[Effectiveness of preoperative diagnosis in scintigraphically cold thyroid nodule].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the diagnostic efficacy of different imaging procedures carried out in patients with scintigraphically cold thyroid nodules.


METHODS
The preoperative imaging procedures carried out in all patients operated on for cold thyroid lesions at the Department of Surgery of the University of Cologne were recorded in prospective manner for 1 year. Special attention was paid to the difference between in-patient and out-patient management. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by comparison with the intraoperative findings and histology.


RESULTS
The combination of ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology proved effective. Computed tomography should be reserved for the preoperative assessment of large thyroid tumors. Repeat examinations seldom gave additional information.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardized preoperative investigations may be performed on an out-patient basis, provided attention is paid to quality assurance.
Wolters
U
U
Klinik und Poliklinik für Viszeral- und Gefässchirurgie, Universität zu Köln.
Krug
B
B
Theissen
P
P
Kurrle
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes