Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) For Ultrasound Features of Solitary Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

igh-resolution ultrasound is considered as the most sensitive test for detecting thyroid nodules. One of most challenging issue in ultrasound is how to describe the thyroid lesion as close to final pathology feature as possible. Ultrasonography has many features that are subjectively described with no unique digital (objective) expression. Fine needle aspiration of the nodules is gold standard, practical and almost conclusive test to determine whether the nodule is malignant or not, but because it is an invasive technique and also because most nodules are benign and even malignant nodules, particularly ones smaller than 1 cm, frequently exhibit indolent or non-aggressive behavior. Therefore, not all detected nodules require FNA and/or surgery, so a comprehensive and structural reporting system was required for better nodule assessment and better radiologists-clinicians communication. The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) presented by Horvath et al. in 2009 for standardization of ultrasound imaging was the first to adopt this approach to the interpretation of US images and the detection of thyroid malignancies. They took as an example the well-known concept of BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) mammographic scale, which is successfully