Abstract
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: 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.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing USGFNA. Two hundred fifteen patients underwent 234 procedures with 362 nodules aspirated within a 2 ½-year period.
RESULTS: 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 USGF-NA (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.
CONCLUSIONS: USGFNA aspiration is a safe and effective diagnostic modality in the management of thyroid disease, especially for nodules that are difficult to palpate.
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