Indications For Fine-needle Aspiration Research Articles

Analysis of 665 thyroid nodules using both EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification systems

BackgroundUltrasound-based classification systems allow stratification of thyroid nodules to recommend fine-needle aspiration (FNA) based on their malignancy risk. However, these have discrepancies that may have an impact in thyroid cancer detection. We aimed to compare European Thyroid Association (EU-TIRADS) and American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS), in terms of FNA indication and diagnostic performance.MethodsRetrospective study of 665 thyroid nodules from 598 patients who underwent ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration at a tertiary-care institution between January 1st of 2016 and July 31st of 2019. Based on their sonographic features they were classified according to the EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification and then their cytological results were obtained. Differences in FNA indications according to these two classifications were analysed. In patients who underwent surgical removal of the nodules, the final pathological diagnosis was obtained.ResultsA statistically significant association was found between EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification systems (p < 0.001). ACR TI-RADS allowed greatest reduction in FNA performed (32% vs 24.5%). A different risk category was obtained in 174 (26.1%) nodules, mostly higher with EU-TIRADS. The indication to FNA changed in 54 (8.1%) nodules (49 only indicated following EU-TIRADS recommendations), of which 4 had Bethesda IV and 5 had Bethesda III cytology. The FNA indication in a higher number of nodules using EU-TIRADS was due to difference in the dimensional threshold for FNA on low-risk nodules; to the fact that hypoechogenicity in a mixed nodule ascribes it moderate risk, while using ACR TI-RADS it would only be considered of low risk, and to the use of isolated sonographic features, namely marked hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications and irregular margins, to automatically categorize a nodules as high risk in EU-TIRADS, while ACR TI-RADS requires a group of potentially suspicious features to consider a nodule of high risk. The analysis of pathology proven nodules revealed equally good sensitivity of both systems in the detection of malignancy, but weak specificity, slightly greater with ACR TI-RADS (27.1% vs 18.6%).ConclusionsThe EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS are both suitable to assess thyroid nodules and through risk stratification avoid unnecessary FNA. FNA was less performed using ACR TI-RADS, which was slightly more efficiency in excluding malignancy.

Risk factors for metastasis in indeterminate lymph nodes in preoperative patients with thyroid cancer.

To investigate the relevance of clinical and sonographic features as indicators of metastasis in indeterminate lymph node (LN), to determine possible indications for fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Consecutive patients who underwent US-guided FNA for sonographic indeterminate LNs from differentiated thyroid carcinoma between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Indeterminate LNs were defined as LNs which had neither an echogenic hilum nor hilar vascularity in the absence of any suspicious finding in accordance with the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guidelines. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors related to malignancy of indeterminate LNs. Of the 236 LNs in 212 patients enrolled in this study, 67 LNs (28.3%) were metastatic. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the long diameter of LNs has a negative association with metastasis in indeterminate LNs and the sonographic features of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and nonparallel orientation of the primary tumor are associated with metastasis in indeterminate LNs. The sensitivity and positive predictive value were increased when FNA was performed for LNs with primary tumors showing ETE or nonparallel orientation than when FNA was performed for LNs larger than 5mm (59.7% and 40.4% vs. 11.94% and 15.69%). The size of LNs has a negative association with metastasis in indeterminate LNs. Performing FNA for indeterminate LNs in patients whose primary tumor shows ETE or a nonparallel orientation can improve the diagnostic performance and decrease the rate of unnecessary FNA. • The size of lymph nodes was negatively related to the risk of metastasis in indeterminate lymph nodes. • Extrathyroidal extension and a nonparallel orientation of the primary tumor were suggested as sonographic features predicting metastasis in indeterminate lymph nodes. • The routine practice of FNA for large indeterminate lymph nodes detected during preoperative evaluation of thyroid cancer should be discouraged.

Comparison of 5 Thyroid Ultrasound Stratification Systems for Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Nodules and to Avoid Biopsy Using Histology as Reference Standard

ObjectiveWe aimed to compare the thyroid ultrasound risk stratification systems (RSSs) of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), European TI-RADS, Korean TI-RADS, and American Thyroid Association (ATA), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology, and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi guidelines to differentiate benign from malignant thyroid nodules and to avoid unnecessary fine needle aspiration (FNA). MethodsThe records of 1143 nodules ≥1 cm that underwent FNA biopsy and thyroidectomy between 2012 and 2020 at our institution were reviewed. Ultrasound categories and FNA recommendation indications of 5 international RSSs were compared with histopathological findings as benign or malignant. The ultrasound categories and recommended FNA indications, the proportion of the avoidable FNA procedures, and false negative rates (FNRs) by different systems were compared with each other. ResultsOf the 1143 nodules, 45% had thyroid malignancy. FNA recommendation and ultrasound risk classification of ATA guidelines had the highest area under curves of 0.619, and 0.715, respectively. ACR TI-RADS, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology/Associazione Medici Endocrinologi guidelines, European TI-RADS, ATA guidelines, and Korean TI-RADS would have avoided FNA for 34.7%, 31%, 25.7%, 20%, and 6% of nodules with an FNR of 24%, 28.5%, 22%, 7.2%, and 1.9%, respectively. ConclusionOur findings showed that all RSSs classified the nodules appropriately for malignancy. ATA guidelines had the highest area under curves and a low FNR, whereas ACR TI-RADS would have spared more patients from FNA with a high FNR.

Guideline Implementation on Fine-Needle Aspiration for Thyroid Nodules: Focusing on Micronodules

Objective: We investigated patients who were referred to our institution after fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed at outside clinics to evaluate how many nodules satisfied the FNA indications of the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) and compare that to the number of thyroid nodules that satisfy the FNA indications of the American College of Radiology (ACR)-TIRADS and American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.Methods: Between January 2018 and December 2018, 2,628 patients were included in our study. The included patients were those referred for thyroid surgery after having a suspicious thyroid nodule. We retrospectively applied the three guidelines to each thyroid nodule and determined whether each nodule satisfied the FNA indications. We compared the proportion of nodules satisfying the FNA indications of each guideline using a generalized linear model and generalized estimating equation.Results: The median size of the 2,628 thyroid nodules was 0.9 cm (range, 0.2 to 9.5 cm). We found that FNA was not indicated for 54.1%, 47.7%, and 19.1% of nodules and 87.3%, 99.0%, and 97.8% among them were micronodules (<1 cm) according to the ACR-TIRADS, ATA guideline, and K-TIRADS, respectively. The proportion of micronodules which satisfied the FNA indications was significantly higher for the K-TIRADS (65.1%) compared to the ACR TIRADS (12.1%) and ATA guideline (12.1%) (P<.001).Conclusion: Among patients referred for thyroid surgery to our institutions, about 35% of the micronodules underwent FNA despite not being appropriate for indications by the K-TIRADS. Systematic training for physicians as well as modifications to increase the sensitivity of the guideline may be needed to reduce the overdiagnosis of thyroid cancers, especially for micronodules.

Fine-Needle Aspiration of Subcentimeter Thyroid Nodules in the Real-World Management.

BackgroundThe Korea Thyroid Association published the revised guidelines for thyroid nodules in 2016. However, whether fine-needle aspiration is accurately performed based on indications and whether the results of this procedure are appropriately addressed according to clinical guidelines, particularly in subcentimeter nodules, are unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the fine-needle aspiration data of 331 thyroid nodules of patients who were referred to a tertiary hospital clinic for fine-needle aspiration. Each nodule was categorized according to ultrasonography findings based on the recommendations of the Korea Thyroid Association for fine-needle aspiration. Only nodules with a final pathological diagnosis of benign or malignant made using the Bethesda system were included.ResultsUp to 32% of thyroid nodules that were not indicated for fine-needle aspiration were aspirated. Regarding subcentimeter nodules, only 28 of 123 (22.8%) aspirated nodules were indicated for fine-needle aspiration. Of the 49 malignant subcentimeter nodules, 33 (67.3%) underwent immediate surgery. Meanwhile, 14 (28.6%) nodules were lost to follow-up, and two (4.1%) were under active surveillance. Eighteen (36.7%) malignant subcentimeter nodules were not indicated for fine-needle aspiration but underwent surgical resection instead of active surveillance.ConclusionDespite the recommendations in the revised guidelines, several thyroid nodules that do not meet the indications for FNA are aspirated in real-world practice. To reduce overtreatment, a widespread knowledge of the correct indications for fine-needle aspiration is important in clinical practice, particularly for subcentimeter nodules.

Ultrasound systems for risk stratification of thyroid nodules prompt inappropriate biopsy in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules.

Ultrasound (US) risk stratification systems (RSSs) have been developed to reduce the number of unnecessary fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies in patients with thyroid nodules. Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) account for 5%-10% of palpable lesions and are very rarely malignant. The present study was undertaken to investigate how RSSs classify AFTNs and whether RSSs are able to avoid unnecessary FNA biopsies in such cases. Patients with AFTN who had undergone US, scintigraphy and thyroid function evaluation from December 2016 to December 2017 were selected. US images were retrospectively reviewed and AFTN reclassified according to AACE/ACE/AME, ACR-TIRADS, ATA, BTA, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS and TIRADS. Risk class and indication for FNA were assessed. A number of 87 AFTNs from 85 consecutive patients were enrolled. A median diameter of 22mm (range 10-59) was found, with an ovoid isoechoic nodule being the most frequent US presentation. When AFTNs were reclassified according to US RSSs, the most common categories were low and intermediate risk. AFTNs were assessed as being at high risk/high suspicion/malignant in 1%-9%, with good agreement among AACE/ACE/AME, ATA, EU-TIRADS, K-TIRADS and TIRADS. Remarkably, FNA was indicated in 27%-90% of AFTNs. A statistically significant difference among the systems was found; 8% of cases were nonclassifiable by one or more US RSS. Ultrasound RSSs prompt inappropriate FNA in a significant number of patients with AFTN.

Usefulness of Serum Calcitonin in Patients with Thyroid Nodules ≤ 1 cm Without an Indication for Fine-Needle Aspiration.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is not necessary in adults with nodules ≤ 1 cm without apparent extrathyroidal extension (ETE) or lymph node (LN) involvement on ultrasonography (US). In the absence of FNA and serum calcitonin (Ctn) measurement, medullary thyroid microcarcinomas (microMTC) are not diagnosed. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate Ctn levels in adults with a low clinical risk of MTC and nodules ≤ 1 cm without ETE or LN involvement on US. A total of 506 consecutively seen adults who had nodules with two or more suspicious features were included. Patients with elevated basal Ctn underwent a calcium stimulation test and FNA. Basal Ctn was normal in 490 patients (96.8%). In the 16 patients with elevated basal Ctn, FNA revealed MTC in only one patient and MTC was not suspected in the 15 patients with elevated basal Ctn. Three patients with stimulated Ctn<100 pg/ml and benign cytology were not submitted to surgery. MTC was excluded by histology in three patients with stimulated Ctn<100 pg/ml and indeterminate or suspicious cytology and in eight patients with stimulated Ctn>100 pg/ml. One patient with stimulated Ctn>100 pg/ml had MTC. Ctn was undetectable 6 months after surgery in two patients with MTC. Although uncommon, even subjects without a suspicious history and with nodules ≤ 1 cm without ETE or LN involvement on US, but with suspicious findings, can have microMTC. The measurement of Ctn permits the diagnosis of these cases.

Update on thyroid ultrasound: a narrative review from diagnostic criteria to artificial intelligence techniques.

ObjectiveUltrasound imaging is well known to play an important role in the detection of thyroid disease, but the management of thyroid ultrasound remains inconsistent. Both standardized diagnostic criteria and new ultrasound technologies are essential for improving the accuracy of thyroid ultrasound. This study reviewed the global guidelines of thyroid ultrasound and analyzed their common characteristics for basic clinical screening. Advances in the application of a combination of thyroid ultrasound and artificial intelligence (AI) were also presented.Data sourcesAn extensive search of the PubMed database was undertaken, focusing on research published after 2001 with keywords including thyroid ultrasound, guideline, AI, segmentation, image classification, and deep learning.Study selectionSeveral types of articles, including original studies and literature reviews, were identified and reviewed to summarize the importance of standardization and new technology in thyroid ultrasound diagnosis.ResultsUltrasound has become an important diagnostic technique in thyroid nodules. Both standardized diagnostic criteria and new ultrasound technologies are essential for improving the accuracy of thyroid ultrasound. In the standardization, since there are no global consensus exists, common characteristics such as a multi-feature diagnosis, the performance of lymph nodes, explicit indications of fine needle aspiration, and the diagnosis of special populations should be focused on. Besides, evidence suggests that AI technique has a good effect on the unavoidable limitations of traditional ultrasound, and the combination of diagnostic criteria and AI may lead to a great promotion in thyroid diagnosis.ConclusionStandardization and development of novel techniques are key factors to improving thyroid ultrasound, and both should be considered in normal clinical use.

Changes in the Diagnostic Efficiency of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy during the Era of Increased Thyroid Cancer Screening in Korea.

PurposeThe volume of thyroid cancer screening and subsequent thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) have rapidly increased in South Korea. We analyzed the thyroid cancer diagnoses/thyroid FNA ratio according to the annual number of FNA to evaluate changes in the diagnosticefficiency of FNA.Materials and MethodsThis was a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. The overall thyroid cancer diagnoses/thyroid FNA ratio and annual incremental thyroid cancer diagnoses/incremental thyroid FNA ratio were indirectly calculated using data obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry database and the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database from 2004 to 2012. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the strength of linear associations between variables.ResultsThe number of thyroid FNA increased from 28,596 to 177,805 (6.2-fold increase) from 2004 to 2012. The overall thyroid cancer diagnoses/thyroid FNA ratio decreased from 36.5% in 2004 to 25.1% in 2012 and was negatively correlated to the number of FNA (R=‒0.977, p < 0.001). The annual incremental thyroid cancer diagnoses/incremental thyroid FNA ratios (range, 15.3% to 30.7%) were always lower than the overall thyroid cancer diagnoses/thyroid FNA ratio in each year and also worsened according to the increase in the number of FNA (R=‒0.853, p=0.007).ConclusionThe diagnostic performance of both overall and annual incremental thyroid FNA worsened, whereas the number of thyroid FNA procedures increased. More sophisticated indications for FNA are required to improve its diagnostic efficiency, considering the increased burden of screening-detected thyroid nodules.

Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer in Children and Adolescents

While thyroid nodules have relatively low incidence in children and adolescents,they are at high risk of malignancy. In addition,the clinical manifestations,biological behaviors,assessment methods,indications of fine-needle aspiration,and treatment principles also differ from those in adults. In the past,the assessment,treatment,and follow-up of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents follow the guidelines for adult patients,which are actually not applicable for children and adolescents in the real-world clinical settings. Based on the latest international guidelines on the management of thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer,this article summarizes the clinical features,pathological characteristics,evaluation methods,treatments,and follow-up of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents.

Ultrasonography Classification of the American Thyroid Association for Predicting Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules &gt;1cm with Indeterminate Cytology: A Prospective Study

The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the ultrasonography classification of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) for predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules >1 cm with indication for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) whose cytology was indeterminate. Additionally, the combination of the ATA classification with Doppler analysis was evaluated. All patients with thyroid nodules >1 cm were eligible. Each nodule was assigned to one of the ATA categories. Exclusively or predominantly intranodular vascularity was considered suspicious. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with 143 nodules underwent FNA and those with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda category III or IV) were selected. All patients were referred for surgery. Among the 143 nodules evaluated, 92 were benign, 33 were malignant, 13 were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and 5 were tumors of uncertain malignant potential (TUMP). The rate of malignancy, including NIFTP and TUMP in this definition, was 80%, 42.8%, 13%, 10%, and 23% for nodules with a high suspicion, intermediate suspicion, low suspicion, very low suspicion, and undefined ultrasonographic pattern, respectively. Considering NIFPT and TUMP as benign, these rates were 72%, 22.4%, 4.3%, 0%, and 15.4%, respectively. The addition of Doppler analysis did not significantly improve the prediction of malignancy obtained with the ATA classification alone. The results of this prospective study show the usefulness of the ATA ultrasonographic classification for predicting malignancy specifically in thyroid nodules >1 cm with indeterminate cytology. The ATA category of the nodule should influence the decision for follow-up, molecular tests, or surgery.

Diagnostic adequacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with lymphadenopathy in a large cohort.

Background and study aims The role of endoscopic-ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with lymphadenopathy in terms of diagnostic adequacy and safety in large population is not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic adequacy and safety of EUS-FNA in patients with lymphadenopathy. Patients and methods Retrospective study from October 2010 to September 2015 at tertiary care center in Delhi-NCR. We analyzed data from 1005 EUS- FNAs of lymph nodes. Results The study cohort comprised 1005 lymph nodes in 865 patients; 68 % were males, mean age was 50 ± 14 years. Indications of FNA were to look for etiology of pyrexia of unknown origin or staging of malignancy mainly. FNA was taken from mediastinal nodes (n = 528, 52.5 %) and intra-abdominal nodes (n = 477, 47.5 %). Median size of nodes at long axis and short axis was 17 (12 – 25.7) and 10 (8 – 15) mm respectively. Adequate material by FNA was obtained in 92.8 % cases. The cytopathologic diagnosis were malignancy in 153 (15.2 %), granulomatous change in 452 (42 %), and reactive lymphadenopathy in 328 (35.6 %). There was statistically significant difference seen between groups with pathological and reactive lymph nodes regarding size at long and short axis, hypoechoic nature, well defined borders and presence of necrosis and calcification. Procedure-related adverse effects were encountered in 6 patients (0.8 %). Four patients had mild mucosal bleeding in chronic liver disease patients and two had mild hepatic encephalopathy related to sedation. Conclusion EUS-FNA of lymph nodes has good diagnostic adequacy and safety.

Long-Term Follow-Up in Patients with Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features (NIFTP) Without a Suspicion of Persistent Disease in Postoperative Assessment.

The objective was to determine whether negative assessment after surgery is a predictor of no relevant change of the results in subsequent evaluations in patients with noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Six months after surgery, "absence of persistent disease" was defined when concentration of thyroglobulin (Tg) is ≤2 ng/ml in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and ≤10 ng/ml in those undergoing lobectomy, in the absence of antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), and neck ultrasonography (US) without abnormalities. One hundred thirteen patients met the definition of "absence of persistent disease". The patients were followed up for 18-150 months. None of the patients developed structural disease. In the 56 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, 380 Tg measurements were obtained and an increase in concentrations was not observed in any of them. During the same period, 332 US scans were performed and a suspicious lymph node was detected on only one occasion, but was not metastatic on fine needle aspiration (FNA). In the 57 patients undergoing lobectomy, 382 Tg measurements were obtained and increases or persistent concentrations>10 ng/ml were not observed in any patient. During the same period, 376 US scans were performed and nodules with an indication for FNA were detected in 4 patients, but malignancy was not confirmed in any of them. Finally, TgAb were not elevated in any of the 762 measurements obtained from the 113 patients. After complete resection of NIFTP, negative postoperative assessment can be used to exclude the need for long-term repetition of these tests.

Current trends of practical issues concerning micropapillary thyroid carcinoma: The Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery.

Although several thyroid associations have published various guidelines, controversies especially in cases of micropapillary thyroid cancer (MPTC) still exist. This survey was designed to collect information about diagnostic tests and treatments performed on patients with MPTC and help identify current trends in thyroid surgery.We developed questionnaires about the management methods for MPTC, which were used to identify factors related to indications of fine needle aspiration (FNA), type of surgery, and central lymph node dissection (CLND). Active 60 members of the Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery participated in the study in September 2016.Ultrasound-guided FNA was usually initiated when the tumor was at least 5 mm (60%). All respondents preferred ultrasound-guided FNA and surgery for nodules with extrathyroidal extension (ETE). The preferred treatment option for intraglandular MPTC was lobectomy (92%) rather than active surveillance (8%). Posterolateral ETE increased the respondents’ preference for total thyroidectomy (61.7%). Active surveillance was preferred for tumors <5 mm, which was decreased by the presence of ETE. The presence of ETE (73.3%) and its proximity to critical organs (46.7%) were the main determining factors for prophylactic CLND. For multiple metastatic lymph nodes at level III, selective neck dissection including levels IIb (23.3%) and V (78.3%) was preferred in addition to levels IIa, III, VI, and V.Korean head and neck surgeons favored total thyroidectomy and CLND in cases wherein ETE, central lymph node metastasis, or critical organ involvement was suspected.

Related factors on skip metastasis of neck lymph node in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the correlation between skip metastasis of neck lymph node and clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Methods: Totally 272 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with lateral lymph node metastases who received surgical procedure at Department of Thyroid Surgery, the First Hospital of the Jilin University from January 2014 to June 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 105 male and 167 female patients, aging from 16 to 73 years with a mean age of (42±8) years. There were 29 patients (10.7%) with skip metastasis. And then the correlation between skip metastasis of neck lymph node and clinicopathological features was analyzed by χ(2) test and multivariate Logistic regression test. Results: The rate of skip metastasis in all patients was 10.7% (29/272). By summarizing the distribution of the lateral lymph nodes about the patients with skip metastasis, 16 cases metastasized in single level (55.2%), meanwhile 6 in two levels (20.7%) and 7 in three levels (24.1%). Strong correlation between age, tumor location and skip metastasis was found using χ(2) test (χ(2) values were 14.056 and 21.362 respectively, both P values were 0.000). Age (>45 years) (OR=4.318, 95% CI: 1.767 to 10.552, P=0.001), microcarcinoma (OR=2.623, 95% CI: 1.013 to 6.795, P=0.047)and the tumor located in the upper of the thyroid (OR=11.982, 95% CI: 2.533 to 56.173, P=0.002) were risk factors to the skip metastasis through multivariable Logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Age >45 years old, microcarcinoma or tumor located in the upper part of the thyroid gland was more likely present with skip metastasis. Skip metastases are often involved in the lateral multi-level. Therefore, confronted patients with one of these risk factors, the occurrence of skip metastasis should be awared when the lateral lymph node was large abnormally. Accordingly, it may be appropriate to extend the indications of fine needle aspiration for lateral lymph node in order to prevent missed diagnosis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of adrenal lesions: A single-center experience of eighty cases

Background and Objectives:It is difficult to get tissue diagnosis from the adrenal glands by radiological imaging, particularly from left adrenal due to their anatomic location. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided offers less invasive mode of fine needle aspiration (FNA) due to proximity to adrenals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of adrenal lesions.Methods:It was a retrospective study conducted from October 2010 to September 2016 at a single tertiary care center in Delhi-National Capital Region. We analyzed data of eighty patients with adrenal lesions, in whom EUS FNA was performed.Results:Of the eighty patients, mean age was 56 ± 12.2 years; there were 63 males. Indications of FNA were pyrexia of unknown origin (n = 52), evaluation for metastasis (n = 18), and incidentally detected adrenal enlargement (n = 10). FNA were taken from left adrenal in seventy patients by transgastric route, while in ten patients, FNA was taken from right adrenal using transduodenal route. Technical successes and diagnostic adequacy of specimen were achieved in 100% cases. A 19-gauge needle was used in majority (80%). Median number of passes was 3. The cytopathological diagnoses were tuberculosis (n = 36), histoplasmosis (n = 13), metastatic lung carcinoma (n = 10), adrenal adenoma (n = 9), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 4), carcinoma gall bladder (n = 2), lymphoma (n = 2), endometrioid carcinoma (n = 1), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 1), adrenal lipoma (n = 1), and adrenal myelolipoma (n = 1). No procedure-related adverse events were reported.Conclusions:EUS-FNA is a safe and effective method for evaluating adrenal lesions.

A 2016 Italian Survey about Guidelines and Clinical Management of Thyroid Nodules

Background: While thyroid nodules are frequent in endocrine clinical practice, patients are often asymptomatic and euthyroid, and death is rare in cases of malignancy. Objectives: To evaluate the perception of current international guidelines regarding thyroid nodule management among Italian endocrinologists, and to compare daily clinical practice with suggested recommendations. Methods: Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AME) members were invited to participate in a Web-based survey. Results: A total of 566 physicians responded. About 50% had read the full text of the guidelines. Over half appreciated the suggested ultrasound (US) risk categories. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was obtained more frequently than recommended. Follow-up of a cytologically benign nodule was largely performed according to the guidelines. Molecular testing would be most commonly requested when cytology reports showed atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) (TIR3A for Italian System). Iodine and/or levothyroxine were largely prescribed for cytologically benign asymptomatic nodules. Laser/radiofrequency ablation and percutaneous ethanol injection were commonly considered as alternatives to surgery (46.2 and 71.4%, respectively). Conclusions: Efforts are needed to make the guidelines more user-friendly and to encourage the use of codified risk categories in thyroid US reports. FNA indications remain a matter of debate as FNA is obtained in clinical practice more often than is recommended. Current US follow-up modalities for a benign nodule are correct, but probably could be performed less frequently without any harm. Molecular testing, if accessible, would be helpful in guiding clinicians' strategies in cases of AUS/FLUS-TIR3A cytologic results. Nonsurgical procedures are favorably embraced.

Impact and safety of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration on patients with cirrhosis and pyrexia of unknown origin in India.

Background and aims: Etiologic diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin is important in patients with cirrhosis for optimal management and to prevent flare up of infectious disease after liver transplantation. However, there is very limited literature available on this subject. The present study aimed to examine the safety and impact of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: The study was conducted between January 2014 and January 2016 at a tertiary care center. A total of 50 (47 lymph nodes, 3 adrenal) EUS guided FNAs were performed in 46 patients. Data are presented as median (25 – 75 IQR). Results: The study included 46 patients (40 males) whose mean age was 47.9 ± 11.1 (SD) years; mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score and mean MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score were 10 (8 – 11) and 18 (12 – 20), respectively. The Child Pugh class was A in 4, B in 14, and C in 28 (including three patients with adrenal FNAs). Indications for FNA were pyrexia of unknown origin and lymphadenopathy on CT imaging. The cytopathological diagnoses were metastatic disease in 1 (adrenal), granulomatous change in 10 (6 positive with acid fast bacilli stain), histoplasmosis in three (two adrenals, one lymph node), 32 lymph nodes were reactive and four lymph node FNAs showed inadequate cellularity. The pathologic nodes had significantly lower long-to-short axis ratio [1.25 (1.09 – 1.28) versus 1.46 (1.22 – 1.87), P = 0.020]; a higher proportion of hypoechoic echotexture (5 versus 3, P = 0.017), and sharply defined borders (4 versus 2, P = 0.029). Complications included mild hepatic encephalopathy related to sedation in two patients with Child’s C status. Conclusion: EUS guided FNA is safe in patients with cirrhosis and modified the management in 14/46 (30.4 %) patients.

Study of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) for Diagnosis of Lesions of Liver Diseases Guided By Ultra Sound

The main indication for fine needle aspiration (FNA) of liver is the evaluation of mass lesions.(Silverman JF,Geisinger KR-1996).In most FNA biopsies of hepatic masses an accurate diagnosis can be rendered based on the cytomorphological features alone,(Silverman JF,geisinger KR-1996). However in selected cases, ancillary studies can be quiet helpful in refining the diagnosis.( Silverman JFFinely J L,o'Brein KF 1989). By onsite discussion with radiologists and clinicians, the cytopathologist may gain significant data to integrate into the final diagnosis.The major indication for FNA of the liver is the evaluation of a hepatic mass. FNA biopsy, is especially useful in the investigation of non-neoplastic & especially neoplastic mass lesions of the liver. Keywords: Diagnosis, FNAC , Liver, ultrasound

Usefulness of Serum Calcitonin in Patients Without a Suspicious History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and with Thyroid Nodules Without an Indication for Fine-Needle Aspiration or with Benign Cytology.

This study evaluated the usefulness of serum calcitonin (Ctn) in subjects without a suspicious history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and with nodular thyroid disease without an indication for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or with benign cytology. This was a prospective study that evaluated 421 patients with nodular disease without an indication for FNA and 602 patients with benign cytology. Patients with basal Ctn>10 pg/ml were submitted to calcium stimulation testing. Patients with stimulated Ctn>100 pg/ml were submitted to total thyroidectomy. Basal Ctn was<10 pg/ml in 1001 patients (97.8%). Among patients with basal Ctn>10 pg/ml, 16/22 exhibited stimulated Ctn>100 pg/ml. Two of these 16 patients had MTC. The 2 patients with MTC had undetectable basal Ctn 6 months after surgery. Using a cut-off of 30 pg/ml in women and 60 pg/ml in men for basal Ctn, the 2 cases of MTC of our series would have been identified and there would have been no false-positive case. It should be noted that 14/16 patients with stimulated Ctn>100 pg/ml were false-positive cases. Although uncommon, even subjects without a suspicious history and with nodular thyroid disease without an indication for FNA or with benign cytology can have MTC. The measurement of Ctn permits the diagnosis of these cases. Our results favor the hypothesis that basal Ctn could be superior to stimulated Ctn.