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Compound spatial sonography of the thyroid gland: evaluation of freedom from artifacts and of nodule conspicuity.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare compound spatial sonography with conventional sonography of the thyroid gland with respect to freedom from sonographic artifacts and conspicuity of thyroid nodules.


SUBJECTS AND METHODS
A prospective study was performed on 50 thyroid nodules (in 43 patients). Each nodule was examined using compound spatial sonography and conventional sonography. The sonographic techniques were then compared with respect to freedom from sonographic artifacts and thyroid nodule conspicuity.


RESULTS
For freedom from artifacts, compound spatial sonography was superior in 45 cases (90%), and conventional sonography was superior in five cases (10%). Statistical analysis showed that compound spatial sonography was superior to conventional sonography for freedom from artifacts (p < 0.001). For thyroid nodule conspicuity, compound spatial sonography was superior in 37 cases (74%), and conventional sonography was superior in 13 cases (26%). Statistical analysis showed that compound spatial sonography was superior to conventional sonography for thyroid nodule conspicuity (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSION
Compound spatial sonography of the thyroid displays greater freedom from artifacts and better nodule conspicuity than does conventional sonography.