A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE VALUE OF ACOUSTIC RADIATION FORCE ELASTICITY IMAGING AS AN ADJUNCT TO THE ACR-TIRADS STRATIFICATION OF THYROID NODULES WITH HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a common lesion affecting the population but are difcult to be detected on physical examination warrants the need for ultrasonography or other diagnostic modalities such as elastography and ARFI to aid in its diagnosis. This study aims to determine the diagnostic potential of elastography in conjunction with TIRADS in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules and with FNAC correlation. Material and Methods: This study included 80 cases and was conducted at Chettinad Hospitals and Research Institute's Department of Radiology between January 2020 and July 2021. Patients were included as per the inclusion criteria. USG, elastography, ARFI and FNAC were carried out. The lesions were categorised according to the ndings and then correlated with each diagnostic modality. Results: The TIRADS showed a sensitivity, specicity and accuracy of 83%, 96% and 94% respectively. While in case of elastography it was 91.7%, 99% and 97% respectively. However when checking the combined ARFI the sensitivity, specicity and accuracy of 96%, 100% and 99% respectively. Conclusion:When compared to TIRADS or VTQ alone, or when the two were combined, the VTI demonstrated greater sensitivity, specicity, and diagnostic accuracy.