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Bozer A, Çetin Tunçez H, Kul TD, Argon A. Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Thyroid Nodules with Nondiagnostic and Atypia of Undetermined Significance in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology. J Belg Soc Radiol 2024; 108:52. [PMID: 38737380 PMCID: PMC11086593 DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to investigate ultrasound (US) features of thyroid nodules categorized as nondiagnostic (ND) and atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and their potential implications for clinical management. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent thyroid nodules FNAC between 2019 and 2023. Nodules falling into the ND and AUS categories were analyzed for US features, nodule size, composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, echogenic foci, the distribution of the American College of Radiology's Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) categories, and other parameters. The study included a total of 1,199 patients and 1,252 nodules (ND: 1110; AUS: 142). Results No significant differences in age, gender, nodule features, echogenicity, shape, margin, echogenic foci, TI-RADS scores, localization, number of nodules, or thyroid parenchymal disease presence were found between the ND and AUS categories (p > 0.05). Also, no statistically significant difference in nodule size (<10 mm vs. ≥10 mm) existed between the ND and AUS categories (p = 0.475). Both showed predominantly solid composition and hyperechoic/isoechoic echogenicity. High proportions of TI-RADS 4 nodules were observed in both groups, with 727 (65.5%) in ND and 95 (66.9%) in AUS. Conclusion This study found no statistically significant differences in US characteristics between the ND and AUS categories, indicating potential similarities in their radiological appearances. Also, no significant difference in nodule size (<10 mm and ≥10 mm) was observed between these categories. Clinical management should consider further investigations, including repeat FNAC, due to the diagnostic challenges and malignancy risk in both categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Bozer
- Department of Radiology, İzmir City Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Tuğçe Doğa Kul
- Department of Radiology, İzmir City Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Asuman Argon
- Department of Pathology, İzmir City Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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Li Q, Yang L, Yang L, Jiang X, Li S. Utility of Six Ultrasound-Based Risk Stratification Systems in the Diagnosis of AUS/FLUS Thyroid Nodules. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:131-141. [PMID: 37225530 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To estimate the diagnostic performance of the currently used ultrasound (US)-based risk stratification systems (RSSs) (American Thyroid Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Association Medici Endocrinology Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Diagnosis and Management of Thyroid Nodules, European Thyroid Association Guidelines for Ultrasound Malignancy Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules in Adults [EU-TIRADS], American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [ACR-TIRADS], Chinese Guidelines for Ultrasound Malignancy Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules [C-TIRADS], and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Developed by Kwak et al [Kwak-TIRADS]) for atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 514 consecutive AUS/FLUS nodules in 481 patients with final diagnosis. The US characteristics were reviewed and classified using the categories defined by each RSS. The diagnostic performance was evaluated and compared using a generalized estimating equation method. RESULTS Of the 514 AUS/FLUS nodules, 148 (28.8%) were malignant and 366 (71.2%) were benign. The calculated malignancy rate increased from the low-risk to high-risk categories for all RSSs (all P < .001). Interobserver correlation for both US features and RSSs showed substantial to almost perfect agreement. The diagnostic efficacy of Kwak-TIRADS (AUC=0.808) and C-TIRADS (AUC=0.804) were similar (P = .721) and higher than those of other RSSs (all P < .05). The EU-TIRADS and Kwak-TIRADS exhibited similar sensitivity (86.5% vs 85.1%, P = .739) and were only higher than that of the C-TIRADS (all P < .05). The specificity of C-TIRADS and ACR-TIRADS were similar (78.1% vs 72.1%, P = .06) and were higher than those of other RSSs (all P < .05). CONCLUSION Currently used RSSs can provide risk stratification for AUS/FLUS nodules. Kwak-TIRADS and C-TIRADS have the highest diagnostic efficacy in identifying malignant AUS/FLUS nodules. A detailed knowledge of the benefits and shortcomings of the various RSSs is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, 3 Rd East Qingchun, Hangzhou 310016, China (Q.L., L.Y., L.Y., S.L.)
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, 3 Rd East Qingchun, Hangzhou 310016, China (Q.L., L.Y., L.Y., S.L.)
| | - Liming Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, 3 Rd East Qingchun, Hangzhou 310016, China (Q.L., L.Y., L.Y., S.L.)
| | - Xianfeng Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (X.J.)
| | - Shiyan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, 3 Rd East Qingchun, Hangzhou 310016, China (Q.L., L.Y., L.Y., S.L.).
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Kang YJ, Ahn HS, Stybayeva G, Lee JE, Hwang SH. Comparison of diagnostic performance of two ultrasound risk stratification systems for thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2023; 128:1407-1414. [PMID: 37665419 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-023-01709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assume the ideal cut-off values and diagnostic performance of two thyroid imaging reporting and data systems published by the Korean Thyroid Association/Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (Korean TI-RADS) and the American Thyroid Association (ATA TI-RADS). METHODS Eighteen studies with 25,422 patients from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to August 2022. True and false positive and negative values with characteristics were extracted. RESULTS The highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.893 and 0.887 for Korean and ATA TI-RADS. High suspicion was judged as the best cut-off value with the highest AUC based on optimal sensitivity and specificity. In determining the risk of malignant thyroid nodules, high suspicion in Korean and ATA TI-RADS showed sensitivity as 71.3% and 73.5%, specificity as 7.9% and 86.4%, diagnostic odds ratios as 20.0289 and 20.9076, AUC as 0.893 and 0.887. There was no significant difference when directly comparing the diagnostic accuracy of both TI-RADS. CONCLUSION The two risk stratification systems had good diagnostic performance with high AUC and no significant differences. The ideal cut-off can depend on the medical condition or thyroid nodules, because the changes of cut-off point may reciprocally alter sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jin Kang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hee Sun Ahn
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ju Eun Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 327 Sosa-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, 14647, Korea
| | - Se Hwan Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 327 Sosa-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, 14647, Korea.
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Xing Z, Qiu Y, Zhu J, Su A, Wu W. Diagnostic performance of ultrasound risk stratification systems on thyroid nodules cytologically classified as indeterminate: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasonography 2023; 42:518-531. [PMID: 37697824 PMCID: PMC10555695 DOI: 10.14366/usg.23055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultrasound (US) risk stratification systems (RSSs) are increasingly being utilized for the optimal management of thyroid nodules, including those with indeterminate cytology. The goal of this study was to evaluate the category-based diagnostic performance of US RSSs in identifying malignancy in indeterminate nodules. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021266195). PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched through December 1, 2022. Original articles reporting data on the performance of US RSSs for indeterminate nodules were included. The numbers of nodules classified as true negative, true positive, false negative, and false positive were extracted. RESULTS Thirty-three studies evaluating 7,225 indeterminate thyroid nodules were included. The diagnostic accuracy was quantitatively synthesized using a Bayesian bivariate model based on the integrated nested Laplace approximation in R. For the intermediate- to high-risk category, the sensitivity levels of the American College of Radiology, the American Thyroid Association, the European Thyroid Association, the Korean Thyroid Association/Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology, and Kwak et al. were found to be 0.80, 0.72, 0.76, 0.96, and 0.97, respectively. The corresponding specificity measurements were 0.36, 0.50, 0.49, 0.28, and 0.17. Furthermore, for the high-risk category, the sensitivity values were 0.40, 0.46, 0.55, 0.47, and 0.10, while the specificity levels were 0.91, 0.90, 0.71, 0.91, and 0.99, respectively. CONCLUSION The overall diagnostic performance of the US RSSs was moderate in the differentiation of indeterminate nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Xing
- Center of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxuan Qiu
- Ultrasound Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingqiang Zhu
- Center of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anping Su
- Center of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenshuang Wu
- Center of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Słowińska-Klencka D, Popowicz B, Klencki M. Real-Time Ultrasonography and the Evaluation of Static Images Yield Different Results in the Assessment of EU-TIRADS Categories. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5809. [PMID: 37762750 PMCID: PMC10532169 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185809] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The studies on the effectiveness of various TIRADS in the diagnostics of thyroid nodules differ in the method of ultrasound image assessment: real time (rtUS) vs. static ultrasonography (stUS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of those two methods on the categorization of nodules in EU-TIRADS. Three experienced raters assessed 842 nodules in routine rtUS and reassessed with the use of sUS. Reproducibility of the assessment of malignancy risk features and categorization of nodules with EU-TIRADS was estimated with Krippendorff's alpha coefficient (Kα). The reproducibility of EU-TIRADS categories on sUS in relation to rtUS was in range 70.9-76.5% for all raters (Kα: 0.60-0.68) with the highest reproducibility for category 3 (80.0-86.5%) and the lowest for category 5 (48.7-77.8%). There was a total disagreement of the identification of microcalcifications on sUS in relation to rtUS, a strongly variable reproducibility of marked hypoechogenicity (12.5-84.6%, Kα: 0.14-0.48) and a tendency toward more frequent identification of the non-oval shape on sUS. The percentage of agreement for each pair of raters in assigning the EU-TIRADS category on sUS was in the range 71.6-72.3% (Kα: 0.60-0.62). The method of sonographic image evaluation influences the nodule's feature assessment and, eventually, the categorization within EU-TIRADS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Słowińska-Klencka
- Department of Morphometry of Endocrine Glands, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 251, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (B.P.); (M.K.)
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Parpounas C, Constantinides V. Advances in Molecular Profiling and Their Potential Influence on the Extent of Surgery in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma (WDTC). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1382. [PMID: 37374164 DOI: 10.3390/life13061382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer surgery has evolved dramatically with advances in our understanding of the biological behaviour of WDTC. Molecular profiling is shedding light on the subset that may behave aggressively. In an era when thyroid cancer management is becoming increasingly conservative, decision making regarding the extent of surgery must be objectively guided by molecular markers. The aim of the present article is to summarise the current published literature and provide possible practice recommendations. An online search for relevant published articles was performed using several databases. Title, abstract, and full-text screening, along with data extraction, was performed by two independent reviewers after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. A total of 1241 articles were identified, and 82 relevant articles were extracted and scrutinised. BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations were found to be associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and distant metastases. Several other mutations have been identified that enhance disease aggressiveness (such as RET/PTC, PTEN, and TP53). One of the most important determinants of the outcome in WDTC is the extent of surgical resection. The evolution of molecular testing has reached a stage of personalised incorporation into surgical practice. Guidelines for molecular testing and surgery in WDTC will need to be clearly defined, arguably representing the next chapter in the management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Parpounas
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Evangelistria Medical Centre, 1 Michael Giorgalla Street, 1095 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vasilis Constantinides
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Evangelistria Medical Centre, 1 Michael Giorgalla Street, 1095 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, 93 Ayiou Nikolaou Street, Engomi, 2408 Nicosia, Cyprus
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Kim DH, Kim SW, Basurrah MA, Lee J, Hwang SH. Diagnostic Performance of Six Ultrasound Risk Stratification Systems for Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023; 220:791-803. [PMID: 36752367 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Risk stratification systems for evaluating thyroid nodules on ultrasound use varying approaches to classify levels of suspicion for malignancy, leading to variable performance. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform a network meta-analysis comparing six risk stratification systems used to evaluate thyroid nodules on ultrasound in terms of their diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid cancer. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION. Five bibliometric databases were searched for studies published through August 31, 2022, that compared at least two of six ultrasound risk stratification systems (the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi [AACE/ACE/AME] system; American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [ACR TI-RADS]; the American Thyroid Association [ATA] risk stratification system; European Thyroid Association Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [EU-TIRADS]; the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System [K-TIRADS] endorsed by the Korean Thyroid Association and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology; and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System developed by Kwak et al. [Kwak TIRADS]) in terms of their diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid cancer, with cytologic or histologic evaluation used as a reference standard. The studies' risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis of each system was performed to identify the risk category threshold that had the highest accuracy as well as the highest sensitivity and specificity at this threshold. Network meta-analysis was used to perform hierarchic ranking and identify the systems having the highest sensitivities and specificities at each system's most accurate threshold. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS. The analysis included 39 studies with 49,661 patients. All studies were of fair (n = 17) or good (n = 22) quality. The most accurate risk category thresholds were class 3 (high risk) for the AACE/ACE/AME system, TR5 (highly suspicious) for ACR TI-RADS, EU-TIRADS 5 (high risk) for EU-TIRADS, 4c (moderate concern but not classic for malignancy) for Kwak TIRADS, K-TIRADS 5 (high suspicion) for K-TIRADS, and high suspicion for the ATA system. At these thresholds, the systems had sensitivity of 64-77% and specificity of 82-90%. Network meta-analysis identified the highest sensitivity and highest specificity for ACR TI-RADS, followed by K-TIRADS. CONCLUSION. Of six risk stratification systems, ACR TI-RADS had the highest diagnostic performance for the detection of thyroid nodules on ultrasound. CLINICAL IMPACT. This network meta-analysis can inform decisions regarding implementation of the risk stratification systems and can aid future system updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Hyun Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Won Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Seoul Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Jueun Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 327 Sosa-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14647, Korea
| | - Se Hwan Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon Saint Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 327 Sosa-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 14647, Korea
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Kim JS, Kim BG, Stybayeva G, Hwang SH. Diagnostic Performance of Various Ultrasound Risk Stratification Systems for Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: A Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020424. [PMID: 36672373 PMCID: PMC9857194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound risk-stratification systems for the discrimination of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and to determine the optimal cutoff values of individual risk-stratification systems. METHODS PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were searched up to August 2022. Sensitivity and specificity data were collected along with the characteristics of each study related to ultrasound risk stratification systems. RESULTS Sixty-seven studies involving 76,512 thyroid nodules were included in this research. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios, and area under the curves by K-TIRADS (4), ACR-TIRADS (TR5), ATA (high suspicion), EU-TIRADS (5), and Kwak-TIRADS (4b) for malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules were 92.5%, 63.5%, 69.8%, 70.6%, and 95.8%, respectively; 62.8%, 89.6%, 87.2%, 83.9%, and 63.8%, respectively; 20.7111, 16.8442, 15.7398, 12.2986, and 38.0578, respectively; and 0.792, 0.882, 0.859, 0.843, and 0.929, respectively. CONCLUSION All ultrasound-based risk-stratification systems had good diagnostic performance. Although this study determined the best cutoff values in individual risk-stratification systems based on statistical assessment, clinicians could adjust or alter cutoff values based on the clinical purpose of the ultrasound and the reciprocal changes in sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sun Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Guk Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Gulnaz Stybayeva
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Se Hwan Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-340-7044
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Abstract
Molecular diagnostic testing has had a profound impact on the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Based on the tremendous expansion of knowledge of the genomic landscape of thyroid cancer over the past few decades, tests have been developed, analyzed, modified, and implemented into clinical practice. Genomic testing of thyroid nodules to improve preoperative diagnosis has become an important component supporting decision-making in clinical care, reducing the need for diagnostic surgeries and improving accuracy of cancer risk assessment. In addition, a role for molecular testing of established thyroid cancers to assist in selection of therapeutic options for patients with advanced and/or progressive disease has been established. Research is ongoing to determine if molecular results should affect management of less aggressive forms of thyroid cancer earlier in clinical management. This review will outline the various commercial platforms for molecular diagnostics for nodules emphasizing their performance parameters and indications for use, as well as discuss the use of genomic analysis for progressive thyroid cancer and highlight opportunities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, 43210, OH, USA
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Co-leader, Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, 43210, OH, USA.
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Słowińska-Klencka D, Klencki M, Duda-Szymańska J, Popowicz B. Optimization of the Management of Category III Thyroid Nodules Using Repeat FNA and TIRADS. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184489. [PMID: 36139649 PMCID: PMC9496843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the benefits of the joint use of repeat FNA (rFNA) and EU-TIRADS in category III nodules in relation to the kind of atypia: nuclear vs. architectural (denoted by AUS and FLUS respectively). The study included 127 AUS and 1739 FLUS nodules with a known category of EU-TIRADS. Repeat FNA was performed in 82 AUS and 934 FLUS nodules of which 57 and 515 were excised, respectively. AUS nodules had higher malignancy risk than FLUS nodules. EU-TIRADS showed higher accuracy for AUS nodules, the opposite to rFNA, that had higher accuracy for FLUS nodules. The combined criterion for AUS nodules (at least rFNA-V or EU-TIRADS-4) maximized sensitivity (92.3%) with acceptable specificity (70.0%); OR: 28.0. In the case of FLUS nodules, the combined criterion (rFNA-V or EU-TIRADS-5) maximized specificity (95.2%) with 57.7% sensitivity and a low percentage (13.9%) of positive nodules, OR: 27.0. In both types of nodules, the low risk category in EU-TIRADS and benign result of rFNA excluded cancer. Concluding, category III nodules with and without nuclear atypia differ in their risk of malignancy and, consequently, diagnostic criteria adopted for the evaluation of these nodules with rFNA and EU-TIRADS should be specific to AUS and FLUS nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Słowińska-Klencka
- Department of Morphometry of Endocrine Glands, Medical University of Lodz, 251 Pomorska Str., 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (D.S.-K.); (M.K.)
| | - Mariusz Klencki
- Department of Morphometry of Endocrine Glands, Medical University of Lodz, 251 Pomorska Str., 92-213 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: (D.S.-K.); (M.K.)
| | - Joanna Duda-Szymańska
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lodz, 251 Pomorska Str., 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bożena Popowicz
- Department of Morphometry of Endocrine Glands, Medical University of Lodz, 251 Pomorska Str., 92-213 Lodz, Poland
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Lin Y, Lai S, Wang P, Li J, Chen Z, Wang L, Guan H, Kuang J. Performance of current ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems for thyroid nodules in patients with follicular neoplasms. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:3617-3630. [PMID: 34973102 PMCID: PMC9122875 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the ability of the currently used ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems for thyroid neoplasms (ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, K-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, ACR-TIRADS and C-TIRADS) in distinguishing follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA). Additionally, we evaluated the ability of these systems in correctly determining the indication for biopsy. METHODS Three hundred twenty-nine follicular neoplasms with definitive postoperative histopathology were included. The nodules were categorized according to each of six stratification systems, based on ultrasound findings. We dichotomized nodules into the positive predictive group of FTC (high and intermediate risk) and negative group of FTC based on the classification results. Missed biopsy was defined as neoplasms that were diagnosed as FTCs but for which biopsy was not indicated based on lesion classification. Unnecessary biopsy was defined as neoplasms that were diagnosed as FTAs but for whom biopsy was considered indicated based on classification. The diagnostic performance and missed and unnecessary biopsy rates were evaluated for each stratification system. RESULTS The area under the curve of each system for distinguishing follicular neoplasms was < 0.700 (range, 0.511-0.611). The missed biopsy rates were 9.0-22.4%. The missed biopsy rates for lesions ≤ 4 cm and lesions sized 2-4 cm were 16.2-35.1% and 0-20.0%, respectively. Unnecessary biopsy rates were 65.3-93.1%. In ≤ 4 cm group, the unnecessary biopsy rates were 62.2-89.7%. CONCLUSION The malignancy risk stratification systems can select appropriate nodules for biopsy in follicular neoplasms, while they have limitations in distinguishing follicular neoplasms and reducing unnecessary biopsy. Specific stratification systems and recommendations should be established for follicular neoplasms. KEY POINTS • Current ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems of thyroid nodules had low efficiency in the characterization of follicular neoplasms. • The adopted stratification systems showed acceptable performance for selecting FTC for biopsy but unsatisfactory performance for reducing unnecessary biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghe Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuiqing Lai
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiqing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinlian Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijiang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jian Kuang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Hurtado-Lopez LM, Carrillo-Muñoz A, Zaldivar-Ramirez FR, Basurto-Kuba EOP, Monroy-Lozano BE. Assessment of diagnostic capacity and decision-making based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association ultrasound classification system. World J Methodol 2022; 12:148-163. [PMID: 35721246 PMCID: PMC9157633 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i3.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfredo Carrillo-Muñoz
- Thyroid Clinic, General Surgery Service, Hospital General de Mexico, Mexico 06726, Mexico
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Belovarac B, Zhou F, Modi L, Sun W, Shafizadeh N, Negron R, Yee-Chang M, Szeto O, Simsir A, Sheth S, Brandler TC. Evaluation of ACR TI-RADS cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules and molecular profiles: a single-institutional experience. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2022; 11:165-172. [PMID: 35181254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) was developed to standardize thyroid ultrasound reports and predict the likelihood of malignancy. In our study, we aimed to correlate indeterminate thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology cases with preceding ultrasound (US) ACR TI-RADS scores and concurrent molecular testing results to examine how well the use of the ACR TI-RADS in our institution predicted which patients with indeterminate cytology might harbor molecular alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of thyroid nodules. Patients with US reports that included TI-RADS scores, fine needle aspiration specimens with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda class III-V), and molecular testing results were included. RESULTS A total of 46 indeterminate cytology cases had had preceding US reports with TI-RADS scores and molecular testing (Bethesda class III, n = 37; Bethesda class IV, n = 6; Bethesda class V, n = 3). Most of the indeterminate cases had had a TI-RADS score of TR4 (31 of 46; 67.39%) or TR5 (9 of 46; 19.57%). RAS mutations were the most common alteration (n = 12). Of the 46 cases, 22 (47.85%) showed no alterations. Ten cases proceeded to surgery, of which seven displayed malignancies. CONCLUSIONS Molecular testing in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules provided valuable information for TR4 and TR5 lesions; however, the TR2 and TR3 lesions often had no molecular alterations. These findings highlight the potential value of including US imaging features when assessing the significance of indeterminate cytology findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Belovarac
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lopa Modi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Pathology, Englewood Health, Englewood, New Jersey
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Negin Shafizadeh
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Raquel Negron
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Melissa Yee-Chang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Oliver Szeto
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Aylin Simsir
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Sheila Sheth
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Tamar C Brandler
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.
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Figge JJ, Gooding WE, Steward DL, Yip L, Sippel RS, Yang SP, Scheri RP, Sipos JA, Mandel SJ, Mayson SE, Burman KD, Folek JM, Haugen BR, Sosa JA, Parameswaran R, Tan WB, Nikiforov YE, Carty SE. Do Ultrasound Patterns and Clinical Parameters Inform the Probability of Thyroid Cancer Predicted by Molecular Testing in Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology? Thyroid 2021; 31:1673-1682. [PMID: 34340592 PMCID: PMC8917891 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Molecular testing (MT) is commonly used to refine cancer probability in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Whether or not ultrasound (US) patterns and clinical parameters can further inform the risk of thyroid cancer in nodules predicted to be positive or negative by MT remains unknown. The aim of this study was to test if clinical parameters, including patient age, sex, nodule size (by US), Bethesda category (III, IV, V), US pattern (American Thyroid Association [ATA] vs. American College of Radiology Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System [TI-RADS] systems), radiation exposure, or family history of thyroid cancer can modify the probability of thyroid cancer or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) predicted by MT. Methods: We studied 257 thyroid nodules in 232 patients from 10 study centers with indeterminate fine needle aspiration cytology and informative MT results using the ThyroSeq v3 genomic classifier (TSv3). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results: The presence of cancer/NIFTP was associated with positive TSv3 results (odds ratio 61.39, p < 0.0001). On univariate regression, patient sex, age, and Bethesda category were associated with cancer/NIFTP probability (p < 0.05 for each). Although ATA (p = 0.1211) and TI-RADS (p = 0.1359) US categories demonstrated positive trends, neither was significantly associated with cancer/NIFTP probability. A multivariate regression model incorporating the four most informative non-MT covariates (sex, age, Bethesda category, and ATA US pattern; Model No. 1) yielded a C index of 0.653; R2 = 0.108. When TSv3 was added to Model number 1, the C index increased to 0.888; R2 = 0.572. However, age (p = 0.341), Bethesda category (p = 0.272), and ATA US pattern (p = 0.264) were nonsignificant, and other than TSv3 (p < 0.0001), male sex was the only non-MT parameter that potentially contributed to cancer/NIFTP risk (p = 0.095). The simplest and most efficient clinical model (No. 3) incorporated TSv3 and sex (C index = 0.889; R2 = 0.588). Conclusions: In this multicenter study of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology and MT, neither the ATA nor TI-RADS US scoring systems further informed the risk of cancer/NIFTP beyond that predicted by TSv3. Although age and Bethesda category were associated with cancer/NIFTP probability on univariate analysis, in sequential nomograms they provided limited incremental value above the high predictive ability of TSv3. Patient sex may contribute to cancer/NIFTP risk in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Figge
- Diabetes & Endocrine Care, St. Peter's Health Partners/Trinity Health, Rensselaer, New York, USA
- Address correspondence to: James J. Figge, MD, MBA, Diabetes & Endocrine Care, St. Peter's Health Partners/Trinity Health, 279 Troy Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - William E. Gooding
- Biostatistics Facility, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David L. Steward
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Linwah Yip
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Sippel
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha Peiling Yang
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Randall P. Scheri
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Susan J. Mandel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah E. Mayson
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth D. Burman
- Endocrinology Section, Department of Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Bryan R. Haugen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Julie A. Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rajeev Parameswaran
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Boon Tan
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuri E. Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sally E. Carty
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Sally E. Carty, MD, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 101 Kauffmann, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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15
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Wu GG, Lv WZ, Yin R, Xu JW, Yan YJ, Chen RX, Wang JY, Zhang B, Cui XW, Dietrich CF. Deep Learning Based on ACR TI-RADS Can Improve the Differential Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules. Front Oncol 2021; 11:575166. [PMID: 33987082 PMCID: PMC8111071 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.575166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to improve the differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules using deep learning (DL) in category 4 and 5 based on the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS, TR) from the American College of Radiology (ACR). Design and Methods From June 2, 2017 to April 23, 2019, 2082 thyroid ultrasound images from 1396 consecutive patients with confirmed pathology were retrospectively collected, of which 1289 nodules were category 4 (TR4) and 793 nodules were category 5 (TR5). Ninety percent of the B-mode ultrasound images were applied for training and validation, and the residual 10% and an independent external dataset for testing purpose by three different deep learning algorithms. Results In the independent test set, the DL algorithm of best performance got an AUC of 0.904, 0.845, 0.829 in TR4, TR5, and TR4&5, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the optimal model was 0.829, 0.831 on TR4, 0.846, 0.778 on TR5, 0.790, 0.779 on TR4&5, versus the radiologists of 0.686 (P=0.108), 0.766 (P=0.101), 0.677 (P=0.211), 0.750 (P=0.128), and 0.680 (P=0.023), 0.761 (P=0.530), respectively. Conclusions The study demonstrated that DL could improve the differentiation of malignant from benign thyroid nodules and had significant potential for clinical application on TR4 and TR5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge-Ge Wu
- Sino-German Tongji-Caritas Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Lv
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Julei Technology Company, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Yin
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jian-Wei Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu-Jing Yan
- Sino-German Tongji-Caritas Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui-Xue Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- Sino-German Tongji-Caritas Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonic Imaging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Wu Cui
- Sino-German Tongji-Caritas Research Center of Ultrasound in Medicine, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Christoph F Dietrich
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kliniken Hirslanden Beau-Site, Bern, Switzerland
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Capezzone M, Cantara S, Di Santo A, Sagnella A, Pilli T, Brilli L, Ciuoli C, Maino F, Forleo R, Cartocci A, Castagna MG. The Combination of Sonographic Features and the Seven-Gene Panel May be Useful in the Management of Thyroid Nodules With Indeterminate Cytology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:613727. [PMID: 33716969 PMCID: PMC7943869 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.613727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules, which account for 10-25% of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs), is still very challenging. Aim To verify the utility of the seven-gene panel in combination with ultrasound features in the clinical management of indeterminate thyroid nodules. Results The study group included 188 indeterminate thyroid nodules, divided into TIR3A (56.4%) and TIR3B (43.6%). A significant correlation between US categories and both cytological and molecular results was observed. In detail, TIR3B cytology was more frequent in EU-TIRADS 4 and 5 nodules (54.7 and 50%, respectively) than in EU-TIRADS 2 and 3 nodules (31%, p = 0.04). Similarly, the rate of a nodule with a mutation increased with the increase of US risk class (6.0% in EU-TIRADS 2 and 3, 9.3% in EUTIRADS-4 and 27.8% in EUTIRAD-5, p = 0.01). Among thyroid nodules submitted to surgery, final histology was benign in 61.4% nodules, while malignancy was diagnosed in 38.6% nodules. Using US score as tool for decision-making in TIR3A subgroup, we correctly classified 64.5% of thyroid nodules. The second tool (seven-gene panel test) was used in the subgroup of US high-risk nodules. By multiple tests with a series approach (US in all cases and US plus seven-gene panel in US high risk nodules) 84% of cases were correctly classified. In TIR3B nodules, using only seven-gene panel as tool for decision making, we correctly classified 61.9% of indeterminate nodules. By multiple tests with series approach (seven-gene panel in all cases and seven-gene panel plus US score in non-mutated nodules) only a slight improvement of thyroid nodule classification (66.6%) was observed. Conclusions US score seems able to correctly discriminate between TIR3A nodules in which a conservative approach may be used, and those in which additional test, such as molecular test, may be indicated. On the contrary, in TIR3B nodules both US risk stratification and seven-gene panel seem to be of little use, because the risk of thyroid cancer remains high regardless of US score and mutational status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Capezzone
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Cantara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Sagnella
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Tania Pilli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Brilli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Ciuoli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Maino
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Raffaella Forleo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Castagna
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Cho YY, Chung YJ, Kim HS. Malignancy Rate of Bethesda Class III Thyroid Nodules Based on the Presence of Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis in Surgical Patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:745395. [PMID: 34659127 PMCID: PMC8515134 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.745395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT), may interfere with the accurate cytological diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Recently, HT has been considered a premalignant condition for thyroid cancer development. The diagnosis of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) thyroid nodules is challenging and evidence for the malignancy risk of AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules coexisting with CLT is scarce. Therefore, we assessed the malignancy risk of AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules according to the presence of background CLT. METHODS This study included 357 surgically resected thyroid nodules with AUS/FLUS cytology. Cases with concomitant malignant nodules were excluded. CLT was defined based on the pathologic report after thyroid surgery. RESULTS Among 357 tumors, 130 tumors (36%) were confirmed to have coexisting CLT, and 170 tumors (48%) were determined to be malignant after thyroidectomy. Malignancy rates were similar in both groups (48% in each) regardless of background CLT (62/130 with CLT vs. 108/227 without CLT). In the group with CLT, thyroiditis was more frequent in the final pathology (12% with CLT vs. 1% without CLT, P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, positive BRAFV600E mutation, highly suspicious sonographic features (K-TIRADS 5), and smaller thyroid nodules were significant factors for thyroid malignancies. CONCLUSION The malignancy rate of thyroid nodules with AUS/FLUS cytology was comparable irrespective of the presence of underlying CLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Young Cho
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Yun Jae Chung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Yun Jae Chung,
| | - Hee Sung Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
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Arosemena M, Thekkumkattil A, Valderrama ML, Kuker R, Castillo RP, Sidani C, Gonzalez ML, Casula S, Kargi AY. American Thyroid Association Sonographic Risk and Afirma Gene Expression Classifier Alone and in Combination for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules with Bethesda Category III Cytology. Thyroid 2020; 30:1613-1619. [PMID: 32364010 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) has been used to aid in the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules having Bethesda category III fine-needle aspiration cytologic diagnosis (B3 nodules). The American Thyroid Association sonographic risk stratification system for thyroid nodules (ATA-US) may stratify B3 nodules and aid in the decision to order a molecular test. The aim of this study was to assess the association between ATA-US and GEC as well as to determine their individual and combined diagnostic performances when applied to B3 nodules. Methods: A retrospective single-center study included B3 nodules that had undergone evaluation by GEC. Each ultrasound was reviewed by three radiologists, and nodules were classified using the 2015 ATA sonographic risk categories. Nodules were determined to be benign or malignant based on surgical pathology or minimum 11 months of follow-up. Positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for GEC, ATA-US, and GEC across all ATA-US categories. Results: One hundred twenty-six B3 nodules with GEC results were included and deemed benign or malignant based on final pathology or follow-up. Prevalence of malignancy was 32%. The rate of malignancy was similar in the ATA-US high suspicion (HS) and intermediate suspicion (IS) categories at 42% and 38%, respectively; and lower in nodules with low suspicion sonography (LS) and very low suspicion sonography (VLS) at 23% and 11%, respectively. The PPV and NPV of ATA-US was calculated by designating HS or IS sonography as a "positive" test and the lower risk categories as "negative." ATA-US had a PPV of 40% and NPV of 79%. The GEC PPV was 40% and NPV was 83%. The PPV of GEC was 50% in nodules with HS or IS ATA-US and lower at 28% and 20%, respectively, in LS and VLS nodules. The NPV of GEC was 80% in HS, 77% in IS, 84% in LS, and 100% in VLS sonography categories. Conclusions: In B3 nodules, ATA-US and GEC have similar diagnostic performance. The PPV of GEC varies across ATA-US categories, while the NPV remains similar. These data support the need for future prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Arosemena
- Department of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anu Thekkumkattil
- Division of Endocrinology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Russ Kuker
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Charif Sidani
- Department of Radiology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Sabina Casula
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Atil Yilmaz Kargi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Słowińska-Klencka D, Wysocka-Konieczna K, Klencki M, Popowicz B. Usability of EU-TIRADS in the Diagnostics of Hürthle Cell Thyroid Nodules with Equivocal Cytology. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113410. [PMID: 33114341 PMCID: PMC7690849 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of EU-TIRADS in two groups of nodules with equivocal cytology (categories III-V of Bethesda system), with and without Hürthle cells (HC and non-HC). The study included 162 HC and 378 non-HC nodules with determined histopathological diagnosis (17.9% and 15.6% cancers). In both groups calculated and expected risk of malignancy (RoM) for high, intermediate and benign risk categories of EU-TIRADS were concordant. RoM for low risk category was higher than expected in both groups, but especially in HC (HC: 13.9%, non-HC: 7.0%, expected: 2-4%). The majority of cancers in HC of that category were follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) and Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma (HTC) (60.0% vs. non-HC: 16.7%). The diagnostic efficacy of EU-TIRADS was lower in HC (the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC): 0.621, sensitivity (SEN): 44.8%, specificity (SPC): 78.9% for high risk threshold) than in non-HC (AUC: 0.711, SEN: 61.0%, SPC: 77.7%). AUC was the highest for category V (AUC > 0.8, both groups) and the lowest for category IV (inefficient, both group). If intermediate risk category was interpreted as an indication for surgery, 25% of cancers from category III and 21.4% from category IV would not be treated in the HC group (0.0% and 7.4% from non-HC group, respectively). EU-TIRADS does not aid making clinical decisions in patients with cytologically equivocal HC nodules, particularly those classified into category IV of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC).
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Grani G, Sponziello M, Pecce V, Ramundo V, Durante C. Contemporary Thyroid Nodule Evaluation and Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5850848. [PMID: 32491169 PMCID: PMC7365695 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Approximately 60% of adults harbor 1 or more thyroid nodules. The possibility of cancer is the overriding concern, but only about 5% prove to be malignant. The widespread use of diagnostic imaging and improved access to health care favor the discovery of small, subclinical nodules and small papillary cancers. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment is associated with potentially excessive costs and nonnegligible morbidity for patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We conducted a PubMed search for the recent English-language articles dealing with thyroid nodule management. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The initial assessment includes an evaluation of clinical risk factors and sonographic examination of the neck. Sonographic risk-stratification systems (e.g., Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems) can be used to estimate the risk of malignancy and the need for biopsy based on nodule features and size. When cytology findings are indeterminate, molecular analysis of the aspirate may obviate the need for diagnostic surgery. Many nodules will not require biopsy. These nodules and those that are cytologically benign can be managed with long-term follow-up alone. If malignancy is suspected, options include surgery (increasingly less extensive), active surveillance or, in selected cases, minimally invasive techniques. CONCLUSION Thyroid nodule evaluation is no longer a 1-size-fits-all proposition. For most nodules, the likelihood of malignancy can be confidently estimated without resorting to cytology or molecular testing, and low-frequency surveillance is sufficient for most patients. When there are multiple options for diagnosis and/or treatment, they should be discussed with patients as frankly as possible to identify an approach that best meets their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Cosimo Durante, MD, PhD, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Università di Roma “Sapienza,” Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy. E-mail:
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Suh YJ, Choi YJ. Strategy to reduce unnecessary surgeries in thyroid nodules with cytology of Bethesda category III (AUS/FLUS): a retrospective analysis of 667 patients diagnosed by surgery. Endocrine 2020; 69:578-586. [PMID: 32297204 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is widely used for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules detected by ultrasonography. However, the cytology of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) often leads to unnecessary thyroid surgery. This study aimed to identify a strategy to reduce unnecessary surgeries in patients with AUS/FLUS nodules. METHODS Medical records of 667 patients with the cytology of AUS/FLUS who underwent surgery from January 2007 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological data were analyzed to identify malignant factors in thyroid nodules with AUS/FLUS. Factors were compared between patients with thyroid cancer and those with benign thyroid nodules, using stepwise multivariate logistic regression and decision tree model. RESULTS Pathological thyroid cancer was identified in 193 (43.3%) patients. There was a significant difference in malignancy incidence with respect to family history, number of nodules, number of FNAs, ultrasonographic finding, lymphocytic thyroiditis, and BRAFV600E mutation. Multivariate analysis showed that ultrasonography (K-TIRADS 5) was the most influential independent predictor of malignancy in AUS/FLUS (odds ratio = 11.02, p < 0.001), followed by possessing BRAFV600E mutation (odds ratio = 4.54, p < 0.001). This strategy enabled 226 (89.3%) patients to avoid unnecessary surgeries based on the decision tree model. There was no node of repeated FNA in the decision tree model, which reduced the risk of malignancy (odds ratio = 0.35, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION K-TIRADS 5 and BRAFV600E mutation were predictive of malignancy in nodules of AUS/FLUS. These factors should be considered in strategies to reduce unnecessary surgeries for AUS/FLUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Joon Suh
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, 14068, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeon Ju Choi
- Research Cooperation Center, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
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Lu C, Wang Y, Yu M. Is ultrasonographic evaluation sensitive enough to detect multicentric papillary thyroid carcinoma? Gland Surg 2020; 9:737-746. [PMID: 32775264 DOI: 10.21037/gs-20-487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the preoperative ultrasonographic (US) evaluation of multicentric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to evaluate the association of US findings with lymph node metastasis and extracapsular extension in PTC. Methods Preoperative US evaluations of patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy were retrospectively investigated. Pathological perspectives and US features of PTC were analyzed. The sensitivity of US in detecting multicentric PTC was evaluated. Results The present study included 89 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. In total, 164 nodules were detected by preoperative US. Significant differences in US pattern were found between benign and malignant nodules. Of the 89 patients with PTC, 33 (37.08%) cases were confirmed as multicentric PTC by operation and pathological examination, 22 (66.67%) of which were bilateral. Before surgery, only 23 patients were suspected as multicentric PTC based on US findings. Pathological examination revealed that malignant nodules in 17 (51.51%) patients with multicentric PTC had been missed by preoperative US. The malignant nodules that went undetected by US were micronodulars (1-4 mm). Furthermore, ultrasonography was less sensitive for the diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes in the neck. US had more than 80% sensitivity for detection of extracapsular extension of cases. Conclusions US evaluation is not sensitive enough to detect multicentric PTC. The minute size of some nodules in multicentric PTC, may lead to them being missed by US evaluation. Ultrasonography is an optional tool for the detection of extracapsular extension, but it is less sensitive for diagnosing lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congqing Lu
- Ultrasound Section, First People's Hospital, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Ultrasound Section, First People's Hospital, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Ultrasound Section, First People's Hospital, Lianyungang 222000, China
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Kim DH, Chung SR, Choi SH, Kim KW. Accuracy of thyroid imaging reporting and data system category 4 or 5 for diagnosing malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2020; 30:5611-5624. [PMID: 32356157 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-06875-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracies of the American College of Radiology (ACR)-thyroid imaging reporting and data systems (TIRADS), Korean (K)-TIRADS, and European (EU)-TIRADS for diagnosing malignancy in thyroid nodules. METHODS Original studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of TIRADS for determining malignancy on ultrasound were identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 23, 2019. The meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity were obtained for TIRADS category 5 (TR-5) and category 4 or 5 (TR-4/5), using a bivariate random effects model. To explore study heterogeneity, meta-regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Of the 34 eligible articles (37,585 nodules), 25 used ACR-TIRADS, 12 used K-TIRADS, and seven used EU-TIRADS. For TR-5, the meta-analytic sensitivity was highest for EU-TIRADS (78% [95% confidence interval, 64-88%]), followed by ACR-TIRADS (70% [61-79%]) and K-TIRADS (64% [58-70%]), although the differences were not significant. K-TIRADS showed the highest meta-analytic specificity (93% [91-95%]), which was similar to ACR-TIRADS (89% [85-92%]) and EU-TIRADS (89% [77-95%]). For TR-4/5, all three TIRADS systems had sensitivities higher than 90%. K-TIRADS had the highest specificity (61% [50-72%]), followed by ACR-TIRADS (49% [43-56%]) and EU-TIRADS (48% [35-62%]), although the differences were not significant. Considerable threshold effects were noted with ACR- and K-TIRADS (p ≤ 0.01), with subject enrollment, country of origin, experience level of reviewer, number of patients, and clarity of blinding in review being the main causes of heterogeneity (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference among these three international TIRADS, but the trend toward higher sensitivity with EU-TIRADS and higher specificity with K-TIRADS. KEY POINTS • For TIRADS category 5, the meta-analytic sensitivity was highest for the EU-TIRADS, followed by the ACR-TIRADS and the K-TIRADS, although the differences were not significant. • For TIRADS category 5, K-TIRADS showed the highest meta-analytic specificity, which was similar to ACR-TIRADS and EU-TIRADS. • Considerable threshold effects were noted with ACR- and K-TIRADS, with subject enrollment, country of origin, experience level of reviewer, number of patients, and clarity of blinding in review being the main causes of heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hwan Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Rom Chung
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Choi
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung Won Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
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