Objective:

To discuss the value of virtual touch tissue quantification (VTQ) technique combined with conventional ultrasonography in detection of benign and malignant thyroid nodules in the background of Hashimotos thyroiditis

and to provide valuable diagnostic ideas for the selection of pathological examination and treatment methods.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis o

f 49 cases of Hashimotos thyroiditis with 68 nodules was conducted. The location

size

number

aspect ratio

shape

boundary

acoustic halo

internal echo and calcification

rear echo attenuation

blood supply and abnormal lymph nodes of the thyroid nodules were observed. VTQ technique was used to measure the shear wave velocity (SWV) of thyroid nodules.

Results:

All the 68 nodules in 49 cases of Hashimotos thyroiditis were pathologically confirmed. Compared with the pathological results

the diagnostic sensitivity of conventional ultrasonography was 70.59%

the specificity was 78.43%

and the Youdens index was 0.49. Both the sensitivity and specificity of VTQ technique were 82.35%

and the Youdens index was 0.65. The diagnostic sensitivity of VTQ technique combined with conventional ultrasonography was 70.59%

the specificity was 96.08%

and the Youdens index was 0.67.

Conclusion:

VTQ technique combined with conventional ultrasonography can improve the detective rate of benign and malignant nodules in the background of Hashimotos thyroiditis

reduce the missed diagnosis of malignant nodules and avoid unnecessary surgical treatment.