Ultrasonographically guided thyroid biopsy - A review with emphasis on technique

We describe our technique for ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspir ation biopsy of the thyroid that achieves a high rate of diagnostic specime ns. Indications for ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biop sy included a difficult-to-palpate thyroid nodule and previously unsuccessf ul palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration. Ultrasonographically guided fin e-needle aspiration biopsy was performed on 316 thyroid nodules in 306 pati ents. Adequate cytologic specimens were obtained in 97.2% of the nodules in which biopsy was performed, with a 2.8% rate of inadequate cellularity Two helpful aspects of this technique that were thought to improve the overall diagnostic yield were the use of color and power Doppler "vascular mapping " of the nodule just before biopsy and on-site cytologic control.