Ultrasonic identification and regression analysis of 294 thyroid follicular tumors.

Context: We analyzed the clinical features and ultrasound image features of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA).
Aims: This study aimed to identify ultrasonographic differences and correlations between FTC and FTA. Meanwhile, ultrasonographic manifestations of thyroid follicular tumor were also retrospectively analyzed.
Settings and Design: Using pathological results as the gold standard, the clinical and ultrasonic image characteristics of FTA and FTC were statistically analyzed, and the differences were analyzed.
Materials and Methods: A total of 304 patients who were diagnosed with FTC or FTA by pathology after thyroidectomy from March 2009 to March 2018 were enrolled in this study. Their ultrasonic images were analyzed; image features were extracted and correlation analyses for these features were conducted. Differences in ultrasonic images between FTC and FTA were also compared.
Statistical Analysis Used: Independent sample t-test; Wilcoxon rank sum test; A Chi-square test: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results: When performing ultrasound diagnosis, attention should be paid to identify FTC and FTA in terms of age, nodular goiter conditions, nodular boundary conditions, internal echo, calcification, blood flow signals, thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) grading and cystic solidity conditions. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression showed that the boundaries were unclear, and cystic degeneration, TI-RADS, hypoecho, nodular goiter, macrocalcification and microcalcification were associated with FTC. Among them, macrocalcification is a protective factor for thyroid follicular tumors, and other indicators are risk factors.
Conclusion: Ultrasound can provide valuable information for the identification of follicular neoplasms, but further research in this area is still necessary.
Competing Interests: None