Saturday, November 5, 2011

Ultrasound guided thyroid FNA biopsy:

FNA or fine needle aspiration of the thyroid is mainly used to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules. However, it is also useful in the biopsy of diffuse enlargement of the thyroid as is seen in Hashimoto thyroiditis and diffuse infiltration of the thyroid in lymphomas and certain forms of metastases (colonic adenocarcinoma spreading to the thyroid). In the case of Hashimoto thyroiditis, FNA biopsy helps to distinguish Hashimoto thyroiditis from lymphomas and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid which may coexist with the primary disease.

Method: the aim of ultrasound guidance whilst performing the FNA biopsy is provide visualization of the needle tip and guide it to the exact location within the thyroid where the nodule is located or where there is maximum possibility of collecting diseased tissue. This short ultrasound video clip shows the needle tip (seen as an echogenic linear focus) moving to and fro within the left lobe of the thyroid. The aim of the FNA study in this case was to rule out lymphoma involving the thyroid:


 

References: http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/28/7/1869.full
(free article on Ultrasound guided FNA biopsy of the thyroid).

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