Ultrasonographically guided thyroid biopsy: a review with emphasis on technique

We describe our technique for ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid that achieves a high rate of diagnostic specimens. Indications for ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy included a difficult-to-palpate thyroid nodule and previously unsuccessful palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration. Ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed on 316 thyroid nodules in 306 patients. 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.