Diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid: ultrasound features with histopathological correlation

AIM: To evaluate the ultrasound (US) features of the diffuse sclerosing variant of papillary carcinoma (DSVPC) of the thyroid, with histopathological correlations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The US and histopathological findings of six patients with surgically proven DSVPC of the thyroid were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Most of cases showed diffuse, scattered microcalcifications with or without associated masses and underlying heterogeneous hypoechogenicity at the site of the DSVPC in the thyroid. At ultrasound, scattered microcalcifications and heterogeneous hypoechogenicity seen in the DSVPC correlated to psammoma bodies and lymphocytic infiltration at histopathological review. CONCLUSION: DSVPC of the thyroid usually manifested as diffuse scattered microcalcifications and associated suspicious mass on ultrasound. These findings are not specific for the DSVPC of the thyroid. However, in relatively young patients with suspicious masses associated with underlying diffuse scattered microcalcifications on US, the possibility of DSVPC should be included in differential diagnosis. (c) 2006 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.