The manifestations of solid thyroid nodules on contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Objective To investigate the featured manifestations of thyroid solid nodules on contrast- enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and to assess the clinical value of these manifestations in distinguishing the benign thyroid nodules from the malignancies. Methods CEUS examinations were performed on 32 patients with 34 thyroid solid nodules who had the final pathological results of the nodules during the period of september 2012 to february 2013. The enhancement features of the nodules were analyzed. Results There were 22 benign and 12 malignant nodules in 32 patients. 2 benign and 9 malignant nodules were demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement , 3 benign and 2 malignant nodules were demonstrated homogeneous enhancement , and 17 benign and one malignant nodules were demonstrated ring-shaped enhancement. No nodules showed free-enhancement. Conclusions Benign nodules are mostly ring-shaped enhancement on contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations and malignancies are mainly heterogeneous enhancement. The difference in the enhancement modes is helpful in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.