Characteristic sonographic features of cribriform papillary thyroid carcinoma for differentiation from other thyroid nodules

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the sonographic features and differential diagnoses of the cribriform variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CV-PTC). We retrospectively reviewed 24 nodules obtained from 22 CV-PTC cases. As control groups, we chose 50 cases each of conventional papillary carcinoma (C-PTC), follicular tumor, and nodular goiter. All of the cases were young women aged 35 years or younger. Serum thyroglobulin levels were normal or slightly elevated. The incidences of smooth or focal jagged margin, hypoechoic nodule, lateral shadow, posterior acoustic enhancement, poor marginal and internal vascularity, and no microcalcification were 100, 100, 91.7, 95.8, 100, and 95.8 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the requirement were 87.5 and 92.5 %, respectively. Sonographic findings of CV-PTC were similar to those of follicular tumor or nodular goiter rather than C-PTC. The criteria for suspecting CV-PTC we proposed provided high sensitivity and specificity. We should be aware that the sonographic findings of CV-PTC are similar to those of follicular tumor or nodular goiter rather than C-PTC. Clinical findings including gender, age, and serum thyroglobulin level may provide us with useful information.