Thyroid nodules: evaluation with US-guided core biopsy with an automated biopsy gun

To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided automated core biopsy of thyroid nodules, 74 biopsies were performed in 61 consecutive patients with an 18-gauge short-throw (1.1-cm excursion) biopsy gun. Results were correlated with diagnoses made at surgery (n = 38) or at sonographic follow-up of at least 6 months (n = 36). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnoses made with automated core biopsy were 84%, 95%, and 91%, respectively. US-guided biopsy with an automated biopsy gun allowed accurate assessment of thyroid nodules.