Role of Ultrasound Elastography in The Evaluation of Suspicious Thyroid Nodules

Introduction: Thyroid nodules represent one of the most frequently encountered abnormalities in the endocrine system. These nodules are defined as discrete lesions that can be distinguished from the normal thyroid parenchyma on radiological examinations. Increased detection due to widespread use of neck ultrasonography. Accurate diagnostic methods are crucial to avoid unnecessary procedures and improve patient outcomes. Aims & Objectives: To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound elastography for the differential diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules as benign or malignant, using FNAC/Histopathology analysis as the reference standard. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of strain wave ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of suspicious thyroid nodules. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave ultrasound elastography in the evaluation of suspicious thyroid nodules. Study Design: Prospective analytical study. Location: Department of Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Duration: 12 months. Sample Size: 140 patients with suspicious thyroid nodules. All studies were performed using the Samsung RS80 EVO ultrasound machine with elastography software and a high-frequency linear array probe LA2 – 9A for both conventional US and USE examinations. Result: All Patients were evaluated using a combination of conventional ultrasound, strain elastography, and shear wave elastography. Key parameters such as lesion shape, calcifications, margins, echo patterns, and vascularity were meticulously recorded and analyzed. The integration of elastography techniques aimed to enhance the precision of thyroid nodule assessment, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework that supports accurate diagnosis and informed clinical management. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study validates the efficacy of ultrasound elastography, particularly when combined with TI-RADS, in the accurate assessment and risk stratification of thyroid nodules.