Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules by the Demetics ultrasound‐assisted diagnosis system and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound combined with thyroid image reporting and data systems

Abstract

Background: More and more new ultrasound techniques with their own characteristics are applied in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. This study amied to assess and compare the diagnostic value of the Demetics ultrasound-assisted diagnosis system and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with the Thyroid Image Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) for thyroid nodules. Design and Patients: A total of 600 thyroid nodules with pathological findings were retrospectively analysed. Demetics and CEUS were performed for all nodules. The diagnostic efficacy of Demetics and CEUS for nodules of different sizes was evaluated and compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−). The characteristics of nodules diagnosed and misdiagnosed by Demetics were compared to analyse the factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of Demetics. The necessity of CEUS for nodules that are prone to misdiagnosis in Demetics was assessed.Results: Both Demetics and CEUS can be used for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules of different sizes. The diagnostic agreement between Demetics and CEUS for thyroid nodules of different sizes was moderate, substantial and fair, respectively. The sensitivity and NPV of Demetics were higher than those of CEUS, and the specificity, PPV and LR+ of CEUS were higher than that of Demetics. The LR − of Demetics was lower than those of CEUS. There were significant differences in age, calcification and margin in analysing the factors affecting Demetics. CEUS correctly diagnosed 50 of the 101 nodules misdiagnosed by Demetics.Conclusions: Demetics showed high sensitivity in diagnosing thyroid nodules, while CEUS showed high specificity. In clinical practice, CEUS can further improve the diagnostic accuracy for nodules that are easily misdiagnosed by Demetics.

Unveiling the link between ACR TI-RADS grading and Bethesda score of thyroid nodules in diabetic patients: A comprehensive analysis

“…The occurrence and development of TNs are mainly caused by genetic predisposition, environmental factors, abnormal iodine intake, dietary habits, and other influences [3]. In the absence of prior imaging techniques, thyroid nodules can only be detected by palpation by experienced clinicians with an incidence between 4% and 7%, with a considerable rate of underdiagnosis [4]. Typically, thyroid nodules have no obvious clinical manifestations, appearing solely as palpable masses moving within the anterior cervical region upon swallowing [5].…”

The value of Demetics ultrasound‐assisted diagnosis system in diagnosis of breast lesions and in assessment Ki‐67 status of breast cancer

“…To better explain the predicted results, the software generates heat maps to visualize the distribution of benign or malignant probabilities in different regions of breast lesions. However, most research published on Demetics currently focuses on thyroid lesions 13–16 …”

“…However, most research published on Demetics currently focuses on thyroid lesions. [13][14][15][16] In this study, we conducted a retrospective study applying Demetics to breast lesions, comparing the diagnostic performance of Demetics, two radiologists of different levels of experience and the combination of Demetics with the two radiologists. Additionally, we explored the correlation between the Ki-67 status of breast cancer and the visual heatmap by Demetics.…”