Differentiation of thyroid nodules using diffusion-weighted MRI

BackgroundThyroid nodule evaluation is usually done using a fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of diffusion weighted imaging to differentiate benign from malignant thyroid nodules.MethodsSixty-one patients, 15 males and 46 females (30–70 years, mean age 49.08 years) with thyroid nodules were included in the study. Routine MRI of neck and diffusion-weighted MR imaging was performed using multiple b-values. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were done for the different b-values. Histopathological results of the thyroidectomy samples were obtained. Comparison of apparent diffusion coefficient values of thyroid nodules with the histopathology was done.ResultsThe pathology results showed that there were 38 and 23 benign and malignant thyroid nodules respectively. ADC value for b-values of 0–300 s/mm2 was used to evaluate the ADC values for benign and malignant thyroid nodules which were significant (p < 0.001). Higher ADC values were seen in benign nodules (ADC: 2.32 ± 0.44 × 10–3 mm2/s) than malignant ones (1.40 ± 0.40 × 10–3 mm2/s).ConclusionDifferentiation of thyroid nodules whether benign or malignant can be done using the diffusion-weighted MR technique.