Analysis of Characteristics Microvessel Density of Thyroid Malignant and Benign Nodules on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography

Objective: To analyze the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) characteristics and microvessel density (MVD) of thyroid carcinomas vs. benign thyroid lesions, and to determine the value of CEUS in the clinical diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Forty-five patients (34 women, 11 men; mean age, 45.95 ± 12.20 years) with 57 thyroid nodules underwent preoperative CEUS with SonoVue (injected as a bolus via an elbow vein). The CEUS data were analyzed using QLAB quantitative analysis software. The enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters of thyroid carcinoma were evaluated.Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate MVD. Results: Most malignant nodules showed hypo-enhancement, and this enhancement pattern had 68.18% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity in diagnosing thyroid carcinomas. Most benign nodules showed ring enhancement, which had 46.15% sensitivity and 100% specificity in diagnosing benign nodules. Compared with the peripheral glandular tissue, thyroid carcinomas had significantly smaller peak intensities (PI) and wash-in slopes (P ＜ 0.05). Malignant nodules had significantly lower MVD than benign nodules (P ＜ 0.05). A positive correlation was between the PI and MVD (P ＜ 0.01). Conclusion: CEUS can improve the diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas, and is a useful complement to conventional ultrasonography.