US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules

Purpose: To determine which nodular areas provide most adequate and accurate material for cytology during US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules.Material and Methods: In a prospective multicentre study, US-guided FNAB (0.8 mm) was performed in 342 thyroid nodules (338 patients, 285 women, 18-83 years, 285 palpable). Histology was obtained in 169 nodules, revealing 75 neoplasms (44.4%) including 18 cancers (10.7%). In 206 solid nodules, 2 passes (central and peripheral) were compared. In 82 complex nodules, 2 passes (solid area and cystic area) were compared.Results: The inadequacy rate was 16.4% and the false-negative rates were 2.2% and 28.1% for the diagnosis of cancer and neoplasm, respectively. In solid nodules, material was more adequate with peripheral passes compared to central passes, but the difference was not significant. In complex nodules, the inadequacy rate was much higher for passes in cystic areas (80.5%) compared to passes in solid areas (46.3%).Conclusion: Cystic areas due to degeneration seldom provided adequate material when aspirated. Aspiration should always be obtained from solid areas, at best using US-guidance. Adenomas and non-neoplastic nodules were difficult to distinguish.     

超声引导下细针穿刺评估甲状腺结节应变率比值的诊断价值

目的探讨超声引导下细针穿刺(US-FNA)评估弹性应变率比值(SR)最佳诊断界值点诊断甲状腺良、恶性结节的应用价值。方法回顾性分析在我院检查的164例患者167个结节弹性应变率比值(SR),以手术病理为金标准,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线计算出良、恶性结节弹性应变率比值的最佳临界值。所有结节均采取US-FNA检查,排除细胞学无相关诊断(不满意)结果的病例,将入组的163个结节的细针穿刺抽吸细胞学结果与病理结果或随访结果进行对照研究。结果通过ROC曲线得出SR最佳诊断临界值为0.50,曲线下面积0.890。US-FNA诊断SR0.50甲状腺结节的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率分别为97.18%,80.00%,97.18%,80.00%,95.06%。结论US-FNA细胞学检查对SR0.50的甲状腺结节有较高的诊断价值。弹性应变率(SR)可用于评估甲状腺结节的良、恶性,联合细针穿刺能有效提高恶性结节检出率,并可作为穿刺前评估指标。     

Palpable prostatic nodules: comparison of US and digital guidance for fine-needle aspiration biopsy

This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of transrectal sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and to compare sonographic with digital guidance for biopsy. In 62 patients in whom prostatic carcinoma was suspected at digital rectal examination, fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed transperineally under sonographic guidance and transrectally under digital guidance. These patients had 89 nodules, 73 of which were sampled with both techniques. Malignant cells were obtained under digital guidance in 17 of 73 nodules (23%) and under sonographic guidance in 16 (22%). An additional seven nodules, which were not seen sonographically, were sampled under digital guidance and proved to be negative. In nine other nodules that were nonpalpable and evident only with sonography, malignant cells were obtained under sonographic guidance in three. These findings indicate that sonographic guidance for fine-needle aspiration biopsy is as good as digital guidance for palpable lesions.     

Value of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules in an endemic goitre area

The aim of this study was to determine the value, advantages and limitations of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) in an endemic goitre area. US-FNAB was performed on all outpatients who presented with hypoechoic and/or hypofunctional and/or growing nodules. A total of 4518 US-FNABs were performed and 718 patients from this series underwent surgery. Cytological results of the primarily performed US-FNAB of these patients were compared retrospectively with the histological results. US-FNAB results were grouped as (1) non-malignant (n=303), (2) non-malignant follicular proliferation (n=177), (3) malignancy cannot be ruled out (n=133), (4) malignant (n=61), (5) inadequate (n=34), and (6) sampling error; biopsy of a non-malignant nodule (n=10). Nodules as small as 5 mm in diameter could be biopsied, gaining representative material. US-FNAB found a malignant or suspicious cytology in 65 out of 87 cases with malignant histology (74.71%). Diagnosis of early tumour stages was often possible: 12 of 18 thyroid carcinomas biopsied and smaller than 10 mm in diameter had malignant or suspicious cytology (groups 3 and 4). US-FNAB was performed incorrectly within non-malignant nodules in ten patients (1.39%) with multinodular goitre (ten papillary carcinomas, nine smaller than 10 mm). Regarding the cytology of groups 1 and 2 as benign and those of groups 3 and 4 as malignant, US-FNAB performance was as follows: sensitivity 87.84%, specificity 78.50%, negative predictive values 98.13%, positive predictive values 33.51% and accuracy 79.53%. Biopsies with inadequate material were obtained in 4.73% of all biopsies. No major adverse effects occurred. Re-biopsies in 61 cases did not alter the cytological outcome in those cases where adequate material was obtained. US-FNAB is a valuable method in the pre-operative assessment of thyroid nodules in order to select patients for surgery, as malignancy can often be detected even in early tumour stages. However, even with ultrasonographic guidance, the minimal tumour size detectable by US-FNAB is around 5 mm. The cytological interpretation in cases with regression and microfollicular proliferation also sets limits on the method. However, patients with non-malignant cytologies can be followed up safely by sonography due to the high NPV of US-FNAB as long as thyroid nodules do not become larger. Re-biopsies seem to be of limited value as long as adequate material was obtained by US-FNAB. Received 15 June and in revised form 26 June 1999     

Value of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules in an endemic goitre area

The aim of this study was to determine the value, advantages and limitations of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) in an endemic goitre area. US-FNAB was performed on all outpatients who presented with hypoechoic and/or hypofunctional and/or growing nodules. A total of 4518 US-FNABs were performed and 718 patients from this series underwent surgery. Cytological results of the primarily performed US-FNAB of these patients were compared retrospectively with the histological results. US-FNAB results were grouped as (1) non-malignant (n = 303), (2) non-malignant follicular proliferation (n = 177), (3) malignancy cannot be ruled out (n = 133), (4) malignant (n = 61), (5) inadequate (n = 34), and (6) sampling error; biopsy of a non-malignant nodule (n = 10). Nodules as small as 5 mm in diameter could be biopsied, gaining representative material. US-FNAB found a malignant or suspicious cytology in 65 out of 87 cases with malignant histology (74.71%). Diagnosis of early tumour stages was often possible: 12 of 18 thyroid carcinomas biopsied and smaller than 10 mm in diameter had malignant or suspicious cytology (groups 3 and 4). US-FNAB was performed incorrectly within non-malignant nodules in ten patients (1.39%) with multinodular goitre (ten papillary carcinomas, nine smaller than 10 mm). Regarding the cytology of groups 1 and 2 as benign and those of groups 3 and 4 as malignant, US-FNAB performance was as follows: sensitivity 87.84%, specificity 78.50%, negative predictive values 98.13%, positive predictive values 33.51% and accuracy 79.53%. Biopsies with inadequate material were obtained in 4.73% of all biopsies. No major adverse effects occurred. Re-biopsies in 61 cases did not alter the cytological outcome in those cases where adequate material was obtained. US-FNAB is a valuable method in the pre-operative assessment of thyroid nodules in order to select patients for surgery, as malignancy can often be detected even in early tumour stages. However, even with ultrasonographic guidance, the minimal tumour size detectable by US-FNAB is around 5 mm. The cytological interpretation in cases with regression and microfollicular proliferation also sets limits on the method. However, patients with non-malignant cytologies can be followed up safely by sonography due to the high NPV of US-FNAB as long as thyroid nodules do not become larger. Re-biopsies seem to be of limited value as long as adequate material was obtained by US-FNAB.     

New sonographic criteria for recommending fine-needle aspiration biopsy of nonpalpable solid nodules of the thyroid

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to provide new sonographic criteria for fine-needle aspiration biopsy of nonpalpable solid thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonographic scans of 155 nonpalpable thyroid nodules in 132 patients were prospectively classified as having positive or negative findings. Sonographic findings that suggested malignancy included microcalcifications, an irregular or microlobulated margin, marked hypoechogenicity, and a shape that was more tall than it was wide. If even one of these sonographic features was present, the nodule was classified as positive (malignant). If a nodule had none of the features described, it was classified as negative (benign). The final diagnosis of a lesion as benign (n = 106) or malignant (n = 49) was confirmed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and follow-up (>6 months) in 83 benign nodules, by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and surgery in 44 malignant and 15 benign lesions, and by surgery alone in five malignant and eight benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated on the basis of our proposed classification method. RESULTS: Of 82 lesions classified as positive, 46 were malignant. Of 73 lesions classified as negative, three were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy based on our sonographic classification method were 93.8%, 66%, 56.1%, 95.9%, and 74.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering the high level of sensitivity of our proposed sonographic classification, fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be performed on thyroid nodules classified as positive, regardless of palpability.     

Thyroid nodules with initially non-diagnostic,fine-needle aspiration results: comparison of core-needle biopsy and repeated fine-needle aspiration

Objective

To evaluate the role of core-needle biopsy (CNB) by comparing the results of CNB and repeated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid nodules with initially non-diagnostic FNA results.

Methods

From October 2008 to December 2011, 360 nodules – 180 consecutive repeated FNAs and 180 consecutive CNBs –– from 360 patients (83 men, 277 women; mean age, 54.4 years) with initially non-diagnostic FNA results were analyzed retrospectively. The incidence of non-diagnostic results, inconclusive results, diagnostic surgery, and diagnostic performance of repeated FNA and CNB were assessed, and factors affecting second non-diagnostic results were evaluated.

Results

CNB achieved a significantly lower non-diagnostic and inconclusive rate than repeated FNA (1.1 % versus 40.0 %, P?P?P?=?0.047). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that repeated FNA was the most important factor for second non-diagnostic results (OR?=?56.06, P?P?=?0.003).

Conclusions

CNB is more useful than repeated FNA for reducing the number of non-diagnostic and inconclusive results and for preventing unnecessary diagnostic surgery for thyroid nodules with initially non-diagnostic FNA results.

Key Points

? Core-needle biopsy achieved a lower number of non-diagnostic and inconclusive results. ? Core-needle biopsy achieved better diagnostic performance. ? Use of core-needle biopsy could prevent unnecessary diagnostic surgery. ? Repeated fine-needle aspiration was significantly associated with a second non-diagnosis.     

Role of operator experience in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid

Purpose

Thyroid nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the gold standard in diagnosing the pathological nature of undetermined thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether operator experience influences the diagnostic accuracy of US-guided FNAB.

Materials and methods

A total of 700 consecutive US-guided FNAB done by a single radiologist between 2000 and 2007 were retrospectively analysed. The same freehand technique and capillary-action technique with 22- or 25-gauge needles was used for all nodules, All specimens were prepared and fixed without the cytologist on site and were subsequently analysed by two expert cytologists. The procedures were chronologically divided into seven groups and classified as diagnostic or nondiagnostic.

Results

The rate of nondiagnostic procedures for each group was 32% in group 1, 13% in group 2, 17% in group 3, 11% in group 4, 10% in group 5, 5% in group 6 and 8% in group 7. No major complications were recorded.

Conclusions

The rate of nondiagnostic US-guided FNAB is heavily dependent on the operator’s experience. We estimated that at least 200 procedures need to be performed in order to achieve the levels of diagnostic accuracy reported in the literature. We therefore suggest specific training before operators routinely perform this procedure in clinical practice.     

Simultaneous fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy of thyroid nodules and other superficial head and neck masses using sonographic guidance

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to conceive of and to evaluate a simple system for simultaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of thyroid nodules when FNA alone has failed to yield tissue adequate for diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The use of a modified coaxial guiding needle and biopsy gun is a simple, safe, and effective method for obtaining tissue from thyroid nodules and is applicable to sampling other superficial masses as well.     

细针穿刺活检与粗针穿刺活检对甲状腺恶性肿瘤的诊断准确性的临床研究

摘要目的回顾性对比分析细针穿刺(FNA)与粗针穿刺活检(CNB)对甲状腺恶性肿瘤的诊断准确性。方法我们在555例确诊的甲状腺结节(恶性318例,良性237例)中评估了FNA和CNB的诊断价值。所有病人每个结节同时采用FNA和CNB方法。从敏感性、特异性和准确性方面评估FNA、CNB及FNA联合CNB对恶性甲状腺肿瘤的诊断。结果FNA、CNB及FNA联合CNB的敏感度68.6%、86.8%、90.6%;特异度分别为100%、99.2%、99.2%;     

Diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration versus core-needle biopsy for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy in a clinical cohort

Objectives

To retrospectively compare the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core-needle biopsy (CNB) for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy

Methods

We evaluated the results of FNA and CNB in 555 consecutive thyroid nodules with final diagnoses (malignancy 318, benign 237). All patients underwent FNA and CNB simultaneously for each nodule. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNA, CNB and FNA/CNB for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy.

Results

The sensitivity of FNA, CNB and FNA/CNB for thyroid malignancy was 68.6%, 86.8% and 90.6%, specificity 100%, 99.2% and 99.2%, and accuracy 82.0%, 92.1% and 94.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of CNB or FNA/CNB for thyroid malignancy were significantly higher than those of FNA (P?P?Conclusions Our clinical cohort data demonstrated that CNB was more accurate for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy than FNA, and FNA/CNB was more accurate than CNB alone in small thyroid nodules. CNB will play a complementary role in optimal surgical decision-making and the management of thyroid nodules.

Key Points

? CNB was more accurate for the diagnosis of malignancy than FNA. ? Combined FNA/CNB was more accurate than CNB alone in small thyroid nodules. ? CNB should play at least a complementary role in managing thyroid nodules.     

Value of repeat ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in nodules with benign cytological diagnosis

PURPOSE: To assess the value of repeat ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) in nodules with benign cytological diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-eighty-seven patients undergoing repeat US-FNA were included after a benign cytological diagnosis had been made by the initial US-FNA. They were divided into a re-aspiration group, who underwent repeat US-FNA within 6 months for a discordant pathological and clinico-radiological result, and a follow-up aspiration group, who underwent repeat US-FNA after 6 months without any clinical or radiological suspicion. The cancer rate in each group and the US findings of the later-diagnosed malignant nodules were assessed. RESULTS: Nine malignancies were verified in the 187 cases (4.8%) by repeat US-FNA or surgery. In 44 patients in the re-aspiration group, 6 malignancies were identified (13.6%), compared with 3 malignancies in the 143 patients in the follow-up aspiration group (2.1%) (P<0.05). The later-diagnosed malignant nodules were an average of 1.0 cm in diameter; 66.7% were round; 66.7% were circumscribed; 100% were solid; 88.9% were hypoechoic; and 55.6% contained calcifications on US. CONCLUSION: The follow-up of nodules with benign cytological diagnosis without clinicoradiological suspicion of malignancy is warranted using imaging surveillance rather than repeated US-FNA.     

CT-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary nodules measuring 10 mm or less

AIM: To determine the value of computed tomography (CT)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of small pulmonary nodules measuring 10 mm or less. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CT-guided FNABs of 55 nodules, measuring 10mm or less, were performed between January 2003 and February 2006. A coaxial technique was used, with an outer 19 G Bard Truguide needle and inner 22 G disposable Greene biopsy needle. Adequacy of specimens was assessed on-site by a cytotechnologist. The sizes of the nodules, distance from pleura, number of pleural punctures and aspirates, complications encountered, cytological diagnosis, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: The mean nodule diameter was 9 mm (range 5-10 mm). The average distance from the costal pleura was 31 mm (range 0-88 mm). In 50 of the 55 FNABs, the pleura was crossed once. An average of four aspirates was performed per case. Twenty-five FNABs (45.5%) were adequate for diagnosis (24 malignant and one tuberculosis). In 11 cases, where no definite diagnosis was made following FNAB, the outcome was not affected. In 10 cases, samples were insufficient for diagnosis and the nodules were subsequently diagnosed as malignant. Eight cases were excluded in the final analysis as follow-up details were unavailable. The sensitivity for malignancy and overall accuracy were 67.7 and 78.8%, respectively. Pneumothorax occurred in 29 (52.7%) patients, with five (9.1%) requiring thoracostomy tubes. CONCLUSION: CT-guided FNAB is a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of small pulmonary nodules, despite the lower diagnostic accuracy and higher complication rate than those of larger pulmonary lesions.     

US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules: adequacy of cytologic material and procedure time with and without immediate cytologic analysis

PURPOSE: To compare the adequacy of aspirated material and procedure time when performing ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules with and without immediate cytologic analysis of the aspirated sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-one thyroid nodules were sampled for biopsy in 109 patients. In group A, results of 50 biopsies in which immediate cytologic analysis was performed were retrospectively reviewed for cytologic adequacy. In group B, 50 biopsies were performed without immediate cytologic analysis, and the procedure time was recorded. In group C, 21 biopsies were performed with immediate cytologic analysis, and the procedure time was recorded. Cytologic adequacy rates were compared by using the proportional odds model, and procedure times were compared by using linear regression to adjust for differences in the character of the nodules. RESULTS: For groups A and C (immediate cytologic analysis performed), the adequacy categories included the following results: 39 (55%) satisfactory, 15 (21%) limited, and 17 (24%) unsatisfactory. For group B (immediate cytologic analysis not performed), the adequacy categories included the following results: 25 (50%) satisfactory, 15 (30%) limited, and 10 (20%) unsatisfactory (Wald test, P =.815). The average procedure time was 12.5 minutes for group B and 44.4 minutes for group C (P <.001). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in cytologic adequacy whether immediate cytologic analysis of aspirated material was performed or not. The procedure time was significantly shorter when immediate cytologic analysis was not performed.     

超声TI-RADS分类与细针穿刺活检在诊断甲状腺恶性结节中的临床应用

目的探讨甲状腺影像报告和数据系统分类（TI-RADS）与细针穿刺活检（FNA）在诊断甲状腺恶性结节中的临床应用价值。 方法回顾性分析我院于2020年1月至2020年12月期间常规甲状腺超声检查中TI-RADS分类≥3类的585例患者的588个甲状腺结节,所有患者均接受甲状腺细针穿刺细胞学活检,其中266个甲状腺结节手术切除,以大体病理为金标准,评价超声TI-RADS分类与细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺恶性结节的效能。 结果588个甲状腺结节细胞学病理诊断恶性243例、良性193例、性质不确定152例,超声TI-RADS 3、4、5类甲状腺恶性结节的阳性率分别为3.01%（4/133）、38.87%（110/283）、75.00%（129/172）;266个结节手术切除,大体病理诊断恶性211例、良性55例,细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺恶性结节的敏感性、特异性、准确性分别为98.46%、93.02%、97.48%,阳性预测值为98.46%,阴性预测值为93.02%,阳性似然比为14.11,阴性似然比为0.017;穿刺感硬及有砂粒感诊断为甲状腺恶性结节的准确性明显高于穿刺感软及无砂粒感,差异有统计学意义（χ² = 70.206,65.083;P = 0.000,0.000）;超声TI-RADS分类及细针穿刺活检诊断甲状腺恶性结节的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.881及0.954。 结论超声TI-RADS分类结合细针穿刺活检对甲状腺恶性结节有较高的诊断价值,可更准确、更安全地判断甲状腺结节的良恶性,值得临床推广。     

Pre-operative simultaneous stereotactic core biopsy and fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma

Purpose:
To determine the diagnostic value of stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) in comparison to stereotactic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (SFNAB) in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
Material and Methods:
Twenty-two patients with clinical or mammographic findings suspicious of malignancy underwent surgery where postoperative histopathology showed ILC. Pre-operative attempts of diagnosis were made using SFNAB and SCNB. SFNAB was done with a spinal needle 0.7- or 0.9-mm and SCNB was simultaneously performed with an automated 2.1-mm biopsy gun in all patients.
Results:
SFNAB was diagnostic of carcinoma in 9 women, showed "probable carcinoma" in 5 and "atypia" in 3. In the remaining 5 women, SFNAB showed no atypia.

SCNB diagnosed ILC in 20 patients and showed ILC as well as invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in 1. Ductal carcinoma in situ was suggested in the remaining patient.
Conclusion:
SCNB was superior to SFNAB in diagnosing ILC and did not miss any carcinoma, whereas SFNAB was non-diagnostic in 8 cases. SCNB is thus recommended in patients with suspicion of ILC of the breast.     

Diagnostic value of sonography, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, and diffusion-weighted MRI in the characterization of cold thyroid nodules

Introduction

The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic value of different modalities for the characterization of cold thyroid nodules.

Methods

In 35 patients with cold nodules, thyroid carcinoma was suspected on scintigraphy. These patients were prospectively investigated with sonography, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USgFNA), and quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) (navigated echo-planar imaging; maximum b-value 800 s/mm²) prior to surgery. The sonographic findings, USgFNA cytology, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of DWI were correlated with the postoperative histology of benign and malignant lesions. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Fisher's exact test. P < .05 denoted statistical significance.

Results

The accuracy of sonography and USgFNA was 64% and 68.8%, respectively. The sensitivity was 86.7% and 80%, respectively. Specificity was only 57.2% and 50%, respectively. The median ADC values for carcinoma and adenoma were 2.73 × 10⁻³ mm²/s and 1.93 × 10⁻³ mm²/s, respectively (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the median ADC value for Hashimoto thyroiditis (3.46 × 10⁻³ mm²/s) and carcinoma. An ADC value of 2.25 × 10⁻³ mm²/s or higher was proven to be the cut-off value for differentiating between benign and malignant cold thyroid nodules, with an accuracy of 88%, a sensitivity of 85%, and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions

These results show that quantitative DWI is a more reliable diagnostic method for differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid lesions than sonography or USgFNA. However, further studies including a larger study population are necessary to confirm our study results.