Received 3 February 2009; accepted 30 March 2009. published online 25 May 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) on color duplex sonography (CDUS).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 115 nodules (104 patients) with PTC confirmed by pathology from February 1, 2005, to August 31, 2008. The size, border, calcification, echotexture, hemodynamics (peak systolic velocity and resistance index) of the thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes on CDUS were analyzed.
Results
There was a close relationship between the size of the nodule and the vascularity of the thyroid carcinoma (P=.000). Microcalcification increased the suspicion for malignancy of the thyroid nodule. A hypoechoic thyroid nodule with abundant internal vascularity, ill-defined border and microcalcification was highly suggested PTC.
Conclusion
CDUS plays an important role in the early detection of PTC and cervical lymph node metastasis, which would provide surgeons with valuable information for planning surgical intervention. Mastering manifestations of PTC on CDUS will improve the accuracy in the diagnosis of PTC. CDUS-guided fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule is the standard in the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma and metastasis pre- and postthyroidectomy.
Department of Ultrasonography, Shenzhen Second Hospital, Shenzhen, China
Corresponding author. Department of Ultrasonography, Shenzhen Second Hospital, 3002 Sun Gang Xi Road, Fu Tian District, Shenzhen 518035, P.R. China. Tel.: +86 13825289956; fax: +86 0755 83209691.
☆ This study was supported by Key Medical Specialty Research Fund of Shenzhen city (2005CD6), China.
ABSTRACT