[Routine performance of thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the setting of a high-resolution endocrinology practice].
BACKGROUND
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is considered the reference diagnostic procedure for thyroid nodules.


METHODS
Routine performance of thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided FNAB by endocrinologists allows a more efficient approach in the setting of a high-resolution practice, thus reducing costs and the time elapsed until diagnosis.


RESULTS
We present our initial results of this procedure 2 years after its introduction, with a total of 286 biopsies performed. After a progressive learning curve over time and according to the endocrinologists' previous experience, 72.72% samples were considered satisfactory for diagnosis. Greater difficulty was observed in obtaining optimal cytological specimens in smaller nodules. In conclusion, we have successfully incorporated thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided FNAB into routine endocrine practice.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine performance of thyroid ultrasound in endocrine practice will considerably aid the management of nodular thyroid disease.
Servicio de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. santiago.tofe@ssib.es
Santiago
S
Tofé Povedano
Iñaki
I
Argüelles Jiménez
Honorato
H
García Fernández
Julia
J
Quevedo Juanals
Sergio
S
Díaz Medina
Guillermo
G
Serra Soler
Bartolomé
B
Burguera González
Mercedes
M
Codina Marcet
Elena
E
Mena Ribas
Juan Ramón
JR
Urgeles Planella
Vicente
V
Pereg Macazaga
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