title: Evaluation and development of a real-time predictive model for ultrasound investigation of malignant thyroid nodules.
abstract: Ultrasound investigations and correct identification of malignant thyroid nodules depend on the experience and qualifications of the investigators; thus, a model that provides better evaluation before needle aspiration is desired. Data from 687 patients with 726 thyroid nodules comprising 65 malignant nodules (61 papillary and 4 follicular carcinoma) and 661 benign nodules were used to construct a predictive model. Presence of micro-calcification, taller-than-wide shape, predominant solid echostructure, and irregular margins were shown to be good independent predictive parameters. A thyroid nodule was predicted as malignant with a score ≥3.3. Internal validation of this predictive tool by the bootstrapping method showed excellent overall model performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, #21, Section 2, Nan-Ya South Road, Pan Chiao, New Taipei, 220, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Po-Wen
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Hsu-Wen
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Chi-Te
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wu-Chia
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Li-Jen
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Liao
mesh_terms: D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012984:Software; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D055815:Young Adult