The interobserver agreement for the ATA classification was also good. Most observers classed 80% of the nodules as having a high suspicion, 17% of the nodules as having an intermediate suspicion, and 3% of the nodules as having a low suspicion for cancer.
ATA Classification of
Thyroid Nodules Based on Sonographic Patterns*
Thyroid Nodules Based on Sonographic Patterns*
Classification |
Description |
High suspicion |
Solid hypoechoic nodule or part of a partially cystic nodules with at least one other suspicious feature (irregular margins, microcalcifications, taller than wide shape, rim calcifications or extrathyroidal extensions) |
Intermediate suspicion |
Hypoechoic solid nodules without any other suspicious features |
Low suspicion |
Isoechoic or hyperechoic solid or partly cystic nodules with solid eccentric areas, without other suspicious features |
Very low suspicion |
Spongiform or partly cystic nodules without solid eccentric areas, without any other suspicious features |
Benign |
Pure cystic nodule |
