The Horizon of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in the Diagnostic Performance of Thyroid Nodules: Clinical Application and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The widespread occurrence of thyroid nodules and the typically slow progression of thyroid cancer have led to the development of the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS). The primary objectives behind the development of TI-RADS were to minimize unnecessary biopsies of non-cancerous nodules, enhance the overall precision of diagnosis and establish a uniform risk-stratification framework based on the lexicon to notify healthcare professionals of nodules that require a biopsy. The identification and precise diagnosis of thyroid nodules have led to improved clinical practice examination reports within the general population. TI-RADS is a risk-stratification system related to thyroid lesions and based on ultrasound characteristics and is similar to the structure of the breast imaging reporting and data system. There are various versions of TI-RADS, with some being widely used and adequately validated, while others lacking thorough evaluation. TI-RADS uses a numerical scoring system for characteristics, and its categories are determined by the cumulative score of a thyroid nodule, indicating the likelihood of it being benign or malignant. In this article, the various TI-RADS systems were examined as a successful method for producing precise and comprehensive documentation, with a particular emphasis on their functionality, similarities, distinctions and potential future developments.

Keywords: Classification; diagnostic imaging; risk assessment; thyroid cancer; thyroid nodule; ultrasonography.

Figure 1:. Scoring in the American College of Radiology thyroid imaging reporting and data system

Figure 2:. Six categories of the revised thyroid imaging reporting and data system, thyroid imaging reporting and data system levels and criteria for fine-needle aspiration or follow-up ultrasound