Risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules with diameters greater than 4 centimeters

ABSTRACT Objective: The risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules (TN) with diameters ≥ 3-4 cm remains controversial. However, some groups have indicated surgical treatment in these patients regardless of the FNAB results. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the FNAB in systematically resected ≥4 cm TN and if the risk of malignancy is higher in these patients. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients (142 nodules) with TN with diameters ≥4 cm who underwent thyroidectomy. Results: The FNAB results were nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory (ND/UNS) in 2.1% of the cases and benign in 51.4%. They indicated atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in 23.9% of cases, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) in 9.2%, suspicion of malignancy (SUS) in 8.5%, and malignant in 4.9%. The histopathological analysis after thyroidectomy revealed a thyroid cancer rate of 100% in the FNABs classified as malignant, 33.3% in SUS cases, 7.7% in FN/SFN, 17.6% in AUS/FLUS, and 4.1% in benign FNABs. None of the ND/UNS FNABs were malignant. The global malignancy diagnosis was 14.8% (n = 21). However, the rate of false negatives for FNAB was low (4.1%). Conclusion: We showed that the risk of malignancy in nodules with diameters ≥4 cm was higher compared to the risk of thyroid cancer in TN in general. However, we found a low rate of false-negative cytological results; therefore, our data do not justify the orientation of routine resection for these larger nodules.

Stratifying indeterminate cytology thyroid nodules by combining Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) and The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC)

Objective@#To determine the risk of malignancy of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) indeterminate Thyroid Nodules (Bethesda III, IV and V) by combining cytologic (TSBRTC) and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) ultrasonographic features based on final histopathology.@*Methods@#Design: Retrospective review of records. Setting: Tertiary Private Training Hospital. Participants: 551 records. @*Results@#Among 81 eligible participants, 59 out of 84 nodules (70.24%) wer malignant on histopathology. The malignancy risk of Bethesda classification was 60.87% (28 out of 46) for Bethesda III, 57.14% (8 out of 14) for Bethesda IV and 95.83% for Bethesda V. The malignancy risk for TI-RADS categories was 0 % (0/1) for TI-RADS 2, 50% (10 out of 20) for TI-RADS 3, 71.05 % for TI-RADS 4 and 91.67 % for TI-RADS 5. The highest risk of malignancy (100%) was associated with [Bethesda IV/TI-RADS 1, 2, and 3], [Bethesda V/TI-RADS 1, 2 and 3 [Bethesda IV and V/TI-RADS 1, 2 and 3] and [Bethesda IV/TI-RADS 5]. The lowest risk of malignancy (33.33%) was associated with [Bethesda III/TI-RADS1, 2 and 3]. A high Bethesda classification (Bethesda V) was almost 5x more likely to have a malignant anatomorphology compared with Bethesda III (p = .05) while a TI-RADS 4 or 5 category was almost 5x more likely to have a malignant anatomorphology compared to TI-RADS 1, 2 or 3 (p = .026).@*Conclusion@#This study showed that TI-RADS scoring is a sensitive diagnostic classification in recognizing patients with thyroid cancer and combining Bethesda classification and TI-RADS scoring increases the sensitivity in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules. A higher likelihood of malignancy is associated with higher Bethesda classification and TI-RADS scoring.

Impacto da ecoendoscopia diagnóstica e terapêutica nas crianças / Impact of diagnostic and interventional endoscopic ultrasonography in children

ABSTRACT Background: Endoscopic ultrasonography is used in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases in adults. In children, its use is limited due to a lack of available expertise. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasonography on diagnostic and therapeutic strategy changes in pediatric patients. Methods: Over ten years, this study retrospectively and consecutively analyzed children aged ≤18 years who underwent endoscopic ultrasonography because of inconclusive imaging or laboratory tests. The indications, results, occurrence of adverse events, and clinical impact of the procedures were analyzed. The clinical impact was classified as major (when the findings led to changes in diagnosis and management), minor (change in diagnosis but not in management), or none (no change in diagnosis or management). Results: Overall, 107 children [77 (72%) of whom were female; mean age: 11.7 ± 4 years] underwent upper [102 (95.3%)] and lower [5 (4.7%)] endoscopic ultrasonography; 64 (58%) patients underwent diagnostic endoscopic ultrasonography, and 43 (42%) underwent interventional endoscopic ultrasonography. Endoscopic ultrasonography was used to investigate pancreaticobiliary, gastric, rectal, esophageal, duodenal, and mediastinal diseases in 81 (76%), 14 (13%), 5 (4.6%), 3 (2.8%), 2 (1.8%), and 2 (1.8%) patients, respectively. The clinical impact was significant in 81% of the children. Major and no clinical impact on pancreaticobiliary, gastrointestinal diseases, and mediastinal masses occurred in 50 (62%) and 13 (16%), 13 (54%) and 9 (37%), and 2 (100%) and 0 (0%) of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: This study evaluated the impact of diagnostic and interventional endoscopic ultrasonography in pediatric patients. When clinically and appropriately indicated, these procedures are safe and effective diagnostic or therapeutic interventions in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal or pancreaticobiliary disorders.

RESUMO Contexto: A ecoendoscopia (EUS) faz parte da prática clínica diária no diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças digestivas em adultos, no entanto, seu uso em crianças é limitado. Objetivo: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o impacto clínico da ecoendoscopia diagnóstica (EUS-D) e ecoendoscopia intervencionista (EUS-I) na população pediátrica. Métodos: Por um período de 10 anos, analisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de 107 crianças (≤18 anos) submetidas à ecoendoscopia alta [102 (95.3%)] e ecoendoscopia baixa [5 (4.7%)] que tiveram teste de imagem ou laboratorial inconclusivos. O impacto clínico foi classificado como forte (quando mudou o diagnóstico e a terapêutica), fraco (modificou o diagnóstico, mas não o manejo) e ausente (não houve mudança nem do diagnóstico e nem no manejo). Resultados: 107 meninas (72%) e 30 meninos (28%), média de idade 11.7±4 anos (5-18), foram submetidas à ecoendoscopia. 64 (58%) à EUS-D e 43 (42%) à EUS-I [EUS-FNA em 33 (77%) e 10 (33%) a drenagens (pseudocisto (5), walled off necrosis (2), perirectal abscesso (1)) e neurólise do plexo celíaco (2). O sucesso técnico, clínico e a taxa de efeitos adversos para a EUS-I foram de 100%, 90% e 0%, respectivamente. A via biliopancreática foi estudada em 81 (76%), estômago 14 (13%), reto 5 (4.6%), esôfago 3 (2.8%), duodeno 2 (1.8%) e mediastino 2 (1.8%) casos. O impacto clínico total foi de 81%. O impacto clínico foi forte e fraco para a via biliopancreática (81), gastrointestinal (24) e mediastinal (2) em 62% e 16%, 54% e 37% e 100% e 0%, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da EUS-FNA com microhistologia foi de 76.2%, 100% e 84.8%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os autores concluem que a EUS-D e a EUS-I são efetivas e seguras quando indicadas corretamente para as doenças digestivas em crianças. A EUS-FNA tem elevada acurácia e pode esclarecer a maioria dos casos duvidosos, determinando o diagnóstico preciso das enfermidades digestivas. O impacto clínico foi grande em relação ao diagnóstico e a mudança do tipo de tratamento na maioria das crianças.

Diagnostic yield of computed tomography guided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cancer / Rendimiento diagnóstico de la aspiración con aguja fina guiada por tomografía computarizada para el cáncer de páncreas

Abstract Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for the histological diagnosis of occupying lesions in the pancreas as opposed to tru-cut needle biopsy to obtain tissue for analysis has been associated with a lower incidence of post-procedure complications, with almost immediate recovery and no need for hospital stay. Nev ertheless, the question of the diagnostic effectiveness of percutaneous computed axial tomography (CT)-guided FNA in solid pancreatic lesions has been raised. The aim of this study was to confirm the diagnostic effectivity of percutaneous CT-guided FNA in pancreatic space-occupying lesions and to assess short-term complications. All percutaneous CT-guided FNA with real-time monitoring, performed between April 2010 and December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases 21-gauge needles were used. All FNA were performed in the pres ence of a pathologist who immediately stained and reported as adequate for analysis in all cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Of 54 FNA performed, final histopathological evaluation revealed neoplastic cells compatible with adenocarcinoma in 52 patients (96%) and was negative for neoplastic cells in two patients (4%). The sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity 100%. Post-FNA morbidity was observed in four patients, consisting of epigastric pain in two and abdominal wall hematoma in two other patients. Percutaneous CT-guided FNA of pancreatic space-occupying lesions was found to be a good, minimally invasive and safe method with low morbidity. The presence of the pathologist in the procedure allowed for immediate cytological diagnosis.

Resumen El uso de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) en el diagnóstico histológico de lesiones ocupantes de páncreas es una alternativa frente al uso de agujas tru-cut en la obtención de tejido para su análisis, con una incidencia más baja de complicaciones y una recuperación casi inmediata sin necesidad de internación. El objetivo fue valorar la efectividad diagnóstica de las PAAF de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por tomografía axial computada (TAC) por vía percutánea, y su tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo. Se analizaron de forma retrospectiva todas las PAAF realizadas mediante guía tomográfica por vía percutánea con control en tiempo real, entre abril 2010 y diciembre 2015. Todas las PAAF se realizaron en presencia de un patólogo que inmediatamente tiñó e informó como adecuado para el análisis. La confirmación diagnóstica se hizo con el análisis anatomopatológico diferido. De las 54 PAAF realizadas, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico informó positivo para células neoplásicas compatible con adenocarcinoma en 52 pacientes (96%) y en otros dos (4%) como negativo para células neoplásicas. La sensibilidad del método fue 94% y la especificidad del 100%. Se registraron 4 casos de morbilidad post punción (2 dolores epigástricos y 2 hematomas de pared abdominal). Las punciones percutáneas de lesiones ocupantes pancreáticas guiadas por TC pueden considerarse un buen método diagnóstico mini invasivo, seguro, con una morbilidad post punción baja. La presencia del patólogo en el procedimiento permitió el diagnóstico citológico inmediato.

A comparison between CT-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy with core-needle biopsy for pancreatic lesions / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To compare the safety and clinical value of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (CT-FNA) with CT-guided core-needle biopsy (CT-CNB) in diagnosis of pancreatic lesions.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with pancreatic lesions who underwent percutaneous CT-guided biopsy from January 2017 to January 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. A total of 454 patients (251 men, 203 women) were enrolled in this study with age of (60.5±11.6) years old. They were divided into the CT-FNA group ( n=300) and the CT-CNB group ( n=154) according to the biopsy method. The one-time diagnosis rate, accuracy, sensitivity, false negative rate and incidence rate of complications of the two groups were compared. Results:The one-time diagnosis rate and accuracy rate in the CT-CNB group were slightly higher than those in the CT-FNA group, but the differences were not statistically significant [92.2%(142/154) vs. 86.0%(258/300), χ 2=3.74, P=0.053; 97.4%(150/154) vs. 92.0%(276/300), χ 2=0.16, P=0.690]. Compared with the CT-FNA group, the CT-CNB group had a higher sensitivity and a lower false negative rate, and the differences were statistically significant [97.2%(138/142) vs. 91.5%(260/284), χ 2=4.89, P=0.036; 2.8%(4/142) vs. 8.5%(24/284), χ 2=4.89, P=0.036]. Common complications in the two groups were pain, hematoma and pancreatitis, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidences of complication [9.0%(27/300) vs. 9.1%(14/154), χ 2<0.01, P=0.975]. Conclusions:Both CT-FNA and CT-CNB were safe for diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, with high diagnostic yields and with similar safety and accuracy. When compared with CT-FNA, CT-CNB has a higher sensitivity and a lower false negative rate.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with fine-needle aspiration biopsy and BRAF gene detection for TI-RADS category 4 nodules / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with fine-needle aspiration biopsy and BRAF gene detection for TI-RADS category 4 nodules.Methods:The clinical datas of 80 patients who underwent surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Lishui People′s Hospital and diagnosed with TI-RADS 4 thyroid nodules from January 2019 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined fine-needle aspiration biopsy and BRAF gene detection, the ROC curves were plotted, the area under the ROC curve(AUC) and the best diagnostic cut-off values were calculated, and the application value of ultrasound-enhanced contrast, fine-needle aspiration biopsy and BRAF gene detection were compared.Results:Based on the results of pathological diagnosis, in diagnosing TI-RADS 4 thyroid nodules, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 77.61%, 70.97% and 75.51% for contrast-enhanced ultrasound, respectively; 80.60%, 74.19%, and 78.57% for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, respectively; 79.10%, 96.77%, and 84.69% for the BRAF gene test, respectively; and 98.51%, 70.97% and 89.80% for the combined diagnosis, respectively. The AUC was 0.790 for contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and 0.774 for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, 0.799 for BRAF genetic testing, and 0.847 for combined testing. The diagnostic value of combined diagnosis was significantly higher than other diagnostic methods ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with fine-needle aspiration biopsy and BRAF gene detection is valuable for the diagnosis of TI-RADS 4 class thyroid nodules and improves the preperative diagnosis.

Computed tomography versus ultrasound/fine needle aspiration biopsy in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules: a retrospective analysis / Tomografia computadorizada versus ultrassonografia/biópsia por aspiração com agulha fina no diagnóstico diferencial de nódulos tireoidianos: uma análise retrospectiva

Abstract Introduction Ultrasound sonography provides a quick method for determining which nodule to sample for fine needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules. On the other hand, the computed tomography examination is not restricted by echo attenuation and distinguishes between benign and malignant nodules. Objective To compare computed tomography examinations against ultrasound/fine needle aspiration biopsy in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Methods Data regarding computed tomography examinations, sonographic finding following fine needle aspiration biopsy, and tumor histology of 953 nodules from 698 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were collected and analyzed. The beneficial score for detection of the malignant tumor for each adopted modality was evaluated. Results Ultrasound images did not show a well-circumscribed solid mass in 89 nodules, and ultimately did not detect nodules in fine needle aspiration biopsies (false positive non-malignant nodules). Ultrasound images showed parenchymatous disease (false positive malignant nodules) in several nodules. Computed tomography examinations demonstrated higher difficulty in detection of malignant nodules of 1.0-2.0 cm size than ultrasound examination following fine needle aspiration biopsies; compared to tumor histological data, computed tomography examinations had a sensitivity of 0.879. Conclusion Computed tomography examinations are a more reliable method for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules than ultrasound examinations followed by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Level of Evidence III.

Resumo Introdução A ultrassonografia é um método rápido para determinar de qual nódulo se deve coletar uma amostra para biópsia por aspiração com agulha fina. Por outro lado, o exame de tomografia computadorizada não é restringido pela atenuação do eco e distingue entre nódulos benignos e malignos. Objetivo Comparar exames tomográficos versus biópsia por ultrassonografia/aspiração por agulha fina no diagnóstico diferencial de nódulos tireoidianos. Método Dados sobre exames tomográficos, achados ultrassonográficos após biópsia por aspiração com agulha fina e histologia tumoral de 953 nódulos de 698 pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia foram coletados e analisados. O escore de benefício para detecção do tumor maligno para cada modalidade adotada foi avaliado. Resultados As imagens de ultrassom não mostraram uma lesão sólida bem circunscrita em 89 nódulos; e na análise final não foram detectados nódulos nas biópsias por aspiração com agulha fina (nódulos não malignos falsos positivos). As imagens ultrassonográficas mostraram doença parenquimatosa (nódulos malignos falsos positivos) em vários nódulos. Os exames de tomografia computadorizada apresentaram grandes dificuldades na detecção de nódulos malignos de 1,0-2,0 cm de tamanho em comparação com o exame de ultrassonografia após biópsias por aspiração com agulha fina; comparados aos dados histológicos do tumor, os exames de tomografia computadorizada apresentaram sensibilidade de 0,879. Conclusão Os exames de tomografia computadorizada são um método mais confiável para o diagnóstico diferencial de nódulos tireoidianos do que os exames de ultrassonografia, seguidos por biópsia por aspiração com agulha fina.

Ultrasonographic differentiation and Ultrasound-based management of partially cystic thyroid nodules

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine sonographic features of malignancy in partially cystic thyroid nodules and assess the diagnostic efficacy of these features for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions in the nodules with indeterminate cytology. Subjects and methods: From January 2016 to December 2017, a total of 91 patients with 94 partially cystic thyroid nodules who had undergone ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and thyroid surgery in our hospital were included in this study. The sonographic features of the thyroid nodules were analyzed to identify the predictive features of malignancy and assess the diagnostic efficacy of these features. Results: The features of hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, composition, and an eccentric solid component with an acute angle had statistically significant associations with malignant nodule (p<005) by univariable analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that microcalcification and hypoechogenicity were significantly associated with malignancy. Using the combination of microcalcification, hypoechogenicity, and a solid component comprising of greater than or equal to 50% of the total volume, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 97.6%, 32.7%, 53.9%, and 94.4%, respectively. In these nodules with indeterminate cytology, this combination also exhibited a high sensitivity of 92.3% and an NPV of 83.3%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that microcalcification and hypoechogenicity were independently associated with malignancy in partially cystic thyroid nodules. The combination of microcalcification, hypoechogenicity, and a solid portion that is greater than or equal to 50% of the total volume will help guide clinical decisions in mixed cystic solid nodules.

Is there a place for measuring serum calcitonin prior to thyroidectomy in patients with a non-diagnostic thyroid nodule biopsy?

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the cytopathological Bethesda System classification of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in MTC patients and to assess the role of preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) levels in the investigation of this neoplasm in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients under observation at the Uopeccan (União Oeste Paranaense de Estudos e Combate ao Câncer). Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional review of medical records of patients monitored at the thyroid cancer outpatient clinic of Uopeccan. Clinical and demographic data, laboratory tests, ultrasound images, and cytopathological findings of MTC patients were evaluated. Results and discussion: Among the 360 patients with thyroid cancer monitored in the outpatient clinic, 5.2% (n: 19/360) had MTC. The hereditary form was more prevalent (63.2%), and there was no sex preference. The most common ultrasound findings were hypoechogenicity, solid appearance and microcalcifications. The FNAB diagnoses showed a sensitivity of 47.1%, and the most common cytopathological report was Bethesda category III. Serum CT levels showed good sensitivity (84.6%) for the diagnosis of MTC, and sensitivity levels were directly associated with the size of the nodule and distant metastases. Conclusion: Bethesda category III was more prevalent in this group of MTC patients. Serum CT levels were more sensitive than cytopathology for diagnosis of this neoplasm and were able to identify all patients who could not be diagnosed by FNAB.

Improvement in specimen adequacy with ultrasound-guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) of Thyroid Nodules using Rapid On-site Evaluation (ROSE): A cross-sectional study

Background@#Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most accurate and cost-effective method to evaluate thyroid nodule for possible malignancy. However, an adequate specimen is required for proper examination by a pathologist. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), a service typically provided by pathologists, is the real-time evaluation for adequacy of FNAB smears which can help improve adequacy rates by allowing the submission of additional thyroid samples when the submitted samples are inadequate. This study aims to investigate if ROSE done by trained Endocrinologists can improve specimen adequacy in our patients.@*Methods@#A total of 192 patients were included in this study and were divided in two groups: a ROSE group (n=96) and a non-ROSE group (n=96). In the ROSE group, the smear of thyroid aspirate was evaluated for adequacy by a trained Endocrinologist in real time. In the non-ROSE group, specimens are directly sent to the Pathologist.@*Results@#ROSE done by Endocrinologists had 94% sensitivity, 46% specificity and 82% accuracy compared to a Pathologist. The adequacy rate under the ROSE group was 84.38% and 81.25% in non-ROSE group.@*Conclusion@#Our study showed that ROSE can improve adequacy rate in our center. ROSE can also be used by physicians in the provinces who are performing FNAB of the thyroid without ultrasound guidance to improve specimen adequacy and lessen repeat biopsy.

Diagnostic value of BRAF V600E mutation combined with 2015 American Thyroid Association ultrasound pattern in patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodule / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of BRAF V600E mutation combined with 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) Guidelines ultrasound (US) pattern in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS).Methods:This study retrospectively enrolled 96 consecutive patients with 101 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules who underwent preoperative US, FNA, and BRAF V600E mutation analysis. All AUS/FLUS nodules were classified based on US pattern-based risk stratification of 2015 ATA Guidelines. With postoperative pathology as the gold standard, the diagnostic value of BRAF V600E mutation, US pattern and the combination of two methods were compared.Results:Postoperative pathology confirmed 33 benign nodules and 68 malignant nodules. The mutation rates of BRAF V600E in AUS/FLUS nodules was 51.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of BRAF V600E in the diagnosis AUS/FLUS nodules were 72.1%, 90.9% and 78.2%, respectively. The ROC curve demonstrated that the best cut-off of US pattern was high suspicion. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of US pattern in the diagnosis of AUS/FLUS nodules were 63.2%, 81.8% and 69.3%, respectively. The accuracy of US pattern in determining AUS/FLUS nodules without BRAF V600E mutation was 70.6%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the combination of two methods in the differential diagnosis of AUS/FLUS nodules were 89.7%, 75.8%, and 85.1%, respectively. The combination had the highest sensitivity ( P<0.05). Conclusions:BRAF V600E mutation has a good diagnostic value for differentiating benign and malignant AUS/FLUS nodules. Combined with US pattern, the differential diagnostic value for AUS/FLUS nodules without BRAF V600E mutation can be improved, and the sensitivity can be raised.

Evaluation of thyroid nodules in the brazilian public health care system, supplementary health system, and private health system in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objective: To obtain data about the evaluation of thyroid nodules (TNs) in the northeastern of the State of São Paulo, compared by health care type, and measure the performance of cytology as a screening test for thyroid cancer (TC). Subjects and methods: We collected data of 597 patients treated in the Brazilian public health care system (SUS), supplementary health (SH) and in private health system (PHS) in 2014. A total of 803 TNs were aspirated, and 125 patients underwent surgery. Results: The distribution of all cytologic results according to the Bethesda system was: I, 135 (16.8%); II, 475 (59.2%); III, 107 (13.3%); IV, 32 (4.0%); V, 20 (2.5%); VI, 34 (4.2%). The time between cytologic analysis and surgery was longer in the SUS than in the SH for TNs in general (p < 0.001) and for TNs with Bethesda V and VI cytology (p = 0.01). The sizes of the TNs and resected malignant TNs was larger in the SUS than in the SH (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The number of PHS surgeries was too small and was not compared. The prevalence of TC was 9.2% and 23.6% of them were treated in the SUS. Cytology showed a 93.6% sensitivity, 95.8% specificity, and 94.7% accuracy when Bethesda III and IV were excluded. Conclusion: Cytology was a good screening test for TC categories Bethesda II, V, and VI. The differences between the SUS and SH indicate a need for improved access to consultations and specialized tests in the SUS.

A retrospective study of reducing unnecessary thyroid biopsy for American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems 4 assessment through applying shear wave elastography

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of the study is to quantitatively assess shear-wave elastography (SWE) value in American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR TI-RADS) 4. Materials and methods One hundred and fifty-two ACR TI-RADS 4 thyroid nodules undergoing SWE were included in the study. The mean (EMean), minimum (EMin) and maximum (EMax) of SWE elasticity were measured. Results The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for SWE EMean, EMin and EMax in detecting benign and malignant nodules were 0.95, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. Cut-off value of EMean ≤ 23.30 kPa is able to downgrade the lesion category to ACR TI-RADS 3 and cut-off value of EMean ≥ 52.14 kPa is able to upgrade the lesion category to ACR TI-RADS 5. Conclusions The EMean of SWE will probably identify nodules that have a high potential for benignity in ACR TI-RADS 4. It may help identify and select benign nodules while reducing unnecessary biopsy of benign thyroid nodules.

Is the new procore 20g double forward-bevel needle capable to obtain better histological samples by endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions? / A nova agulha procore 20g com bisel frontal duplo é capaz de obter melhores amostras histológicas por ecoendoscopia no diagnóstico de lesões sólidas pancreáticas?

ABSTRACT Background: It is important to obtain representative histological samples of solid biliopancreatic lesions without a clear indication for resection. The role of new needles in such task is yet to be determined. Aim: To compare performance assessment between 20G double fine needle biopsy (FNB) and conventional 22G fine needle aspiration (FNA) needles for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsy. Methods: This prospective study examined 20 patients who underwent the random puncture of solid pancreatic lesions with both needles and the analysis of tissue samples by a single pathologist. Results: The ProCore 20G FNB needle provided more adequate tissue samples (16 vs. 9, p=0.039) with better cellularity quantitative scores (11 vs. 5, p=0.002) and larger diameter of the histological sample (1.51±1.3 mm vs. 0.94±0.55 mm, p=0.032) than the 22G needle. The technical success, puncture difficulty, and sample bleeding were similar between groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 88.9%, 100%, and 90% and 77.8%, 100%, and 78.9% for the 20G and 22G needles, respectively. Conclusions: The samples obtained with the ProCore 20G FNB showed better histological parameters; although there was no difference in the diagnostic performance between the two needles, these findings may improve pathologist performance.

RESUMO Racional: As lesões sólidas pancreáticas não ressecáveis cirurgicamente demandam boa amostragem tecidual para definição histológica e condução oncológica . O papel das novas agulhas de ecopunção no aprimoramento diagnóstico ainda necessita elucidação. Objetivo: Comparar as biópsias guiadas por ecoendoscoopia com a nova agulha 20G de bisel frontal duplo (FNB) com a agulha de aspiração fina 22G convencional. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo avaliou 20 pacientes submetidos à punção de lesões pancreáticas sólidas com ambas agulhas e envolveu análise de amostras teciduais por um único patologista. Resultados: A agulha FNB 20G forneceu amostras de tecido mais adequadas (16 vs. 9, p=0,039) com melhores escores quantitativos de celularidade (11 vs. 5, p=0,002) e maior diâmetro máximo da amostra histológica (1,51±1,3 mm vs. 0,94±0,55 mm, p=0,032) que a agulha 22G. O sucesso técnico, dificuldade de punção e sangramento da amostra foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia diagnóstica foram 88,9%, 100% e 90% e 77,8%, 100% e 78,9% para as agulhas 20G e 22G, respectivamente. Conclusão: As amostras obtidas com a FNB 20G apresentaram melhores parâmetros histológicos, embora não tenha havido diferença no desempenho diagnóstico entre as duas agulhas.

Citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica guiada por ultrasonido endobronquial / Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology

Introducción: El enfrentamiento diagnóstico de las lesiones sospechosas de cáncer pulmonar ha cambiado en los últimos años. Objetivo: Describir el primer caso diagnosticado en Cuba de carcinoma de pulmón por aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina guiada por ultrasonografía endobronquial. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un caso de carcinoma indiferenciado de células pequeñas. El diagnóstico se obtiene mediante la realización de una citología aspirativa con aguja fina de ganglios mediastinales, transbroncoscópica y guiada por ultrasonido endobronquial. Conclusiones: El uso de EBUS-TBNA es una herramienta con un alto rendimiento diagnóstico, con escasas complicaciones descritas y debe considerarse como una posibilidad en el estudio de lesiones adyacentes a la vía aérea central(AU)

Introduction: The diagnostic confrontation of lesions suspected of lung cancer has changed in recent years. Objective: To describe the first case of lung carcinoma, diagnosed in Cuba by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchoscopic fine needle aspiration cytology. Case report: A case of undifferentiated small cell carcinoma is reported. Diagnosis is obtained by performing a fine needle aspiration cytology of the mediastinal lymph nodes, transbronchoscopic and guided by endobronchial ultrasound. Conclusions: The use of EBUS-TBNA is a tool with high diagnostic yield, with few described complications and should be considered as a possibility in the study of lesions adjacent to the central airway(AU)

Caso Clínico: Quiste Tirogloso, Cirugía de Sistrunk / Clinical Case Report: Thyroglossal Duct Cyst, Sistrunk Surgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: El quiste tirogloso es una anomalía congénita de la glándula tiroides y de la línea media a nivel del cuello, afecta al 7% de la población mundial. Se presenta como un tumor indoloro, móvil con la deglución. El diagnóstico se realiza con ecografía y biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina, para determinar existencia de malignidad la cual corresponde al 1%. El tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico mediante la técnica de Sistrunk. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente masculino de 63 años, sin antecedentes patológicos, presentó desde hace un año un tumor en parte central de cuello, de consistencia dura de aproximadamente 3 cm, con aumento progresivo de tamaño. Al examen físico: Tumor de 3 x 2.5 cm que se moviliza con la deglución. EVOLUCIÓN: Se realizó Cirugía de Sistrunk, se envió muestra para estudio transoperatorio de patología el cual reportó presencia de quiste tirogloso, negativo para malignidad. No se presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas, se colocó dren de Penrose que se retiró a los 5 días. El paciente permaneció hospitalizado durante 24 horas. El reporte definitivo de patología fue quiste tirogloso. Se realizó vigilancia a los 3 y 6 meses, y al primer y segundo año sin recurrencia. CONCLUSIÓN:El quiste tirogloso es una patología congénita benigna con un porcentaje de malignidad bajo, el pronóstico es excelente incluso si reporta malignidad. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante ecografía y biopsia por punción con aguja fina. La cirugía de Sistrunk constituye el tratamiento de elección, con tasas bajas de recurrencia. El acudir a control médico cuando se sospecha de un tumor en cuello ayuda a un diagnóstico temprano. (au)

BACKGROUND: The thyroglossal cyst is a congenital anomaly of the thyroid gland and the midline at the level of the neck, affecting 7% of the world population. It presents as a painless, mobile tumor when swallowing. The diagnosis is made with ultrasound and biopsy by fine needle aspiration to determine existence of malignancy, which is present in 1%. The treatment of choice is surgery using the Sistrunk technique. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old male patient, who presented a 3 cm central neck tumor of hard consistency, with a progressive increase in size. Physical examination: 3 x 2.5 cm neck tumor that is mobilized with swallowing. EVOLUTION: Sistrunk Surgery was performed, a sample was sent for transoperative analysis, and the report was compatible with thyroglossal cyst negative for malignancy; the patient remained hospitalized for 24 hours without complications. The definitive pathology report confirmed the presence of a thyroglossal cyst. Follow ups were made at 3, 6 months, 1 and 2 years without recurrence. CONCLUSION: The thyroglossal cyst is a benign congenital disease with low malignancy probability; the prognosis is excellent even in presence of malignancy. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy. Sistrunk surgery is the treatment of choice, with low recurrence rates. Receiving a medical evaluation when a neck tumor is suspected is helpful for the early diagnosis.

Is fine needle aspiration biopsy reliable in the diagnosis of parotid tumors? Comparison of preoperative and postoperative results and the factors affecting accuracy / A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é confiável no diagnóstico de tumoresde parótida? Comparação dos resultados pré e pós-operatórios e fatores que afetam sua precisão

Abstract Introduction: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool in preoperative evaluation of head and neck tumors. However, its accuracy in management of salivary gland tumors is debatable. Objective: We aimed to investigate the efficacy and the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in parotid gland tumors. Methods: Patients who underwent parotidectomy between January 2008 and June 2017 due to parotid gland tumor were examined retrospectively. Patients with both preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy and postoperative surgical pathologies were included. Preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy was categorized as benign, malignant or suspicious for malignancy. Surgical pathology was grouped as benign or malignant. Surgical pathology was compared with fine needle aspiration biopsy, and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and agreement between both tests were investigated. Results: 217 cases were evaluated and 23 cases were excluded because the fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis was non-diagnostic or unavailable. 194 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 ± 15.88 (7-82). There were 157 benign, 37 malignant cases in fine needle aspiration biopsy, 165 benign and 29 malignant cases in surgical pathology. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (43.3%), and malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (4.13%). The diagnostic accuracy for fine needle aspiration biopsy when detecting malignancy was 86.52%. Sensitivity and specificity were 68.96% and 89.63% respectively. Positive predictive value was 54.05% and negative predictive value was 94.23%. There was moderate agreement between fine needle aspiration biopsy and surgical pathology (κ = 0.52). The sensitivity was 54.54% in tumors less than 2 cm while 77.77% in larger tumors. In tumors extending to the deep lobe, sensitivity was 80%. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating parotid gland tumors. It is more accurate in detecting benign tumors. In tumors greater than 2 cm and extending to the deep lobe, the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration biopsy is high. The use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in conjunction with clinical and radiological evaluation may help to reduce false positive and false negative results.

Resumo Introdução: A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação pré-operatória de tumores de cabeça e pescoço. No entanto, sua precisão no tratamento de tumores de glândulas salivares é discutível. Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi investigar a eficácia e precisão da punção aspirativa com agulha fina nos tumores da glândula parótida. Método: Pacientes submetidos à parotidectomia entre janeiro de 2008 e junho de 2017 por tumor de glândula parótida foram examinados retrospectivamente. Foram incluídos pacientes com punção aspirativa com agulha fina pré-operatória e histopatologia cirúrgica pós-operatória. A punção aspirativa com agulha fina pré-operatória foi categorizada como benigna, maligna ou com suspeita de malignidade. O histopatológico cirúrgico foi agrupado como benigno ou maligno. Os exames histopatológicos foram comparados com a punção aspirativa com agulha fina e a sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia e concordância entre os dois testes foram investigadas. Resultados: Foram avaliados 217 casos e excluídos 23 porque o diagnóstico da punção aspirativa com agulha fina não foi conclusivo ou estava indisponível. Portanto, foram incluídos 194 casos. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 47,5 ± 15,88 (7-82). Havia 157 casos benignos, 37 malignos na punção aspirativa com agulha fina e 165 benignos e 29 malignos na histopatologia. O tumor benigno mais comum foi o adenoma pleomórfico (43,3%) e o tumor maligno mais comum foi o carcinoma mucoepidermoide (4,13%). A acurácia diagnóstica da punção aspirativa com agulha fina na detecção de malignidade foi de 86,52%. A sensibilidade e especificidade foram de 68,96% e 89,63%, respectivamente. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 54,05% e o valor preditivo negativo foi de 94,23%. Houve concordância moderada entre a punção aspirativa com agulha fina e histopatológico (κ = 0,52). A sensibilidade foi 54,54% em tumores menores do que 2 cm e 77,77% em tumores maiores. Nos tumores que se estendiam até o lobo profundo, a sensibilidade foi de 80%. Conclusão: A punção aspirativa com agulha fina é uma importante ferramenta diagnóstica na avaliação dos tumores da glândula parótida. É mais precisa na detecção de tumores benignos. Em tumores maiores do que 2 cm que se estendem até o lobo profundo, a sensibilidade da punção aspirativa com agulha fina é alta. O uso dessa ferramenta em conjunto com a avaliação clínica e radiológica pode ajudar a reduzir os resultados falso-positivos e falso-negativos.

Technical Report: A Cost-Effective, Easily Available Tofu Model for Training Residents in Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Thyroid Nodule Targeting Punctures

OBJECTIVE: To establish a cost-effective and easily available phantom for training residents in ultrasound-guided fine needle thyroid nodule targeting punctures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tofu, drinking straws filled with coupling gel, a urine tube, and 21-gauge needles were used to generate a phantom thyroid with nodules for training. Twelve radiology residents were involved in the study. The puncture success rates were recorded and compared before and after phantom training using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: On ultrasonography, tofu mimicked the texture of the thyroid. Drinking straws filled with coupling gel mimicked vessels. The urine tube filled with air mimicked the trachea, and 21-gauge needles mimicked small nodules in the transverse section. The entire phantom was similar to the structure of the thyroid and surrounding tissues. The puncture success rates of radiology residents were significantly increased from 34.4 ± 14.2% to 66.7 ± 19.5% after training (p = 0.003). The phantom was constructed in approximately 10 minutes and materials cost less than CNY 10 (approximately $ 1.5) at a local store. CONCLUSION: The tofu model was cost-effective, easily attainable, and effective for training residents in ultrasound-guided fine needle thyroid nodule targeting punctures in vitro.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with BRAF V600E mutation for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacies of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) combined with BRAF V600E mutation detection in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance . Methods A total of 129 thyroid nodules underwent the examinations of CEUS and BRAF V600E mutation were analyzed retrospectively . With surgical pathology as the gold standard ,ROC curve was used to investigate the diagnostic values of CEUS , BRAF V600E and the combination of the two methods . Results The sensitivity ,specificity and accuracy of CEUS and BRAF V600E gene detection for thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy were 86 .7％ ,83 .3％ ,85 .3％ and 72 .0％ , 100％ ,83 .7％ ,respectively . The sensitivity and accuracy of CEUS were higher than those of BRAF V 600E gene detection ( all P < 0 .001 ) ,however its specificity was lower than BRAF V 600E with statistically significance( P < 0 .001) ,those of the combined test of CEUS and BRAF V600E mutation analysis were 94 .7％ ,83 .3％ ,89 .9％ ,respectively . The combination of two methods had the highest diagnostic efficacy , with statistically difference ( P <0 .001) ,and the area under the ROC curve ( AUC) was higher than that for each test(0 .951 vs 0 .860 vs 0 .901) . Conclusions The combined test of CEUS and BRAF V600E mutation has a higher diagnostic efficacy for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules compared with CEUS or BRAF V600E mutation alone .

High Body Mass Index and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels Do Not Affect Thyroid Nodule Selection for Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy after Ultrasound Evaluation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was to evaluate whether high body mass index (BMI) or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level would affect selecting thyroid nodule for fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) after ultrasound (US) evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 3155 thyroid nodules (2159 benign and 996 malignant nodules) were included. Four grades of BMI and three levels of TSH were applied for grouping. US features of the thyroid nodules were divided into ‘probably benign’ and ‘suspicious for malignancy’ categories. Patients were grouped according to gender and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to find the association between variables and malignancy. RESULTS: TSH levels were significantly higher in the malignant group (p<0.001). The grades of BMI did not show difference between the malignant and benign groups (females, p=0.074 and males, p=0.157). Younger age and ‘suspicious for malignancy’ US category were independent risk factors for malignancy in both genders. In females, a high TSH level (odds ratio=1.010, p<0.001) had significant association with malignancy. Except for younger age (odds ratio=0.998, p<0.001), no variable in nodules with ‘probably benign’ US category was significantly associated with malignancy. CONCLUSION: High TSH levels were more frequent in thyroid malignancy group, but neither high BMI nor high TSH level give additional information for FNA selection after US.