Application value of Smart 3D-SMI in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules

ObjectiveTo investigate of the application value of smart three-dimensional superb microvascular imaging(SMART 3D-SMI) in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

MethodsThe blood flow distribution and morphological characteristics of nodules were detected using color Doppler flow image(CDFI), two-dimensional superb microvascular imaging(2D-SMI) and SMART 3D-SMI, respectively.The diagnostic efficacy among three methods combined with gray-scale ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant nodules was compared.

ResultsAmong the detection of CDFI, 2D-SMI and SMART 3D-SMI, the differences of the grading of blood flow in benign nodules and malignant nodules were not and were statistically significant, respectively(P>0.05 and P < 0.01).The sensitivities, specificities, accuracy rating, positive predictive values, negative predictive values and areas under curve of CDFI, 2D-SMI, and SMART 3D-SMI combined with gray-scale ultrasound in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules were 71.1% vs 80.0% vs 88.9%, 72.7% vs 80.0% vs 89.1%, 72.0% vs 80.0% vs 89.0%, 68.1% vs 76.5% vs 87.0%, 75.5% vs 83.0% vs 90.7%, and 0.719 vs 0.800 vs 0.890, respectively.

ConclusionSMART 3D-SMI can better evaluate the spatial distribution and morphological characteristics of the microvessels of thyroid nodules.The clinical value of SMART 3D-SMI combined with gray-scale ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules is great.