Gray-scale vs. color doppler ultrasound in cold thyroid nodules

Abstract

We intended to compare gray-scale vs. color Doppler ultrasound findings in cold thyroid nodules. Sixty-four patients with cold thyroid nodules for whom the presumptive diagnosis of malignancy (based on isotope scan study) had been made were consecutively included. They underwent gray-scale and color Doppler sonography studies. Based on histopathologic examination of surgically removed nodules, there were respectively 25 (39%) and 39 (61%) malignant and benign nodules. On color Doppler sonography, preference central hypervascularity was the most common finding in malignant nodules (17 nodules, 68%). Among benign nodules, preference perinodular hypervascularity was the most common finding (26 nodules, 66.7%). The most sensitive and specific Doppler sonography findings for malignant nodules were preference central hypervascularity (68%) and only central vascularity (97%), respectively. On gray-scale sonography, absent halo sign was the most common finding in malignant nodules (20 nodules, 80%). Among benign nodules, microcalcification was the most common finding which was reported in 12 nodules (30.7%). Hypoechogenicity was the most specific finding (76.9%) for malignant nodules. Since both gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasonography are inexpensive, non-invasive, and accessible methods to diagnose thyroid malignant cold nodules, it is recommended that these methods be applied by clinicians to assist or even substitute other invasive methods.