Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Improves the Diagnostic Performance of Sonographic Risk Stratification System of Thyroid Carcinoma Comparing Integrated and Up-and-down Scoring Methods

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma to evaluate two diagnostic scoring methods using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with gray-scale ultrasound. This trial aims to compare the integrated scoring method and the up-and-down scoring method for diagnosing thyroid nodules and determining the necessity of biopsy. This retrospective study follows accepted standards for diagnostic accuracy and includes participants who have undergone specific ultrasound tests and biopsies with confirmed benign or malignant results. Participants receive diagnostic evaluation involving conventional gray-scale ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules larger than 5 mm. The study includes a training set of 600 participants and an external validation set of 200 participants from different hospitals. The two scoring methods are used to assess the malignant risk of thyroid nodules and guide biopsy decisions. During the study, researchers collect ultrasound images and biopsy results to measure diagnostic performance and biopsy rates. They analyze how well each scoring method identifies malignant nodules and reduces unnecessary biopsies. Participant involvement includes undergoing the specified ultrasound procedures and biopsy, with data collected retrospectively. The study focuses on evaluating diagnostic accuracy and biopsy necessity, with results expected after the study's primary completion date.

CEUS Improves the Diagnostic Performance of SRSS of Thyroid Carcinoma