[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.
Tofé Povedano
Santiago
S
Servicio de Endocrinología, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. santiago.tofe@ssib.es
Argüelles Jiménez
Iñaki
I
García Fernández
Honorato
H
Quevedo Juanals
Julia
J
Díaz Medina
Sergio
S
Serra Soler
Guillermo
G
Burguera González
Bartolomé
B
Codina Marcet
Mercedes
M
Mena Ribas
Elena
E
Urgeles Planella
Juan Ramón
JR
Pereg Macazaga
Vicente
V
D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D004704:Endocrinology / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000209:etiology; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data