Malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm with ACR-TIRADS, K-TIRADS, and ATA-2015 guidelines: a prospective study

Abstract Background Small thyroid nodules (≤ 10 mm) are common findings in ultrasonography. The first purpose of this study was to compare the performance three guidelines diagnosis malignancy for small nodules. second aim find ultrasonographic characteristics potentially associated with risk malignancy. This prospective cross-sectional performed on patients a mm), who were rereferred radiologists sonography and FNA. Sonographic features recorded scored according American College Radiology-Thyroid Imaging Reporting Data System (ACR-TIRADS), Thyroid Association (ATA-2015), Korean-TIRADS (K-TIRADS). Finally, FNA conducted cytological reported. Results In total, 287 from 256 subjects (64 men 192 women) finally included study. accuracy ACR-TIRADS categories TR5 TR4/5 88.9% 72.1%, respectively. rate ATA-2015 classes high suspicion intermediate suspicion/high 82.6%, For K-TIRADS 5 4/5, diagnostic 89.6% 82.9%, Significant direct associations found between punctate echogenic foci (odds ratio [OR] = 6.46), hypoechogenicity (OR 6.39), ill-defined margin 4.38), irregular 7.33). Conclusion differences strength prediction should be considered by clinicians management smaller than mm.