The efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient value calculation in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculation in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted in 52 patients. Diffusion-weighted echoplanar imaging was performed and b factors were taken as 0 and 400 s/mm(2).


RESULTS
The mean ADC value for malignant thyroid nodules was 0.829±0.179×10(-3) mm(2)/s and that for benign thyroid nodules was 1.984±0.482×10(-3) mm(2)/s. The mean ADC value for malignant nodules was significantly lower than that for benign nodules (P=.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
ADC value calculation is an effective method in differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones.
Department of Radiology, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey. alperdilli@yahoo.com
Alper
A
Dilli
Umit Yasar
UY
Ayaz
Evrim
E
Cakir
Erman
E
Cakal
Salih Sinan
SS
Gultekin
Baki
B
Hekimoglu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult