The Value of Elasticity Contrast Index in the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Solid Nodules

Objectives To assess the clinical value of elasticity contrast index (ECI) in differentiating malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones. Methods Conventional ultrasound and elastography with pulsation of the carotid artery used as the compression source were retrospectively reviewed on 175 patients (143 females and 32 males; mean ± SD age, 45.17 ± 11.45 years) with 236 solid nodules (113 malignant and 123 benign). All nodules were confirmed by fine-needle aspiration or surgery to be accurately diagnosed. Elasticity contrast index values were computed and used to quantify local stiffness contrast within a nodule as determined with elastography. Elasticity contrast index values between the malignant and benign groups were compared and then related with pathological results. Diagnostic performance of this method was evaluated with use of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Mean ± SD ECI values for malignant thyroid nodules were significantly greater than those for benign nodules (3.67 ± 1.20 vs 1.80 ± 0.74, P
Source: Ultrasound Quarterly - Category: Radiology Tags: Original Research Source Type: research