Purpose Two-dimensional and three-dimensional real-time shear wave elastography (2D+3D SWE) represents a new technology for the quantification of tissue elasticity. This study investigated whether they could be performed to differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods Conventional B-mode ultrasound, 2D and 3D SWE were performed in 96 patients with 97 thyroid nodules with pathology results. Results All the elastography values of 2D&3D SWE in malignant thyroid nodules were higher than those in benign nodules. These two elastography methods alone could not improve diagnostic value comparing to B-mode ultrasound significantly. However, B-mode US + 2D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or S-Emean ≥ 23.75 kPa, suspicious), B-mode US + 3D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or 3D-T-Emean ≥ 20.75 kPa, suspicious), B-mode US + 2D + 3D SWE (TI-RADS ≥ 4c or S-Emean ≥ 23.75 kPa or 3D-T-Emean ≥ 20.75 kPa, suspicious) had higher sensitivity and accuracy values than those of 3 methods alone but lower specificity values. Among them, B-mode ultrasound + 2D SWE had the highest sensitivity, NPV, accuracy and Youden's index (0.881, 0.788, 0.804 and 0.57). Conclusions 2D SWE or 3D SWE alone could not improve the diagnostic value of differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules comparing to conventional B-mode ultrasound. But combination methods could improve the diagnostic value, especially B-mode US + 2D SWE.
Keywords: Elasticity imaging techniques; Three-dimensional image; Thyroid nodule; Ultrasound.