The Prediction of Bethesda Category of Thyroid Nodule with Specific Sonographic Findings

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) is frequently performed for imaging of thyroid. So, the number of incidentally detected thy- roid nodule and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is increasing gradually. We aimed to depict specific sonographic char- acteristics of thyroid nodule in each cytological Bethesda category for planning patient management and reducing the number of unnecessary FNAB or short-term follow-up. Methods: A total of 1488 patients [1260 women (85%) and 228 men (15%) with a mean age of 49 years] who had undergone US guided FNAB were included in the study. US and FNAB findings were reviewed retrospectively. US features (size, contour, echogenicity, multiplicity, solid/cystic nature, the existence of halo, calcifications, lymphadenopathy and thyroiditis) were recorded. The correlation of sonographic and cytological findings was investigated in each Bethesda category. Results: A total of 1488 patients were enrolled in our study. Among Bethesda category 2 nodules, iso-/hyper-echogenicity, well-defined contour, solid plus cystic component, thin halo and multiplicity were more prevalent (p