Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound in predicting diffuse sclerosing variant papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective diagnostic accuracy study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: Diffuse sclerosing variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (DSV-PTC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of PTC. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging owing to the overlapping of imaging characteristics with those of other thyroid conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative ultrasound (US) in predicting DSV-PTC and to identify significant diagnostic factors. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 34 patients who were preoperatively suspected of having DSV-PTC based on US findings and later underwent thyroidectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the final histopathological diagnosis: DSV-PTC and non-DSV-PTC. Demographic, radiological, and pathological characteristics were also compared. Results: mutations, vascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis, showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Preoperative US has limited accuracy (32.4%) in diagnosing DSV-PTC. Because of the aggressive treatment recommendations based on preoperative suspicion, clinicians should carefully consider the limitations of imaging. Further studies incorporating fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy are required to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412556137