Abstract
Background: Thyroid nodules are a common occurrence in the general
population.Ultrasound provides a safe and fast sensitive method for the
detection of thyroid nodules, and suspicious features can be used to guide
further investigation/management decisions. However, given the financial
burden on the health service and unnecessary anxiety for patients, it is
unrealistic to biopsy every thyroid nodule to confirm diagnosis .
Aim:This study aimed to develop a rational, cost-effective approach to
ordering and interpreting imaging and diagnostic tests in the evaluation of
the thyroid nodule.
Methods: this was a cross-sectionalprospective study including all patients
presented with thyroid nodules either clinically or incidentally discovered in
thyroid clinic of endocrine unit in period between March 2019 to March
2022thyroid function test, thyroid ultrasound andFine needle aspiration
cytology (FNAC) was done.
Results: According to TI-RADS classification, 2, 7 and 32 nodules
categorized as TI-RADS I, II and III were benign on FNAC with specificity
of 100%. Therefore, the estimated decrease in unnecessary FNACs was
63.08%. Meanwhile, all nodules categorized as TI-RADS V (very
suspicious) were confirmed to be malignant by FNAC with sensitivity,
specificity, PPV and NPV of 100%.
Conclusion: The sonographic features, severe hypo-echogenicity and micro-
calcification can be used for diagnosis of malignancy. TI-RADS
classification and thyroid cancer were associated; TI-RADS 3 and 2 are the
most frequently noted classification of TNs in or study.
Keywords: thyroid nodules; thyroid ultrasound ;FNAC.