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Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Versus Fine‐Needle Capillary Sampling Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules
Author(s) -
Tublin Mitchell E.,
Martin Joseph A.,
Rollin Lori J.,
Pealer Karen,
Kurs-Lasky Marcia,
Ohori N. Paul
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2007.26.12.1697
Subject(s) - thyroid nodules , medicine , fine needle aspiration , sampling (signal processing) , biopsy , nodule (geology) , radiology , ultrasound , cytopathology , cytology , pathology , malignancy , paleontology , filter (signal processing) , biology , computer science , computer vision
Objectives Both fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and fine‐needle capillary (FNC) sampling of palpable thyroid nodules have been advocated. The appropriate technique for biopsy of nonpalpable nodules now sampled under ultrasound guidance has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to determine cytologic adequacy rates of ultrasound‐guided FNA and FNC sampling. Methods Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy was performed on 180 thyroid nodules. Nodules were measured and characterized (mixed cystic‐solid or solid) on diagnostic sonography. The technique used for biopsy (FNA versus FNC sampling) alternated sequentially per patient. Four 25‐gauge fine‐needle samples were obtained from each nodule. The sampling adequacy and cytopathologic diagnoses were recorded. The significance of differences in cytologic adequacy rates between techniques was then assessed with a repeated measures logistic regression model. Results Fine‐needle aspiration and FNC sampling biopsies were performed in 88 and 92 nodules, respectively. Fine‐needle aspiration was diagnostic (ie, satisfactory) in 78 (89%) of 88 nodules and nondiagnostic (less than optimal or unsatisfactory) in 10 (11%) of 88 nodules; FNC sampling was diagnostic in 80 (87%) of 92 nodules and nondiagnostic in 12 (13%) of 92 nodules. Fine‐needle aspiration sampling was diagnostic in 38 (86%) of 44 solid nodules and 40 (91%) of 44 mixed cystic‐solid nodules; FNC sampling was diagnostic in 48 (81%) of 59 solid nodules and 32 (97%) of 33 mixed cystic‐solid nodules. These percentages were not significantly different. Conclusions Ultrasound‐guided FNA and FNC sampling result in comparable diagnostic cytologic adequacy rates. Equivalent diagnostic yields and the technical ease of capillary sampling may prompt adoption of FNC sampling at high‐volume endocrine/radiology practices.