Papillary thyroid carcinoma on sonography.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) on color duplex sonography (CDUS).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 115 nodules (104 patients) with PTC confirmed by pathology from February 1, 2005, to August 31, 2008. The size, border, calcification, echotexture, hemodynamics (peak systolic velocity and resistance index) of the thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes on CDUS were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a close relationship between the size of the nodule and the vascularity of the thyroid carcinoma (P=.000). Microcalcification increased the suspicion for malignancy of the thyroid nodule. A hypoechoic thyroid nodule with abundant internal vascularity, ill-defined border and microcalcification was highly suggested PTC.

CONCLUSION

CDUS plays an important role in the early detection of PTC and cervical lymph node metastasis, which would provide surgeons with valuable information for planning surgical intervention. Mastering manifestations of PTC on CDUS will improve the accuracy in the diagnosis of PTC. CDUS-guided fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule is the standard in the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma and metastasis pre- and postthyroidectomy.