Abstract:
Objective To investigate the value of virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) in the differential diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC).
Methods 27 patients with SAT and 30 patients with PTC confirmed by fine needle puncture or pathology were selected. The conventional ultrasound and VTIQ features were analyzed and compared with the final pathological results.
Results Poorly defined margin and calcification were significant different between SAT and PTC groups (P < 0.05); centripetal reduction echogenicity was observed more frequently between two groups. There were 9 cases with centripetal hypoechoic in SAT group, 7 cases with hypoechoic and patchy hyperechoic in the interior, but none in PTC group (P < 0.05). The average shear wave velocity (SWV) value of PTC group was (3.12±0.26) m/s and the average SWV value of SAT group was (4.23±0.89) m/s (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Overlap of conventional US features exists between the SAT and PTC groups, which is easily misdiagnose focal SAT as thyroid malignat tumor. However, the poorly defined margin and centripetal reduction echogenicity are useful indicators for differential diagnosis. With the help of VTIQ, the diagnostic accuracy might be improved.