Ultrasonographic Features of Misdiagnosed Benign Thyroid Nodules

  Objective  To study the ultrasonographic features of benign thyroid nodules that were misdiagnosed as malignant nodules.

  Methods  The thyroid ultrasonic examination results of 31 822 healthy people who visited the Department of Health Management, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2011 to December 2014 were analyzed. Fine needle aspiration or surgical resection were performed in those highly suspected as malignant nodules according to some specific ultrasonographic features.

  Results  A total of 162 nodules were suspected malignant in ultrasonography, among which 33 (20.37%) were benign based on pathologic results, primarily nodular goiter with calcinosis/fibrosis(12, 36.36%). Microcalcification(20), irregular boundary of the nodules(9), a taller-than-wide shape(6), and abundant and abnormal blood flow(6) were the most common ultrasonographic signs in turn in those misdiagnosed nodules.

  Conclusions  Ultrasonography is the diagnostic technique of choice for thyroid nodules. Accurate interpretation of the ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and facilitate the decision in surgery.