ObjectiveTo observe the ultrasonic characteristics of smart three-dimensional superb microvascular imaging (Smart 3D SMI) in thyroid nodule, and explore the application value of Smart 3D SMI in the evaluation of thyroid nodule blood flow.

MethodsFrom March 2018 to December 2019, 107 patients(107 nodules) were detected using the color Doppler Flow Imaging(CDFI), 2D SMI and Smart 3D SMI to observe the blood vessels line and blood flow spatial distribution of the nodules.The vascular perfusion characteristics of nodules were evaluated using Alder semi-quantitative classification, perforator vessels and vascular distribution morphology.

ResultsThe blood flow evaluation of Smart 3D SMI for thyroid nodule was better than that of CDFI, and the difference of blood flow classification between benign and malignant nodule was statistically significant(P<0.01).The results of three methods in the evaluation of malignant nodules penetrating into blood vessels showed that the detection rates of CDFI, 2D SMI and Smart 3D SMI were 14.3%, 25.4%, 38.1%, respectively, and the detection rates of Smart 3D SMI was the highest.According to the vascular distribution assessment, there were 5 benign nodules.The results of 2D SMI showed that 5 benign nodules were blood flow type, and the results of Smart 3D SMI showed that 3 benign nodules were peripheral type, and 2 benign nodules were mixed type.Among 2 malignant nodules, the results of 2D SMI showed that 2 malignant nodules were no blood flow type, and the results of Smart 3D SMI showed that 1 malignant nodule was penetrating type, and 1 malignant nodule was central type.

ConclusionsSmart 3D SMI has high clinical application value in the evaluation of the microvascular perfusion characteristics of thyroid nodule, which is worthy of further promotion and practice in clinic.