Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model of sonographic signs in predicting thyroid nodules malignancy.

Purpose: To develop a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model in order to recognize the most suspicious sonographic features of thyroid nodules and efficiently guide their management.

Methods: 791 thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) performed under ultrasound guidance between January 2015 and January 2017 were reviewed. Retrieved data consisted in qualitative (patient's gender, composition, echogenicity, shape, margins and echogenic foci of the nodule) and quantitative (patient's age and maximal diameter of the nodule) variables as well as the Bethesda score.