Abstract

INTRODUCTION

FNAB is the most commonly used method in the pathological diagnosis of thyroid nodules, and it is an easy-to-apply, high diagnostic efficiency and low cost application. Sometimes not enough cells can be obtained as a result of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy and it may be insufficient for pathological evaluation. In our study, the ultrasonographic appearance of thyroid nodules that were obtained “non-diagnostic/inadequate” material for pathological evaluation with fine needle aspiration biopsy was investigated.

METHODS

186 patients were included in this retrospective study. Fine needle aspiration biopsy were performed under ultrasound guidance, using a 22 G needle and freehand technique. Pathological evaluations were made in accordance with the Bethesda classification. TIRADS score, size, composition of nodules, internal structure, echogenicity, shape, margin, echogenic foci, rim were evaluated by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

From 186 nodules, 70 were solid, while 2 of them were completely or almost completely cystic. While 17 nodules were anechoic, 55 were hypoechoic, 102 were isoechoic, 12 nodules were detected as hyperechoic. There were 174 well-circumscribed, 12 lobulated contoured nodules. 156 had no echogenic focus, 15 had macrocalcification and 12 had microcalcifications. The TI-RADS score of 166 nodules were 2-4, while 5 of 4 nodules, 6 of 12 nodules, and 7 of 4 nodules.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules with inadequate pathology results were evaluated. In our study, it has been shown that although inadequate material results in features such as cystic dominance or macrocalcification increase, there is a possibility in all types of nodules.