The concordance between thyroid nodules ultrasound, based on thyroid Imaging reporting and data systems, and fine needle aspiration

Background: Thyroid nodules are solid or cystic lumps within the thyroid gland. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concordance between thyroid nodules ultrasound reports, based on Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data (TIRAD) System and results of ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA).

Methods:  In this cross-sectional study, 144 patients with thyroid nodules who referred to the radiology department of Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah at the request of endocrinologist were evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS-21software using descriptive statistics.

Results:  The age range of patients was 15 to 78, with mean age 44.86±13.27 years. Of the sample, 141 cases (97.9 %) were female and 3 cases (2.1 %) were male. Based on the results of pathology, 130 (90.2%) were benign and 14 (9.8%) were malignant lesions and sonography result 129 cases (89.6%) were benign and 15 cases (10.4%) were malignant. There was a significant difference between the results of sonography and FNA and Kappa agreement test showed a significant concordance (96%) between the sonographic reports of thyroid nodules, based on TIRAD system, and pathological findings.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a high concordance between sonographic reports of thyroid nodules, based on TIRAD category, and FNA findings. Thus, TIRAD-based ultrasound can play a key role in determining thyroid nodules, thereby facilitating patient's management.