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Updated: Mar 25, 2026
Substernal Thyroid Biopsy Using Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Published on: November 10, 2014
Should ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration be considered a first-line technique in assessing a thyroid nodule?
Faisal Zawawi1, Mohammed H Mosli2, Sarah T Zawawi3
11- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah Saudi Arabia. 2- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Background:
Thyroid nodule is a common finding in the general population. Fine-needle aspiration remains a crucial step in the assessment of any thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of needle aspiration with and without ultrasound guidance (USFNA, FNA respectively).
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of 150 consecutive patients who had thyroid surgery. Fine needle aspiration biopsy, histopathology results alongside demographics and nodule sizes were recorded.
Results:
There was no statistical difference in the nodule size of both groups. USFNA showed a significantly higher specificity and positive predictive values compared to FNA.
Conclusion:
When readily available, USFNA should be considered in the investigations of a thyroid nodule.
