[Comparison of color Doppler-evaluated thyroid nodule classifications as described by Lagalla and Chammas].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the vascularization classification of thyroid nodules with color Doppler ultrasonography described by Lagalla and cols. and Chammas and cols.


METHODS
A total of 265 thyroid nodules were studied with color Doppler and cytopathology.


RESULTS
In the diagnosis of nodules with malignant cytopathology, Chammas's IV and V patterns showed sensibility of 16.7%, specificity of 97.6%, positive predictive value of 33.3%, negative predictive value of 94.1% and accuracy of 92.1%; Lagalla's III pattern showed sensibility of 44.4%, specificity of 19.4%, positive predictive value of 3.9%, negative predictive value of 82.8% and accuracy of 21.1%.


CONCLUSIONS
Lagalla's classification showed low sensibility and accuracy in the detection of nodules with malignant cytopathology, while Chammas's classification showed high accuracy, however, low sensibility. Color Doppler was also insufficient to substitute the small needle punction and the cytopathologic study in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules.
Faria
Marcelo Antonio Serra de
MA
Centro de Diagnóstico por Imagem Ltda., Centro Clínico Pacini, Brasília, DF, Brazil. marceloserra.bsb@terra.com.br
Casulari
Luiz Augusto
LA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D055815:Young Adult