Association of microcalcification,.coarse calcification and annular calcification in thyroid nodule with thyroid malignancy

Objective To investigate the value of thyroid nodule microcalcification, coarse calcification and annular calcification in the diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma. Methods Between 2011 and 2012, 183 patients with thyroid nodules underwent ultrasound examination. The pathological results were obtained for the patients. The association between thyroid malignancy and microcalcification, coarse calcification or annular calcification on ultrasound was analyzed. Results Of 183 cases confirmed by pathology, the malignant rates in thyroid nodules with microcalcification, coarse calcification, and annular calcification were 54.7%(52 / 95), 16.7%(13 / 78), 0%(0 / 10), respectively. Conclusion Microcalcification and coarse calcification in thyroid nodules are important ultrasound features in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy.