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Diagnostic Value of Sonographic Features in Distinguishing Malignant Partially Cystic Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Source :
- Frontiers in Endocrinology, Vol 12 (2021), Frontiers in Endocrinology
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- Frontiers Media SA, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Ultrasonography (US) is one of the most important methods for the management of thyroid nodules, which can be classified as solid, partially cystic, or cystic by composition. The various Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System classifications pay more attention to solid nodules and have reported pertinent US features associated with malignancy. However, the likelihood of malignancy of partially cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) is 3.3–17.6%, and few studies have systematically discussed the value of US in differentiating such entities. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to perform a systematic evaluation of US features in recognizing malignant PCTNs. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of US features in predicting malignant PCTNs. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to find studies that researched US features of PCTNs and that were published before June 2020. Review Manager 5.3 was used to summarize suspicious US features and calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to estimate receiver operating characteristic curves and calculate areas under the curves (AUCs). Our review included eight studies with a total of 2,004 PCTNs. Seven features were considered to be associated with malignancy. High specificity (>0.9) was found in nodules with a taller-than-wide shape, those that were spiculated/microlobulated or with an ill-defined margin, those with microcalcification, and a non-smooth rim. Among US features, eccentric configuration, microcalcification, and marked or mild hypoechogenicity were more reliable in predicting malignancy (AUC: 0.9592, 0.8504, and 0.8092, respectively). After meta-analysis, we recommend combining PCTN US features including an eccentric internal solid portion, marked or mild hypoechogenicity, and presence of microcalcification to better identify malignant nodules. More studies are needed to explore and improve the diagnostic value of US in PCTNs.
- Subjects :
- Thyroid nodules
medicine.medical_specialty
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cochrane Library
Malignancy
lcsh:Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
030218 nuclear medicine & medical imaging
Thyroid carcinoma
03 medical and health sciences
Endocrinology
0302 clinical medicine
Medicine
lcsh:RC648-665
Receiver operating characteristic
business.industry
Thyroid
medicine.disease
thyroid carcinoma
meta-analysis
medicine.anatomical_structure
diagnostic values
030220 oncology & carcinogenesis
Meta-analysis
sonographic features
Systematic Review
partially cystic thyroid nodules
Radiology
Microcalcification
medicine.symptom
business
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 16642392
- Volume :
- 12
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Frontiers in Endocrinology
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....7ca3a507bdb9c3882448b427878c3e07
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.624409