ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical and ultrasonographic characteristics leading to non-diagnostic results after ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration ( US-FNA) in patients with thyroid nodules . Methods One thousand and thirty-four thyroid nodules of 1009 patients who underwent US-FNA from June 2013 to September 2015 in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were included in this study . The ultrasonographic characteristics , cytological and histological diagnosis were collectecl . Univariate and multivariate logistic methods were applied to analyze the factors bringing about non-diagnostic results . Results Of the 1034 nodules ,174 ( 16 .8％ ) had non-diagnostic results and 860 ( 83 .2％ ) had diagnostic results . Age ,echogenicity ,anteroposterior/transverse diameter ratio ( AT ) ,calcification ,margin and depth were associated with nondiagnostic results . Age ≥45 years ,the largest diameter ≤10 mm ,AT <1 ,located at the middle 1/3 and dorsal 1/3 in the cross section of nodules , macrocalcification were proved as independent influencing factors for non-diagnostic results of FNA . Conclusions Age≥45 years ,the largest diameter ≤10 mm ,AT < 1 ,located at the middle 1/3 and dorsal 1/3 in the cross section of nodules , macrocalcification are independent influencing factors of non-diagnostic results . As a result ,for nodules with the characteristics above it may recommend follow up instead of FNA . During follow-up ,it may recommend surgery if the nodule has progressed .