title: Should ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration be considered a first-line technique in assessing a thyroid nodule?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thyroid nodule is a common finding in the general population. Fine-needle aspiration remains a crucial step in the assessment of any thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of needle aspiration with and without ultrasound guidance (USFNA, FNA respectively).
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review of 150 consecutive patients who had thyroid surgery. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, histopathology results alongside demographics and nodule sizes were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistical difference in the nodule size of both groups. USFNA showed a significantly higher specificity and positive predictive values compared to FNA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When readily available, USFNA should be considered in the investigations of a thyroid nodule.
authors.affiliation: 1- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah Saudi Arabia. 2- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Faisal
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zawawi
authors.affiliation: 1- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 2- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Mohammed H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Mosli
authors.affiliation: 1- King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 2- Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Zawawi
mesh_terms: D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods*; D061765:Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography