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Chen C, Liu Y, Yao J, Wang K, Zhang M, Shi F, Tian Y, Gao L, Ying Y, Pan Q, Wang H, Wu J, Qi X, Wang Y, Xu D. Deep learning approaches for differentiating thyroid nodules with calcification: a two-center study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1139. [PMID: 37996814 PMCID: PMC10668439 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11456-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcification is a common phenomenon in both benign and malignant thyroid nodules. However, the clinical significance of calcification remains unclear. Therefore, we explored a more objective method for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid calcified nodules. METHODS This retrospective study, conducted at two centers, involved a total of 631 thyroid nodules, all of which were pathologically confirmed. Ultrasound image sets were employed for analysis. The primary evaluation index was the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC). We compared the diagnostic performance of deep learning (DL) methods with that of radiologists and determined whether DL could enhance the diagnostic capabilities of radiologists. RESULTS The Xception classification model exhibited the highest performance, achieving an AUROC of up to 0.970, followed by the DenseNet169 model, which attained an AUROC of up to 0.959. Notably, both DL models outperformed radiologists (P < 0.05). The success of the Xception model can be attributed to its incorporation of deep separable convolution, which effectively reduces the model's parameter count. This feature enables the model to capture features more effectively during the feature extraction process, resulting in superior performance, particularly when dealing with limited data. CONCLUSIONS This study conclusively demonstrated that DL outperformed radiologists in differentiating between benign and malignant calcified thyroid nodules. Additionally, the diagnostic capabilities of radiologists could be enhanced with the aid of DL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Wenling Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Medicine, Taizhou, 317502, China
- Taizhou Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy & Artificial Intelligence, Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Yuanzhen Liu
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Wenling Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Medicine, Taizhou, 317502, China
- Taizhou Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy & Artificial Intelligence, Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Jincao Yao
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Cancer Intelligent Diagnosis and Molecular Technology, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, 317502, China
| | - Maoliang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, 317502, China
| | - Fang Shi
- Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100098, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100098, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100098, China
| | - Yajun Ying
- Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Qianmeng Pan
- Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China
| | - Xiaoqing Qi
- Department of Ultrasound, Hangzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 311225, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Wenling Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Medicine, Taizhou, 317502, China.
- Taizhou Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy & Artificial Intelligence, Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China.
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
- Wenling Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute in Medicine, Taizhou, 317502, China.
- Taizhou Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy & Artificial Intelligence, Taizhou Campus of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Taizhou Cancer Hospital), Taizhou, 317502, China.
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Ye M, Wu S, Zhou Q, Wang F, Chen X, Gong X, Wu W. Association between macrocalcification and papillary thyroid carcinoma and corresponding valuable diagnostic tool: retrospective study. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:149. [PMID: 37194091 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-03016-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microcalcifications are suggested to be an indicator of thyroid malignancy, especially for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), nonetheless, the association between macrocalcification and PTC is underexplored. Furthermore, screening methods like ultrasonography and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) are limited in evaluating macro-calcified thyroid nodules. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between macrocalcification and PTC. We also explored the diagnostic efficiency of US-FNAB and proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf V600E (BRAF V600E) mutation in macro-calcified thyroid nodules evaluation. METHODS A retrospective research of 2645 thyroid nodules from 2078 participants was performed and divided into three groups as non-, micro-, and macro-calcified for further PTC incidence comparison. Besides, a total of 100 macro-calcified thyroid nodules with both results of US-FNAB and BRAF V600E mutation were screened out for subsequent evaluation of diagnostic efficiency. RESULTS Compared to non-calcification, macrocalcification showed a significantly higher incidence of PTC (31.5% vs. 23.2%, P<0.05). Additionally, when compared with a single US-FNAB, the combination of US-FNAB and BRAF V600E mutation showed better diagnostic efficiency in diagnosing macro-calcified thyroid nodule (area under the curve (AUC) 0.94 vs. 0.84, P=0.03), with a significantly higher sensitivity (100.0% vs. 67.2%, P<0.01) and a comparable standard of specificity (88.9% vs. 100.0%, P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS Occurrence of macrocalcification in thyroid nodules may suggest a high risk of PTC, and the combination of US-FNAB and BRAF V600E showed a greater value in identifying macro-calcified thyroid nodules, especially with significantly higher sensitivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION The Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (2018-026).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Ye
- Department of Endocrinology, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, People's Hospital of Yuhuan, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Departments of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China
| | - Xiaohua Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China.
| | - Wenjun Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, China.
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Fu Y, Sun Y, Pei Q, Han X, Qin W, Mei F, Tan S, Cui L. Factors Influencing the Sample Adequacy of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration from Solid Thyroid Nodules for Liquid-Based Cytology: A Demographic, Sonographic, and Technical Perspective. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58111639. [PMID: 36422179 PMCID: PMC9698410 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To identify factors that influence the sample adequacy of solid thyroid nodules based on ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with subsequent liquid-based cytology. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 855 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA at our hospital between July 2019 and July 2020. The final analysis included 801 solid thyroid nodules in 801 patients. After reviewing the demographic data, ultrasonic features, and FNA technique-related factors, we defined 14 potential variables. For cytological results, the Bethesda categories II−VI were defined as adequate sample results. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors that influenced sample adequacy. Results: The adequate sample rate was 87.1%. The univariate analysis showed that four factors were related to adequate sampling in patients with thyroid FNA. These factors included age (p < 0.001), nodule orientation (p = 0.0232), calcification (p = 0.0034), and operator experience (p = 0.0286). After the multivariate analysis, five independent factors were identified to improve the diagnostic results of FNA for solid thyroid nodules: (1) the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.810; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.076−3.045; p = 0.0254), (2) a taller-than-wide orientation (OR = 2.038; 95% CI: 1.260−3.296; p = 0.0037), (3) the presence of calcification (OR = 1.767; 95% CI: 1.115−2.799; p = 0.0153), (4) four needle passes to obtain material (OR = 1.750; 95% CI: 1.094−2.799; p = 0.0196), and (5) an experienced operator (OR = 0.561; 95% CI: 0.319−0.987; p = 0.0451). Conclusions: A taller-than-wide orientation, the presence of calcification, and the presence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were found to affect the sample adequacy of ultrasound-guided FNA with liquid-based cytology. The sample adequacy could be improved when FNA is performed with four needle passes by experienced doctors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qianqian Pei
- Department of Ultrasound, Tongxiang First People’s Hospital, Tongxiang 314500, China
| | - Xiaobo Han
- Department of Ultrasound, Qinhuangdao Third Hospital, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Ultrasound, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441021, China
| | - Fang Mei
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Third Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shi Tan
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ligang Cui
- Department of Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13263493931
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Comparison of diagnostic accuracy and utility of artificial intelligence-optimized ACR TI-RADS and original ACR TI-RADS: a multi-center validation study based on 2061 thyroid nodules. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:7733-7742. [PMID: 35505119 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if artificial intelligence-based modification of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting Data System (TI-RADS) would be better than the current American College of Radiology (ACR) TI-RADS for risk stratification of thyroid nodules. METHODS A total of 2061 thyroid nodules (in 1859 patients) sampled with fine-needle aspiration or operation were retrospectively analyzed between January 2017 and July 2020. Two radiologists blinded to the pathologic diagnosis evaluated nodule features in five ultrasound categories and assigned TI-RADS scores by both ACR TI-RADS and AI TI-RADS. Inter-rater agreement was assessed by asking another two radiologists to score a set of 100 nodules independently. The reference standard was postoperative pathological or cytopathological diagnosis according to the Bethesda system. Inter-rater agreement was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS AI TI-RADS assigned lower TI-RADS risk levels than ACR TI-RADS (p < 0.001) and had larger area under receiver operating characteristic curve (0.762 vs. 0.679, p < 0.001). The sensitivities of ACR TI-RADS and AI TI-RADS were similar (86.7% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.052), but specificity was higher with AI TI-RADS (70.2% vs. 49.2%, p < 0.001). AI TI-RADS downgraded 743 (48.63%) benign nodules, indicating that 328 (42.3% of 776 biopsied nodules) unnecessary fine-needle aspirations (FNA) could have been avoided. Inter-rater agreement was better with AI TI-RADS than with ACR TI-RADS (ICC, 0.808 vs. 0.861, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION AI TI-RADS can achieve meaningful reduction in the number of benign thyroid nodules recommended for biopsy and significantly improve specificity despite a slight decrease in sensitivity. KEY POINTS • AI TI-RADS assigned lower TI-RADS risk levels than ACR TI-RADS, showing similar sensitivity but higher specificity. • Half of the benign nodules can be downgraded of which 42.3% of biopsy nodules avoided unnecessary fine-needle aspiration (FNA). • AI TI-RADS had a better overall inter-rater agreement.
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Deep learning-based artificial intelligence model to assist thyroid nodule diagnosis and management: a multicentre diagnostic study. LANCET DIGITAL HEALTH 2021; 3:e250-e259. [PMID: 33766289 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(21)00041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into thyroid nodule management require additional development and testing. We developed a deep-learning AI model (ThyNet) to differentiate between malignant tumours and benign thyroid nodules and aimed to investigate how ThyNet could help radiologists improve diagnostic performance and avoid unnecessary fine needle aspiration. METHODS ThyNet was developed and trained on 18 049 images of 8339 patients (training set) from two hospitals (the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China) and tested on 4305 images of 2775 patients (total test set) from seven hospitals (the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; the Guangzhou Army General Hospital, Guangzhou, China; the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China) in three stages. All nodules in the training and total test set were pathologically confirmed. The diagnostic performance of ThyNet was first compared with 12 radiologists (test set A); a ThyNet-assisted strategy, in which ThyNet assisted diagnoses made by radiologists, was developed to improve diagnostic performance of radiologists using images (test set B); the ThyNet assisted strategy was then tested in a real-world clinical setting (using images and videos; test set C). In a simulated scenario, the number of unnecessary fine needle aspirations avoided by ThyNet-assisted strategy was calculated. FINDINGS The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for accurate diagnosis of ThyNet (0·922 [95% CI 0·910-0·934]) was significantly higher than that of the radiologists (0·839 [0·834-0·844]; p<0·0001). Furthermore, ThyNet-assisted strategy improved the pooled AUROC of the radiologists from 0·837 (0·832-0·842) when diagnosing without ThyNet to 0·875 (0·871-0·880; p<0·0001) with ThyNet for reviewing images, and from 0·862 (0·851-0·872) to 0·873 (0·863-0·883; p<0·0001) in the clinical test, which used images and videos. In the simulated scenario, the number of fine needle aspirations decreased from 61·9% to 35·2% using the ThyNet-assisted strategy, while missed malignancy decreased from 18·9% to 17·0%. INTERPRETATION The ThyNet-assisted strategy can significantly improve the diagnostic performance of radiologists and help reduce unnecessary fine needle aspirations for thyroid nodules. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangzhou Science and Technology Project.
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Wei P, Jiang N, Ding J, Xiang J, Wang L, Wang H, Gu Y, Luo D, Han Z. The Diagnostic Role of Computed Tomography for ACR TI-RADS 4-5 Thyroid Nodules With Coarse Calcifications. Front Oncol 2020; 10:911. [PMID: 32582556 PMCID: PMC7289989 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Coarse calcifications are prone to cause echo attenuation during ultrasonography (US) and hence affect the classification of benign and malignant nodules. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic role of computed tomography (CT) for differentiating the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 4–5 nodules with coarse calcifications. Methods: CT data of 216 ACR TI-RADS 4–5 nodules with coarse calcifications confirmed by surgery and pathology in 207 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Halo sign, artifacts, and CT values (i.e., Hounsfield unit) of the nodules were determined by two radiologists. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to determine the relationship of halo sign, artifact, and CT value with benign nodules. A predictive model for benign nodules with coarse calcifications was then constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of halo sign, artifact, CT value, and logistic regression model. Results: Of the 216 ACR TI-RADS 4–5 nodules with coarse calcifications, 170 were benign and 46 were malignant. There were 92 benign and 7 malignant nodules with halo sign (χ2 = 22.067, P < 0.001), and 79 benign and 10 malignant nodules with artifacts (χ2 = 9.140, P < 0.001). The CT values of benign and malignant nodules were 791 (543–1,025) Hu and 486 (406–670) Hu, respectively (Z = −5.394, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression demonstrated that the halo sign, artifact, and CT value were independent predictors for benign nodules with coarse calcifications. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of halo sign, artifact, CT value and regression model for predicting benign nodules with coarse calcifications were 0.776, 0.711, 0.784, and 0.850, respectively, and the optimal threshold of CT value was 627.5 Hu. Conclusion: Halo sign, artifact, and CT value > 627.5 Hu were helpful for identifying ACR TI-RADS 4–5 thyroid benign nodules with coarse calcifications. The diagnostic performance of the logistic regression model was higher than that of any single indicator. Accurate identification of these indicators could identify benign nodules and reduce unnecessary surgical trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Wei
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Niandong Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Chunan County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinwang Ding
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - JingJing Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luoyu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haibin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Gu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - DingCun Luo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhijiang Han
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Wei PY, Jiang ND, Xiang JJ, Xu CK, Ding JW, Wang HB, Luo DC, Han ZJ. Hounsfield Unit Values in ACR TI-RADS 4-5 Thyroid Nodules with Coarse Calcifications: An Important Imaging Feature Helpful for Diagnosis. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:2711-2717. [PMID: 32368148 PMCID: PMC7184120 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s242524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the diagnostic role of Hounsfield unit (HU) values on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) for differentiating benignity from malignancy in the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 4-5 nodules with coarse calcifications. Patients and Methods CT images of 216 ACR TI-RADS 4-5 nodules with coarse calcifications from 207 patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The average HU values (AHUVs) and maximum HU values (MHUVs) of the nodules were measured on noncontrast CT. The distribution of AHUVs and MHUVs in benign and malignant nodules with coarse calcifications was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the best cut-off values. Diagnostic performances were assessed according to the area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity. Results Of the 216 ACR TI-RADS 4-5 nodules with coarse calcifications, 170 were benign and 46 were malignant. The AHUVs of benign and malignant nodules were 791 HU [interquartile range (IQR), 543-1025 HU] and 486 HU (IQR, 406-670 HU), respectively (P < 0.001). The MHUVs of benign and malignant nodules were 1084 HU (IQR, 717-1477 HU) and 677 HU (IQR, 441-986 HU), respectively (P < 0.001). The AUCs for AHUVs and MHUVs for predicting benign nodules with coarse calcifications were 0.759 and 0.732, and the cut-off values were 627.5 HU and 806.0 HU, with sensitivities of 67.6% and 68.8% and specificities of 73.9% and 67.4%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the combination were 68.8% and 76.1%. Conclusion AHUVs and MHUVs were helpful in differentiating benignity from malignancy in ACR TI-RADS 4-5 nodules with coarse calcifications. This may provide an important basis for reducing misdiagnosis and unnecessary aspiration or surgical trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ying Wei
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Dong Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Chunan County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Ke Xu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Wang Ding
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Bin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding-Cun Luo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Jiang Han
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
The presence of a thyroid nodule may be recognized by the patient or the clinician on palpation of the neck or it may be an incidental finding during an imaging study for some other indication. The method of detection is less important, however, than distinguishing benign lesions from more aggressive neoplasms. This article outlines the diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of thyroid nodules including biochemical testing, imaging, and, when appropriate, fine-needle aspiration. In addition, the authors review the natural history of benign nodules, follow-up strategies, and indications for repeat aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Maxwell
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 26 Research Way, East Setauket, NY 11733, USA
| | - Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1581 Dodd Drive, 5th Floor McCampbell Hall, South, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Zhang LX, Xiang JJ, Wei PY, Ding JW, Luo DC, Peng ZY, Han ZJ. Diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) histogram analysis in thyroid benign solitary coarse calcification nodules. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2018; 19:211-217. [PMID: 29504314 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1700119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the computed tomography (CT) histogram in thyroid benign solitary coarse calcification nodules (BSCNs). A total of 89 thyroid solitary coarse calcification nodules (coarse calcification ≥5 mm, no definite soft tissue around calcification) confirmed either by surgery or histopathological examination in 86 cases enrolled from January 2009 to December 2015 were evaluated. These included 56 BSCNs and 33 malignant solitary coarse calcification nodules (MSCNs). Overall, 27 cut-off values were calculated by N (4≤N≤30) times of 50 Hounsfield units (HU) in the range of 200 to 1500 HU, and each cut-off value and the differences in the corresponding area percentages in the CT histogram were recorded for BSCN and MSCN. The optimal cut-off value and the corresponding area percentage were established by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In the 19 groups with an ROC area under curve (AUC) of more than 0.7, at a cut-off value of 800 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the ROC AUC reached the maximum of 0.79, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 75.3%, 80.4%, and 66.7%, respectively. At a cut-off value of 1050 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.6%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 71.9%, 60.7%, and 90.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 1150 HU and area of no more than 98.4%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 70.8%, 57.1%, and 93.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 600 HU and area of no more than 12.1%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 61.8%, 39.3%, and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with the cut-off value of 800 HU and an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the sensitivity of cut-off values and minimum areas of 1050 HU and 93.6%, of 1150 HU and 98.4%, and of 600 HU and 12.1%, was gradually decreasing; however, their specificity was gradually increasing. This can provide an important basis for reducing the misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Xing Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jing-Jing Xiang
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Pei-Ying Wei
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jin-Wang Ding
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Ding-Cun Luo
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Peng
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Zhi-Jiang Han
- Department of Radiology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Scimeca M, Bischetti S, Lamsira HK, Bonfiglio R, Bonanno E. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis: A powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnosis. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62:2841. [PMID: 29569878 PMCID: PMC5907194 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis is a technique of elemental analysis associated to electron microscopy based on the generation of characteristic Xrays that reveals the presence of elements present in the specimens. The EDX microanalysis is used in different biomedical fields by many researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, most of the scientific community is not fully aware of its possible applications. The spectrum of EDX microanalysis contains both semi-qualitative and semi-quantitative information. EDX technique is made useful in the study of drugs, such as in the study of drugs delivery in which the EDX is an important tool to detect nanoparticles (generally, used to improve the therapeutic performance of some chemotherapeutic agents). EDX is also used in the study of environmental pollution and in the characterization of mineral bioaccumulated in the tissues. In conclusion, the EDX can be considered as a useful tool in all works that require element determination, endogenous or exogenous, in the tissue, cell or any other sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Department of Biomedicine and Prevention.
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11
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Song YS, Kim JH, Na DG, Min HS, Won JK, Yun TJ, Choi SH, Sohn CH. Ultrasonographic Differentiation Between Nodular Hyperplasia and Neoplastic Follicular-Patterned Lesions of the Thyroid Gland. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:1816-1824. [PMID: 27166018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We evaluate the gray-scale ultrasonographic characteristics that differentiate between nodular hyperplasia (NH) and neoplastic follicular-patterned lesions (NFPLs) of the thyroid gland. Ultrasonographic features of 750 patients with 832 thyroid nodules (NH, n = 361; or NFPLs, follicular adenoma, n = 123; follicular carcinoma, n = 159; and follicular variant papillary carcinoma, n = 189) were analyzed. Except for echogenicity, over two-thirds of the cases of NH and NFPLs share the ultrasonographic characteristics of solid internal content, a well-defined smooth margin and round-to-ovoid shape. Independent predictors for NH were non-solid internal content (sensitivity 27.1%, specificity 90.2%), isoechogenicity (sensitivity 69.5%, specificity 63.5%) and an ill-defined margin (sensitivity 18.8%, specificity 94.5%). Independent predictors for NFPLs were hypoechogenicity (sensitivity 60.5%, specificity 70.4%), marked hypoechogenicity (sensitivity 2.8%, specificity 99.4%) and taller-than-wide shape (sensitivity 6.6%, specificity 98.1%). Although NH and NFPLs commonly share ultrasonographic characteristics, non-solid internal content and ill-defined margin are specific to NH and marked hypoechogenicity and taller-than-wide shape are specific to NFPLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sub Song
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Dong Gyu Na
- Department of Radiology, Thyroid Clinic, Human Medical Imaging & Intervention Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Sook Min
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Kyung Won
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Jin Yun
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hong Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Sohn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Kim GR, Kim EK, Kwak JY, Yoon JH, Moon HJ. Association between Bethesda Categories and Ultrasound Features of Conventional Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:1066-1074. [PMID: 26895756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The association between categories 3, 5 and 6 of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and the clinical and ultrasonography (US) features of conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was evaluated. We included 2005 patients diagnosed with conventional PTC at surgery and Bethesda categories 3, 5 and 6 at pre-operative US-guided fine-needle aspiration. Multinomial regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio (ORs) of each US feature associated with category 3 or 5, with category 6 as reference. Category 3 and 5 PTCs were smaller (ORs = 0.925 and 0.937) and did not exhibit marked hypo-echogenicity (ORs = 0.341 and 0.268) compared with category 6 PTCs. Category 3 and 5 PTCs exhibited significant macrocalcification (ORs = 2.372 and 1.594) and heterogeneous parenchyma (OR = 1.265 in category 5). In conclusion, conventional PTCs pre-operatively aspirated as Bethesda category 3, 5 or 6 significantly differ in size, macrocalcification, underlying thyroid parenchymal echogenicity and final assessment of US features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ga Ram Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Young Kwak
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Yoon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jung Moon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Yi KS, Kim JH, Na DG, Seo H, Min HS, Won JK, Yun TJ, Ryoo I, Kim SC, Choi SH, Sohn CH. Usefulness of core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications: comparison with fine-needle aspiration. Thyroid 2015; 25:657-64. [PMID: 25851539 PMCID: PMC4490626 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was performed to determine the benefits of core needle biopsy (CNB), as compared with fine-needle aspiration (FNA), for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was waived. From February 2010 to March 2012, the study included 147 thyroid nodules with macrocalcification of 145 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous FNA and CNB for each nodule. Diagnostic accuracy and inconclusive diagnoses, including nondiagnostic reading and atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance reading were compared among FNA, CNB, and a combination of FNA and CNB (FNA/CNB) using McNemar's test; the benefits of CNB were calculated. RESULTS Compared to FNA, CNB and FNA/CNB showed fewer inconclusive diagnoses (FNA vs. CNB: 62/147 [42.2%] vs. 14/147 [9.5%], p<0.001; FNA vs. FNA/CNB 62/147 [42.2%] vs. 14/147 [9.5%], p<0.001), resulting in the avoidance of repeat FNA or diagnostic surgery in 48 of 62 patients (77.4%, respectively in CNB and FNA/CNB) who would have undergone these procedures if only FNA was performed. Compared to FNA, FNA/CNB showed higher sensitivity and accuracy (sensitivity: 23/32 [71.9%] vs. 31/32 [96.9%], p=0.008; accuracy: 77/86 [89.5%] vs. 85/86 [98.8%], p=0.008), resulting in avoidance of delayed surgery in eight of nine patients (88.9%) with thyroid cancer in whom the surgery would have been missed if FNA only had been performed. CONCLUSION In the workup of thyroid nodules with macrocalcification, compared with FNA alone, FNA/CNB decreases inconclusive diagnoses and increases sensitivity, thereby reducing repeated FNA procedures, diagnostic surgeries, and delayed therapeutic surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Sik Yi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Radiology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Ji-hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Gyu Na
- Human Medical Imaging & Intervention Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyobin Seo
- Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Sook Min
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Kyung Won
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Jin Yun
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inseon Ryoo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Chin Kim
- Department of Radiology, SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hong Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Sohn
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Arpaci D, Ozdemir D, Cuhaci N, Dirikoc A, Kilicyazgan A, Guler G, Ersoy R, Cakir B. Evaluation of cytopathological findings in thyroid nodules with macrocalcification: macrocalcification is not innocent as it seems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:939-45. [DOI: 10.1590/0004-2730000003602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective Microcalcification is strongly correlated with papillary thyroid cancer. It is not clear whether macrocalcification is associated with malignancy. In this study, we aimed to assess the result of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications. Subjects and methods We retrospectively evaluated 269 patients (907 nodules). Macrocalcifications were classified as eggshell and parenchymal macrocalcification. FNAB results were divided into four groups: benign, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, and non-diagnostic. Results There were 79.9% female and 20.1% male and mean age was 56.9 years. Macrocalcification was detected in 46.3% nodules and 53.7% nodules had no macrocalcification. Parenchymal and eggshell macrocalcification were observed in 40.5% and 5.8% nodules, respectively. Cytologically, malignant and suspicious for malignancy rates were higher in nodules with macrocalcification compared to nodules without macrocalcification (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). Benign and non-diagnostic cytology results were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). Nodules with eggshell calcification had higher rate of suspicious for malignancy and nodules with parenchymal macrocalcification had higher rates of malignant and suspicious for malignancy compared to those without macrocalcification (p = 0.01, p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions Our findings suggest that macrocalcifications are not always benign and are not associated with increased nondiagnostic FNAB results. Macrocalcification, particularly the parenchymal type should be taken into consideration. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):939-45
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15
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Aydın H, Arda K. Do intranodular macrocalcifications really play an important role in sonographic prediction of malignancy? Yonsei Med J 2014; 55:1450-1. [PMID: 25048511 PMCID: PMC4108838 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2014.55.5.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Aydın
- Department of Radiology, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Kemal Arda
- Department of Radiology, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Ha EJ, Baek JH, Lee JH, Kim JK, Kim JK, Lim HK, Song DE, Sung TY, Kim TY, Kim WB, Shong YK. Core needle biopsy can minimise the non-diagnostic results and need for diagnostic surgery in patients with calcified thyroid nodules. Eur Radiol 2014; 24:1403-9. [PMID: 24604217 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3123-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the role of core needle biopsy (CNB) for calcified thyroid nodules. METHODS Between October 2008 and July 2011, 264 patients underwent ultrasound-guided CNB for 272 calcified thyroid nodules at our institution. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence of technical failure, non-diagnostic readings, and the diagnostic performance of CNB, and analysed the relationship between the types of calcification and the CNB results. Finally, the incidence of diagnostic surgery was calculated. RESULTS The incidence of technical failure was 1.1 % (3/275) and that of non-diagnostic results was 0.7 % (2/272). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CNB were 94.7 %, 89.5 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 90.2 %, respectively. There were no significant differences according to the calcification subtype for either the non-diagnostic results or the incidence of technical failure (P > 0.99 and P > 0.99). CNB could prevent diagnostic surgery for 92.9 % (13/14) of the patients who showed more than two non-diagnostic results in previous FNA. CONCLUSIONS CNB can minimise the non-diagnostic results as well as diagnostic surgery in patients with calcified thyroid nodules. Therefore, CNB may be used as a first-line diagnostic tool for calcified thyroid nodules rather than FNA. KEY POINTS CNB results show the low incidence of technical failure (1.1 %, 3/275). • CNB results show the low non-diagnostic rate (0.7 %, 2/272). There were no significant differences according to the calcification subtype. CNB can prevent unnecessary diagnostic surgery in 92.9 % (13/14).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ju Ha
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, 86 Asanbyeongwon-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 138-736, Korea
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Lee SH, Kim MH, Bae JS, Lim DJ, Jung SL, Jung CK. Clinical outcomes in patients with non-diagnostic thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology: usefulness of the thyroid core needle biopsy. Ann Surg Oncol 2014; 21:1870-7. [PMID: 24526545 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with non-diagnostic thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) results undergo repeat FNAC or core needle biopsy (CNB) for definite diagnosis or surgical resection, or are followed up by clinical and ultrasound surveillance. We aimed at evaluating the risk of malignancy in patients with non-diagnostic FNACs and their clinical outcomes according to the follow-up modality. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 1,496 (8.8 %) cases with a non-diagnostic result on a first aspiration among 17,045 thyroid FNACs performed between October 2008 and August 2012. Of the non-diagnostic FNACs, 389 patients underwent a second FNAC; 125, CNB; and 89, thyroidectomy by clinical indication. The remaining patients were clinically followed up. RESULTS The rate of a second non-diagnostic result was significantly higher on repeat FNAC than on CNB (33.2 vs. 2.4 %; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the malignancy risk among patients initially non-diagnostic, twice non-diagnostic, and thrice or more non-diagnostic, nor did this differ from the rate following CNB. No further malignancy was found in cases with ≥2 non-diagnostic CNBs. The malignancy risk was 51 % in those who underwent thyroidectomy. The sensitivity for detecting malignancy was 65 and 70 % for repeat FNACs and first CNBs, respectively, with no false positives seen in either test. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one-third of repeat FNACs after an initial non-diagnostic aspirate are non-diagnostic on repeat examination, and the malignancy risk may not reduce following repetitively non-diagnostic FNACs. However, a single CNB may be enough to exclude malignancy risk for patients with a non-diagnostic aspirate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hak Lee
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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