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. 2019 May 12;10(9):1975-1984.
doi: 10.7150/jca.30135. eCollection 2019.

Comparisons and Combined Application of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Real-time Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Rui-Jun Han  1 , Jing Du  1 , Feng-Hua Li  1 , Hao-Ru Zong  1 , Jia-Dong Wang  2 , Yu-Ling Shen  2 , Qin-Yi Zhou  2
Affiliations

Comparisons and Combined Application of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Real-time Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules

Rui-Jun Han et al. J Cancer. .

Abstract

Purpose Two-dimensional and three-dimensional real-time shear wave elastography (2D+3D SWE) represents a new technology for the quantification of tissue elasticity. This study investigated whether they could be performed to differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods Conventional B-mode ultrasound, 2D and 3D SWE were performed in 96 patients with 97 thyroid nodules with pathology results. Results All the elastography values of 2D&3D SWE in malignant thyroid nodules were higher than those in benign nodules. These two elastography methods alone could not improve diagnostic value comparing to B-mode ultrasound significantly. However, B-mode US + 2D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or S-Emean ≥ 23.75 kPa, suspicious), B-mode US + 3D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or 3D-T-Emean ≥ 20.75 kPa, suspicious), B-mode US + 2D + 3D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or S-Emean ≥ 23.75 kPa or 3D-T-Emean ≥ 20.75 kPa, suspicious) had higher sensitivity and accuracy values than those of 3 methods alone but lower specificity values. Among them, B-mode ultrasound + 2D SWE had the highest sensitivity, NPV, accuracy and Youden's index (0.881, 0.788, 0.804 and 0.57). Conclusions 2D SWE or 3D SWE alone could not improve the diagnostic value of differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules comparing to conventional B-mode ultrasound. But combination methods could improve the diagnostic value, especially B-mode US + 2D SWE.

Keywords: Elasticity imaging techniques; Three-dimensional image; Thyroid nodule; Ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A thyroid papillary carcinoma in sagittal section by 2D SWE with Young's modulus measured in the lesion and ratio with the surrounding tissue
Figure 2
Figure 2
A thyroid papillary carcinoma on the sagittal/transverse/coronal section by 3D SWE
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) 8 slice images on the sagittal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (B) 8 slice images on the transverse section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (C) 8 slice images on the coronal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) 8 slice images on the sagittal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (B) 8 slice images on the transverse section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (C) 8 slice images on the coronal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) 8 slice images on the sagittal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (B) 8 slice images on the transverse section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma. (C) 8 slice images on the coronal section by 3D SWE of a thyroid papillary carcinoma
Figure 4
Figure 4
A papillary carcinoma missed by B-mode US (TI-RADS 4a) but suspicious by 2D SWE (S-Tmean=25.3 kPa).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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