In the evaluation of tyhroid nodules us-elastography distinction between benign and malignan contribution

Aim: Of thyroid nodules, ultrasound-elastography(UE) in the differentiation of malignant and benign diagnosis is to assess the contribution. Materials and Methods: 87 thyroid nodules in 82 patients in the study were included. 58 of the patients were female and 24 were male and aged between 11-87 years (mean 47.3 years). Cases was evaluated by ultrasound (US), color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and EU. The number of nodules, size, contour, echogenicity, internal structure, halo presence, microcalcification presence and vascularity evaluating were noted. Using US/CDUS findings in the classification, solid nodules class 1 (benign) to class 5 (malignant) up to 5 groups; If a cystic-solid nodules class 1 (benign) class 4 (malignant) were divided into 4 groups up. Firmness in the UE, according to their degree of elasticity score from 1 (lowest hardness) score of 5 (highest hardness) were visually graded up. Then fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) made, findings of US, and the scores of UE were compared with cytologic diagnosis. Finding: According to FNA, 15 nodules were malignant and 72 were benign. US/CDUS in the evaluation of solitary nodules, solid nodules and nodules is greater than the transverse diameter of the AP diameter of malignancy with a statistically significant relationship was found. Other finding of US/CDUS was no significant association with malignancy. The sensitivity of US classification for solid thyroid nodules was 92%, specificity was 46%. UE score of 1, 2 and 3 of elasticity are benign group, the score was 4 and 5 considered malignant group, compared with the cytological diagnosis. When applying this scoring lead with the group of 4 and 5, of malignancy, a statistically significant relationship was found. UE sensitivity 46%, specificity 76%, negative predictive value 89%, positive predictive value of 63%, the overall accuracy was 86%. Result: Thyroid nodules, benign / malignant discrimination, UE is a useful method of examination does not include ionizing radiation, non-invasive, easy to implement and is cheaper has important advantages. Quantitative measurements can be made, with new methods to study a wide range of UE we believe that further strengthen its position in the diagnosis. Key words: Thyroid nodule, ultrasound, elastography