Author(s)

Liu Yang, Li Yuanchun, Xiao Mengqi, Liu Huilin, Liang Xiao

Corresponding Author

Liu Yang

Abstract

Objective: To explore The Value of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound and Acoustic Radiation Force Pulse Imaging for The Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules, and to seek the best imaging method for the early differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods: The imaging information of 107 benign and malignant thyroid nodules in 78 patients were retrospectively analyzed and compared, all cases simultaneously conducted ARFI (acoustic radiation force impulse imaging technology) and CEUS examinations before operation. Taking pathological results as gold standard, the accuracy rate of ultrasound contrast, elastography and combined application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and acoustic pulse radiation force imaging in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules was evaluated, and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the two examinations were compared. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of conventional ultrasound in diagnosing thyroid nodules were 45.16%, 46.05% and 66.36%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of elastography in diagnosing thyroid nodules were 51.61%, 53.95% and 78.50%, respectively. The combined application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and acoustic pulse radiation force elastography has a sensitivity of 87.71%, specificity of 94.74% and accuracy of 98.13%. Among 107 thyroid nodules, 58 were benign, most of which had an elastography score of 3 or less, and most of which showed yellowish green. The benign nodules were mainly homogeneous enhancement or high enhancement, later than the normal thyroid tissue. Conclusion: ARFI and CEUS have high value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules ,the combined application of two methods can be helpful to improve the diagnostic accuracy, which provides the basis for subsequent treatment programs and is worthy of clinical application

Keywords

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, Acoustic pulse radiation force elastography, Thyroid nodule, Benign and malignant