Objective: To explore the clinical application of 3-D color energy(3CDE)mapping in the diagnosis of the thyroid nodules.
Methods: A total of 62 thyroid nodules in 56 patients were detected on 3 CDE mapping.The ultrasonic data were compared with results of surgery and pathology.
Results: The mapping of thyroid nodules had high reproducibility.Benign and malignant thyroid nodules has their own characteristics.About 73.3%(11/15)of malignant thyroid nodules displayed dilatated,distorted and irregular distributed vessels.In benign nodules the cyst or cystic solid noudles showed that the vessels distributed surrounding the mass,and the substantial nodules showed thin,regular vessels arranged from outside toward the inner.All the two types counted to 87.2%(41/47).Therefor,significant difference was present as benign nodules VS malignant(P<0.05).
Conclusions: 3CDE provided directviewing and thyroid nodular morphology,and 3CDE nodular mapping can display the vessel structure.The relationship with adjacent tissue and distribution of vessels may also help confirm new vessels of thyroid nodules.3CDE mapping is a new method for analysing tumor characterisitcs.