Coexisting sonographic features of tumor neovascularization-like pattern and echogenic areas in thyroid nodules: diagnostic performance in prediction of papillary carcinoma

摘要

To the Editor: Many well-studied sonographic features have been used clinically to evaluate thyroid nodules for malignancies. Sonographic grayscale features proposed by the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) include composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci.[1] Other features, such as vascularity imaging, have gradually been recognized by sonographers. Sustained angiogenesis results in tumor-specific vasculature compared to normal tissues in the context of architecture and biological behavior.[2] Tumor neovascularization shows abnormal maturation, manifesting irregular sprouting, and branching of angiogenic vessels with disordered coverage of pericytes. Therefore, vascularity is critical for the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.