Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) sequences in diagnosis of malignant and benign nodules of thyroid nodules.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty nine patients and fourty nodules were enrolled to the study. The observed nodules were examined with DWI. Relationship between obtained Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values and pathological results were statistically evaluated.
Results:
There were 9 malignant and 31 benign nodules. Mean ADC values were evaluated (1.60±0.29)x10⁻³ sn/mm² for malignant, and (2.14±0.39)x10⁻³ sn/mm²) for benign nodules, respectively. There was a statistical difference between ADC values of malignant and benign nodules (p<0.001). The ADC cutoff value of malignant nodules was 1.67x10⁻³ sn/mm² with Receiver Operator Coefficient (ROC) analysis.
Conclusion:
ADC values might be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for discriminating the malignant and benign thyroid nodules.
Keywords: Diffusion weighted MRI, thyroid nodule, neoplasia