Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of thyroid nodules and to evaluate its value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules.

Methods:

A retrospectively analysis of CEUS features of 69 patients with 69 thyroid nodules (33 malignant and 36 benign) was conducted. CEUS performance of thyroid nodules was observed and the evaluation indicators included the speed of contrast agent entering the nodules

enhancement degree

enhancement homogeneity and clearance time of contrast agent.

Results:

There were statistical significances in enhancement degree

enhancement homogeneity and clearance time of cont

rast agent (

2

=48.45

48.98

45.22

P

0.01). The CEUS features of malignant thyroid were mainly fast in fast out and low uneven enhancement

and of benign thyroid were fast in slow out and high even enhancement.

Conclusion:

There are significant differences in CEUS features between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. So CEUS has important clinical value in the differential diagnosis of them.