Diagnostic Accuracy of Color Doppler Ultrasonography in Detection of Malignancy in Cold Nodule Thyroid Gland

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasound in the detection of malignancy in cold nodules in thyroid gland at Nishtar Hospital Multan, taking histopathology as gold standard

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Diagnostic Imaging in Nishtar Hospital, Multan during May, 2012 to May, 2013. 81 patients with solitary thyroid nodule were included in the study. Ultrasonography including gray scale and color Doppler ultrasound was performed in each patient with high resolution probe. Findings suggestive for malignancy like microcalcifications, irregular margins, marked hypoechogenicity, shape taller than wider and intranodular vascularity on color Doppler ultrasound were noted. Nodules were labeled as malignant, if one or more positive findingswere present. Sonographic findings were compared with histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated. Results: Total 81 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. 58.02% (n=47), were male and 41.08% (n=34) were female. Mean age and SD was calculated as 35.67+ 4.78.Frequency of malignancy in thyroid nodules (on histopathology) was recorded in 22.22% (n=18) while 77.78% (n=63) were benign. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography were 83.33%, 88.89%, 68.18%, 94.92% and 87.65% respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique having high diagnostic accuracy in detection of malignancy in cold nodules thyroid gland