Endocrine Abstracts

A thyroid nodule (TN) is a distinct lesion within the thyroid gland, ultrasonographically separate from surrounding tissue. Up to 60% of adults may have one or more nodules, but the malignancy risk on ultrasound is 4-7%. Current ETA and BTA guidelines recommend thyroid ultrasound(TUS) evaluation using the European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(EU-TIRADS) or U-score classification. The aim of this study was to assess thyroid nodule classification by EU-TIRADS or U-score at our centre.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted of all TUS performed at Sligo University Hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2024. Data were collected from RIS-PACE.

Results: Of 152 TUS, 144 were included(8 excluded due to age <14 years). The mean age was 53.47 years (range 14–88); predominately were female (84%). 62 scans (43%) showed no nodule, while 82 (57%) showed at least one. Among these, 41.5% were right-sided, 37.8% left-sided, and 20.7% bilateral. 73% had one nodule, 19.5% - two, 6.3% - three, and 1.21% - four nodules. EU-TIRADS classification was used in 14 cases(17%); U-score in one(1.2%, U 2 benign). No classification was applied in 67 cases(81.7%). Those US reported with EU-TIRADS classification further sub categorized: Four(28.5%) were EU-TIRADS 2, Five(35.7%) were EU-TIRADS 3, Three(21.4%) were EU-TIRADS 4, non-scan had reported EU-TIRADS 5.Two(14.2%) were both TIRADS 2 and 4 .

Conclusion: Over half of patients had thyroid nodules, predominantly solitary and unilateral. Risk stratification was applied in <20% of cases. Findings indicate underuse of standardized classification systems, highlighting the need for improved guideline adherence.