A simplified four-tier classification for thyroid core needle biopsy.

Purpose: To propose a simplified histological classification for core-needle biopsy (CNB) of thyroid nodules with four diagnostic categories (DC) and provide the risk of malignancy (ROM) and the expected incidence for each DC. There is no uniform scheme for categorizing CNB specimens, except for a Korean diagnostic classification similar to the Bethesda system for FNAC.

Methods: Data from a single institution using CNB as a routine diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to guide diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures.

Although not necessary for the vast majority of ultrasound-guided procedures, intravenous contrast agents can be useful for procedures aimed at lesions that require contrast enhancement to be seen on ultrasonography. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to guide procedures has two drawbacks: first, because enhancement from ultrasound contrast agents is short lived, it is often necessary to plan several injections; second, because the needle is poorly seen on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, a dual image display format is necessary. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can be used for planning and monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, for guiding the procedures, and for follow-up.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to guide diagnostic and therapeutic interventional procedures.

Although not necessary for the vast majority of ultrasound-guided procedures, intravenous contrast agents can be useful for procedures aimed at lesions that require contrast enhancement to be seen on ultrasonography. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to guide procedures has two drawbacks: first, because enhancement from ultrasound contrast agents is short lived, it is often necessary to plan several injections; second, because the needle is poorly seen on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, a dual image display format is necessary. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can be used for planning and monitoring diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, for guiding the procedures, and for follow-up.

US-guided Localization and Removal of Soft-Tissue Foreign Bodies.

US-guided foreign body removal is a nonsurgical highly effective technique used to manage symptomatic foreign bodies and should be considered as a first-line treatment procedure. The authors describe a technique used for US detection and US-guided removal of various types of foreign bodies and discuss the efficacy of the procedure. Soft-tissue foreign bodies can result from accidents or medical procedures, and they are a relatively frequent reason that patients obtain medical consultation.

Core-needle biopsy in thyroid nodules: performance, accuracy, and complications.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of core-needle biopsy (CNB) in thyroid using a cohort of patients in which it was used as first choice.

Methods: Our institutional review board approved this retrospective study. We reviewed all CNB performed in our center over a period of 11 years.