Peripheral calcification in thyroid nodules: ultrasonographic features and prediction of malignancy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between peripheral calcification in thyroid nodules detected on ultrasonography and thyroid malignancy.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasonographic features of 65 pathologically proven thyroid lesions showing peripheral calcification for their correlation with histopathologic results. The following ultrasonographic parameters were assessed for each nodule: size (maximal dimension), shape (anteroposterior dimension/transverse dimension ratio), internal echogenicity (hypoechoic, isoechoic, hyperechoic, or invisible), halo sign (present or absent), type of calcification (stippled, curvilinear/smooth margin, or curvilinear/irregular margin), and extent of calcification (arc or rim).


RESULTS
Twelve (18.5%) of 65 thyroid nodules with peripheral calcification were malignant, and 53 (81.5%) were benign. Patient demographics (age and sex) and ultrasonographic features of the nodules (size, shape, internal echogenicity, halo sign, and type and extent of calcification) did not show any significant differences between benign and malignant groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The relatively high prevalence of malignancy and no reliable criterion for malignancy in thyroid nodules with peripheral calcification indicate that fine-needle aspiration or careful ultrasonographic follow-up may be warranted in these cases.
Yoon
Dae Young
DY
Department of Radiology, Kangdong Seong-Sim Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, 445 Gil-dong, Kangdong-gu, Seoul 134-701, Korea. evee0914@chollian.net
Lee
Joon Won
JW
Chang
Suk Ki
SK
Choi
Chul Soon
CS
Yun
Eun Joo
EJ
Seo
Young Lan
YL
Kim
Keon Ha
KH
Hwang
Hee Sung
HS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography