Diagnostic value of elastography in thyroid nodules

Palpable thyroid nodules are very common in the general population. Most of these nodules are benign and only about 5% of cases are malignant. Ultrasound elastographyis a newly developed technique that uses ultrasound to provide an estimation of tissuestiffness. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of elastography in theevaluation of thyroid nodules supplementary to other ultrasonographic criteria.
In a descriptive cross-sectional study, thyroid nodules in 60 patients, who werecandidates for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), were examined with conventional ultrasonography and elastography. The number and size of nodules, echogenicity, andpresence of microcalcification, circumferential halo, and internal structure, margin of nodules,vascularity, and elasticity were determined. Pathologic evaluation of nodules was performedusing FNAB. Imaging findings were compared with FNAB results.
In the present study, 54 (90%) nodules were reported as soft and 6 (10%) as hard byultrasound elastography. According to the results of FNAB, 9.5% were considered as non-benign nodules requiring surgery; all of these nodules were reported as soft in elastographicevaluation.
Routine elastography for all of the patients with thyroid nodule may not help theprocess of diagnosis. Further studies are recommended on its application in the management of thyroid nodules.