Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of two-dimensional ultrasound

elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound and their combinations in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with benign and malignant nodules.Methods Two-dimensional ultrasound

elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed on 54 nodules in 44 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis respectively. The ultrasound diagnosis results were compared with the pathological results. The diagnostic efficiencies of two-dimensional ultrasound

elastography and ultrasound and their combinations were calculated in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with benign and malignant nodules.Results Taken TI-RADS 4 and 5 as the diagnostic criteria for malignant nodules the diagnostic sensitivity

specificity and accuracy of two-dimensional ultrasound were 50.0%

82.5%

and 74.0%

respectively. Taken Young’s modulus value of nodules measured by shear wave elastography ≥46.1 kPa as the prediction index for malignant nodules

the diagnostic sensitivity

specificity and accuracy of elastography were 57.1%

85.0% and 77.7%

respectively. Taken low heterogeneity enhancement as the diagnostic criteria for malignant nodules

and the diagnostic sensitivity

specificity

and accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound were 64.3%

80.0% and 75.9%

respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity

specificity

and accuracy of the combination of three methods were 85.7%

95.0% and 92.5%

respectively.The accuracy of combinations was higher than that of the single method

and the differences were statistically significant（all P<0.05）.Conclusion The combination of different ultrasound methods（two-dimensional ultrasound

elastography

contrast-enhanced ultrasound）is more valuable than single ultrasound method in the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with benign and malignant nodules

which is worthy of further promotion and application.