Thyroid Nodule Characterization: How to Assess the Malignancy Risk. Update of the Literature

Ultrasound (US) is the first imaging modality for thyroid parenchyma evaluation. In the last decades, the role of ultrasound has been improved with the introduction of new US software, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and US-elastography (USE). USE is nowadays recognized as an essential p...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Daniele Fresilli, Emanuele David, Patrizia Pacini, Giovanni Del Gaudio, Vincenzo Dolcetti, Giuseppe Tiziano Lucarelli, Nicola Di Leo, Maria Irene Bellini, Vito D'Andrea, Salvatore Sorrenti, Domenico Mascagni, Marco Biffoni, Cosimo Durante, Giorgio Grani, Giuseppe De Vincentis, Vito Cantisani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
Series:Diagnostics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/11/8/1374
Description
Summary:Ultrasound (US) is the first imaging modality for thyroid parenchyma evaluation. In the last decades, the role of ultrasound has been improved with the introduction of new US software, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and US-elastography (USE). USE is nowadays recognized as an essential part of the multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) examination, in particular for the indeterminate thyroid nodule with possible fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) number reduction; even if further and larger studies are needed to validate it. More controversial is the role of CEUS in thyroid evaluation, due to its high variability in sensitivity and specificity. Semi-automatic US systems based on the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system are producing interesting results, especially as an aid to less experienced operators. New knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer is allowing practitioners to identify new genomic thyroid markers that could reduce the number of “diagnostic” thyroidectomies. We have therefore drawn up an updated representation of the current evidence in the literature for thyroid nodule multiparametric ultrasound (MPUS) evaluation with particular regard to USE, the US CAD system and CEUS.
ISSN:2075-4418