The efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient value calculation in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) calculation in differentiation between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.Methods and materialsA prospective study was conducted in 52 patients. Diffusion-weighted echoplanar imaging was performed and b factors were taken as 0 and 400 s/mm2.ResultsThe mean ADC value for malignant thyroid nodules was 0.829±0.179×10−3 mm2/s and that for benign thyroid nodules was 1.984±0.482×10−3 mm2/s. The mean ADC value for malignant nodules was significantly lower than that for benign nodules (P=.0001).ConclusionADC value calculation is an effective method in differentiation of malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones.