Multi-modal Ultrasonic Diagnosis and Prognosis for Primary Thyroid Lymphoma Invasiveness

Abstract Objective Sixty-nine patients with primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) were evaluated for diagnostic value and prognosis for PTL invasiveness. Methods We retrospectively (2008–2019) analyzed multi-modal ultrasonic images and clinical characteristics from pathologically confirmed PTL patients. These patients were divided into aggressive PTL(n=46) and indolent PTL(n=23). Results Age(>70 years old) and elevated LDH (lactase dehydrogenase) were statistically different clinical features between aggressive and indolent PTL. From ultrasonic images, 34 cases were nodular, 11 diffused, and 24 mixed. Mixed types displayed high invasiveness (45.7%) while diffuse types displayed higher inertness (39.1%), and differences were statistically significant (P = 0.000). Elastography, invaded thyroid capsule and increased chaotic vascularity also showed significant differences between aggressive and indolent PTL. We observed statistical difference in OS(overall survival rates) between aggressive and indolent PTL(p=0.032). Single factor Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis showed that: age > 70 years old, aggressive pathology, Ki67>30%, elastography scored >3 were positively correlated with the risk of poor prognosis of PTL (P < 0.05).Conclusions Multi-modal ultrasound provides accurate ultrasonographic information, e.g., ultrasound patterns, elastography, invaded thyroid capsules, and hypervascularity, which facilitates PTL invasiveness diagnostics for improved clinical treatment. In addition, PTL patients with age > 70 years old, aggressive pathology, Ki67>30%, elastography scored >3 are more likely to have poor prognosis.