갑상선 결절의 감별에서 외과 의사에 의한 초음파의 진단적 유용성

The Diagnostic Value of High Resolution Ultrasonography as Examined by Surgeons for the Differentiation of Thyroid Nodules

<B>Purpose: </B>High resolution ultrasonography has recently become a useful tool to differentiate malignant thyroid nodules from benign thyroid nodules. We performed this study in order to determine the usefulness of an ultrasonography examination that's performed by endocrinologic surgeons through the analysis of the sonographic characteristics. <P><B>Methods: </B>A retrospective review was undertaken for 312 patients who underwent surgery and a US examination by the operator before surgery due to thyroid nodules at Jesus Hospital from February 2006 to March 2008. The review consisted of the characteristics of the sonographic parameters, such as the margin, structure, shape, echogenicity, homogeneity, calcification, sponge sign and the width/height ratio. <P><B>Results:</B> On univariate analysis of the non-follicular neoplasm, the significant parameters were the margin, structure, shape, echogeneity, homogeneity, calcification and the width/height ratio. On the logistic regression analysis, the margin, structure, shape and echogenecity were significant parameters. On a univariateanalysis of the follicular neoplasm, the significant parameters were the shape, echogenecity, homogeneity and calcification. On the logistic regression analysis of the total thyroid nodules, the margin, structure, shape and echogenecity were significant para</B>meters. Especially, hypoechoic and solid structures are the most potent malignant characteristics. <P><B>Conclusion:</B> Among the ultrasonographic characteristics checked by surgeons before surgery, the hypoechogenecity and solid structures are the most useful ones when planning operative management of thyroid nodules.<B> (Ko</B><B></B><B>rean J Endocrine Surg 2008;8:171-176)</B>