Ultrasound imaging in thyroid nodule diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up: Current status and future trends

J Clin Ultrasound. 2023 Jul-Aug;51(6):1087-1100. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23430. Epub 2023 Jan 19.

Abstract

Ultrasound, the primary imaging modality in thyroid nodule management, suffers from drawbacks including: high inter- and intra-observer variability, limited field-of-view and limited functional imaging. Developments in ultrasound technologies are taking place to overcome these limitations, including three-dimensional-Doppler, -elastography, -nodule characteristics-extraction, and novel machine-learning algorithms. For thyroid ablative treatments and biopsies, perioperative use of three-dimensional ultrasound opens a new field of research. This review provides an overview of the current and future applications of ultrasound, and discusses the potential of new developments and trends that may improve the diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up of thyroid nodules.

Keywords: CAD; CAI; RSS; thyroid nodule; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Elasticity Imaging Techniques* / methods
  • Humans
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thyroid Nodule* / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Nodule* / pathology
  • Thyroid Nodule* / therapy
  • Ultrasonography / methods

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