[Ultrasound Profile Of Thyroid Spheres At The University Hospital Of Bouaké (Côte d'Ivoire)].

Introduction: Ultrasound is the first-line examination in the morphological exploration of the thyroid. It is an excellent diagnostic and prognostic tool in nodular thyropathy.

Objective: to determine the profile of thyroid nodules on ultrasound according to the EU-TIRADS classification.

Material and methods: descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the radiology department of the University Hospital of Bouaké during one year. We included all thyroid ultrasound reports of patients with thyroid nodules. Data were analysed using Epi Info 7 software.

Results: A total of 60 patients had nodules out of 97 referred for thyropathy (60.8%). The mean age was 45.6 years [13-82 years]. Females predominated with 82.7%. Anterior cervical swelling was the main indication in 72%. Thyroid volume was increased in 63% of patients with a mean volume of 71 cm3. Solitary nodules were present in 46.55%. Spongiform nodules were predominant in 32%. The nodules were solid in 29.8% and mixed in 16.5%. Hypoechogenicity was found in 44.8% of solid nodules. Lesions were classified as EU-TIRADS 2 in 58.8%, EU-TIRADS 3 in 23.5%, EU-TIRADS 4 in 14.7% and EU-TIRADS 5 in 2.9%.

Conclusion: The characterisation and classification of thyroid nodules is an important step in the management of patients. In our study, these nodules are essentially benign (EU-TIRADS 2 and 3) with a female predominance. A decision tree taking into account the clinical and cytopathological elements would be more useful for possible surgery.