Features of Ultrasound Imaging of Different Types of Thyroid Calcifications and their Association with Cancer Risk

Abstract

The features of multiparametric ultrasound imaging different types of thyroid calcifications and its significance in cancer risk stratification were studied on the material of 932 patients referred for thyroid biopsy. It has been established that calcification in the thyroid gland is represented by macrocalcifications, microcalcifications, calcified capsules and fully calcified nodules with characteristic ultrasonic features. MicroPure technology was determined to improve visualization of microcalcifications, differentiate them from other hyperechogenic point structures, but was ineffective for other types of calcifications. The frequency of microcalcification in thyroid nodules is significantly associated with the risk of their malignancy, but can be detected in benign nodules and in intact parenchyma; for other types of calcifications, the dependence on the risk of malignancy is either absent or not linear. The frequency of microcalcification in thyroid nodules is significantly associated with the risk of their malignancy, but can be detected in benign nodules and in intact parenchyma; for other types of calcifications, the dependence on the risk of malignancy is either absent or not linear. Thus, ultrasound assessment of thyroid nodule calcification using MicroPure technology allows us to stratify their oncologic risk, which can be used in the choice of further patient management tactics.