To explore the value of superb microvacular imaging (SMI) technology in differentiating thyroid microcarcinomas from benign micronodules comparing with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

A total of 195 thyroid micronodules (≤1.0 cm) from 172 patients were examined using CEUS and SMI, and the findings were reviewed and evaluated in comparison to the pathological results.

Of all the 195 thyroid nodules, pathologic findings revealed that 140 (71.8%) were malignant and 55 (28.2%) were benign, CEUS diagnosed that 127 (65.1%) were malignant and 68 (34.9%) were benign, and SMI diagnosed that 129 (66.2%) were malignant and 66 (33.8%) were benign.There were no differences between the SMI and CEUS in terms of sensitivity (90.0% vs 87.9%), specificity (94.5% vs 92.7%), accuracy (91.3% vs 89.2%), positive predictive value (97.7% vs 96.9%) and negative predictive value (92.9% vs 87.9%) (P>0.05 for all).

SMI can effectively observe the perforating blood vessels of thyroid micronodules, which plays an important role in differentiating of benign and malignant thyroid micronodules.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Thyroid neoplasms; Superb micro-vacular imaging