Ultrasound-guided fine-needle capillary biopsy of thyroid nodules, coupled with on-site cytologic review, improves results

Thyroid. 2004 May;14(5):385-9. doi: 10.1089/105072504774193230.

Abstract

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy represents the most reliable test for cytologic evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, inadequate samples may occur leading to a repetition of the procedure with the consequence of patients' discomfort and poor compliance. In this paper, we present results from biopsy of thyroid nodules obtained by combining: (1) ultrasound (US) guidance, (2) no-aspiration technique, and (3) on-site review of specimens. A total of 465 nodules were biopsied in 307 patients. Solitary nodules and multinodular goiter were present in 36.8% and 63.1% of patients, respectively. After collection, each sample was smeared in duplicates, one of which was stained with hematoxylin and checked on-site by a cytopathologist. In cases of inadequate smears, biopsies were immediately repeated. All slides were then processed for final cytologic results, which were reported as benign in 427 nodules (91.8%), malignant in 12 nodules (2.5%), with follicular proliferation or suspicious for malignancy in 23 nodules (4.9%). Inadequate final cytology was reported in 3 nodules (0.6%). No statistically significant relationship was found between nodule size and adequacy of specimens. We conclude that the combination of US guidance, capillary collection with no-aspiration technique, and on-site review of slides, characterizes an advantageous method for thyroid nodule fine-needle biopsy.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methimazole / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Propylthiouracil / therapeutic use
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thyroid Nodule / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Nodule / pathology*
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Methimazole
  • Propylthiouracil
  • Thyroxine