goiter had been included. Evaluation of cases had been done using ultrasound of the neck. TNs were classified into categories according to thyroid imaging reporting and data system of the American colleague of radiologists (ACR-TIRADS).Cases were ordered for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Operable cases were only included in the study and postoperative histopathology was revised.Results: The study included 46 patients. The different TIRADS categories were confronted with the results of cytology and histopathology. Combining TIRADS 2 and 3 as probably benign categories and TIRADS 4 and 5 as probably malignant categories, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were respectively 100%, 84.38%, 73.68% and 100%. The accuracy of ACR-TIRADS was 89.13%.Conclusions: ACR-TIRADS helps in stratifying nodular thyroid disease based on the risk of malignancy. It could lead to a significant decrease of the number of unnecessary FNABs.

A Retrospective Study Correlating Ultrasound Based Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) with Bethesda System for Thyroid Cytopathology in Thyroid Nodule Risk Stratification

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the ultrasound-based Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in estimating the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules by correlating it with the Bethesda system of thyroid cytopathology. Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted in a specialty hospital in UAE from November 2017 to November 2019 on 259 thyroid nodules that underwent ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Thyroid nodules were evaluated using American College of Radiology (ACR) TIRADS and categorized as benign (TR1), not suspicious (TR2), mildly suspicious (TR3), moderately suspicious (TR4), or highly suspicious (TR5) for malignancy. The risk of malignancy associated with each TIRADS category was evaluated by comparing it with the Bethesda classification system of cytopathology. Results: Ultrasound and FNAC data of 259 nodules were reviewed. Out of these, 33 (12.7%) nodules were excluded because FNAC revealed atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance. The estimated risk of malignancy in TR 3 was 13.6%, TR4 was 27%, and TR5 was 63.6%. There was a statistically significant correlation between TIRADS and Bethesda system, which was determined using the Chisquare test (p &lt; 0.001). The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed specificity of 81.3% [95% CI, 74.9 - 86.6%], NPV of 91% [95% CI, 87.1 – 93.8%] and accuracy of 77.9% [95% CI, 71.9 – 83.1%], when differentiating benign from malignant nodules. Conclusion: The ultrasound-based ACR-TIRADS scoring correlates well with the Bethesda cytopathology in thyroid nodule risk stratification. Thus, it can be used as a simple and effective tool to decide further management and avoid unnecessary FNAC and surgeries in thyroid nodules.

Interobserver Variability in Ultrasound Reporting - Tertiary Hospital Radiologists Do Better

Introduction: Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) was developed to provide a standardized risk-stratification system for patients with thyroid nodules. Single-center studies have demonstrated an acceptable level of interobserver agreement in applying TI-RADS in clinical practice, however data regarding consistency among different centers is limited. In Israel, thyroid nodules are initially evaluated by ultrasound performed by radiologists at the health maintenance organization (HMO) and then patients are referred to tertiary hospitals for ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy when indicated. Objective: To evaluate the interobserver concordance in TI-RADS classification system reporting between the HMO and a tertiary hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the sonographic features of 370 thyroid nodules TI-RADS category 2 or higher, from 350 patients evaluated by ultrasound at the HMO and at Hadassah Medical Center from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was concordance between the TI-RADS classification at the HMO compared to the hospital. Additional endpoints included correlation of TI-RADS to the Bethesda category following FNA, and correlation of TI-RADS with malignancy on final pathology. Results: Of 370 nodules, only 73 (19.8%) demonstrated concordance between the HMO and the hospital. The level of agreement was poor, with 277 (74.8%) nodules demonstrating higher TI-RADS at the HMO compared to the hospital, and 20 (5.4%) with lower TI-RADS at the HMO compared to the hospital (p<0.001, weighted Kappa = 0.120). Of the nodules referred to the hospital, 241 (65.1%) were selected for FNA. A strong correlation between the hospital TI-RADS and Bethesda category was demonstrated (p<0.001). Furthermore, 60 (16.2%) nodules were surgically removed. A strong correlation was identified between the hospital TI-RADS and malignancy on final pathology (p<0.001), yet there was no correlation with the TI-RADS of the HMO (p=0.346). Conclusions: There is poor concordance between TI-RADS classification on ultrasound performed in the HMO compared to a tertiary hospital. In patients who underwent FNA and eventually surgery, the hospital TI-RADS strongly correlated with Bethesda category and final risk of malignancy. Standardization of thyroid ultrasound terminology and dedicated training in thyroid imaging are needed to improve the interobserver concordance in clinical practice.

Incorporation of a Machine Learning Algorithm With Object Detection Within the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Improves the Diagnosis of Genetic Risk.

BackgroundThe role of next generation sequencing (NGS) for identifying high risk mutations in thyroid nodules following fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy continues to grow. However, ultrasound diagnosis even using the American College of Radiology’s Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) has limited ability to stratify genetic risk. The purpose of this study was to incorporate an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm of thyroid ultrasound with object detection within the TI-RADS scoring system to improve prediction of genetic risk in these nodules.MethodsTwo hundred fifty-two nodules from 249 patients that underwent ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-guided FNA with NGS with or without resection were retrospectively selected for this study. A machine learning program (Google AutoML) was employed for both automated nodule identification and risk stratification. Two hundred one nodules were used for model training and 51 reserved for testing. Three blinded radiologists scored the images of the test set nodules using TI-RADS and assigned each nodule as high or low risk based on the presence of highly suspicious imaging features on TI-RADS (very hypoechoic, taller-than-wide, extra-thyroidal extension, punctate echogenic foci). Subsequently, the TI-RADS classification was modified to incorporate AI for T4 nodules while treating T1-3 as low risk and T5 as high risk. All diagnostic predictions were compared to the presence of a high-risk mutation and pathology when available.ResultsThe AI algorithm correctly located all nodules in the test dataset (100% object detection). The model predicted the malignancy risk with a sensitivity of 73.9%, specificity of 70.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 70.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 73.9% and accuracy of 72.4% during the testing. The radiologists performed with a sensitivity of 52.1 ± 4.4%, specificity of 65.2 ± 6.4%, PPV of 59.1 ± 3.5%, NPV of 58.7 ± 1.8%, and accuracy of 58.8 ± 2.5% when using TI-RADS and sensitivity of 53.6 ± 17.6% (p=0.87), specificity of 83.3 ± 7.2% (p=0.06), PPV of 75.7 ± 8.5% (p=0.13), NPV of 66.0 ± 8.8% (p=0.31), and accuracy of 68.7 ± 7.4% (p=0.21) when using AI-modified TI-RADS.ConclusionsIncorporation of AI into TI-RADS improved radiologist performance and showed better malignancy risk prediction than AI alone when classifying thyroid nodules. Employing AI in existing thyroid nodule classification systems may help more accurately identifying high-risk nodules.

Risk Stratification of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Avid Thyroid Nodules Based on ACR Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules is often requested based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake regardless of sonographic features. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk of malignancy in FDG-avid thyroid nodules when stratified according to the ACR Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). This retrospective study included patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA between January 1, 2010, and November 19, 2018, and PET/CT within 1 year before the FNA. In all, 170 nodules in 166 patients (65 men, 101 women, age 60.2 ± 14.3 years) were eligible for inclusion, of which 151 had a clearly benign or malignant histology. PET images were reviewed for maximum standardized uptake value and nodule location. Sonographic features and TI-RADS category were determined by three radiologists. Patient charts were reviewed for histology. Statistical analyses included risk of malignancy in FDG-avid nodules within each TI-RADS category. Of the 151 nodules, 52 were malignant (34.4%). Malignancy risk was 0% in 1 TR1 nodule (compared with 0.3% in the published TI-RADS study), 16.7% in 6 TR2 nodules (compared with 1.5%), 13.2% in 38 TR3 nodules (compared with 4.8%), 23.7% in 59 TR4 nodules (compared with 9.1%), and 68.1% in 47 TR5 nodules (compared with 35.0%). The majority (71%, 121 of 170) of FDG-avid thyroid nodules are TR4 and TR5, with rates of malignancy greater than those in the general TI-RADS population. ACR TI-RADS is helpful in stratification of FDG-avid nodules; the risk of malignancy in sonographically low-suspicion nodules (13.3%, 6 of 45) is significantly lower than high-suspicion nodules (43.4%, 46 of 106, P < .001).

The role of multimodal ultrasonic flow imaging in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 4 nodules.

Color Doppler imaging (CDFI), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) are used to observe blood flow characteristics in Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 4 nodules. The ability of these techniques to distinguish benign from malignant nodules was investigated. A total of 75 TI-RADS 4 nodules were examined using CDFI, SMI, and CEUS. The blood flow characteristics shown by the three methods were added to the current TI-RADS classification to establish a new TI-RADS classification. The value of the three methods and the diagnostic accuracy of the new and old TI-RADS classification were compared. SMI better captured type II flow in benign nodules and type III flow in malignant nodules relative to CDFI. Malignant nodules detected with CEUS manifested mainly with hypo-enhancement, whereas benign nodules showed iso- and hyper-enhancement. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) obtained through the aforementioned flow distribution models were 0.690 (CDFI), 0.840 (SMI), 0.910 (CEUS), and 0.903 (CEUS and SMI combined mode), respectively. The diagnostic value of CEUS was the highest. Joint inspection using SMI with CEUS showed certain advantages in sensitivity, although the overall accuracy was equal to that of CEUS alone. Except for CDFI, the AUC of the new TI-RADS classification was significantly higher than that of the old one. Perforating vessels and low enhancement were independent predictors of thyroid carcinoma. Both SMI and CEUS visualized lower-velocity blood flow within TI-RADS 4 nodules. The new TI-RADS classification described here could improve diagnostic accuracy.

Conventional ultrasound characteristics, TI-RADS category and shear wave speed measurement between follicular adenoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma.

The purpose of the study was to explore the differences of conventional ultrasound characteristics, thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) category and shear wave speed (SWS) measurement between follicular adenoma (FA) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Twenty-eight FTCs and 67 FAs proven by surgery were retrospectively included for analysis. Conventional ultrasound and point-shear wave elastography (p-SWE) were performed in all of the included patients. The ultrasound features, American Thyroid Association (ATA) TI-RADS category and American College of Radiology (ACR) TI-RADS category, SWS measurement were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed and area under ROC curve (AUC) was obtained for significant features. There were no statistical differences in mean age (46.9±15.7years vs. 48.6±13.6years, P = 0.639), gender (9 males, 32.1% vs. 18 males, 29.0%, P = 0.766) and mean diameter (28.3±16.2 mm vs. 33.8±11.9 mm, P = 0.077) between FTCs and FAs. Hypoechogenicity, lobulated or irregular margin, macrocalcification were more common in FTCs than FAs (all P < 0.05). Mean SWS of FTCs (2.29±0.64 m/s) was slightly higher than that of FAs (1.94±0.68 m/s) (P = 0.023). The AUCs were 0.655, 0.744, and 0.744 with the cut-off SWS≥1.89 m/s, ACR TI-RADS category 4 and intermediate suspicion of ATA TI-RADS category. The sensitivity and AUC were 82.1% and 0.812 with combined ultrasound features of hypoechogenicity, lobulated or irregular margin and macrocalcification. In Conclusion, SWS measurement and TI-RADS categories were useful for the identification of FTCs from FAs.

MON-LB84 Validation of TI-RADS (Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System) Follow-Up Recommendations

Background:Thyroid nodules are exceedingly common, leading to costly interventions for many lesions that ultimately prove benign. Therefore, a reliable, noninvasive method to identify which nodules warrant fine needle aspiration and/or follow-up on the basis of a reasonable likelihood of malignancy is highly desirable. American College of Radiology (ACR) created a standard terminology (lexicon) to describe all thyroid nodules on sonography and standardized TI-RADS risk-stratification system to identify nodules that warrant biopsy and/or follow-up. Many healthcare institutions including UPMC adapted the TI-RADS scoring system in order to identify most clinically significant malignancies while reducing the number of biopsies and follow-up ultrasounds performed on benign nodules. According to ACR, TI-RADS category 3 nodules <1.5 cm and TI-RADS category 4 nodules <1 cm do not warrant follow-up imaging. There are no validation studies on TI-RADS follow-up recommendations. Methods:We completed a retrospective chart review from UPMC endocrine surgery thyroid nodule database from 2002 to 2012. We identified 57 nodules that showed a change in size during follow-up and had surgical data. Patient demographics, nodule baseline TI-RADS category, size, follow-up volume change and histopathological data were recorded. We reviewed ultrasound images and calculated TI-RADS category at baseline and during follow-up. Results:TI-RADS category 1-2 (TR1 and TR2) nodules(n=4) did not show any change in size over an average of 6.5 years confirming the recommendations that TR1 and TR2 nodules do not need follow-up.TI-RADS category (TR3) nodules (n=22) showed an average 225% change in volume over 4 years of follow-up. TR3 nodules <1.5 cm showed 397% volume change; 3 out of 15 (20%) nodules that showed a change in size proved to have thyroid cancer >1cm.TI-RADS category (TR4) nodules(n=31) showed a 786% volume change over 2.6 years of follow-up. TR4 nodules <1 cm, 5/14(35%) proved to have thyroid cancer >1 cm in follow up. Conclusions:TR1 and TR2 nodules did not show thyroid cancer during follow-up validating ACR recommendations not to follow these nodules. 3/15(26.5%) TR3 nodules <1.5 cm that showed a change in volume proved to have thyroid cancer. 5/14(35%) TR4 nodules <1cm that changed in volume were found to have thyroid cancer. Further studies are needed to identify nodules that require follow-up in order to decrease the misdiagnosis of thyroid cancer.