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Endocrine Abstracts (2018) 56 P1189 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.56.P1189

1Endocrinology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Center, Coimbra, Portugal; 2Portuguese Oncology Institute, Coimbra, Portugal.


Introduction: Thyroid ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration (FNA) are the most useful techniques in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. They are cheap, fast, minimally invasive and high precision methods. The FNA can be performed by palpation or ultrasound guidance. The use of ultrasound reduces the nondiagnostic results rate. However, the cytologic diagnostic accuracy depends on the technique and pathologist experience. Ultrasonography confirms the presence of a thyroid nodule, its precise location and the presence of other nodules not yet known; allows to characterize thyroid nodules, detect lymph nodes and screen high risk patients for thyroid malignancy. In Portugal, thyroid ultrasonography and ultrasound guided-FNA (US-FNA) were performed by radiologists but now are performed by endocrinologists too. The Endocrinology department of Coimbra Hospital was one of the pioneers, with experience since 2005.

Objective: The objective of this study is to show the experience of a center, that performs thyroid ultrasonography and US-FNA.

Material and methods: Review and statistical analysis of all thyroid ultrasonographies, US-FNA and histologic results, performed in the Endocrinology department of Coimbra Hospital, between January 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017.

Results and conclusion: Between January 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017: 381 ultrasonographies (without FNAB) and 1452 US-FNA.Total number of patient: 1517. Average age: 58.4 years (S.D.: 14.9 years). Younger patient: 10 years. Older patient: 91 years. Total number of women: 1250 (82%) and men: 266 (18%). Nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory results rate low (1.,8%). The most of histologic results was benign – class II of Bethesda Classification (80.8%). Other results: FLUS – atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (Bethesda III): 10.5%; follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (Bethesda IV): 4.7%; Suspicious for papillary carcinoma (Bethesda V): 1.1%. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (Bethesda VI): 1.3%. The complication rate was null. Thyroid ultrasonography and US-FNA are useful tools in the evaluation and management of thyroid disorders. It should be performed in all endocrinology departments. The benefit of this practice depends on the clinical endocrinologist experience and continuous training helps decision-making. Molecular studies will be helpful in elucidating indeterminate results – FLUS and follicular tumour.

Volume 56

20th European Congress of Endocrinology

Barcelona, Spain
19 May 2018 - 22 May 2018

European Society of Endocrinology 

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