Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(9): 602-609
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237701
Article

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Real-time Elastography and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Assessment of Thyroid Nodules

M. Friedrich-Rust1 , A. Sperber1 , K. Holzer2 , J. Diener3 , F. Grünwald3 , K. Badenhoop1 , S. Weber1 , S. Kriener4 , E. Herrmann5 , W. O. Bechstein2 , S. Zeuzem1 , J. Bojunga1
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine 1, J. W. Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 2Department of General and Visceral Surgery, J. W. Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 3Department of Nuclear Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 4Institute of Pathology, J. W. Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
  • 5Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modelling, Faculty of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 04.04.2009 first decision 16.07.2009

accepted 31.07.2009

Publication Date:
23 October 2009 (online)

Abstract

Objective: Work-up of thyroid nodules remains challenging. Recent technologies enable determination of tissue elasticity and perfusion using ultrasound devices. The aim of the present study was to evaluate real-time elastography (RTE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonovue (CEUS) for the differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Materials and Methods: Inclusion criteria were: nodules ≥1 cm, non-functioning or hypo-functioning on radionuclide scanning, and cytological/histological assessment. All patients received conventional ultrasound, RTE and CEUS. RTE was classified as: Elasticity-Score (ES)1=soft, ES2=predominantly soft, ES3=predominantly hard, ES4=hard nodule. CEUS-video clips were digitally recorded and analyzed using time-intensity-curves within selected regions-of-interest.

Results: Fifty-three nodules in 50 patients were available for analysis. Forty-six nodules were benign on cytology/histology, 6 nodules were papillary carcinoma and one nodule was a follicular carcinoma. Nodule margin irregularity was the ultrasound pattern most predictive of malignancy with sensitivity 57% (95% confidence interval: 18–90%) and specificity 85% (71–94% p<0.05). When using ES3&4 for the diagnosis of malignant nodules sensitivity and specificity were 86% (42–99.7%) and 87% (75–95%), respectively (p=0.0003). The only malignant nodule missed with RTE was a follicular carcinoma. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma therefore was 100%. No specific CEUS pattern could be identified to differentiate between benign and malignant nodules.

Conclusions: RTE seems to be a useful tool in the work-up of thyroid nodules to exclude papillary thyroid cancer. However, follicular carcinoma remains a challenging problem. CEUS did not improve the characterization of thyroid nodules in this preliminary study.

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Correspondence

Priv.- Doz. Dr. med. J. Bojunga

Medizinische Klinik 1

Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang

Goethe Universität

Theodor-Stern-Kai 7

60590 Frankfurt am Main

Phone: +49(0)69-6301-5297

Email: Joerg.Bojunga@kgu.de

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