A model based on clinical data and multi-modal ultrasound for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma

Abstract

Our study found that male presence, age < 45 years, size ≥ 10 mm, multifocality, contact extent with adjacent thyroid capsule > 25%, Emax ≥ 48.4, and interrupted capsule at CEUS were independent risk predictors for CLNM in patients with PTC. We developed a diagnostic model for predicting CLNM, which could be a potentially useful and accurate method for clinicians; it might be beneficial to surgical decision-making and patient management and for improving prognosis.