Analysis of the imageology characters of predominantly cystic thyroid carcinoma / 中华内分泌外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the ultrasonographic and CT imaging features of predominantly cystic thyroid carcinoma (PCTC).Methods The retrospective analysis was performed on 30 cases of thyroid carcinoma with predominantly cystic composition confirmed by pathololy in the General Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from Jan.2011 to Dec.2016.The distribution of their solid portion's ultrasound characters including the eccentric configuration,irregular margin and increased vascularity were observed in all PCTCs.The CT images of 9 cases were analyzed,and the distribution of their solid portion's CT characters including irregular margin,uneven enhancement and papillary structure were observed in 9 PCTCs.Results In the ultrasound images of 30 PCTCs' whole shapes,26 cases (86.7％) showed oval and 24 cases (80.0％) showed smooth margin.26 cases (86.7％) showed eccentric configuration,20 cases (66.7％) showed rich blood flow and 19 cases (63.3％) showed irregular margin in the solid portion's ultrasound image.Only 7 cases(23.3％) showed microcalcification.Every ultrasound image of 30 PCTCs showed at least one or more of the three ultrasound characters,including eccentric configuration,irregular margin and increased vascularity.In the solid portion of 9 PCTCs,7 cases (77.8％) showed irregular margin,6 cases (66.7％) showed uneven enhancement and 6 cases(66.7％) showed papillary structure in the CT image,and every one of them showed at least one or more of the above 3 CT characters.Conclusion When the solid portion of predominantly cystic thyroid nodule appears to have some suspicious malignant characters in the image of ultrasound or CT,we should be vigilant that the nodule may be malignant.