Can back-wall cystic figures of thyroid nodules predict benignity?
Authors' conclusion
BWCF in EU-TIRADS 4 nodules indicate a low malignancy risk, close to that of EU-TIRADS 3 nodules. These results underline the need to distinguish BWCF from other hyperechoic foci, such as microcalcifications, to improve risk stratification. Recognizing BWCF may allow the use of higher FNA thresholds and should be considered in future guidelines as I-TIRADS.
Study context
- Population
- Thyroid nodules before fine-needle aspiration, included by four physicians
- Participants
- 150 thyroid nodules
- Exposure
- EU-TIRADS 4 nodules with vs without back-wall cystic figures (BWCF), and EU-TIRADS 3 nodules
- EU-TIRADS 4 with BWCFn = 50
- EU-TIRADS 4 without BWCFn = 50reference
- EU-TIRADS 3n = 50
- Outcome
- Risk of malignancy in EU-TIRADS 4 nodules with vs without BWCF
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- EU-TIRADS 4 without BWCF vs EU-TIRADS 4 with BWCF: P < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
Bethesda II cytology — EU-TIRADS 3 vs EU-TIRADS 4 without BWCF
P < 0.001
Bethesda III-IV cytology — EU-TIRADS 4 without BWCF vs EU-TIRADS 4 with BWCF · more frequent without BWCF than with BWCF or EU-TIRADS 3
P < 0.001
- Bethesda II cytology: EU-TIRADS 3 and EU-TIRADS 4 with BWCF vs EU-TIRADS 4 without BWCF
Original publication
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →