The value of the Demetics ultrasound-assisted diagnosis system in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant thyroid nodules and analysis of the influencing factors.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the value of Demetics and to explore whether Demetics can help radiologists with varying years of experience in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

METHODS

The clinical application value of Demetics was assessed by comparing the diagnostic accuracy of radiologists before and after applying Demetics. This retrospective analysis included 284 thyroid nodules that underwent pathological examinations. Two different combined methods were applied. Using method 1: the original TI-RADS classification was forcibly upgraded or downgraded by one level when Demetics classified the thyroid nodules as malignant or benign. Using method 2: the TI-RADS and benign or malignant classification of the thyroid nodules were flexibly adjusted after the physician learned the Demetics' results.

RESULTS

Demetics exhibited a higher sensitivity than did junior radiologist 1 (p = 0.029) and was similar in sensitivity to the two senior radiologists. Demetics had a higher AUC than both junior radiologists (p = 0.042, p = 0.038) and an AUC similar to that of the senior radiologists. The sensitivity (p = 0.035) and AUC (p = 0.031) of junior radiologist 1 and the specificity (p < 0.001) and AUC (p = 0.026) of junior radiologist 2 improved with combined method 1. The AUC of junior radiologist 2 improved with combined method 2 (p = 0.045). The factors influencing the diagnostic results of Demetics include sonographic signs (echogenicity and echogenic foci), contrast of the image, and nodule size.

CONCLUSION

Demetics exhibited high sensitivity and accuracy in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant thyroid nodules. Demetics could improve the diagnostic accuracy of junior radiologists.

KEY POINTS

• Demetics exhibited a high sensitivity and accuracy in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant thyroid nodules. • Demetics could improve the diagnostic accuracy of junior radiologists in the differential diagnosis of benign from malignant thyroid nodules. • Factors influencing the diagnostic results of Demetics include the sonographic signs (echogenicity and echogenic foci), contrast of the image, and nodule size.