Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association
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Comparative Study
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules: comparison in efficacy according to nodule size.
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and procedure time of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) of thyroid nodules, according to the nodule size. ⋯ US-FNAB of thyroid nodules smaller than 5 mm in maximum diameter was less successful, and the sensitivity was lower than those of nodules larger than 5 mm. We considered, however, that the sampling adequacy and efficacy of US-FNAB of thyroid nodules less than 5 mm in maximum diameter was satisfactory in our series and should be similar in other centers with similar characteristics to ours.
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Clinical repercussions, progression to overt hypothyroidism, and treatment benefits have been well established in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and TSH >10 mIU/L. In contrast, these aspects of the disease are poorly understood in patients with even milder SCH as defined by TSH < or = 10 mIU/L and normal thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the natural history of this milder form of SCH (TSH < or =10 mIU/L with normal thyroid hormone levels) in adult women patients. ⋯ Most patients with SCH and TSH < or = 10 mIU/L do not progress to overt hypothyroidism. The presence of chronic thyroiditis as demonstrated by US increases the evolution of SH to overt hypothyroidism or more severe SCH and thus the need for L-T4 treatment. US findings are important in determining the prognosis of mild SCH.