BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value for malignancy of microcalcifications determined by ultrasonography in thyroid nodules. METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven nodules were prospectively studied by ultrasonography and compared with their fine-needle aspirative biopsy. The association between the presence and type of calcification and cytologic findings was verified through the chi-square test or likelihood ratio. RESULTS: Thirty nodules showed calcification, of which 17 had fine calcifications, 3 had fine and gross calcifications, and 10 had only coarse calcification. Seven (41.18%) of 17 fine calcified nodules were malignant on cytology, 8 (47.06%) were benign, 1 (5.88%) was indeterminate, and 1 was suspect for malignancy. We found statistical significance between the presence of fine calcifications and malignancy (p = .001) and, in the 13 malignant nodule group, 8 (61.50%) had fine calcifications. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that microcalcifications were highly specific for malignancy and were present in 61% of the malignant nodules.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value for malignancy of microcalcifications determined by ultrasonography in thyroid nodules. METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven nodules were prospectively studied by ultrasonography and compared with their fine-needle aspirative biopsy. The association between the presence and type of calcification and cytologic findings was verified through the chi-square test or likelihood ratio. RESULTS: Thirty nodules showed calcification, of which 17 had fine calcifications, 3 had fine and gross calcifications, and 10 had only coarse calcification. Seven (41.18%) of 17 fine calcified nodules were malignant on cytology, 8 (47.06%) were benign, 1 (5.88%) was indeterminate, and 1 was suspect for malignancy. We found statistical significance between the presence of fine calcifications and malignancy (p = .001) and, in the 13 malignant nodule group, 8 (61.50%) had fine calcifications. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that microcalcifications were highly specific for malignancy and were present in 61% of the malignant nodules.