Sonographic Index for Extrathyroidal Extension of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ultrasonography is the most useful tool for detecting extrathyroidal extension, which is the deciding factor in surgical extension of papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, there are few studies on pre-operative ultrasonographic findings about extrathyroidal extension. This research thus evaluates a predictive sonographic index of extrathyroidal extension. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: 265 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent preoperative sonography and surgery were respectively reviewed. Sonographic findings were compared with pathological results. RESULTS: There were no differences among the patents in terms of calcification and echo texture, whereas significant differences were observed in terms of mass size, lymph node metastasis, capsule contact, and degree of capsule contact. These four factors were weighted according to the degree of severity and defined the extrathyroidal index as the total of these scores. The index had high sensitivity, specificity and predictability. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the extrathyroidal extension index with sonography is helpful for drawing pre-operative sonographic diagnosis.