Thyroid Ultrasound: Diffuse and Nodular Disease

Combining CEUS and ultrasound parameters in thyroid nodule and cancer diagnosis: a TIRADS-based evaluation

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) has been established as a diagnostic tool for assessing microvascularization, essential for understanding angiogenesis in neoplastic development.

AIM

This study assesses the effectiveness of CEUS as a supplementary tool to TIRADS in enhancing the ultrasound-based diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Over one year, 157 nodules in 133 patients, with predominantly solid thyroid nodules, were examined using ultrasound and CEUS and underwent thyroidectomy, allowing for a comparison of ultrasound findings with pathological reports.

RESULTS

Thyroid cancer was identified in 31.21% (49/157) of cases. Significant CEUS high-risk features included inhomogeneous enhancement, enhancement defects, and complete hypoenhancement (AUC 0.818, 0.767, 0.864 respectively). Nodules exhibiting any of these features were classified as high-risk in CEUS. The diagnostic performance of TIRADS improved when combined with CEUS, with AUC increasing from 0.707 to 0.840 and improved sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

The integration of CEUS with TIRADS significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy and specificity in identifying thyroid cancer. This combination proves to be a more effective method for risk stratification and diagnosis, highlighting the value of CEUS as an adjunctive tool in thyroid cancer evaluation.

Quantitative ultrasound imaging parameters in patients with cancerous thyroid nodules: development of a diagnostic model

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a diagnostic model utilizing quantitative ultrasound parameters to accurately differentiate benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 194 patients with thyroid nodules, encompassing 65 malignant and 129 benign cases, was performed. Clinical data, ultrasound characteristics, and hemodynamic indicators were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analysis identified independent diagnostic markers.

RESULTS

No significant differences in clinical data were observed between the groups (P>0.05). Malignant nodules, however, were more likely to exhibit solid composition, hypoechoicity, irregular shapes, calcifications, central blood flow, and unclear margins (P<0.05). Hemodynamic parameters showed that malignant nodules had lower end-diastolic volume (EDV) but higher peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) (P<0.001). Independent diagnostic factors identified included calcification, margin definition, RI, and VFI. A risk prediction model was formulated, demonstrating significantly lower scores for benign nodules (P<0.0001), achieving an ROC area of 0.964.

CONCLUSION

Color Doppler ultrasound effectively distinguishes malignant from benign thyroid nodules. The diagnostic model emphasizes the importance of calcification, margin clarity, RI, and VFI as critical elements, enhancing the accuracy of thyroid nodule characterization and facilitating informed clinical decisions.

A meta-analysis: elucidating diagnostic thresholds of peak systolic flow velocities in thyroid arteries for the discrimination of Graves' disease and destructive thyrotoxicosis

Objective

This meta-analysis examines peak systolic velocities (PSVs) in thyroid arteries as potential biomarkers for thyroid disorders, which includes treated and untreated Graves' disease(GD) and destructive thyrotoxicosis(DT).

Methods

A search across databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science identified studies assessing peak systolic flow velocity in the inferior thyroid artery (ITA-PSV) and superior thyroid artery (STA-PSV) diagnostic efficacy in GD and DT.And the search was restricted to publications in the English language.The analysis compared STA-PSV and ITA-PSV across patient groups, evaluating intra-group variances and synthesizing sensitivity and specificity data.

Results

The analysis covered 18 studies with 1276 GD, 564 DT patients, and 544 controls. The difference of STA-PSV between GD group, DT group and normal group and the difference of ITA-PSV were analyzed in subgroups, and there was no statistical significance between subgroups when comparing any two groups. Normal subjects displayed intra-group ITA-PSV and STA-PSV differences with established cut-off values of 20.33 cm/s (95% CI, 17.48-23.18) for ITA-PSV and 25.61 cm/s (95% CI, 20.37-30.85) for STA-PSV. However, no significant intra-group differences were observed in the STA-PSV and ITA-PSV cut-off values among groups with GD or DT. The combined cut-off values for these patient groups and normal subjects were 68.63 cm/s (95% CI, 59.12-78.13), 32.08 cm/s (95% CI, 25.90-38.27), and 23.18 cm/s (95% CI, 20.09-26.28), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio(DOR) for these values was 35.86 (95% CI, 18.21-70.60), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.91, with a sensitivity estimate of 0.842 (95% CI, 0.772-0.866).

Conclusion

PSVs in thyroid arteries are useful diagnostic tools in distinguishing DT from GD. A PSV above 68.63 cm/s significantly improves GD diagnosis with up to 91% efficacy. No notable differences were found between superior and inferior thyroid arteries in these conditions.

Correlation of pN Stage and Hypoechogenicity with Tumour Encapsulation and Vascular Invasion in Thyroid Cancer (TC): A Comprehensive Analysis and Clinical Outcomes

In this retrospective study, the relationship between the pN stage of TC and the ultrasound hypoechogenicity of tumour encapsulation and vascular invasion was investigated. The data of a total of 678 TC patients were analysed. The goal of this study was to assess the significance of the pTNM score and preoperative ultrasound features in predicting cancer prognosis and guiding therapeutic decisions in patients with TC. The main research methods included a retrospective analysis of patient data, mainly the pTNM score and presence of tumour encapsulation and vascular invasion obtained from histopathological results and preoperative ultrasound imaging. Patients with well-differentiated TCs (papillary and follicular) were extracted from TC patients to better unify the results because of similar clinical strategies for these TCs. Significant associations were observed between advanced pN stage and the presence of encapsulation and vessel invasion. The majority of pN1a patients exhibited encapsulation (77.71%; p < 0.0001) and vascular invasion (75.30%; p < 0.0001), as did the majority of pN1b patients (100%; p < 0.0001 and 100%; p < 0.0001, respectively). Less than half of the patients with hypoeghogenic patterns presented with encapsulation (43.30%; p < 0.0001) and vascular invasion (43.52%; p < 0.0001), while the vast majority of patients without hypoechogenicity did not present with encapsulation (90.97%; p < 0.0001) or vascular invasion (90.97%; p < 0.0001). Hypoechogenicity was found to be indicative of aggressive tumour behaviour. The results of this study underscore the importance of accurate N staging in TC and suggests the potential use of ultrasound features in predicting tumour behaviour. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional prognostic markers to streamline TC management strategies and improve patient outcomes.

pH-responsive albumin-mimetic synthetic nanoprobes for magnetic resonance/fluorescence imaging of thyroid cancer

The combination of magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging in dual-modality imaging not only resolves the limitations of conventional single molecular imaging techniques in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and resolution but also expands the possibilities of molecular imaging techniques in diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring. Herein, a novel pH-responsive magnetic resonance/near-infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) nanoprobe (MnO2@BSA-Cy5.5) was successfully prepared by biomineralizing manganese dioxide (MnO2) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) while coupling fluorescent dye Cy5.5 for precise tumor detection and visualization. The synthesized MnO2@BSA-Cy5.5 nanoprobes were spherical particles of approximately 22.62 ± 3.31 nm in size, and their relaxation rates and T1 imaging signals were activated-enhanced in an acidic environment. Cytotoxicity assay and hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that MnO2@BSA-Cy5.5 had low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. More importantly, active targeting via solid tumor albumin-binding protein receptor and enhanced permeability and retention effect, the probe can be specifically aggregated to the tumor site of the 8305C tumor model and exhibit excellent MR/NIRF imaging properties. Our results show that MnO2@BSA-Cy5.5 has high resolution and sensitivity in tumor imaging and is expected to be applied as an MR/NIRF contrast agent for accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

The application value of deep learning-based nomograms in benign-malignant discrimination of TI-RADS category 4 thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are a common occurrence, and although most are non-cancerous, some can be malignant. The American College of Radiology has developed the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) to standardize the interpretation and reporting of thyroid ultrasound results. Within TI-RADS, a category 4 designation signifies a thyroid nodule with an intermediate level of suspicion for malignancy. Accurate classification of these nodules is crucial for proper management, as it can potentially reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve patient outcomes. This study utilized deep learning techniques to effectively classify TI-RADS category 4 thyroid nodules as either benign or malignant. A total of 500 patients were included in the study and randomly divided into a training group (350 patients) and a test group (150 patients). The YOLOv3 model was constructed and evaluated using various metrics, achieving an 84% accuracy in the classification of TI-RADS category 4 thyroid nodules. Based on the predictions of the model, along with clinical and ultrasound data, a nomogram was developed. The performance of the nomogram was superior in both the training and testing groups. Furthermore, the calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and actual outcomes. Decision curve analysis further confirmed that the nomogram provided greater net benefits. Ultimately, the YOLOv3 model and nomogram successfully improved the accuracy of distinguishing between benign and malignant TI-RADS category 4 thyroid nodules, which is crucial for proper management and improved patient outcomes.

Finding possible diagnostic markers for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid tumors on example investigate of rheological properties1

BACKGROUND

The functioning of the thyroid gland is a multi-component process that in some conditions may undergo alterations. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system that produces the iodine-containing hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones, control metabolism and energy, growth processes, maturation of tissues and organs, regulation of blood flow, and, therefore, providing vital functions of the body. The role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of blood flow is determined by the intensity of their production and the quantity in the blood. Presumably, in case of oncological and non-oncological diseases of the thyroid gland, the fluidity of the blood, which depends on the rheological properties, will be different.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was investigating rheological characteristics for studying of changes of rheology in patients with thyrotoxicosis, with benign tumor pathology of the thyroid gland, with thyroid cancer and finding possible diagnostic markers for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid tumors.

METHODS

In this regard, we examined, using modern methods accepted in clinical practice, a standard list of recommended diagnostic tests in the group of patients (thyrotoxicosis: n = 25; benign tumor: n = 47), thyroid cancer: n = 35) and control group (n = 15), and with new original methods, parameters that describe the rheological properties of the blood, such as blood rheological index, volume, thickness, surface area of erythrocytes, erythrocyte aggregation index, deformation index, plasma viscosity, hematocrits.

RESULTS

Against the background of relative changes in the studied values, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that erythrocyte aggregation in patients with a benign form and control, as well as in patients with a malignant form and control, differ significantly from each other, in addition, there is a significant difference between aggregation in the group of patients with benign and control aggregation. malignant forms of the disease. It is significant that aggregability differs in patients with thyrotoxicosis and in controls. This indicates that erythrocyte aggregation is particularly informative. The blood rheological index most clearly demonstrated the difference between benign and malignant forms of the disease. Significantly changed compared to control in various forms of thyroid diseases.

CONCLUSION

Additional diagnostic markers for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid tumors may be consideredeerythrocyte aggregation index and blood rheological index.

To diagnose primary and secondary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid with ultrasound malignancy risk stratification

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the clinico-ultrasound features of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (PSCCT) and secondary SCCT (SSCCT) and evaluate the accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) recommendation for SCCT with American College of Radiology-Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR-TIRADS) and Chinese-TIRADS (C-TIRADS).

Materials and methods

We retrieved 26 SCCT patients (11 PSCCT, 15 SSCCT) from our hospital's pathology database (5,718 patients with thyroid malignancy) over 23 years. Medical records and ultrasound data of the 26 patients with 27 SCCTs were analyzed retrospectively, and each SCCT focus was categorized based on the two TIRADSs.

Results

For 26 patients (21 males, 5 females) with an age range of 42-81 years, rapidly enlarging thyroid/neck nodules (18/26, 69.2%), dysphagia (7/26, 26.9%), hoarseness (6/26, 23.1%), dyspnea (5/26, 19.6%), cough (4/26, 15.4%), neck pain (2/26, 7.7%), B symptoms (2/26, 7.7%), and blood in sputum (1/26, 3.8%) were presented at diagnosis. Five asymptomatic patients (5/26, 19.2%) were detected by ultrasound. Hoarseness was more common in PSCCT (5/11, 45.5%) than in SSCCT (1/15, 6.7%) (P=0.032). For 27 SCCTs with a mean size of 3.7 ± 1.3 cm, the ultrasound features consisted of solid (25/27, 92.6%) or almost completely solid composition (2/27, 7.4%), hypoechoic (17/27, 63%) and very hypoechoic echogenicity (10/27, 37%), irregular/lobulated margin with extra-thyroidal extension (27/27, 100%), taller-than-wide shape (13/27, 48.1%), punctate echogenic foci (6/27, 22.2%), hypervascularity (23/27, 85.2%) and involved neck lymph (13/26, 50.0%). A total of 27 SCCTs were evaluated as high malignancy risk stratification (≥TR4 and 4B) by the two TIRADSs and recommended FNA in 96.3-100% (26/27, 27/27). Pathologically, more than half of PSCCTs (7/12, 58.3%) and a quarter of SSCCTs (4/15, 26.7%) were poorly differentiated, while moderately and well-differentiated grades were observed in 5 PSCCTs and 11 SSCCTs (P=0.007). Thirteen patients (50.0%) underwent surgery with radical operation in 5 cases (5/13, 38.5%).

Conclusion

SCCT is an extremely rare and aggressive malignancy with a male predominance. PSCCT and SSCCT had similar clinical and ultrasound features except for tumor differentiation and the symptom of hoarseness. SCCT showed a high malignancy risk stratification in ACR-TIRADS and C-TIRADS, with a high rate of FNA recommendation.

Transcription factor FOXP4 inversely governs tumor suppressor genes and contributes to thyroid cancer progression

Objective

In recent decades, thyroid cancer (TC) has exhibited a rising incidence pattern. Elevated levels of the transcription factor FOXP4 have been strongly linked to the progression of diverse tumors; nevertheless, its specific role in thyroid cancer remains underexplored. The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the functions of FOXP4 and its associated target gene, FBXW7, in the context of thyroid cancer.

Methods

FOXP4 and FBXW7 expression levels in TC tissues and cell lines were assessed through immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses. The functional aspects of FOXP4, including its effects on cell proliferation, migration capabilities, cell cycle regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were investigated. Furthermore, the interaction between FOXP4 and FBXW7 was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The impact of FBXW7 on FOXP4-mediated cellular phenotypes was subsequently examined. Additionally, the in vivo role of FOXP4 and FBXW7 in tumor growth was elucidated through the establishment of a murine tumor model.

Results

Elevated levels of FOXP4 were observed in papillary carcinoma tissues, and patients exhibiting high FBXW7 levels showed a more favorable prognosis. KTC-1 cells displayed a concomitant increase in FOXP4 expression and decrease in FBXW7 expression. FOXP4 overexpression in these cells enhanced cell proliferation, migration capabilities, and EMT. The interaction between the FOXP4 protein and the FBXW7 promoter was confirmed, and the effects of FOXP4 were mitigated upon overexpression of FBXW7. Furthermore, knockdown of FOXP4 led to decelerated growth of transplanted tumors and increased FBXW7 levels within the tumors.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study underscore the regulatory role of FOXP4 in the transcription of FBXW7 and establish a clear link between aberrations in FBXW7 expression and the manifestation of malignant phenotypes in highly aggressive TC cells.

Thyroid disrupting effects of multiple metals exposure: Comprehensive investigation from the thyroid parenchyma to hormonal function in a prospective cohort study

This study aimed to investigate the thyroid disrupting effects of multiple metals exposure with comprehensive investigation from the thyroid parenchyma to hormonal function. In this prospective cohort study of in-service staff of the Baoding Power Supply, we found that arsenic was negatively associated with total thyroxine (TT4) [βAs = -0.075, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.129, -0.020, Padj = 0.04]. Similarly, selenium was negatively correlated with TT4 (βSe = -0.134, 95% CI: -0.211, -0.058, Padj < 0.01) and peripheral deiodinase activity (GT) (βSe = -0.133, 95% CI: -0.210, -0.056, Padj = 0.01). With respect to strontium, there were positive associations of strontium with thyroid-stimulating hormone (βSr = 0.263, 95% CI: 0.112, 0.414, Padj = 0.01), and negative associations of strontium with TT4 (βSr = -0.099, 95% CI: -0.150, -0.048, Padj < 0.01) and GT (βSr = -0.102, 95% CI: -0.153, -0.050, Padj < 0.01). We also observed negative associations of metal mixtures with TT4 and GT and potential interactions. Increased risks of thyroid nodule associated with aluminum, cobalt and nickel were also observed. Our findings suggest that multiple metals exposure leads to a multi-pronged assault to thyroid from the thyroid parenchyma to hormonal function. Future large-scale prospective cohort studies of general population and experimental studies were warranted.

Metabolic Disease and Risk of Thyroid Disease: Evidence from the National Nurse Health Cohort in China

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that metabolic diseases are risk factors for thyroid disease; most studies are cross-sectional design. We aimed to evaluate the causal relationship between thyroid and metabolic diseases in a cohort of Chinese nurses.

METHODS

We conducted an ambispective cohort study of the National Nurses' Health Study. Thyroid disease data based on ultrasonography from 2017 to 2021 were collected. We described thyroid disease incidence and the risk factors associated with a cluster of metabolic factors. We used the Mann‒Whitney U test, repeated-measures ANOVA and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of 1529 female nurses without thyroid disease were enrolled in 2017, of which, complete data were available for 1269 nurses. In 2018-2020, thyroid nodule incidence ranged from 32.8%-46.3%, thyroiditis incidence was 13.4%-14.3%, and goiter incidence was 4.1%-29.1%, thyroid adenoma and thyroid tumors incidence were 0.1%-0.5% and 1%-1.5%. We also found that NAFLAD was an independent risk factor for thyroid adenoma (p = .003). The age at diagnosis was an independent risk factor for goiter (p <. 001) and thyroid nodules (p < .001). Fasting blood glucose was an independent risk factor for thyroid tumors (p = .004). The age at diagnosis (p = .003), Body Mass Index (p = .006) and menopause (p = .031) were risk factors for thyroiditis.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid disease incidence among nurses is increasing. Age at diagnosis, BMI, fasting blood glucose, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are independent risk factors for different types of thyroid disease. This study provides evidence for future studies to further explore the pathogenesis and prevention of thyroid diseases.

Diagnostic efficiency among Eu-/C-/ACR-TIRADS and S-Detect for thyroid nodules: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The performance in evaluating thyroid nodules on ultrasound varies across different risk stratification systems, leading to inconsistency and uncertainty regarding diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Objective

Comparing diagnostic performance of detecting thyroid cancer among distinct ultrasound risk stratification systems proposed in the last five years.

Evidence acquisition

Systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to find relevant research up to December 8, 2022, whose study contents contained elucidation of diagnostic performance of any one of the above ultrasound risk stratification systems (European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System[Eu-TIRADS]; American College of Radiology TIRADS [ACR TIRADS]; Chinese version of TIRADS [C-TIRADS]; Computer-aided diagnosis system based on deep learning [S-Detect]). Based on golden diagnostic standard in histopathology and cytology, single meta-analysis was performed to obtain the optimal cut-off value for each system, and then network meta-analysis was conducted on the best risk stratification category in each system.

Evidence synthesis

This network meta-analysis included 88 studies with a total of 59,304 nodules. The most accurate risk category thresholds were TR5 for Eu-TIRADS, TR5 for ACR TIRADS, TR4b and above for C-TIRADS, and possible malignancy for S-Detect. At the best thresholds, sensitivity of these systems ranged from 68% to 82% and specificity ranged from 71% to 81%. It identified the highest sensitivity for C-TIRADS TR4b and the highest specificity for ACR TIRADS TR5. However, sensitivity for ACR TIRADS TR5 was the lowest. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under curve (AUC) were ranked first in C-TIRADS.

Conclusion

Among four ultrasound risk stratification options, this systemic review preliminarily proved that C-TIRADS possessed favorable diagnostic performance for thyroid nodules.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, CRD42022382818.

Diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging and color doppler for thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis

Objective

Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) is a new noninvasive modality for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, the performance of SMI in differentiating malignant and benign thyroid nodules has not been systematically evaluated. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of SMI in diagnosing thyroid nodules.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Sinomed, Scopus were searched. We recorded the characteristics of the included studies and assessed the quality of each study using the QUADAS-2 tool. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. We also evaluated the publication bias.

Results

This meta-analysis included 10 studies with a total of 1083 thyroid nodules. The pooled the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative LR were 0.84, 0.86, 6.2, and 0.18, respectively. The DOR and AUC were 33 and 0.91, respectively. Heterogeneity existed between the included studies. No significant publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

Compared with CDFI, Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) has higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, better diagnostic efficiency, and could be used to diagnose benign and malignant nodules in the display of blood flow distribution capabilities of thyroid nodules; at the same time, Fagan plot showed that the SMI technique had a good clinical application value, and it could supplement the deficiencies of color Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Quantitative Diagnosis Progress of Ultrasound Imaging Technology in Thyroid Diffuse Diseases

High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), the imaging modality of choice for thyroid screening, is most commonly used in the study of diffuse thyroid disease (DTD) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD). DTD can involve thyroid function and severely affect life quality, so early diagnosis is important for the development of timely clinical intervention strategies. Previously, the diagnosis of DTD relied on qualitative ultrasound imaging and related laboratory tests. In recent years, with the development of multimodal imaging and intelligent medicine, ultrasound and other diagnostic imaging techniques have gradually become more widely used for quantitative assessment of the structure and function of DTD. In this paper, we review the current status and progress of quantitative diagnostic ultrasound imaging techniques for DTD.

A prospective follow-up of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features on ultrasonography among survivors of predominantly mild to moderate COVID-19

Background

We previously showed that higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load correlated with smaller thyroid volumes among COVID-19 survivors at 2 months after acute COVID-19. Our current follow-up study evaluated the evolution of thyroid volumes and thyroiditis features within the same group of patients 6 months later.

Methods

Adult COVID-19 survivors who underwent thyroid ultrasonography 2 months after infection (USG1) were recruited for follow-up USG 6 months later (USG2). The primary outcome was the change in thyroid volume. We also reassessed thyroiditis features on USG, thyroid function and anti-thyroid antibodies.

Results

Fifty-four patients were recruited (mean age 48.1 years; 63% men). The mean thyroid volume increased from USG1 to USG2 (11.9 ± 4.8 to 14.5 ± 6.2 mL, p < 0.001). Thirty-two patients (59.3%) had significant increase in thyroid volume by ≥15%, and they had a median increase of +33.3% (IQR: +20.0% to +45.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that only higher baseline SARS-CoV-2 viral load independently correlated with significant thyroid volume increase on USG2 (p = 0.022). Among the seven patients with thyroiditis features on USG1, six (85.7%) had the features resolved on USG2. None had new thyroiditis features on USG2. All abnormal thyroid function during acute COVID-19 resolved upon USG1 and USG2.

Conclusion

Most COVID-19 survivors had an increase in thyroid volume from early convalescent phase to later convalescent phase. This increase correlated with high initial SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Together with the resolution of thyroiditis features, these may suggest a transient direct atrophic effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland with subsequent recovery of thyroid volume and thyroiditis features.

What we know about the relationship between autoimmune thyroid diseases and gut microbiota: a perspective on the role of probiotics on pediatric endocrinology

INTRODUCTION

Autoimmune diseases account for a cumulative overall prevalence of about 3-5% worldwide. Among them, autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATDs) are the most common and comprise two main entities: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves-Basedow disease (GD). The pathogenesis of ATDs remains not fully elucidated, however the role of microbioma has been proposed. Gut microbiota exert an important influence on the intestinal barrier, nutrient metabolism and immune system development and functions.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this review, we describe on the main features of ATDs in pediatrics, focusing on the reciprocal influence between gut microbiota, thyroid hormone metabolism and thyroid autoimmunity and consider the role of probiotics and other microbiota-targeted therapies in thyroid diseases with a perspective on pediatric endocrinology.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Microbiome affects both endogenous and exogenous thyroid hormone metabolism and influences the absorption of minerals important to the thyroid function, which are iodine, selenium, zinc and iron. The alteration of the gut microbiota, with the consequent modifications in the barrier function and the increased gut permeability, seems involved in the development of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, including ATDs. The supplementation with probiotics showed beneficial effects on the thyroid hormone and thyroid function because this strategy could restore the intestinal eubiosis and the good strain microorganism proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though the evidence about the interaction between microbiota and ATDs in pediatric patients is limited, the promising results obtained in the adult population, and in other autoimmune disorders affecting children, highlight the need of for further research in the pediatric field.

Assessment of diagnostic capacity and decision-making based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association ultrasound classification system

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the American Thyroid Association (ATA) ultrasound (US) classification system for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules to determine if it indeed facilitates clinical decision-making.

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of the ATA US classification system for the initial assessment of thyroid nodules.

METHODS

In accordance with the PRISMA statement for diagnostic test accuracy, we selected articles that evaluated the 2015 ATA US pattern guidelines using a diagnostic gold standard. We analyzed these cases using traditional diagnostic parameters, as well as the threshold approach to clinical decision-making and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

We reviewed 13 articles with 8445 thyroid nodules, which were classified according to 2015 ATA patterns. Of these, 46.62% were malignant. No cancer was found in any of the ATA benign pattern nodules. The Bayesian analysis post-test probability for cancer in each classification was: (1) Very-low suspicion, 0.85%; (2) Low, 2.6%; (3) Intermediate, 6.7%; and (4) High, 40.9%. The net benefit (NB), expressed as avoided interventions, indicated that the highest capacity to avoid unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the patterns that we studied was 42, 31, 35, and 43 of every 100 FNABs. The NB calculation for a probability threshold of 11% for each of the ATA suspicion patterns studied is less than that of performing FNAB on all nodules.

CONCLUSION

These three types of analysis have shown that only the ATA high-suspicion diagnostic pattern is clinically useful, in which case, FNAB should be performed. However, the curve decision analysis has demonstrated that using the ATA US risk patterns to decide which patients need FNAB does not provide a greater benefit than performing FNAB on all thyroid nodules. Therefore, it is likely that a better way to approach the assessment of thyroid nodules would be to perform FNAB on all non-cystic nodules, as the present analysis has shown the ATA risk patterns do not provide an adequate clinical decision-making framework.

An Artificial Intelligence Model Based on ACR TI-RADS Characteristics for US Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Background US-based diagnosis of thyroid nodules is subjective and influenced by radiologists' experience levels. Purpose To develop an artificial intelligence model based on American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System characteristics for diagnosing thyroid nodules and identifying nodule characteristics (hereafter, M_TI-RADS) and to compare the performance of M_TI-RADS, radiologists, and a model trained on benign and malignant status based on surgical histopathologic analysis (hereafter, M_Diag). Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 1588 surgically proven nodules from 636 consecutive patients (mean age, 49 years ± 14 [SD]; 485 women) were included. M_TI-RADS and M_Diag were trained on US images of 1345 nodules (January 2018 to December 2019). The performance of M_TI-RADS was compared with that of M_Diag and radiologists with different experience levels on the test data set (243 nodules, January 2019 to December 2019) with the DeLong method and McNemar test. Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity of M_TI-RADS were 0.91 and 83% (55 of 66 nodules), respectively, which were not significantly different from those of experienced radiologists (0.93 [P = .45] and 92% [61 of 66 nodules; P = .07]) and exceeded those of junior radiologists (0.78 [P < .001] and 70% [46 of 66 nodules; P = .04]). The specificity of M_TI-RADS (87% [154 of 177 nodules]) was higher than that of both experienced and junior radiologists (80% [141 of 177 nodules; P = .02] and 75% [133 of 177 nodules; P = .001], respectively). The AUC of M_TI-RADS was higher than that of M_Diag (0.91 vs 0.84, respectively; P = .001). In the test set of 243 nodules, the consistency rates between M_TI-RADS and the experienced group were higher than those between M_TI-RADS and the junior group for composition (79% [n = 193] vs 73% [n = 178], respectively; P = .02), echogenicity (75% [n = 183] vs 68% [n = 166]; P = .04), shape (93% [n = 227] vs 88% [n = 215]; P = .04), and smooth or ill-defined margin (72% [n = 174] vs 63% [n = 152]; P = .002). Conclusion The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of an artificial intelligence model based on the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) was higher than that of a model trained on benign and malignant status based on surgical histopathologic analysis. The AUC and sensitivity of the model based on TI-RADS exceeded those of junior radiologists; the specificity of the model was higher than that of both experienced and junior radiologists. © RSNA, 2022.

AUE-Net: Automated Generation of Ultrasound Elastography Using Generative Adversarial Network

Problem: Ultrasonography is recommended as the first choice for evaluation of thyroid nodules, however, conventional ultrasound features may not be able to adequately predict malignancy. Ultrasound elastography, adjunct to conventional B-mode ultrasound, can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodules. However, this technology requires professional elastography equipment and experienced physicians. Aim: in the field of computational medicine, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were proven to be a powerful tool for generating high-quality images. This work therefore utilizes GANs to generate ultrasound elastography images. Methods: this paper proposes a new automated generation method of ultrasound elastography (AUE-net) to generate elastography images from conventional ultrasound images. The AUE-net was based on the U-Net architecture and optimized by attention modules and feature residual blocks, which could improve the adaptability of feature extraction for nodules of different sizes. The additional color loss function was used to balance color distribution. In this network, we first attempted to extract the tissue features of the ultrasound image in the latent space, then converted the attributes by modeling the strain, and finally reconstructed them into the corresponding elastography image. Results: a total of 726 thyroid ultrasound elastography images with corresponding conventional images from 397 patients were obtained between 2019 and 2021 as the dataset (646 in training set and 80 in testing set). The mean rating accuracy of the AUE-net generated elastography images by ultrasound specialists was 84.38%. Compared with that of the existing models in the visual aspect, the presented model generated relatively higher quality elastography images. Conclusion: the AUE-net generated ultrasound elastography images showed natural appearance and retained tissue information. Accordingly, it seems that B-mode ultrasound harbors information that can link to tissue elasticity. This study may pave the way to generate ultrasound elastography images readily without the need for professional equipment.

The usefulness of serial ultrasound in thyroid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an extranodal lymphoma with an indolent natural course. The thyroid gland is an uncommon site of involvement. We aimed to investigate serial ultrasound features and the disease progression during the clinical course of thyroid MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

We searched our hospital's pathology database (5,418 patients with thyroid malignancy) between January 2000 and July 2022. The medical records and serial ultrasounds of 11 patients with 12 thyroid MALT lymphoma foci were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

An enlarging neck mass, dyspnea, B symptoms, and neck lymphadenopathy were seen at diagnosis in 9 (9/11, 81.8%), 3 (3/11, 27.3%), 2 (2/11, 18.2%), and 9 (9/11, 81.8%) cases, respectively. Eleven cases were concomitant Hashimoto thyroiditis. Common ultrasound features included bilateral or unilateral asymmetric goiter or large, solid, and very hypoechoic nodules (11/12, 91.7%) interspersed with linear, reticular hyperechoic, and enhanced posterior echoes (11/12, 91.7%), and neck lymph node involvement (10/11, 90.9%). The Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (TIRADS) categories showed higher diagnostic accuracy (11/12, 91.7%) than real-time ultrasound (2/12, 16.7%) in evaluating thyroid lesions for recommendation of fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Serial ultrasound showed self-limiting changes in three cases, relapse in three cases after subtotal thyroidectomy and chemotherapy, large cell transformation (LCT) in one case after left lobectomy, partial remission in one case, and complete remission after chemo/radiation in four cases; progression to enlarged thyroid nodules occurred in three cases without treatment, with no obvious change observed after diagnosis. Three patients died during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

On sonograms, solid large thyroid nodules or goiter with very hypoechoic and enhanced posterior echoes in the setting of Hashimoto thyroiditis should raise suspicion for MALT lymphoma. TIRADS categories can improve the ultrasound diagnostic efficacy for malignancy. Serial ultrasound examinations demonstrated self-limiting and indolent natures of thyroid MALT lymphoma.

The value of color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the value of color Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on using color Doppler ultrasound, thyroid nodules, thyroid tumors, and Doppler ultrasound to diagnose the thyroid nodules. The outcome indicators in the articles had to include the numbers of true positives (TP), false positives (FP), false negatives (FN), and true negatives (TN). Subsequently, the Jadad tool was adopted to evaluate the quality of the included articles, and Review Manager 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the experimental data.

RESULTS

A total of eight suitable articles were selected. The results showed that the estimated sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler ultrasound for the diagnostic of thyroid nodules were 0.46-0.89 and 0.00-1.00, respectively. The pooled estimate of sensitivity for the different articles was 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.89], and the pooled estimate of specificity was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.00-1.00). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC) was 0.917, which was larger than 0.9, signifying high diagnostic accuracy. This suggests that color doppler ultrasound can realize the clinical diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

DISCUSSION

In summary, the results of this study could provide a clinical data for the promotion and application of color Doppler ultrasound in the clinical diagnosis of thyroid nodules, as well as further reliable data for follow-up clinical research on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.

Higher SARS-CoV-2 viral loads correlated with smaller thyroid volumes on ultrasound among male COVID-19 survivors

PURPOSE

Thyroid dysfunction, including thyroiditis, is well recognized in COVID-19 patients. We evaluated thyroid ultrasonographic features among COVID-19 survivors, which are less well known.

METHODS

Adult COVID-19 survivors without known thyroid disorders who attended dedicated COVID-19 clinic underwent thyroid ultrasonography and assessment of thyroid function and autoimmunity. Adults admitted for acute non-thyroidal surgical problems and negative for COVID-19 were recruited as control. SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) was presented as the inverse of cycle threshold values from the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the respiratory specimen on admission.

RESULTS

In total, 79 COVID-19 patients and 44 non-COVID-19 controls were included. All abnormal thyroid function tests during acute COVID-19 recovered upon follow-up. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed at a median of 67 days after acute COVID-19. The median thyroid volume was 9.73 mL (IQR: 7.87-13.70). In multivariable linear regression, SARS-CoV-2 VL on presentation (standardized beta -0.206, p = 0.042) inversely correlated with thyroid volume, in addition to body mass index at the time of ultrasonography (p < 0.001). Sex-specific analysis revealed similar results among men but not women. Eleven COVID-19 patients (13.9%) had ultrasonographic changes suggestive of thyroiditis, comparable to non-COVID-19 patients (p = 0.375). None of these 11 patients had isolated low thyroid-stimulating hormone levels suggestive of thyroiditis at initial admission or the time of ultrasonography.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher SARS-CoV-2 VL on presentation were associated with smaller thyroid volumes, especially in men. Further research is suggested to investigate this possible direct viral effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland. There was no increased rate of ultrasonographic features suggestive of thyroiditis in COVID-19 survivors.

Value of Conventional Ultrasonography with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in the Differential Diagnosis of Partial Cystic Thyroid Nodules

The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis of malignant partial cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) remains unclear. Thus, in the present study, the data of patients with pathologically proven PCTNs who underwent CEUS in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to February 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and the imaging characteristics of benign and malignant PCTNs were compared. A total of 177 PCTNs were enrolled in this study, including 58 (32.7%) malignant nodules and 119 (67.2%) benign nodules. Six characteristics significantly differed between malignant PCTNs and benign PCTNs in univariate comparison: position of the solid portion (χ² = 17.937, p < 0.001), microcalcifications (χ² = 81.382, p < 0.001), boundaries (χ² = 45.486, p < 0.001), echogenicity (χ² = 11.152, p = 0.004), intensity of enhancement (χ² = 40.656, p < 0.001) and uniformity of enhancement (χ² = 19.933, p < 0.001). Among these, microcalcifications, boundaries, position of the solid portion, and uniformity of enhancement were independent risk factors in the multivariate comparison. A logistic regression model for predicting benign and malignant PCTNs was established with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 89.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.788-0.961), 91.0% (95% CI: 0.830-0.946), 81.0% (95% CI: 0.715-0.881), 95.0% (95% CI: 0.892-0.974) and 90.0% (95% CI: 0.844-0.938), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.967 (95% CI: 0.944-0.990), which was significantly higher than that of conventional ultrasound only (0.747, 95% CI: 0.663-0.831, Z = 2.090, p = 0.0366). CEUS can be used in the diagnosis of PCTNs, and the four characteristics of malignant PCTNs proven by our study were microcalcifications, unclear boundaries, eccentric distributions of the solid parts and heterogeneous enhancement.

Novel MRI-Based CAD System for Early Detection of Thyroid Cancer Using Multi-Input CNN

Early detection of thyroid nodules can greatly contribute to the prediction of cancer burdening and the steering of personalized management. We propose a novel multimodal MRI-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system that differentiates malignant from benign thyroid nodules. The proposed CAD is based on a novel convolutional neural network (CNN)-based texture learning architecture. The main contribution of our system is three-fold. Firstly, our system is the first of its kind to combine T2-weighted MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps using a CNN to model thyroid cancer. Secondly, it learns independent texture features for each input, giving it more advanced capabilities to simultaneously extract complex texture patterns from both modalities. Finally, the proposed system uses multiple channels for each input to combine multiple scans collected into the deep learning process using different values of the configurable diffusion gradient coefficient. Accordingly, the proposed system would enable the learning of more advanced radiomics with an additional advantage of visualizing the texture patterns after learning. We evaluated the proposed system using data collected from a cohort of 49 patients with pathologically proven thyroid nodules. The accuracy of the proposed system has also been compared against recent CNN models as well as multiple machine learning (ML) frameworks that use hand-crafted features. Our system achieved the highest performance among all compared methods with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.87, specificity of 0.97, and sensitivity of 0.69. The results suggest that texture features extracted using deep learning can contribute to the protocols of cancer diagnosis and treatment and can lead to the advancement of precision medicine.