Comparison of Physical Examination and Simultaneous Ultrasonography Results in Patient in whom Thyroid Gland Nodule was Diagnosed on Scintigraphy Previously and Referred to General Surgery Clinics

Özet

Introduction: The first step in diagnosis of thyroid nodules is physical examination (PE). <5% of the adult population has palpable nodules. However, ultrasound (US) studies revealed higher thyroid nodule prevalence. 1–3% of the nodules have malignancy risk and proper and trusted methods of diagnosis and follow-up are necessary. We compared nodules found on PE and US in terms of number and localization. Methods: The data of 42 patients in whom thyroid nodules were diagnosed on scintigraphy, and US and PE were done at the same time between October 2002 and 2003 was analyzed retrospectively. The numbers of nodules detected on PE and US were compared. The nodules located in a different position on PE compared to that of US were accepted false positive. The nodules which were not detected on PE but on US were accepted false-negative results of PE. Mann–Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis. True positivity on PE was considered equal to the true negativity, and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. Results: PE detected 62 nodules in 42 patients (the mean: 1.47 and standard deviation [SD]: 0.63, for each patient). US detected 73 nodules (the mean: 1.73 and SD: 0.76). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PE were calculated 51.02%, 65.38, and 51.02, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Having a low specificity and sensitivity compared to thyroid US, PE is not reliable on diagnosis and follow-up of thyroid nodules. US should be used combined with a careful PE.