Diagnostic Accuracy of High Resolutions Sonography in the Evaluation of thyroid Lesions in a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern Kerala

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate thyroid lesions, to differentiate between possible benign and malignant lesions and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of high resolution sonography in thyroid lesions. Methods: Patients presenting with clinical suspicion of thyroid disease referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis were included in the study. Ultrasound was done as an initial diagnostic imaging method and later underwent to ultrasound guided FNAC, for confirmation of diagnosis. Findings of the thyroid ultrasound scan were correlated with FNAC diagnosis. Results: Ultrasound was able to pick up lesions in all 100 cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 72 %and 100% respectively. Ultrasonography showed a Diagnostic accuracy of 97% for thyroid diseases. Sonography could considerably differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. Ultrasound guided FNAC showed high diagnostic yield for detection of thyroid diseases. Conclusion: The current study suggests that high resolution sonography can be used as a primary imaging modality for the evaluation of thyroid diseases with high diagnostic accuracy. Ultrasound helps in guiding FNAC for confirmation of the diagnosis.