Correlation of Spectral Doppler Indices of Superior Thyroid Artery and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Values in Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules in a Tertiary Level Hospital
Maxton Sam, M. Vasantha Kumar, R. SarveshAbstract
Background:
Thyroid nodules are common in clinical practice, with a small but significant proportion harboring malignancy. Conventional ultrasonography has limitations in differentiating benign from malignant nodules. Advanced imaging techniques such as spectral Doppler ultrasonography and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements may improve diagnostic accuracy.
Aim:
The study aimed to assess the role of spectral Doppler ultrasound values of the superior thyroid artery in thyroid nodules and correlating with ADC values using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, from November 2023 to November 2024. Forty-two patients aged 18–70 years with suspected thyroid nodules were included using purposive sampling. Spectral Doppler ultrasonography was performed to assess pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI), followed by DW-MRI using a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Essenza scanner for ADC value measurement. Histopathology served as the reference standard. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, with independent
Results:
The majority of participants were females (71.4%) and belonged to the 41–50 years of age group (31.0%). Malignant nodules demonstrated significantly higher PI (1.30 vs. 0.87;
Conclusion:
Spectral Doppler indices and ADC values are reliable noninvasive imaging biomarkers for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules, with high diagnostic accuracy. Their combined use can enhance early diagnosis and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures.