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 evalu...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.展开更多
This paper proposes a computer-aided diagnosis system which can automatically detect thyroid nodules (TNs)and discriminate them as benign or malignant. The system firstly uses variational level set active contour with...This paper proposes a computer-aided diagnosis system which can automatically detect thyroid nodules (TNs)and discriminate them as benign or malignant. The system firstly uses variational level set active contour withgradients and phase information to complete automatic extraction of the boundaries of thyroid nodules images.Then according to thyroid ultrasound images and clinical diagnostic criteria, a new feature extraction methodbased on the fusion of shape, gray and texture is explored. Due to the imbalance of thyroid sample classes, thispaper introduces a weight factor to improve support vector machine, offering different classes of samples withdifferent weights. Finally, thyroid nodules are classified and discriminated by the improved support vector machine.Experiments show that the efficiency of discrimination on benign and malignant thyroid nodules is improved.展开更多
Purpose: The objective of the study was to design and implement an electronic synoptic report for thyroid sonography that incorporates the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) and assess potential for re...Purpose: The objective of the study was to design and implement an electronic synoptic report for thyroid sonography that incorporates the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) and assess potential for reducing unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules. Methods: The electronic synoptic report was developed using a relational database based on elements from TIRADS and a multidisciplinary consensus statement for thyroid reporting. A retrospective analysis of 138 patients with previously reported thyroid sonographic exams was evaluated for the presence of these elements. The electronic synoptic report calculates the TIRADS score and generates a formal report. Using the TIRADS score the potential decrease in unnecessary FNAB was estimated. Results: Key TIRADS elements were variously reported ranging from 43% for the thyroid nodule’s architecture as solid or cystic. Thyroid nodule echogenicity and calcification was commented in 27% and 23%, respectively. Other features of the TIRADS score were commented in 0% to 8% of the official reports. Estimated reduction for potentially reduced need for FNAB was 34.5%. Conclusions: This study is the first implementation of synoptic reporting using a relational database for sonography of thyroid nodules. Implementation of an electronic standardized synoptic reporting system may facilitate more accurate, and more comprehensive reporting for thyroid ultrasound scanning of thyroid nodules. The use of TIRADS was estimated to be able to potentially reduce the need for FNAB which was significant.展开更多
Background: The Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced a pre-fine needle aspiration (FNA) clinic to review adherence of referrals for thyroid biopsy based on the guidelines of the American College of Radiology’...Background: The Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced a pre-fine needle aspiration (FNA) clinic to review adherence of referrals for thyroid biopsy based on the guidelines of the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) scoring system. The intention is to minimize low-yield biopsy rates by improving the quality of thyroid nodule investigation in Saskatchewan through this clinic. TI-RADS is a malignancy risk scoring system for thyroid nodules based on five sonographic characteristics: composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci (calcium). Recommendations for intervention or clinical follow-up are further determined by the size of the nodule. Methods: Through a retrospective chart review of all thyroid biopsy referrals to the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan between 22 March 2016 and 17 May 2018, the impact of the multidisciplinary pre-FNA clinic on appropriate thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan was evaluated. Results: This study evaluated 252 referrals, 203 of which underwent FNA and 23 which received surgical biopsy. TI-RADS scores appended to thyroid biopsy referrals increased upon pre-FNA clinic initiation, yet score quality did not improve. Rates of malignant biopsies were lower than ACR-reporting suggesting inappropriate biopsy of low risk nodules perhaps by overcalling the TI-RADS score. The majority of FNA cytology matched final surgical pathology, with 78% of indeterminate FNAs being malignant, and all non-diagnostic FNAs being benign. Conclusions: The implementation of the pre-FNA clinic reduced the number of thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan by 11% overall.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> To perform a Latin-American multicentric study for the prediction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules using Alpha Score, and to compare it with ACR TIRADS<sup><s...<strong>Introduction:</strong> To perform a Latin-American multicentric study for the prediction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules using Alpha Score, and to compare it with ACR TIRADS<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup> and Bethesda<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup>. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> A prospective multicentric study in 10 radiological hospitals and institutions of Latin America was performed and 818 thyroid nodules were analyzed by ultrasound and classified by using both ACR TIRADS<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup> and Alpha Score;fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed when needed and classified with Bethesda. The relationships between predictors were analyzed by using binary logistic regression, statistical significance was defined by a p-value of 0.05, with an error margin of 4% and 95% confidence intervals. <strong>Results:</strong> Alpha Score 2.0 establishes five types of malignant predictors: microcalcifications, irregular borders, taller-than-wide shape, predominant solid texture and hypoechogenicity;a diameter equal to or greater than 1.5 cm adds an extra point to the final score. Resulting classification divides TNs into 4 categories: benign (1.9%), low suspicion (8.7%), mild suspicion (13.6%) and high suspicion (75.7%) of malignancy probability;sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 74%, the positive predictive value of 94%, the negative predictive value of 51%, the statistical accuracy of 81%, odds ratio of 108.89 and correlation with ACR TIRADS of 0.77 and Bethesda of 0.91.<strong> Conclusions: </strong>Alpha Score 2.0 has superior diagnostic accuracy and performance compared to the previously published Alpha Score and is able to classify a benign TN in a precise, safe and accurate way, avoiding unnecessary FNABs or determining the necessity of FNAB in cases of moderate to high suspicion of malignancy.展开更多
Background:Three-dimensional shear wave elastography(3D-SWE)is a promising method in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules.By combining with conventional method,it may further improve the diagnostic valu...Background:Three-dimensional shear wave elastography(3D-SWE)is a promising method in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules.By combining with conventional method,it may further improve the diagnostic value.The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of American College of Radiology(ACR)thyroid imaging reporting and data system(TI-RADS)combined with 3D-SWE in ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 thyroid nodules.Methods:All nodules were examined by conventional ultrasonography,ACR TI-RADS classification,and 3D-SWE examination.Conventional ultrasonography was used to observe the location,size,shape,margin,echogenicity,taller-than-wide sign,microcalcification,and blood flow of thyroid nodules,and then ACR TI-RADS classification was performed.The Young’s modulus values(3D-C-Emax,3D-C-Emean,and elastography standard deviation[3D-C-Esd])were measured on the reconstructed coronal plane images.According to the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the best diagnostic efficiency among 3D-C-Emax,3D-C-Emean,and 3D-C-Esd was selected and the cut-off threshold was calculated.According to the surgical pathology,they were divided into benign group and malignant group.And appropriate statistical methods such as t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the difference between the two groups.On this basis,3D-SWE combined with conventional ACR TI-RADS was reclassified as combined ACR TI-RADS to determine benign or malignant thyroid nodules.Results:Of the 112 thyroid nodules,62 were malignant and 50 were benign.The optimal cut-off value of three-dimensional maximum Young’s modulus in coronal plane(3D-C-Emax)was 51.5 kPa and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.798.The AUC,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of conventional ACR TI-RADS were 0.828,83.9%,66.0%,and 75.9%,respectively.The AUC,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS were 0.845,90.3%,66.0%,and 79.5%,respectively.The difference between the two AUC values was statistically significant.Conclusions:Combined ACR TI-RADS has higher diagnostic efficiency than conventional ACR TI-RADS.The sensitivity and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS showed significant improvements.It can be used as an effective method in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.展开更多
BACKGROUND The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(ACR TI-RADS)was introduced to standardize the ultrasound characterization of thyroid nodules.Studies have shown that ACR-TIRADS re...BACKGROUND The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(ACR TI-RADS)was introduced to standardize the ultrasound characterization of thyroid nodules.Studies have shown that ACR-TIRADS reduces unnecessary biopsies and improves consistency of imaging recommendations.Despite its widespread adoption,there are few studies to date assessing the inter-reader agreement amongst radiology trainees with limited ultrasound experience.We hypothesize that in PGY-4 radiology residents with no prior exposure to ACR TIRADS,a statistically significant improvement in inter-reader reliability can be achieved with a one hour training session.AIM To evaluate the inter-reader agreement of radiology residents in using ACR TIRADS before and after training.METHODS A single center retrospective cohort study evaluating 50 thyroid nodules in 40 patients of varying TI-RADS levels was performed.Reference standard TI-RADS scores were established through a consensus panel of three fellowship-trained staff radiologists with between 1 and 14 years of clinical experience each.Three PGY-4 radiology residents(trainees)were selected as blinded readers for this study.Each trainee had between 4 to 5 mo of designated ultrasound training.No trainee had received specialized TI-RADS training prior to this study.Each of the readers independently reviewed the 50 testing cases and assigned a TI-RADS score to each case before and after TI-RADS training performed 6 wk apart.Fleiss kappa was used to measure the pooled inter-reader agreement.The relative diagnostic performance of readers,pre-and post-training,when compared against the reference standard.RESULTS There were 33 females and 7 males with a mean age of 56.6±13.6 years.The mean nodule size was 19±14 mm(range from 5 to 63 mm).A statistically significant superior inter-reader agreement was found on the post-training assessment compared to the pre-training assessment for the following variables:1.“Shape”(k of 0.09[slight]pre-training vs 0.67[substantial]post-training,P<0.001),2.“Echogenic foci”(k of 0.28[fair]pre-training vs 0.45[moderate]post-training,P=0.004),3.‘TI-RADS level’(k of 0.14[slight]pre-training vs 0.36[fair]post-training,P<0.001)and 4.‘Recommendations’(k of 0.36[fair]pre-training vs 0.50[moderate]post-training,P=0.02).No significant differences between the preand post-training assessments were found for the variables'composition','echogenicity'and'margins'.There was a general trend towards improved pooled sensitivity with TI-RADS levels 1 to 4 for the post-training assessment while the pooled specificity was relatively high(76.6%-96.8%)for all TI-RADS level.CONCLUSION Statistically significant improvement in inter-reader agreement in the assigning TI-RADS level and recommendations after training is observed.Our study supports the use of dedicated ACR TI-RADS training in radiology residents.展开更多
目的 评估甲状腺结节超声恶性危险分层中国指南(Chinese-thyroid imaging reporting and data system,C-TIRADS)联合超声造影(contrast-enhancedultrasound,CEUS)评估桥本甲状腺炎4类结节。方法 回顾性分析2022年6月至12月于益阳市中心...目的 评估甲状腺结节超声恶性危险分层中国指南(Chinese-thyroid imaging reporting and data system,C-TIRADS)联合超声造影(contrast-enhancedultrasound,CEUS)评估桥本甲状腺炎4类结节。方法 回顾性分析2022年6月至12月于益阳市中心医院就诊的79例桥本甲状腺炎患者的120个C-TIRADS4类甲状腺结节资料。CEUS检查时如结节表现可疑的1种或多种良/恶性特征,均采取降/升一级的处理,以最终手术病理结果为金标准。绘制受试者操作特征曲线(receiver operating characteristic curve,ROC曲线),比较诊断效能。结果 CEUS后再次分级的C-TIRADS诊断甲状腺结节良恶性的敏感度、特异性和准确性分别为93.0%、87.8%和90.8%(P<0.05)。ROC曲线下面积分别为0.811和0.904(P<0.05)。结论 C-TIRADS联合CEUS评估桥本甲状腺炎4类结节具有更好的诊断效能。展开更多
基金Supported by the Health Commission of Zhejiang Province,No.2019KY690。
文摘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.
基金This work was supported in part by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.61572063 and 61401308Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province under Grant Nos.F2016201142,F2018210148,F2019201151 and F2020201025+3 种基金Science Research Project of Hebei Province under Grant Nos.BJ2020030,QN2016085 and QN2017306Foundation of President of Hebei University under Grant No.XZJJ201909Opening Foundation of Machine Vision Technology Innovation Center of Hebei Province under Grant Nos.2018HBMV01 and 2018HBMV02Natural Science Foundation of Hebei University under Grant Nos.2014-303 and 8012605.
文摘This paper proposes a computer-aided diagnosis system which can automatically detect thyroid nodules (TNs)and discriminate them as benign or malignant. The system firstly uses variational level set active contour withgradients and phase information to complete automatic extraction of the boundaries of thyroid nodules images.Then according to thyroid ultrasound images and clinical diagnostic criteria, a new feature extraction methodbased on the fusion of shape, gray and texture is explored. Due to the imbalance of thyroid sample classes, thispaper introduces a weight factor to improve support vector machine, offering different classes of samples withdifferent weights. Finally, thyroid nodules are classified and discriminated by the improved support vector machine.Experiments show that the efficiency of discrimination on benign and malignant thyroid nodules is improved.
文摘Purpose: The objective of the study was to design and implement an electronic synoptic report for thyroid sonography that incorporates the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS) and assess potential for reducing unnecessary fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules. Methods: The electronic synoptic report was developed using a relational database based on elements from TIRADS and a multidisciplinary consensus statement for thyroid reporting. A retrospective analysis of 138 patients with previously reported thyroid sonographic exams was evaluated for the presence of these elements. The electronic synoptic report calculates the TIRADS score and generates a formal report. Using the TIRADS score the potential decrease in unnecessary FNAB was estimated. Results: Key TIRADS elements were variously reported ranging from 43% for the thyroid nodule’s architecture as solid or cystic. Thyroid nodule echogenicity and calcification was commented in 27% and 23%, respectively. Other features of the TIRADS score were commented in 0% to 8% of the official reports. Estimated reduction for potentially reduced need for FNAB was 34.5%. Conclusions: This study is the first implementation of synoptic reporting using a relational database for sonography of thyroid nodules. Implementation of an electronic standardized synoptic reporting system may facilitate more accurate, and more comprehensive reporting for thyroid ultrasound scanning of thyroid nodules. The use of TIRADS was estimated to be able to potentially reduce the need for FNAB which was significant.
文摘Background: The Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced a pre-fine needle aspiration (FNA) clinic to review adherence of referrals for thyroid biopsy based on the guidelines of the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) scoring system. The intention is to minimize low-yield biopsy rates by improving the quality of thyroid nodule investigation in Saskatchewan through this clinic. TI-RADS is a malignancy risk scoring system for thyroid nodules based on five sonographic characteristics: composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci (calcium). Recommendations for intervention or clinical follow-up are further determined by the size of the nodule. Methods: Through a retrospective chart review of all thyroid biopsy referrals to the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan between 22 March 2016 and 17 May 2018, the impact of the multidisciplinary pre-FNA clinic on appropriate thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan was evaluated. Results: This study evaluated 252 referrals, 203 of which underwent FNA and 23 which received surgical biopsy. TI-RADS scores appended to thyroid biopsy referrals increased upon pre-FNA clinic initiation, yet score quality did not improve. Rates of malignant biopsies were lower than ACR-reporting suggesting inappropriate biopsy of low risk nodules perhaps by overcalling the TI-RADS score. The majority of FNA cytology matched final surgical pathology, with 78% of indeterminate FNAs being malignant, and all non-diagnostic FNAs being benign. Conclusions: The implementation of the pre-FNA clinic reduced the number of thyroid biopsies in Saskatchewan by 11% overall.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> To perform a Latin-American multicentric study for the prediction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules using Alpha Score, and to compare it with ACR TIRADS<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup> and Bethesda<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup>. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> A prospective multicentric study in 10 radiological hospitals and institutions of Latin America was performed and 818 thyroid nodules were analyzed by ultrasound and classified by using both ACR TIRADS<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">®</span></sup> and Alpha Score;fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed when needed and classified with Bethesda. The relationships between predictors were analyzed by using binary logistic regression, statistical significance was defined by a p-value of 0.05, with an error margin of 4% and 95% confidence intervals. <strong>Results:</strong> Alpha Score 2.0 establishes five types of malignant predictors: microcalcifications, irregular borders, taller-than-wide shape, predominant solid texture and hypoechogenicity;a diameter equal to or greater than 1.5 cm adds an extra point to the final score. Resulting classification divides TNs into 4 categories: benign (1.9%), low suspicion (8.7%), mild suspicion (13.6%) and high suspicion (75.7%) of malignancy probability;sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 74%, the positive predictive value of 94%, the negative predictive value of 51%, the statistical accuracy of 81%, odds ratio of 108.89 and correlation with ACR TIRADS of 0.77 and Bethesda of 0.91.<strong> Conclusions: </strong>Alpha Score 2.0 has superior diagnostic accuracy and performance compared to the previously published Alpha Score and is able to classify a benign TN in a precise, safe and accurate way, avoiding unnecessary FNABs or determining the necessity of FNAB in cases of moderate to high suspicion of malignancy.
基金Pre-research Foundation Project of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University(No.SDFEYQN1903)
文摘Background:Three-dimensional shear wave elastography(3D-SWE)is a promising method in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules.By combining with conventional method,it may further improve the diagnostic value.The study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of American College of Radiology(ACR)thyroid imaging reporting and data system(TI-RADS)combined with 3D-SWE in ACR TI-RADS 4 and 5 thyroid nodules.Methods:All nodules were examined by conventional ultrasonography,ACR TI-RADS classification,and 3D-SWE examination.Conventional ultrasonography was used to observe the location,size,shape,margin,echogenicity,taller-than-wide sign,microcalcification,and blood flow of thyroid nodules,and then ACR TI-RADS classification was performed.The Young’s modulus values(3D-C-Emax,3D-C-Emean,and elastography standard deviation[3D-C-Esd])were measured on the reconstructed coronal plane images.According to the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the best diagnostic efficiency among 3D-C-Emax,3D-C-Emean,and 3D-C-Esd was selected and the cut-off threshold was calculated.According to the surgical pathology,they were divided into benign group and malignant group.And appropriate statistical methods such as t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the difference between the two groups.On this basis,3D-SWE combined with conventional ACR TI-RADS was reclassified as combined ACR TI-RADS to determine benign or malignant thyroid nodules.Results:Of the 112 thyroid nodules,62 were malignant and 50 were benign.The optimal cut-off value of three-dimensional maximum Young’s modulus in coronal plane(3D-C-Emax)was 51.5 kPa and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.798.The AUC,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of conventional ACR TI-RADS were 0.828,83.9%,66.0%,and 75.9%,respectively.The AUC,sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS were 0.845,90.3%,66.0%,and 79.5%,respectively.The difference between the two AUC values was statistically significant.Conclusions:Combined ACR TI-RADS has higher diagnostic efficiency than conventional ACR TI-RADS.The sensitivity and accuracy of combined ACR TI-RADS showed significant improvements.It can be used as an effective method in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
文摘BACKGROUND The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(ACR TI-RADS)was introduced to standardize the ultrasound characterization of thyroid nodules.Studies have shown that ACR-TIRADS reduces unnecessary biopsies and improves consistency of imaging recommendations.Despite its widespread adoption,there are few studies to date assessing the inter-reader agreement amongst radiology trainees with limited ultrasound experience.We hypothesize that in PGY-4 radiology residents with no prior exposure to ACR TIRADS,a statistically significant improvement in inter-reader reliability can be achieved with a one hour training session.AIM To evaluate the inter-reader agreement of radiology residents in using ACR TIRADS before and after training.METHODS A single center retrospective cohort study evaluating 50 thyroid nodules in 40 patients of varying TI-RADS levels was performed.Reference standard TI-RADS scores were established through a consensus panel of three fellowship-trained staff radiologists with between 1 and 14 years of clinical experience each.Three PGY-4 radiology residents(trainees)were selected as blinded readers for this study.Each trainee had between 4 to 5 mo of designated ultrasound training.No trainee had received specialized TI-RADS training prior to this study.Each of the readers independently reviewed the 50 testing cases and assigned a TI-RADS score to each case before and after TI-RADS training performed 6 wk apart.Fleiss kappa was used to measure the pooled inter-reader agreement.The relative diagnostic performance of readers,pre-and post-training,when compared against the reference standard.RESULTS There were 33 females and 7 males with a mean age of 56.6±13.6 years.The mean nodule size was 19±14 mm(range from 5 to 63 mm).A statistically significant superior inter-reader agreement was found on the post-training assessment compared to the pre-training assessment for the following variables:1.“Shape”(k of 0.09[slight]pre-training vs 0.67[substantial]post-training,P<0.001),2.“Echogenic foci”(k of 0.28[fair]pre-training vs 0.45[moderate]post-training,P=0.004),3.‘TI-RADS level’(k of 0.14[slight]pre-training vs 0.36[fair]post-training,P<0.001)and 4.‘Recommendations’(k of 0.36[fair]pre-training vs 0.50[moderate]post-training,P=0.02).No significant differences between the preand post-training assessments were found for the variables'composition','echogenicity'and'margins'.There was a general trend towards improved pooled sensitivity with TI-RADS levels 1 to 4 for the post-training assessment while the pooled specificity was relatively high(76.6%-96.8%)for all TI-RADS level.CONCLUSION Statistically significant improvement in inter-reader agreement in the assigning TI-RADS level and recommendations after training is observed.Our study supports the use of dedicated ACR TI-RADS training in radiology residents.
