Pathological and Clinical Correlation European Union-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) Classification of Thyroid Nodules in Two University Hospitals in Cotonou

Introduction: Since its creation in 2017 by the European community, the EU-TIRADS classification has enjoyed an excellent reputation in several countries around the world. Indeed, several studies conducted in these countries testify to the effectiveness of this tool for the management of nodular thyroid pathology. However, in Benin, the contribution of this classification has not yet been evaluated. It is therefore to overcome this inadequacy that we undertook this study. Objective: Participate in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU HKM in Cotonou and at the CHUZ in Suru-Léré. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection spread over a period of 3 years 5 months, from January 2019 to May 2022 and carried out jointly in the Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition and ORL-CCF departments of the CNHU HKM of Cotonou and in the ORL-CCF department of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. The study population consisted of patients who consulted the University Clinic of Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition, the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CNHU-HKM and the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré for thyroid nodule and who have had surgery. The study data was collected from patients hospitalization records using a survey form. Results: On ultrasound, according to the EU-TIRADS classification, 56.8% of nodules presented a low risk of malignancy (EU-TIRADS 3) compared to respectively 19.8%;23% and 2.5% of nodules with zero (EU-TIRADS 2), intermediate (EU-TIRADS 4) and high (EU-TIRADS 5) risk of malignancy. Regarding the performance of this classification, it is sensitive in 37.5% of cases and has a specificity of 78.5% with a PPV (Positive Predictive Value) and a NPV (Negative Predictive Value) respectively of 6.6 % and 91.6%. Furthermore, the bivariate correlations revealed that the size of the nodule was significantly associated with the malignancy of the nodule (p = 0.014) and the calculated value of the Yule’s Q coefficient (0.375) reflects a moderate intensity of the connection between the EU-TIRADS and histology. Conclusion: the EU-TIRADS classification, due to its excellent NPV, is of great interest for the management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou and at the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. In view of this, particular emphasis must be placed on its regular and rigorous use.

Treatment of 198 Cases of Thyroid Nodules with Sanying Capsule Combined with Xiaoying Patch

[Objectives]To observe the clinical efficacy of Sanying capsule combined with Xiaoying Patch in treating thyroid nodule(TN).[Methods]Two groups were treated similarly,with 200 cases in the control group undergoing basic treatment for 12 weeks and 198 cases in the observation group receiving Sanying capsule combined with Xiaoying patches for the same duration.The clinical symptoms,number of nodules,diameter of the largest nodule,and maximum reduction of nodules were observed before and after treatment.A control analysis was performed,and the underlying mechanisms were explored.[Results]The primary symptoms of the observation group exhibited a more favorable improvement than those of the control group.Additionally,the number of nodules decreased,the diameter of the largest nodule decreased,and the maximum reduction of nodules decreased in both groups following treatment.However,the observation group demonstrated a more pronounced improvement than the control group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The combination of Sanying capsule and Xiaoying patch has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for TN,with a high degree of reliability in terms of safety.

Core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules assessment-a new horizon?

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration is the standard for evaluating thyroid nodules with a high safety profile and a relatively low number of non-diagnostic cytological findings.Nevertheless,this diagnostic method traditionally has its weak points.Several diagnostic categories such as BethesdaⅠ,ⅢandⅣare not reliable for thyroid carcinoma risk assessment.Recent advancements in a core needle biopsy made it possible to use this tool as a new method for thyroid nodules evaluation.The main feature of this method is the use of thin needles(18-21G)and guns with an automatic trigger mechanism.The histological material collected with the use of a core needle biopsy is usually superior to cytological.Therefore,the core needle biopsy can be used as a complementary technique to a standard fine needle aspiration in difficult and dubious cases of thyroid neoplasia with uncertain malignant potential.

Increased Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules Across Nearly 10 Years in Shanghai,China

Objective This study aimed to determine whether the prevalence of thyroid nodules(TNs)increased due to modern lifestyles or other factors,despite the advances in screening and diagnostic tools.Methods This study included 3474 pairs of participants,who were matched by gender and age(±3 years)from two cross-sectional sampling surveys:(1)the program on the iodine nutritional status and related health status of residents in Shanghai in 2009;(2)the thyroid disease screening program for adults in Shanghai between 2017 and 2018.The prevalence of TNs and thyroid diseases in 2009 and 2017–2018 were compared,and the potential risk factors of TNs were detected.Results The prevalence of TNs in 2009 was 28.9%:22.5%in males and 34.5%in females.In 2017,this increased to 43.8%:37.9%in males and 49.1%in females.The prevalence of TNs significantly increased from 2009 to 2017(odds ratio,1.486;95%confidence interval,1.238–1.786).In addition,female gender,thyroid disease history,and age were the main risk factors for TNs after adjusting for confounders in the logistic regression across the time period.Conclusion The prevalence of TNs significantly increased across nearly 10 years in Shanghai.

Identification of Rhizobia Isolated from Nodules of Mexican Commercial Soybean Varieties

Rhizobia, crucial for nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, play a vital role in soybean cultivation. This study, conducted in Mexico, a major soybean importer, aimed to identify bacteria from nodules of five soybean varieties in high-production regions. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) was employed for enhanced species resolution. The study identified six Bradyrhizobium species: Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110, Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 6, Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76, Bradyrhizobium neotropicale, Bradyrhizobium lablabi, and Bradyrhizobium icense. Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 predominated in the soils, displaying symbiotic preference for the Huasteca 400 variety. However, phylogenetic analysis didn't reveal a clear association between strains, soil, and soybean variety. This research sheds light on the diversity of rhizobia in Mexican soybean cultivation, contributing to the understanding of symbiotic relationships in soybean production systems.

Nodule Detection Using Local Binary Pattern Features to Enhance Diagnostic Decisions

Pulmonary nodules are small, round, or oval-shaped growths on the lungs. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The size of a nodule can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter. Nodules may be found during a chest X-ray or other imaging test for an unrelated health problem. In the proposed methodology pulmonary nodules can be classified into three stages. Firstly, a 2D histogram thresholding technique is used to identify volume segmentation. An ant colony optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal threshold value. Secondly, geometrical features such as lines, arcs, extended arcs, and ellipses are used to detect oval shapes. Thirdly, Histogram Oriented Surface Normal Vector (HOSNV) feature descriptors can be used to identify nodules of different sizes and shapes by using a scaled and rotation-invariant texture description. Smart nodule classification was performed with the XGBoost classifier. The results are tested and validated using the Lung Image Consortium Database (LICD). The proposed method has a sensitivity of 98.49% for nodules sized 3–30 mm.

Coordinated responses of leaf and nodule traits contribute to the accumulation of N in relay intercropped soybean

Maize(Zea mays L.)-soybean(Glycine max L.Merr.)relay intercropping provides a way to enhance land productivity.However,the late-planted soybean suffers from shading by the maize.After maize harvest,how the recovery growth influences the leaf and nodule traits remains unclear.A three-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of genotypes,i.e.,supernodulating(nts1007),Nandou 12(ND12),and Guixia 3(GX3),and crop configurations,i.e.,the interspecific row spacing of 45(I45),60(I60),75 cm(I75),and sole soybean(SS),on soybean recovery growth and N fixation.The results showed that intercropping reduced the soybean total leaf area(LA)by reducing both the leaf number(LN)and unit leaflet area(LUA),and it reduced the nodule dry weight(NW)by reducing both the nodule number(NN)and nodule diameter(ND)compared with the SS.The correlation and principal component analysis(PCA)indicated a co-variability of the leaf and nodule traits in response to the genotype and crop configuration interactions.During the recovery growth stages,the compensatory growth promoted soybean growth to reduce the gaps of leaf and nodule traits between intercropping and SS.The relative growth rates of ureide(RGR_U)and nitrogen(RGR_N)accumulation were higher in intercropping than in SS.Intercropping achieved more significant sucrose and starch contents compared with SS.ND12 and GX3 showed more robust compensatory growth than nts1007 in intercropping.Although the recovery growth of relay intercropping soybean improved biomass and nitrogen accumulation,ND12 gained a more significant partial land equivalent ratio(pLER)than GX3.The I60 treatment achieved more robust compensation effects on biomass and N accumulation than the other configurations.Meanwhile,I60 showed a higher nodule sucrose content and greater shoot ureide and N accumulation than SS.Finally,intercropping ND12 with maize using an interspecific row spacing of 60 cm was optimal for both yield advantage and N accumulation.

Advancements in Medication Rule for Pulmonary Nodules: A Review of Current Research Progress

This paper reviewed the literature on medication rule of pulmonary nodules in recent years. It is found that contemporary doctors pay more attention to regulating Qi, clearing heat and detoxifying, eliminating phlegm, dissolving phlegm and dissipating masses. They use mild drugs, cold and warm treatments in parallel, combining the tastes of pungent, bitterness, and sweetness at the same time. The treatment focuses on the five viscera with emphasis on the lung meridian while also considering the spleen and stomach functions as well as soothing liver stagnation. This information aims to provide some reference for clinical treatment of pulmonary nodules.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in a 15-year-old female with multiple splenic nodules:A case report

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting young females.SLE can invade any organ,and various forms of splenic invasion have been reported.Manifestations include splenomegaly and splenic infarction,rupture,and calcification.The study encountered a rare case of splenic involvement,with nodules of various sizes without calcifications or ruptures.CASE SUMMARY A 15-year-old girl presented with arthralgia,weight loss,fever,increased levels of inflammatory markers,and positive antinuclear antibody test results.The patient was diagnosed with SLE.She was asymptomatic while taking steroids and hydroxychloroquine.Ten months after discharge,the patient developed a fever and abdominal pain.Lupus enteritis was suspected,and abdominopelvic computed tomography(AP-CT)was performed.There were no specific findings in the gastrointestinal tract,but multiple splenic nodules were observed.Infection or hemangioma was considered;however,no specific radiological findings were observed.A biopsy of the spleen was performed to determine the possibility of malignancy.The histological findings of the spleen included extensive periarteriolar necrosis with hematoxylin bodies and numerous karyorrhectic debris.Based on the biopsy results,the patient was diagnosed with an SLE flare-up and was maintained on high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants.CONCLUSION As disease activity increased,multiple nodules in the spleen that were previously unseen were observed using AP-CT and histologically confirmed.Spleen invasion by SLE can appear in multiple nodular forms and patterns.Therefore,physicians should consider these findings when differentiating these nodules from infections and malignancies.

Recurrent cyclops lesion after primary resection of fibroreactive nodule following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

In this case report featured in World Journal of Orthopedics,Kelmer et al describe a rare finding of a 28-year-old female patient who presented with a recurrent fibroreactive nodule 7 months following the resection of a primary cyclops lesion,suggesting recurrent cyclops syndrome.The patient had undergone an initial anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for a non-contact right knee injury and reported successful recovery.Two years later,the patient sustained a repeat right knee injury followed by a positive McMurray test and acute pain with terminal extension.Arthroscopic synovectomy confirmed magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)finding of a cyclops lesion,which was surgically removed.Seven months postoperatively,the patient reported stiffness and difficulty with terminal extension.Repeat MRI indicated a recurrent cyclops lesion,which was surgically resected.Following resection of the second lesion,the patient underwent physical therapy and achieved full range of motion,maintaining complete recovery 19 months postoperatively.Recurrent cyclops lesions have rarely been reported in the literature,and this article is novel in its report of recurrent cyclops syndrome following a bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft.The presentation of this unusual finding exposes a need for further investigation of cyclops lesion pathology,which will aid its prevention and treatment.

Phase II Clinical Study of Three-Dimensional Printed Coplanar Template Combined with CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Needle Biopsy of Pulmonary Nodules in Elderly Patients

Background: As the population age structure gradually ages, more and more elderly people were found to have pulmonary nodules during physical examinations. Most elderly people had underlying diseases such as heart, lung, brain and blood vessels and cannot tolerate surgery. Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) was the first choice for pathological diagnosis and subsequent targeted drugs, immune drugs or ablation treatment. CT-guided percutaneous CNB requires clinicians with rich CNB experience to ensure high CNB accuracy, but it was easy to cause complications such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage. Three-dimensional (3D) printing coplanar template (PCT) combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy has been used in clinical practice, but there was no prospective, randomized controlled study. Methods: Elderly patients with lung nodules admitted to the Department of Oncology of our hospital from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected. A total of 225 elderly patients were screened, and 30 patients were included after screening. They were randomly divided into experimental group (Group A: 30 cases) and control group (Group B: 30 cases). Group A was given 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB biopsy, Group B underwent CT-guided percutaneous pulmonary CNB. The primary outcome measure of this study was the accuracy of diagnostic CNB, and the secondary outcome measures were CNB time, number of CNB needles, number of pathological tissues and complications. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of group A and group B was 96.67% and 76.67%, respectively (P = 0.026). There were statistical differences between group A and group B in average CNB time (P = 0.001), number of CNB (1 vs more than 1, P = 0.029), and pathological tissue obtained by CNB (3 vs 1, P = 0.040). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: 3D-PCT combined with CT-guided percutaneous CNB can improve the puncture accuracy of elderly patients, shorten the puncture time, reduce the number of punctures, and increase the amount of puncture pathological tissue, without increasing pneumothorax and hemorrhage complications. We look forward to verifying this in a phase III randomized controlled clinical study. .

Primary pulmonary meningioma and minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules: Rare pulmonary nodular lesions requiring more awareness in clinical practice

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Ruan et al published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Case.Pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions,including primary pulmonary meningiomas,minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules,and metastatic pulmonary meningiomas are rare pulmonary lesions.These lesions are difficult to differentiate from lung cancers based on clinical and imaging manifestations.Herein,we briefly introduce the clinical,imaging,and pathological characteristics of these lesions and discuss their pathogenesis to strengthen the current understanding of pulmonary meningothelial proliferative lesions in clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Correlation analysis of serum thyroglobulin,thyroid-stimulating hormone levels,and thyroid-cancer risk in thyroid nodule surgery

BACKGROUND Thyroglobulin(Tg)is one of the markers of thyroid cancer,and its concentration may be elevated in patients with malignant thyroid tumors.Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)is secreted by the pituitary gland,which has a significant impact on thyroid gland function.Excessively high or low TSH levels may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.Thus,in-depth studies on the association of serum Tg and TSH levels with thyroid cancer risk in patients with thyroid nodules are warranted.This can help determine whether Tg and TSH levels can predict the degree of malignancy of thyroid nodules,which can in turn guide doctors in making accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.Furthermore,such studies can provide more accurate diagnostic methods for thyroid nodules and help patients become aware of the presence of thyroid cancer as early as possible,thereby improving the success rate of treatment and prognosis.AIM To investigate the association of serum Tg and TSH levels with the risk of thyroid cancer in patients undergoing thyroid nodule surgery.METHODS The clinical data and laboratory examination results of 130 patients who underwent thyroid nodule surgery were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,their preoperative serum Tg and TSH levels were recorded.Histopathological examination conducted during follow-up revealed the presence of thyroid cancer.Correlation analysis were used to analyze the association of Tg and TSH levels with the risk of thyroid cancer.RESULTS Of the 130 patients,60 were diagnosed with thyroid cancer.Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between serum Tg levels and the risk of thyroid cancer(P<0.05).This suggests that high serum Tg levels are associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.However,no significant correlation was observed between serum TSH levels and the risk of thyroid cancer(P>0.05).CONCLUSION In patients who underwent thyroid nodule surgery,serum Tg levels exhibited a significant correlation with the risk of thyroid cancer but serum TSH levels did not.These findings suggest that serum Tg can serve as an important biomarker for assessing the risk of thyroid cancer in these patients.

Analysis of the Prevalence Characteristics of Lung Nodules and Their Influencing Factors in The Health Check-Up Population

Objective: To study the prevalence characteristics of pulmonary nodules and their influencing factors in the health check-up population. Methods: A total of 500 cases of health checkups were selected for the data study to analyze the detection and prevalence characteristics of pulmonary nodules. The influencing factors between the pulmonary nodules group and the no pulmonary nodules group were analyzed. Results: A total of 209 cases were detected, of which there were more males than females, and for female patients, the detection rate increased with age (P < 0.05). The distribution of gender, age, smoking, respiratory symptoms, and exposure to kitchen fumes between the two groups was compared (P < 0.05). The multifactorial analysis concluded that risk factors include, respiratory symptoms, older age, exposure to kitchen fumes, and smoking. In addition, patients who exercised more had a lower risk of developing lung nodules. Conclusion: The detection rate of pulmonary nodules was high in the health check-up population and the influencing factors analyzed involved the presence of respiratory symptoms, older age, kitchen fume exposure, and smoking, while the positive influencing factor was increased exercise.

Diagnostic Value and Misdiagnosis Analysis of Conventional Ultrasonography Combined with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Thyroid Nodules

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of conventional ultrasonography combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in thyroid nodules.Methods:From June 2021 to July 2022,163 patients with thyroid nodules enrolled in our hospital were selected as research subjects.After pathological diagnosis,24 cases were malignant thyroid nodules,and 139 cases were benign thyroid nodules.The diagnosis rate of malignant and benign thyroid nodules was observed and analyzed,with 95%CI.Results:Among them,the malignant and benign detection rates of routine ultrasound were 88.63%and 75.00%,respectively,and the malignant and benign detection rates of contrast-enhanced ultrasound were 81.82%and 81.25%,respectively.The malignant and benign detection rates of conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound were 93.18%and 87.50%,respectively,and the 95%CI was greater than 0.7.Conclusion:Conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound can help improve the diagnostic accuracy of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and reduce the misdiagnosis rate.

Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Its Relationship with Iodine Status in Shanghai:a Population-based Study

Objective This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid nodules（TNs） and its relationship with urine iodine concentrations（UICs） after the regional rapid economic growth and lifestyle changes. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the general population aged 15-69 years. A questionnaire regarding general and personal characteristics and relevant information was administered. Ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed, and serum triiodothyronine（T3）, tetraiodothyronine（T4）, serum thyroid stimulating hormone（TSH）, free triiodothyronine（FT3）, free tetraiodothyronine（FT4）, thyroglobulin antibody（Tg Ab）, thyroid peroxidase antibody（TPOAb）, and TSH receptor antibody（TRAb） levels were measured for each individual subject. Results The prevalence rates of TNs in the whole population, females and males were 27.76%, 34.04%, and 21.60%, respectively. The prevalence of multiple nodules increased with age, whereas the prevalence peaks differed between males and females. The median UICs in the whole population and females with non-TNs were higher than those of subjects with TNs（P=0.0035, P=0.0068）. The median UICs in subjects with a single TN were higher than those in subjects with multiple TNs（P=0.0164, P=0.0127）. The result showed a U-shaped curve relationship between UIC and prevalence of TNs. The prevalence of TNs was the lowest when the UIC was 140-400 μg/L. Conclusion The prevalence of TNs was nearly 30% and increased with age. The relationship between UIC and prevalence of TNs is U-shaped, with an increase in risk when the UIC was 〈140 μg/L and 〉400 μg/L. Very low or high UIC levels need attention and correction.

Pathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical analysis of minute pulmonary meningothelial-like nodules:A case report

BACKGROUND Minute Pulmonary Meningothelial-like Nodules(MPMNs)are rare benign pulmonary nodules,which are more common in elderly women and have a higher detection rate in lung tissues of patients with lung malignant diseases.Its origin is not yet clear.At present,there are few reports on the diagnostic methods such as imaging and pathological manifestations of MPMNs.This article reports a 70-year-old female patient with pulmonary adenocarcinoma combined with MPMNs and reviews of the relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old women was admitted to our institution with feeling sour in her back and occasional cough for more than 2 mo.Computerized electronic scanning scan and 3D reconstruction images in our institution showed there were multiple ground-glass nodules in both of her two lungs.The biggest one was in the apicoposterior segment of left upper lobe,about 2.5 mm×9 mm in size.We performed thoracoscopic resection of the left upper lung apicoposterior segment of the patient,and the final pathological report was minimally invasive adenocarcinoma.Re-examination of high resolution computed tomography 21 mo after surgery showed multiple ground-glass nodules in both lungs,and a new groundglass nodule was found in the superior segment of the right lower lobe.We took pathological biopsy of the right upper lung and right lower lung nodules for the patient under thoracoscopy.The histomorphology of the right lower lobe nodule showed multiple lesions in the lung tissue,and the small foci in the alveolar septum were distributed in mild form of the aggregation of short spindle cells.The immunohistochemistry showed that the lesion was epithelial membrane antigen(EMA)(+),somatostatin receptor 2a(SSTR2a)(+),S-100(-),chromogranin A(-),Syn(-),cytokeratin(-)and HMB-45(-).The final diagnosis was minimally invasive adenocarcinoma,accompanied by MPMNs.We recommend that patients continue to receive treatment after surgery and to do regular follow-up observations.CONCLUSION The imaging manifestations of MPMNs are atypical,histomorphology and immunohistochemistry can assist in its diagnosis.This article reviews the relevant literature of MPMNs immunohistochemistry and shows that MPMNs are positive for EMA,SSTR2a,and progesterone receptor.

基于AI-SONIC^(TM) Thyroid 5.3.3.0的超声图像分析对甲状腺结节恶性风险的预测价值

目的探讨基于超声人工智能(AI)系统AI-SONIC^(TM)Thyroid 5.3.3.0的图像分析在甲状腺结节恶性风险评估中的应用价值。方法选取2019年4月至2021年1月海军军医大学(第二军医大学)第二附属医院收治的453例甲状腺结节患者,共573枚甲状腺结节。以术后病理结果为金标准,通过χ^(2)检验和ROC曲线评估术前AI系统检查对不同性别分组、不同年龄分组及不同结节大小分组的甲状腺结节良恶性的鉴别诊断效能,并通过De Long检验比较术前AI系统检查与不同年资超声医师术前应用常规超声检查鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的效能。结果在术前检查的573枚甲状腺结节中,术后病理证实为恶性411枚(76.5%)、良性162枚(23.5%)。低年资超声医师应用常规超声检查鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为85.2%(350/411)、55.6%(90/162)、76.8%(440/573),AUC为0.721(95%CI 0.672~0.771);高年资超声医师鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为93.9%(386/411)、74.1%(120/162)、88.3%(506/573),AUC为0.865(95%CI 0.825~0.904);AI系统鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的灵敏度、特异度、准确度分别为92.5%(380/411)、69.1%(112/162)、85.9%(492/573),AUC为0.809(95%CI 0.764~0.854)。De Long检验结果显示,AI系统鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的AUC高于低年资超声医师(P=0.032),与高年资超声医师之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。按不同性别、不同年龄分组,AI系统鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的准确度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);按不同结节大小分组,结节最大直径为10~<15 mm时AI系统鉴别诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的AUC最大,为0.882(95%CI 0.723~0.916)。结论AI-SONICTMThyroid 5.3.3.0可识别甲状腺结节的良性和恶性声像特征,其诊断效能接近高年资超声医师,有望成为术前预测甲状腺结节恶性风险的实用工具。

Quantitative differentiation of malignant and benign thyroid nodules with multi-parameter diffusion-weighted imaging

BACKGROUND The value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules is limited;however,the value of multi-parameter diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI)in the quantitative evaluation of thyroid nodules has not been well determined.AIM To determine the utility of multi-parametric DWI including mono-exponential,biexponential,stretched exponential,and kurtosis models for the differentiation of thyroid lesions.METHODS Seventy-nine patients(62 with benign and 17 with malignant nodules)underwent multi-b value diffusion-weighted imaging of the thyroid.Multiple DWI parameters were obtained for statistical analysis.RESULTS Good agreement was found for diffusion parameters of thyroid nodules.Malignant lesions displayed lower diffusion parameters including apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC),the true diffusion coefficient(D),the perfusion fraction(f),the distributed diffusion coefficient(DDC),the intravoxel water diffusion heterogeneity(α)and kurtosis model-derived ADC(Dapp),and higher apparent diffusional kurtosis(Kapp)than benign entities(all P<0.01),except for the pseudodiffusion coefficient(D*)(P>0.05).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the ADC(0 and 1000)was not significantly different from that of the ADC(0 and 2000),ADC(0 to 2000),ADC(0 to 1000),D,DDC,Dapp and Kapp(all P>0.05),but was significantly higher than the AUC of D*,f andα(all P<0.05)for differentiating benign from malignant lesions.CONCLUSION Multiple DWI parameters including ADC,D,f,DDC,α,Dapp and Kapp could discriminate benign and malignant thyroid nodules.The metrics including D,DDC,Dapp and Kapp provide additional information with similar diagnostic performance of ADC,combination of these metrics may contribute to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules.The ADC calculated with higher b values may not lead to improved diagnostic performance.

Cytopathologic diagnosis of fine needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules

Fine-needle aspiration(FNA) cytology is an important diagnostic tool in patients with thyroid lesions.Several systems have been proposed for the cyropathologic diagnosis of the thyroid nodules.However cases with indeterminate cytological findings still remain a matter of debate.In this review we analyze all literature regarding Thyroid Cytopathology Reporting systems trying to identify the most suitable methodology to use in clinical practice for the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules.A review of the English literature was conducted,and data were analyzed and summarized and integrated from the authors' perspective.The main purpose of thyroid FNA is to identify patients with higher risk for malignancy,and to prevent unnecessary surgeries for benign conditions.The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology is the most widely used system for the diagnosis of thyroid FNA specimens.This system also contains guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of indeterminate or suspicious for malignancy cases.In conclusion,patients who require repeated FNAs for indeterminate diagnoses will be resolved by repeat FNA in a percentage of 72%-80%.