scholarly journals Exploring the Performance of Ultrasound Risk Stratification Systems in Thyroid Nodules of Pediatric Patients

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 5304
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Scappaticcio ◽  
Maria Ida Maiorino ◽  
Sergio Iorio ◽  
Giovanni Docimo ◽  
Miriam Longo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Cancer Genetic ◽  
Neck Ultrasound ◽  
Indeterminate Nodules ◽  
History Of ◽  
Final Histological Diagnosis

Neck ultrasound (nUS) is the cornerstone of clinical management of thyroid nodules in pediatric patients, as well as adults. The current study was carried out to explore and compare the diagnostic performance of the main US-based risk stratification systems (RSSs) (i.e., the American College of Radiology (ACR), European (EU), Korean (K) TI-RADSs and ATA US RSS criteria) for detecting malignant thyroid lesions in pediatric patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive children and adolescents who received a diagnosis of thyroid nodule. We included subjects with age <19 years having thyroid nodules with benign cytology/histology or final histological diagnosis. We excluded subjects with (a) a previous malignancy, (b) a history of radiation exposure, (c) cancer genetic susceptibility syndromes, (d) lymph nodes suspicious for metastases of thyroid cancer at nUS, (e) a family history of thyroid cancer, or (f) cytologically indeterminate nodules without histology and nodules with inadequate cytology. We included 41 nodules in 36 patients with median age 15 years (11–17 years). Of the 41 thyroid nodules, 29 (70.7%) were benign and 12 (29.3%) were malignant. For both ACR TI-RADS and EU-TIRADS, we found a sensitivity of 41.7%. Instead, for both K-TIRADS and ATA US RSS, we found a sensitivity of 50%. The missed malignancy rate for ACR-TIRADS and EU-TIRADS was 58.3%, while that for K-TIRADS and ATA US RSS was 50%. The unnecessary FNA prevalence for ACR TI-RADS and EU-TIRADS was 58.3%, while that for K-TIRADS and ATA US RSS was 76%. Our findings suggest that the four US-based RSSs (i.e., ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, and ATA US RSS) have suboptimal performance in managing pediatric patients with thyroid nodules, with one-half of cancers without indication for FNA according to their recommendations.

The Accuracy of ACR TI-RADS Classification of Neck Ultrasound as a First-Line Diagnostic Approach for Thyroid Neoplasms in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23
Author(s):  
Nikolai S. Grachev ◽  
Elena V. Feoktistova ◽  
Igor N. Vorozhtsov ◽  
Natalia V. Babaskina ◽  
Ekaterina Yu. Iaremenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Thyroid Neoplasms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Approach ◽  
First Line ◽  
Neck Ultrasound

Background.Ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard in diagnosing the pathological nature of undetermined thyroid nodules. However, in some instances limitations and shortcomings arise, making it insufficient for determining a specific diagnosis.Objective.Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of ACR TI-RADS classification of neck ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic approach for thyroid neoplasms in pediatric patients.Methods.A retrospective analysis was made of FNA and US protocols in 70 patients who underwent the examination and treatment at Dmitry Rogachev National Research Center between January 2012 and August 2017. In the retrospective series 70% (49/70) of patients undergone FNA and 43% (30/70) of them undergone repeated FNA. All US protocols were interpreted according to ACR TI-RADS system by the two independent experts. The clinical judgment was assessed using the concordance test and the reliability of preoperative diagnostic methods was analized.Results.According to histologic examination protocols, benign nodules reported greater multimorbidity 29% (20/70), compared with thyroid cancer 17% (12/70), complicating FNA procedure. A statistically significant predictor of thyroid cancer with a tumor size ACR TI-RADS showed a significant advantage of ACR TI-RADS due to higher sensitivity (97.6 vs 60%), specificity (78.6 vs 53.8%), positive predictive value (87.2 vs 71.4%), and negative predictive value (95.7 vs 41.2%). Concordance on the interpreted US protocols according to ACR TI-RADS classification between two experts was high, excluding accidental coincidence.Conclusion.The data support the feasibility of US corresponding to the ACR TI-RADS classification as a first-line diagnostic approach for thyroid neoplasm reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies for thyroid nodules.

scholarly journals Establishment of an Ultrasound Malignancy Risk Stratification Model for Thyroid Nodules Larger Than 4 cm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuehua Xi ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Luying Gao ◽  
Yuxin Jiang ◽  
Zhiyong Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Validation Dataset ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Solid Mass ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Risk Stratification Model

BackgroundThe incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer, including thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm, have been increasing in recent years. The current evaluation methods are based mostly on studies of patients with thyroid nodules &lt; 4 cm. The aim of the current study was to establish a risk stratification model to predict risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm.MethodsA total of 279 thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm in 267 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Nodules were randomly assigned to a training dataset (n = 140) and a validation dataset (n = 139). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to establish a nomogram. The risk stratification of thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm was established according to the nomogram. The diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated and compared with the American College Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS), Kwak TI-RADS and 2015 ATA guidelines using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsThe analysis included 279 nodules (267 patients, 50.6 ± 13.2 years): 229 were benign and 50 were malignant. Multivariate regression revealed microcalcification, solid mass, ill-defined border and hypoechogenicity as independent risk factors. Based on the four factors, a risk stratified clinical model was developed for evaluating nodules &gt; 4 cm, which includes three categories: high risk (risk value = 0.8-0.9, with more than 3 factors), intermediate risk (risk value = 0.3-0.7, with 2 factors or microcalcification) and low risk (risk value = 0.1-0.2, with 1 factor except microcalcification). In the validation dataset, the malignancy rate of thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm that were classified as high risk was 88.9%; as intermediate risk, 35.7%; and as low risk, 6.9%. The new model showed greater AUC than ACR TI-RADS (0.897 vs. 0.855, p = 0.040), but similar sensitivity (61.9% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.480) and specificity (91.5% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.680).ConclusionMicrocalcification, solid mass, ill-defined border and hypoechogenicity on ultrasound may be signs of malignancy in thyroid nodules &gt; 4 cm. A risk stratification model for nodules &gt; 4 cm may show better diagnostic performance than ACR TI-RADS, which may lead to better preoperative decision-making.

Intraoperative Frozen Section Performance for Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuri Martin Goemann ◽  
Francisco Paixão ◽  
Alceu Migliavaca ◽  
José Ricardo Guimarães ◽  
Rafael Selbach Scheffel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Frozen Section ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Intraoperative Frozen Section ◽  
Indeterminate Nodules ◽  
Intraoperative Management ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Purpose: A primary medical relevance of thyroid nodules consists of excluding thyroid cancer, present in approximately 5% of all thyroid nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has a paramount role in distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules due to its availability and diagnostic performance. Nevertheless, intraoperative frozen section (iFS) is still advocated as a valuable tool for surgery planning, especially for indeterminate nodules. Methods: To compare the FNAB and iFS performances in thyroid cancer diagnosis among nodules in Bethesda Categories (BC) I to VI. The performance of FNAB and iFS tests were calculated using final histopathology results as the gold standard.Results: In total, 316 patients were included in the analysis. Both FNAB and iFS data were available for 272 patients (86.1%). The overall malignancy rate was 30.4%% (n=96). The FNAB sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for benign (BC II) and malignant (BC V and VI) were 89.5%, 97.1%, and 94.1%, respectively. For all nodules evaluated, the iFS sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 80.9%, 100%, and 94.9%, respectively. For indeterminate nodules and follicular lesions (BC III and IV), the iFS sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 25%, 100%, and 88.7%, respectively. For BC I nodules, iFS had 95.2% of accuracy.Conclusion: Our results do not support routine iFS for indeterminate nodules or follicular neoplasms (BC III and IV) due to its low sensitivity. In these categories, iFS is not sufficiently accurate to guide the intraoperative management of thyroidectomies. iFS for BC I nodules could be a reasonable option and should be specifically investigated.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Performance of Different Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (Kwak-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS) for Risk Stratification of Small Thyroid Nodules (≤10 mm)

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Schenke ◽  
Rigobert Klett ◽  
Philipp Seifert ◽  
Michael C. Kreissl ◽  
Rainer Görges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Medullary Carcinoma ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Thyroid Imaging ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy

Due to the widespread use of ultrasound, small thyroid nodules (TNs) ≤ 10 mm are common findings. Standardized approaches for the risk stratification of TNs with Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS) were evaluated for the clinical routine. With TIRADS, the risk of malignancy in TNs is calculated by scoring the number or combination of suspicious ultrasound features, leading to recommendations for further diagnostic steps. However, there are only scarce data on the performance of TIRADS for small TNs. The aim was to compare three different TIRADS for risk stratification of small TNs in routine clinical practice. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of TNs ≤ 10 mm and their available histology. Nodules were classified according to three different TIRADS. In the study, 140 patients (n = 113 female) with 145 thyroid nodules (n = 76 malignant) were included. Most of the malignant nodules were papillary carcinoma (97%), and the remaining 3% were medullary carcinoma. For all tested TIRADS, the prevalence of malignancy rose with increasing category levels. The highest negative predictive value was found for ACR TI-RADS and the highest positive predictive value for Kwak-TIRADS. All tested variants of TIRADS showed comparable diagnostic performance for the risk stratification of small TNs. TIRADS seems to be a promising tool to reliably assess the risk of malignancy of small TNs.

scholarly journals Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Cystic Changes in a Patient With Prior History of Toxic Nodule

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 232470962094267
Author(s):  
Gliceida Maria Galarza Fortuna ◽  
Paola Rios ◽  
Ailyn Rivero ◽  
Gabriela Zuniga ◽  
Kathrin Dvir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Thyroid Nodule ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Papillary Thyroid ◽  
Thyroid Lobectomy ◽  
Cystic Changes ◽  
History Of

Thyroid nodules are palpable on up to 7% of asymptomatic patients. Cancer is present in 8% to 16% of those patients with previously identified thyroid nodules. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of thyroid cancers. Although most appear as solid nodules on ultrasound imaging, a subset of 2.5% to 6% has cystic components. The presence of cystic changes within thyroid nodules decreases the accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, given the difficulty of obtaining appropriate cellular content. This becomes a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present a case of a 31-year-old female with a 1-month history of palpitations, fatigue, and night sweats, who underwent evaluation, and was diagnosed with subclinical hyperthyroidism. She presented 4 years later with compressive symptoms leading to repeat FNA, showing Bethesda III-atypia of undetermined significance and negative molecular testing. Thyroid lobectomy revealed PTC with cystic changes. This case is a reminder that patients with hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule should have closer follow-up. It poses the diagnostic dilemma of how much is good enough in the evaluation and management of a thyroid nodule. Early detection and action should be the standard of care.

scholarly journals Taller-Than-Wide Shape: A New Definition Improves the Specificity of TIRADS Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Grani ◽  
Livia Lamartina ◽  
Valeria Ramundo ◽  
Rosa Falcone ◽  
Cristiano Lomonaco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Lower Sensitivity ◽  
Intraobserver Variability ◽  
Transverse Diameter ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Alternative Definition ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: A taller-than-wide (TTW) shape is a suspicious feature of thyroid nodules commonly defined as an anteroposterior/transverse diameter (AP/T) ratio >1. An intraobserver variability of up to 18% in AP diameter evaluations has been described, which may lead to overreporting of this feature. To potentially improve the reliability of the TTW definition, we propose an arbitrary ratio of ≥1.2. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of this definition on diagnostic performance. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 553 thyroid nodules referred for cytology evaluation at an academic center. Before fine-needle aspiration, two examiners jointly defined all sonographic features considered in risk stratification systems developed by the American Thyroid Association (ATA), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American College of Radiology (ACR TIRADS), the European Thyroid Association (EU-TIRADS), and the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (K-TIRADS). TTW was defined according to the current definition (AP/T diameter ratio >1) and an arbitrary alternative definition (AP/T ratio >1.2). Results: The alternative definition classified fewer nodules as TTW (28, 5.1% vs. 94, 17%). The current and proposed definitions have a sensitivity of 26.2 and 11.9% (p = 0.03) and a specificity of 83.8 and 95.5% (p < 0.001). Thus, as a single feature, the arbitrary definition has a lower sensitivity and a higher specificity. When applied to sonographic risk stratification systems, however, the proposed definition would increase the number of avoided biopsies (up to 58.2% for ACR TIRADS) and the specificity of all systems, without negative impact on sensitivity or diagnostic odds ratio. Conclusions: Re-defining TTW nodules as those with an AP/T ratio ≥1.2 improves this marker’s specificity for malignancy. Using this definition in risk stratification systems will increase their specificity, reducing the number of suggested biopsies without significantly diminishing their overall diagnostic performance.

Risk Stratification of Pediatric Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Is Total Thyroidectomy Necessary for Patients at Any Risk?

Thyroid ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 548-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiminori Sugino ◽  
Mitsuji Nagahama ◽  
Wataru Kitagawa ◽  
Keiko Ohkuwa ◽  
Takashi Uruno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Total Thyroidectomy ◽  
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Pediatric Patients

scholarly journals Ultrasonography and the American Thyroid Association Ultrasound-Based Risk Stratification Tool: Utility in Pediatric and Adolescent Thyroid Nodules

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Creo ◽  
Fares Alahdab ◽  
Alaa Al Nofal ◽  
Kristen Thomas ◽  
Amy Kolbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Multiple Features ◽  
Pediatric Malignancy ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Risk Stratification Tool ◽  
Increased Blood Flow

Background: Pediatric thyroid nodules are more likely to be malignant compared to those in adults and may have different concerning ultrasound (US) features. Recent adult guidelines stratify malignancy risk by US features. Our aim is to (1) describe and confirm US features that predict pediatric malignancy, and (2) apply the Adult American Thyroid Association (ATA) Risk Stratification Guidelines to a large pediatric cohort. Methods: We identified 112 children with 145 thyroid nodules from 1996 to 2015. Two blinded pediatric radiologists independently read all US images, described multiple features, and reported their overall impression: benign, indeterminate, or malignant. Each nodule was assigned an ATA risk stratification category. Radiologists’ impressions and ATA risk stratification were compared to histology and cytology results. Results: Multiple US features including a solid composition, presence of microcalcifications, irregular margins, increased blood flow, and hypoechogenicity were associated with increased odds of malignancy. ATA risk stratification correlated with the radiologists’ overall impression (p < 0.001). The sensitivity for detecting malignancy was comparable between both ATA stratification (91%) and the radiologists’ overall impression (90%). The specificity of the radiologists’ malignant overall impression (80%) was better compared to the ATA high risk stratification (54%). Conclusions: At our institution, pediatric radiologists’ overall impressions had similar sensitivity but better specificity for detecting malignancy than the ATA risk stratification tool by our convention. However, neither US-based methods perfectly discriminated benign from malignant nodules, supporting the continued need for fine needle aspiration for suspicious nodules. Further work is needed to develop an US-based scoring system specific to pediatric patients.

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