Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and elastosonography in thyroid nodule: diagnostic value in a real-time cohort

Purpose In clinical practice, thyroid nodules are classified according to TI-RADS by B-mode and color-flow Doppler study.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the possible added value of Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and elastosonography in the stratification of malignancy risk of thyroid nodules.

Methods All patients with thyroid nodules who were candidates for needle aspiration were enrolled.

Experienced operators performed a standard examination with TI-RADS calculation, followed by SMI and elastosonography on the nodules.

The needle aspiration outcome was used as the gold standard.

Statistical analysis calculated the ROC curves of the techniques applied individually and serially.

Results In this prospective study, we analysed 260 nodules, found in 251 patients (mean age 58.6 yo ± 14).

11.2% were TI-RADS 1, 18.9% TI-RADS 2, 41.1% TI-RADS 3, 28.1% TI-RADS 4, and 0.8% TI-RADS 5.

The SMI technique showed an AUC of 0.57 (95% CI 0.49; 0.66) while elastosonography had an AUC of 0.58 (95% CI 0.49; 0.67) when used individually.

SMI together with elastosonography had AUC of 0.62 (95% CI 0.52; 0.71).

TI-RADS had AUC of 0.67 (95% CI 0.59; 0.75).

SMI and elastosonography applied together with TI-RADS had AUC of 0.69 (95% CI 0.61; 0.77).

Conclusion In the real-world cohort of patients, the SMI technique and elastosonography slightly increase the AUC of TI-RADS.

Taken individually, SMI and elastosonography do not have a very strong AUC.