Cytomorphologic features and ultrasonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules with Hurthle cells

This study was designed to evaluate the ultrasonographic and histopathologic features of nodules composed predominantly of Hurthle cells detected during cytological examination. Fifty-seven patients with thyroid nodules composed predominantly of Hurthle cells on fine needle aspiration cytology were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were evaluated by thyroid ultrasonography (US), and biopsy samples taken by US-guided fine needle aspiration cytology were assessed histopathologically. There were 57 patients and 57 nodules with Hurthle cells in cytological examination; 49 (86%) were classified as Bethesda 1, and 8 (14%) were classified as Bethesda 3. Histopathologically, 45 (78.9%) nodules were benign and 12 (21.1%) were malignant. Nuclear groove, transgressing blood vessel, and absence of colloid were observed with a higher frequency in malignant nodules compared to benign nodules (P < .05). There were no specific morphological features (nodule echogenity, presence of microcalsification, presence of cystic areas, absence of halo, margin irregularity, and increased blood flow) predicting malignancy in the US evaluation of nodules including Hurthle cells. Nuclear groove, transgressing blood vessel, and absence of colloid on cytomorphological evaluation are indicative of malignancy in nodules containing Hurthle cells.