[Relationship between computed tomography (CT) manifestations and pathology in thyroid carcinoma].

Background & Objective: In clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid carcinoma, the misdiagnosis rate is about 40%-70%and the recurrence is about 30%. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the CT features of thyroid carcinoma and its clinical pathology.

Methods: Fourty-six cases of thyroid carcinoma, pathologically proven, were retrospectively analyzed for CT and histological findings.

Results: Of 46 patients with thyroid carcinoma, 31 cases showed heterogeneous density, 30 cases showed irregular shape, 37 cases showed untidy margin, 16 cases showed peninsular tubercles around the tumor,and 10 cases showed no complete enhanced ring around the tumor. 20 cases were detected calcifications, including 9 cases fine globular calcifications, 4 cases nodular calcifications, 7 cases mixture calcifications. In addition,"calcified nodule in cyst sign" were found in 7 cases. 23 cases infiltrated the adjacent structures and 15 cases were revealed metastatic lymphadenopathy on the neck.

Conclusion: Some cases of thyroid carcinoma can be diagnosed correctly according to the characteristic manifestations on CT. Different pathological types of thyroid carcinoma were related to calcification manifestations and adjacent structure invasion. CT scan can provide reliable information in selecting therapeutic methods.