A correlation analysis of calcification patterns and biopsy in thyroid nodules

Objective To explore the value of calcification of thyroid nodules in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions. Methods1 344 nodules of thyroid with ultrasound- guided core needle biopsy were analyzed retrospectively. Thyroid nodules were classified into different groups depended on different calcification. Results Among the 1 344 nodules,972 nodules were benign and 372 nodules were malignant. 744 nodule were calcification and 600 nodule were no calcification. The incidence of malignant nodules calcification( 66. 13%),the incidence of clustered microcalcifications( 72. 22%) and small calcification incidence( 41. 94%) were higher than those of benign nodules( P 0. 01). Calcification diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules specificity and sensitivity were 66. 13% and 48. 77%,positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 33. 06% and 79. 00%. Clustered microcalcifications higher specificity,its specificity was 97. 94%,the sensitivity was13. 98%,positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 72. 22% and 74. 84%. Conclusion Micro- calcification of thyroid nodules has a better clinical value for ultrasonic diagnosis if benign and malignant lesions. The other kinds of calcifications were not so good.