A Reappraisal of Suspicious Sonographic Features of Thyroid Nodules: Shape Is Not an Independent Predictor of Malignancy

Abstract

Context: For the correct clinical application of the sonographic risk-stratification systems, the definition of independent risk features that are foundational to each system is crucial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the gray-scale sonographic features independently associated with malignancy, and to compare different definitions.

Methods: This prospective, diagnostic accuracy study took place in a single thyroid nodule referral center. All patients consecutively referred to our center for fine-needle aspiration cytology of a thyroid nodule between November 1, 2015 and March 30, 2020, were enrolled before cytology. Each nodule was examined by 2 experienced clinicians to record the sonographic features on a rating form. Histologic (when available) or cytologic diagnosis was used as the reference standard. For each single sonographic feature and definition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were calculated. The significant predictors were then included in a multivariable regression model.

Results: The final study cohort consisted of 903 nodules in 852 patients. A total of 76 nodules (8.4%) were malignant. Six features were independent predictors of malignancy: suspicious lymph node (DOR 16.23), extrathyroidal extension (DOR 6.60), irregular or infiltrative margins (DOR 7.13), marked hypoechogenicity (DOR 3.16), solid composition (DOR 3.61), and punctate hyperechoic foci (including microcalcifications and indeterminate foci; DOI 2.69). Taller-than-wide shape was not confirmed as an independent predictor.

Conclusion: We identified the key suspicious features of thyroid nodules and provided a simplified definition of some debated ones. Malignancy rate increases with number of features.

Keywords: reproducibility of results; sensitivity and specificity; thyroid nodule; ultrasonography; ultrasound.