Conventional Ultrasound and the Color Flow-doppler Mapping Function in Evaluation of Libyan Thyroid Tumors

Aims: Conventional Ultrasonography and (CFM) can be expected to improve the distinction between benign and malignant thyroid nodule gland. The aim of this study was to estimate the supporting value of a color flow-Doppler mapping function (CFM) of conventional Ultrasonography of the thyroid nodule, and do so by using different flow patterns and whether ornot, this technique can have a role in the diagnosis of malignant involvement.
Study Design: Prospective [analytic observational] study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery and Department of Radiology, Misurata Cancer Center, Libya, between January 2007 and December 2009.
Methodology: This prospective study was based on 54 patients with an available histological diagnosis of the thyroid nodule 41 benign Follicular adenomas (FA) and 13 malignant papillary carcinomas (PC) were examined. Before thyroidectomies, the patients were submitted to US graphic in a two different assessment methods: (i) patients examined with conventional thyroid US and (CFM) method and (ii) then re-examined with CFM method. The CFM produced 3 vascular pattern [A; Peripheral ring of flow with minimal or no internal flow. B; Peripheral ring and small to moderate internal color flow. C; Extensive internal color flow with or without peripheral ring].
Results: The conventional ultrasonographic patterns showed significant differences between benign and malignant cases. The ill-defined and irregular edges of assessment nodules were especially significant. The type A or B blood flow pattern were not significant. However, All samples with type C blood flow pattern were malignant and with sensitivity 61.5%.
Conclusion: The study suggests that the conventional thyroid ultrasound with the color flow-Doppler mapping function can play a useful role in evaluation of the thyroid tumors, and the tumor features that analyzed by ultrasound should be considered at the time of surgical intervention. The method can be used to increase the effectiveness of cytological procedure in doubtful thyroid lesions.