Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and thyroid disease

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery Vol. 123; no. 6; p. 700
• Main Authors: Newkirk, K A, Ringel, M D, Jelinek, J, Mark, A, Wartofsky, L, Deeb, Z E, Sessions, R B, Burman, K D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.12.2000
• Subjects: Biopsy, Needle - adverse effects; Biopsy, Needle - economics; Biopsy, Needle - methods; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Histological Techniques; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Palpation; Patient Selection; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Thyroid Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Thyroid Diseases - pathology; Thyroid Diseases - therapy; Ultrasonography, Interventional - adverse effects; Ultrasonography, Interventional - economics; Ultrasonography, Interventional - methods
• ISSN: 0194-5998
• DOI: 10.1067/mhn.2000.110958

Fine-needle aspiration represents a critical diagnostic test in determining proper management of thyroid disease and the use of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USGFNA) has increased over the years. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing USGFNA. Two hundred fifteen patients underwent 234 procedures with 362 nodules aspirated within a 2 (1/2)-year period. The mean ages of women and men were 51.9 and 57.8, respectively. The average size of nodules was 2.1 cm. A difficult to assess gland or nodule was the most common indication for USGFNA (33%). The sensitivity was 88.2%, specificity was 80.0%, the PPV was 65.2%, the negative predictive value was 94.1%, and the accuracy was 82.5%. The cancer yield, inadequacy, and complication rates were 44%, 10.5%, and 8.5%, respectively. USGFNA aspiration is a safe and effective diagnostic modality in the management of thyroid disease, especially for nodules that are difficult to palpate.