Value of real-time ultrasound elastography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules

Objective To discuss value of real-time ultrasound elastography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods 20 cases with thyroid nodule treated in our hospital form February 2013 to January 2014 were selected as subjects.Before operation,20 cases(35 thyroid nodules),were detected by conventional ultrasound and conventional ultrasound to differential diagnose benign and malignant thyroid nodules.Real-time ultrasound elastography diagram was divided into 0 ~ Ⅳ level according to the elastic hardness(0~Ⅱ was benign,Ⅲ~Ⅳ was malignant),and was compared with pathological diagnosis. Results Pathological diagnosis showed benign thyroid nodules were 26,and malignant thyroid nodules were 9.Sensitivity of real-time ultrasound elastography was 100.00%,specificity was 92.31%,and precision rate was 94.28%,which were higher than conventional ultrasound(55.56%,50.00%,51.43%),with significant differences(P0.05). Conclusion Real-time ultrasound elastography can reflect the relative hardness of thyroid nodule,and shows a certain value in diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules,with better diagnosis results than conventional ultrasound,worthy of clinical application.