Nomogram based on preoperative conventional ultrasound and shear wave velocity for predicting central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: To establish a nomogram for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) based on the preoperative conventional ultrasound (US) and shear wave velocity (SWV) features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods: A total of 101 patients with pathologically confirmed thyroid nodules were enrolled. These patients were divided into the CLNM-positive (n = 40) and CLNM-negative groups (n = 61). All patients underwent the preoperative conventional US and shear wave elastography (SWE) evaluation, and the US parameters and SWV data were collected. The association between SWV ratio and CLNM was compared to assess the diagnostic efficacy of SWV ratio alone as opposed to SWV ratio in combination with the conventional US for predicting CLNM.

Results: There were significant differences in shape, microcalcification, capsule contact, SWV mean, and SWV ratio between the CLNM-positive and CLNM-negative groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that taller-than-wide shape, microcalcification, capsule contact, and SWV ratio > 1.3 were risk factors for CLNM; Logistic(P)=-6.93 + 1.647 * (microcalcification)+1.138 * (taller-than-wide-shape)+1.612 * (capsule contact)+2.933 * (SWV ratio > 1.3). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the model for CLNM prediction was 0.87, with 81.19% accuracy, 77.5% sensitivity, and 85.25% specificity.

Conclusion: The nomogram based on conventional US imaging in combination with SWV ratio has the potential for preoperative CLNM risk assessment. This nomogram serves as a useful clinical tool for active surveillance and treatment decisions.