The role of color doppler ultrasound dıfferantıatıon of malıgnant and benıgn thyroıd nodules

Nodular disease of the thyroid is a common endocrinologic disorder. Dedection of thyroid nodules have been increased usage of ultrasound. Five to fifteen percentage of all thyroid nodules are thought to be malignant. Current diagnostic modality of choice for characterization of thyroid nodules is fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). But there is much dispute over which nodules should undergo FNAB. In our study we aim to evaluate the color Doppler ultrasound findings of patients with thyroid nodules and also to detect the role of color doppler ultrasound differantiation of malignant and benign thyroid nodülesOne hundred and twenty nine nodules were included this study. These nodules were divided into benign and malignant nodules, according to their histopathologic and cytologic results. Localization of nodules, size and internal structure were investigated. Color Doppler examinations were used to evaluate the type of vascularization, Peak Systolic Velocity (Vmax), Peak Diastolic Velocity (Vmin), Systole/Diastole (S/D) ratio, Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI), Acceleration Index (AI) and Acceleration Time (AT) of the nodules.Vascularization type were significantly different between benign and malignant nodules (p<0.05). There were significantly differences between benign and malignant nodules at the S/D ratio, PI, RI , AI (p<0.05).There are many studies concerning sonographic evaluation of thyroid nodules in the literature but few have investigated with color Doppler criteria. The presence of multiple nodules, difficulties in follow up nodules and lack of specific criteria for characterization of choosing malignant nodules that will undergo FNAB. We believe that with adding to routine sonographic evaluation, color Doppler ultrasound will provide valuable guidance.Keywords: Thyroid nodules, color Doppler ultrasound, fine needle aspiration biopsy, distinction between benign and malignant nodules