Diagnostic ultrasound features of diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To represent the high-resolution ultrasonic profiles of diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSVPTC) and highlight the importance of ultrasound examination for detecting this rare entity. Methods The document of clinical presentations and thyroid ultrasound imaging information leading to correct diagnosis were reviewed in association with the microscopic findings of excised thyroid specimen. Results The average age of the eight patients was (18.88 ± 3.59) years(range from 12 to 24) with a gender ratio of 2 males to 6 females. Their predominant clinical presentations were enlargement (8/8) and hardening(6/8) of the involved thyroid lobes. The ultrasound imaging features were increase in the width and thickness of involved thyroids, hypoechoic and heterogeneous internal echoes, containing multiple,diffuse,and fine hyperechoic spots but without formation of any masses, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the bilateral jugular chains due to cancer cell metastasis. Ultrasound diagnosis of the first case was malignant thyroid tumor, but the following consecutive 7 patients were all definitely interpreted as DSVPTC. Conclusions The clinical presentations alone is less valuable in diagnosis of DSVPTC, but the characteristic features on high-resolution ultrasonography are highly sensitive and indicative.