Monica Chapa MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Armando Gamboa, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paulina Bezaury MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sandra Huicochea MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Blanca Camacho-Dominguez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jorge Vasquez, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the correlation of microcalcifications seen in thyroid ultrasound with the presence of psammoma bodies in the thyroid tissue

Transversal, descriptive and prolective study. 89 consecutive patiens under thyroidectomy from February 2010 to January 2011, with previous thyroid ultrasound were included. Assessment of microcalcifications in ultrasound (ecogenic spots under 2 mm length without acoustic shadowing), by two blinded radiologist. Assessment of psammoma bodies or other type of calcification in the thyroid tissue after thyroidectomy, by a experienced blinded pathologist.

1. 15.7% men and 84.3% women, ranging from 16 to 81 years old 2. 66.3% malignant nodules, 33.7% benign 3. Interobserver radiologists kappa 0.58 for assessment of microcalcifications in thyroid ultrasound 4. 43% of microcalcifications correspond to psammoma bodies in thyroid tissue, 56% correspond to other type of calcifications, in 27.3% there were no calcifications in thyroid tissue 5. 70.5% of microcalcifications where associated to malignant nodules, 29.5% to benign histopathologic result.

Not all microalcifiations seen in thyroid ultrasound correspond to psammoma bodies in the thyroid tissue, however the mayority are associated with malignancy.

Microcalcifications are considered the most specific finding to predict malignancy in a thyroid nodule, however it is not known if they really correspond to psammoma bodies in the thyroid tissue.

Chapa, M, Gamboa, A, Bezaury, P, Huicochea, S, Camacho-Dominguez, B, Vasquez, J, Do All Microcalcifications Seen in Thyroid Ultrasound Correspond to Psammoma Bodies in Thyroid Tissue?.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11034648.html