Core needle biopsy: an efficacious adjunct to cytological diagnosis in thyroid tumours suspected of anaplastic carcinoma - single-centre experience.

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided fine- needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) remains the primary method for diagnosing thyroid nodules, providing adequate information for definitive diagnosis and treatment decisions in most cases. However, cytological examinations sometimes yield inconclusive or non-diagnostic results. For rapidly growing tumours with suspected malignancy, a swift and accurate diagnosis is crucial to initiate timely treatment. Cases suggestive of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) or poorly differentiated cancer present unique challenges in obtaining satisfactory diagnostic material through FNAB, due to advanced necrosis or extensive inflammatory components. In these instances, core needle biopsy (CNB) emerges as a complementary diagnostic tool when FNAB results are ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CNB in diagnosing rapidly growing thyroid tumours with clinical indication of ATC. Material and methods: Between 2019-2023, 31 CNBs were performed on large, rapidly expanding thyroid tumours. Results: All cases exhibited clinical signs of malignancy, with previous FNAB outcomes being either equivocal or inconclusive. The subsequent CNBs demonstrated accurate results with minimal complications among the patients. While reservations about CNB for thyroid nodules persist, it offers a valuable diagnostic alternative, potentially preventing unwarranted surgical biopsy or removal of the thyroid. Conclusions: Core needle biopsy deployment should be judicious, reserved for select cases, and carried out in a hospital environment to ensure diagnostic precision with the least risk of complications.

The impact of anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics on the choice of biopsy method for thyroid nodules: Fine-needle aspiration versus non-aspiration biopsy.

Objective: The accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules is crucial for effective management and the detection of malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and fine-needle non-aspiration biopsy (FNNAB) are widely used techniques for evaluating thyroid nodules. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics on the choice between FNAB and FNNAB in terms of diagnostic yield. Material and Methods: This retrospective and cross-sectional analysis involved 188 cases with a total of 225 thyroid nodules. Each nodule initially underwent either FNAB or FNNAB and if the initial biopsy did not yield a diagnostic result, the nodule was re-biopsied using the alternate technique. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the nodules, with a focus on echogenicity, calcifications, size, vascularity, and the presence of a halo sign. Both FNAB and FNNAB were performed using a 25-gauge needle, with the only difference being the application of suction. Results: FNAB demonstrated a higher diagnostic rate for nodules with a taller-than-wide shape (anteroposteriorto-transverse ratio ≥1), nodules sized 10-40 mm, nodules with volumes <0.5 cc, and hypoechoic nodules (P < 0.001 for all). FNAB also outperformed FNNAB in the assessment of the right-sided, inferior, and posterior nodules (P < 0.001), nodules with and without calcification (P = 0.041 and P = 0.020, respectively), and nodules with type 1 and type 2 vascularity patterns (P = 0.006 and P = 0.017, respectively). FNAB was effective in obese individuals (Body mass index ≥40 kg/m2), males with a waist circumference of <94 cm, females with a waist circumference of ≥80 cm, and females with a neck circumference of ≥34 cm (P = 0.011, P = 0.044, P = 0.029, and P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusion: Anthropometric parameters and sonographic characteristics influenced the diagnostic yield of FNAB and FNNAB, with FNAB generally demonstrating superior results. Given the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnostic result from fine-needle biopsy, clinicians should consider both the sonographic features of the nodule and the anthropometric measurements of the patient when selecting a biopsy technique.

Important Role of Ultrasonography Immediately After Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules to Detect Acute Transient Thyroid Swelling.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether early detection of acute transient thyroid swelling (ATTS) is possible using ultrasonography (US) surveillance immediately after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and discuss the usefulness of routine US after FNAB. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the incidence, clinical features, and US and computed tomography findings of ATTS in patients with thyroid nodules who underwent FNABs at our hospital. The study period was divided into two time periods: only symptomatic patients after FNAB were examined using US in the first period (period A: January 2016 to November 2020), whereas all patients were routinely examined using US shortly after FNAB in the second period (period B: December 2020 to December 2022). RESULTS: We found that the frequency of ATTS increased from 0.18% (10/5,685) in period A to 1.58% (31/1,958) in period B because the majority of ATTS cases in period B were asymptomatic. Follow-up US performed 15 minutes to 3 hours later confirmed no exacerbation of thyroid swelling in patients diagnosed with ATTS during period B. Routine US examinations, shortly after FNAB, significantly reduced the number of return visits after discharge (from 5/10 to 2/31, p=0.006). Furthermore, the incidence of unilateral swelling was higher than previously reported. CONCLUSION: Routine US examinations shortly after FNAB may be useful in identifying ATTS regardless of the presence of symptoms; moreover, they may reduce patients' return visits after leaving the hospital. It is also important to inform patients that delayed complications are possible and that severe cases, although rare, do exist.

Near-Infrared On-Site Evaluation (NOSE) Examination of EBUS/EUSb Samples-A New Method for Sample Adequacy Evaluation.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is crucial for modern diagnostics of endoscopic procedures and thus an efficient and reliable method for increasing biopsy yields is urgently needed. In our study, we address the limited availability and high price of the rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) technique by introducing the technique of near-infrared on-site evaluation (NOSE) consisting of spectral measurement of near-infrared radiation (NIR) transmitted through the evaluated material. For this purpose, we designed a special optical probe consisting of two fibres, of which one is a source fibre and the second is a detector fibre. The distal ends of both fibres are brought together into one bundle which is, with the help of a special extension, applied to a cuvette with an analysed sample at a defined distance from the cuvette bottom and fixed in place. A portion of the NIR radiation received by the detector fibre after it propagates through the sample then depends on the optical and therefore morphological characteristics of the sample. Based on the measured spectral curve, we can calculate the attenuation coefficient curve and subsequently the parameter of the sample richness and the parameter characterising the autofluorescence peak as well. We found that the value of our introduced parameters is in significant relation to sample richness as well as to sample malignity. NOSE evaluation of EBUS/EUSb (endobronchial/oesophageal ultrasound bronchoscopy) specimens can be considered an easy new technique aiming to improve sampling diagnostic accuracy and to diminish costs related to the presence of a cytopathologist and related instrumentation in the endoscopy suite.

Performance evaluation of endoscopic ultrasonography needles: Experimental study.

Background and study aims The relative procedural performance of needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/B) is unclear. The present study therefore compared six types of 22-gauge FNA/B needles using a bench simulator. Methods Resistance forces during needle puncture and removal, needle tip damage before and after procedure, leakage after puncture of mucinous cyst models, the shape of the puncture surface at the puncture site, amounts of samples extracted, ranges of needle deflection angles, and needle deformation after multiple procedures were compared using six types of needles. Results Maximum resistance forces during puncture and removal were highest for ProCore needles and lowest for Expect needles. None of the needles had damage after puncturing. SharkCore needles showed the highest amount of leakage, whereas FNA needles showed no leakage. The puncture tracts of FNA needles remained in the form of a flap at the puncture site, whereas FNB needles broke off the target material creating a hole. The target material removed was supplemented within the puncture needle. TopGain needles produced significantly larger samples than ProCore, EZShot3 Plus, and Expect needles. FNB needles produced larger and more core samples than FNA needles. EZShot3 Plus needles had the highest range of needle deflection angle using an elevator device and the lowest needle deformation after 20 punctures at full endoscopic angle and a full elevator. Conclusions The performance of the six needles differed in various ways. Understanding the characteristics of each needle may allow for selection of the appropriate needle for each situation.

The value of quantitative shear wave elastography combined with conventional ultrasound in evaluating and guiding fine needle aspiration biopsy of axillary lymph node for early breast cancer: implication for axillary surgical stage.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of conventional ultrasonography (US) combined with quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) in evaluating and identifying target axillary lymph node (TALN) for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of patients with early breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 222 patients with 223 ALNs were prospectively recruited from January 2018 to December 2021. All TALNs were evaluated by US, SWE and subsequently underwent FNAB. The diagnostic performances of US, SWE, UEor (either US or SWE was positive) and UEand (both US and SWE were positive), and FNAB guided by the above four methods for evaluating ALN status were assessed using receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses used to determine the independent predictors of axillary burden. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for diagnosing ALNs using conventional US and SWE were 0.69 and 0.66, respectively, with sensitivities of 78.00% and 65.00% and specificities of 60.98% and 66.67%. The combined method, UEor, demonstrated significantly improved sensitivity of 86.00% (p < 0.001 when compared with US and SWE alone). The AUC of the UEor-guided FNAB [0.85 (95% CI, 0.80-0.90)] was significantly higher than that of US-guided FNAB [0.83 (95% CI, 0.78-0.88), p = 0.042], SWE-guided FNAB [0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.84), p = 0.001], and UEand-guided FNAB [0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.82), p < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression showed that FNAB and number of suspicious ALNs were found independent predictors of axillary burden in patients with early breast cancer. CONCLUSION: The UEor had superior sensitivity compared to US or SWE alone in ALN diagnosis. The UEor-guided FNAB achieved a lower false-negative rate compared to FNAB guided solely by US or SWE, which may be a promising tool for the preoperative diagnosis of ALNs in early breast cancer, and had the potential implication for the selection of axillary surgical modality.

Primary thyroid lymphoma: A multi-center retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is rare and diagnosis is challenging. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of patients with PTL from 1990 to 2023 to determine method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: The study cohort included 31 patients with PTL; all had thyroid enlargement; 21 (68 â€‹%) had compressive symptoms, 11 (35 â€‹%) had hypothyroidism and 3 had (10 â€‹%) B symptoms. Diagnosis was established from incisional biopsy in 8 (26 â€‹%), needle biopsy in 4 (13 â€‹%), excisional lymph node biopsy in 1 (3 â€‹%), and thyroidectomy specimens in 18 (58 â€‹%). 15 (48 â€‹%) patients had Hashimoto thyroiditis. Treatment included chemotherapy in 19 (61 â€‹%); surgery alone in 7 (23 â€‹%); and radiation alone or with surgery in 5 (16 â€‹%) patients. One (3 â€‹%) patient recurred, and 4 (13 â€‹%) patients died after a median 4.2 years. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of PTL was made in only 13 â€‹% of patients preoperatively. There may be opportunity for needle biopsy to facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Pilomatrixoma of the Ankle: A Case Report.

Pilomatrixoma, also known as calcifying epithelioma of Malherbe, is a rare benign skin tumor originating from hair follicle matrix cells. It typically presents as a firm, painless subcutaneous nodule, most commonly found in the head, neck, and upper extremities. Pilomatrixoma can occasionally appear in atypical locations, posing a diagnostic challenge due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. A 43-year-old female presented with a painless, slowly enlarging mass on the lateral side of her left ankle, which had been present for approximately one year. Physical examination revealed a firm, well-circumscribed subcutaneous nodule measuring about 2 cm in diameter with normal overlying skin. An MRI of the left ankle demonstrated a well-circumscribed, subcutaneous mass with heterogeneous signal intensity, consistent with calcifications, suggesting pilomatrixoma. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed the presence of basaloid cells, shadow cells, and areas of calcification. The lesion was surgically excised, and histopathological examination validated the diagnosis of pilomatrixoma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, with no recurrence at the six-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of considering pilomatrixoma in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules, even in unusual locations. A comprehensive diagnostic approach, including clinical evaluation, imaging, and histopathological examination, is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Surgical excision with clear margins is the treatment of choice, ensuring low recurrence rates and excellent patient outcomes. This report enhances the understanding of pilomatrixoma and highlights the necessity for a multimodal diagnostic strategy in managing this rare condition effectively.

Individual Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Thyroid Nodules and Their Cytopathological Correlation to Determine Malignancy Risk.

Background Ultrasonographic evaluation of thyroid nodules is challenging due to their high frequency and low malignancy rate. The risk stratification system developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) focuses on addressing the primary contemporary objectives for these lesions, aiming to decrease unnecessary biopsies while maintaining a similar specificity compared with other risk stratification systems. Generally, when indicative of malignancy by ultrasound findings, the next best step in management is an evaluation by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and cytological analysis with The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) results that determine further evaluation requirements, actions that are based on the risk of malignancy (ROM) of the assigned category, which could include surgical intervention. Objectives To validate and analyze the individual impact of each ultrasonographic finding indicative of malignancy in the ACR TI-RADS guidelines based on their respective correlation with results obtained by TBSRTC. Materials and method Reports for 212 thyroid ultrasound-guided FNABs from 2018 to 2020 were assessed. Only 117 had both ACR TI-RADS and TBSRTC reports available and were analyzed. Nodules were divided into two groups: ROM < 5% (Bethesda 1, 2; n = 58), and ROM > 5% (Bethesda 3, 4, 5, 6; n = 59). Statistical analysis was performed using the x2 test and bivariate logistic regression model for each characteristic included in ACR TI-RADS. Results Individual ultrasound characteristics with a more pronounced distribution towards the Bethesda > 5% malignancy group were: solid or almost completely solid composition (n=53, 62.3%), very hypoechoic echogenicity (n=3, 75%), wider-than-tall shape (n=50, 50.5%), lobulated or irregular margin (n=23, 65.7%), punctate echogenic foci (n=18, 72%), and thyroid isthmus location (n=6, 75%). Statistically significant individual ultrasonographic characteristics indicative of malignancy included solid or almost completely solid (p = 0.005), very hypoechoic echogenicity (p = 0.046), margin lobulated or irregular (p = 0.031), and punctate echogenic foci (p = 0.015). No significant association was found in the taller-than-wide shape for differentiating malignant from benign lesions (p = 0.969). Conclusions Specific ultrasound characteristics identified in the ACR TI-RADS system demonstrate a stronger correlation with an increased risk of malignancy when compared with cytologic evaluation results. These characteristics include a solid composition, lobulated or irregular margins, punctate echogenic foci, and very hypoechoic echogenicity. Our findings revealed that the scale points for the taller-than-wide characteristic do not adequately represent its true influence on the risk of malignancy.

Endoscopic ultrasound with tissue acquisition of lymph nodes in patients with potentially resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Background and study aims Lymph node (LN) involvement is a poor prognostic factor for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and impact on clinical decision making of endoscopic ultrasound with tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) of LNs in patients with potentially resectable iCCA. Patients and methods In this multicenter cohort study, patients with potentially resectable iCCA and preoperative EUS between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively included. The impact of EUS-TA was defined as the percentage of patients who did not undergo surgical exploration due to pathologically confirmed positive LNs found with EUS-TA. Results A total of 56 patients underwent EUS, with 91% of patients to target suspicious LNs on imaging. EUS-TA of LNs confirmed malignancy in 21 LNs among 19 patients (34%). In 17 patients (30%), surgical exploration was withheld due to nodal involvement. Finally, 24 patients (43%) underwent surgical exploration among whom positive regional LNs were identified in six patients (25%). Conclusions In patients with potentially resectable iCCA and suspicious LNs on cross-sectional imaging, EUS-TA confirmed LN involvement in 30% of patients. Surgical exploration was withheld mostly because of extraregional LN involvement and regional LN involvement in patients with high surgical risk.

Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential (SUMP) (Milan IVB) and Its Subgroups: A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Risk of Neoplasm and Malignancy.

OBJECTIVES: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) plays a crucial role in their initial assessment of salivary gland neoplasms. In the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC), the category of Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential (SUMP) categorizes lesions with ambiguous features. This study aims to investigate the risk of neoplasm (RON) and risk of malignancy (ROM) within different subgroups of SUMP lesions using data from three large academic institutions. METHODS: We analyzed salivary gland (FNA) cases from three academic institutions post-MSRSGC implementation. Salivary gland FNA cases categorized as Milan IVB (SUMP) with subsequent surgical pathology follow-up were analyzed. Cases were divided into basaloid, oncocytic, and clear cell SUMP subtypes, with RON and ROM assessed and compared. RESULTS: Out of 1377 MSRSGC cases, 231 were SUMP (16.8%), with 101 subjected to surgical pathology follow-up. The overall ROM for SUMP was 20.8%, with variations of 10% to 29.5% observed amongst institutions, but no significant difference was observed among three institutions (p = 0.15). Basaloid and oncocytic SUMP displayed 17.1% and 20.5% ROM, respectively, without significant disparity. However, all clear cell SUMP cases were malignant on surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the variability in ROM for SUMP lesions and the significantly higher ROM in SUMP cases with clear cell features. These findings emphasize the importance of accurately subcategorizing SUMP lesions, particularly those with clear cell features, for appropriate clinical management.

Thyroid Nodule Characterization: Overview and State of the Art of Diagnosis with Recent Developments, from Imaging to Molecular Diagnosis and Artificial Intelligence.

Ultrasound (US) is the primary tool for evaluating patients with thyroid nodules, and the risk of malignancy assessed is based on US features. These features help determine which patients require fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. Classification systems for US features have been developed to facilitate efficient interpretation, reporting, and communication of thyroid US findings. These systems have been validated by numerous studies and are reviewed in this article. Additionally, this overview provides a comprehensive description of the clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules, various imaging modalities, grayscale US features, color Doppler US, contrast-enhanced US (CEUS), US elastography, FNA biopsy assessment, and the recent introduction of molecular testing. The potential of artificial intelligence in thyroid US is also discussed.

Assessment of Ki-67 Proliferative Index in Cytological Samples of Nodal B-Cell Lymphomas.

BACKGROUND: The Ki-67 proliferative index (PI) is part of the diagnosis of nodal B-cell lymphoma (nBCL), but its determination in cytological samples is not standardized. We aimed to establish an approach for the accurate determination of the Ki-67 PI in cytological slides to differentiate between indolent and aggressive nBCLs. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with nBCL by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and subsequent excision biopsy were included. Cell suspensions were prepared from biopsy samples for CD3/Ki-67 double immunocytochemical staining and flow-cytometric verification of lymphoma B-cell counts. The Ki-67 PI was assessed by manual counting and eyeballing in cytology and eyeballing in histology. The cut-off values for the differentiation between aggressive and indolent lymphomas were determined for each method. RESULTS: A strong correlation between manual and flow-cytometric counting of lymphoma B cells was confirmed (interclass correlation coefficient (IC coef.) = 0.78). The correlation of the Ki-67 PI determined in cytological and histological slides was also strong (IC coef. > 0.80). Histologically, 55 cases were classified as indolent and 31 as aggressive nBCLs. KI-67 PI cut-off values of 28.5%, 27.5%, and 35.5% were established for manual counting and eyeballing in cytology and eyeballing in histology, respectively, with high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The Ki-67 PI, assessed by manual counting and eyeballing in cytological samples, accurately differentiates between indolent and aggressive nBCLs.

Evaluation and application of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System for improved malignancy detection in paediatric thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) is a widely used method for the management of adult thyroid nodules. However, its use in paediatric patients is controversial because adult fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) recommendations may lead to delayed diagnoses of cancer in children. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of TI-RADS in paediatric thyroid nodules and to tailor FNAB recommendations for children. METHODS: Consecutive surgically resected paediatric thyroid nodules from two tertiary care centres between 2003 and 2021 were reviewed. Ultrasounds were blindly scored by radiologists according to TI-RADS. Management recommendations based on TI-RADS were evaluated. Various modelling methodologies were used to determine the optimal cutoff for FNAB in children. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients, 79 (82%) were female and the median age at surgery was 16.1 years. Fifty (52%) nodules were malignant on surgical pathology. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TI-RADS for predicting malignancy was 0.78. Adult TI-RADS recommendations would have resulted in 4% of cancerous nodules being lost to follow-up. Modifications to TI-RADS (FNAB of all TR3 nodules ≥1.5 cm, FNAB of TR4 and TR5 nodules ≥0.5 cm, surveillance of nodules ≥1 cm, consider surgery for nodules >4 cm) reduced this missed malignancy rate to 0%. CONCLUSIONS: TI-RADS can risk-stratify paediatric thyroid nodules. However, the system requires modifications to reduce the missed malignancy rate in paediatric thyroid nodules. Our data suggest that lower size thresholds for FNAB are warranted in children.

EUS-guided hydrogel injection to separate pancreatic head carcinoma from duodenum for enhanced radiotherapy: Multi-site feasibility study.

Background and study aims The proximity of a pancreas head tumor to the duodenum often limits delivery of an ablative dose of radiation therapy. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of using an injectable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel between the head of the pancreas and duodenum. Patients and methods In a multi-site feasibility cohort study of patients with localized pancreatic cancer, PEG hydrogel was injected under endoscopic ultrasound guidance to temporarily position the duodenum away from the pancreas. Procedure characteristics were recorded, including hydrogel volume and space created. Patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs) and radiotherapy toxicity. Results In all six intent-to-treat patients (four with borderline resectable, two with locally advanced disease), the ability to place and visualize PEG hydrogel and create space between the duodenum and the head of the pancreas was successful. There were no procedure-related AEs resulting in radiotherapy delay. There were no device-related AEs and no reports of pancreatitis. Conclusions PEG hydrogel was successfully placed, created space between the duodenum and the head of the pancreas, and was not associated with major toxicity. Enhancing radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer by using PEG hydrogel to create peri-duodenal space could have beneficial implications for treatment and warrants more exploration.

Serum cholesterol levels are inversely associated with the risk of malignancy in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Some epidemiological data suggest that there may be an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and the risk of thyroid cancer in the overall population. The present study was aimed to evaluate the lipid profile specifically in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, and compare whether there were any differences between those with benign and malignant nodules. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective study on 204 subjects treated by partial or total thyroidectomy for excision of a Bethesda category IV thyroid nodule, who had undergone a blood lipid profile test in the 12 months prior to surgery. In addition to lipid measures, other demographic, clinical, biochemical and ultrasound data were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects (36.8%) were diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma in the definitive histopathological examination. Patients with thyroid cancer had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol than subjects with benign thyroid diseases. There were no differences in HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides or total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. There were no differences either between groups in other clinical, biochemical and ultrasound variables, including the use of lipid-lowering drugs. In multivariate analysis, only LDL-cholesterol was independently associated with malignancy. Subjects with follicular carcinoma showed the lowest cholesterol levels, while those with papillary carcinoma had intermediate values between the group with follicular carcinoma and the group with benign thyroid diseases. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with cytologically indeterminate Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and, particularly, LDL-cholesterol are lower among those with malignant nodules.

Reproducibility assessment of WHO reporting system for pancreaticobiliary cytopathology: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) reporting system for pancreaticobiliary cytopathology was released to internationalize the reporting, assisting in correct diagnosis and patient treatment with significant revisions from the previous Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system. The "neoplastic: benign" and "neoplastic: other" categories have mostly been superseded by two new ones: "pancreatic neoplasia-low-grade" (PaN-low) and "pancreatic neoplasia-high-grade" (PaN-high), which classify intermediate neoplastic lesions based on cytological atypia. We aim to assess the reproducibility and risk of malignancy (ROM) for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytopathology by the WHO system in comparison with the PSC system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study by reviewing archival slides sent for pancreaticobiliary cytological evaluation from June 2021 to June 2023, by two pathologists blinded to each other's findings. Absolute ROM was determined by histopathology/cell block study/clinical follow-up (minimum 6 months)/overtly malignant imaging/metastasis. RESULTS: A total of 332 cases from 329 patients met the inclusion criteria, comprising pancreatic, gallbladder, and biliary lesions. The median patient age was 54 years (range, 14-86 years). The overall sensitivity of the test is 74.9% specificity is 93.2%, positive predictive value of 96.8%, negative predictive value of 57.6%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 81.8%. The absolute ROM for each site in all categories was comparable with that of the published data from the WHO system. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the reliability of the WHO system for guiding clinical decision-making and patient management in the context of pancreaticobiliary. However, continual efforts among pathologists are essential to maintain consistent accuracy in cytological interpretations.

Assessment of inflammatory parameters as predictive markers for malignancy in thyroid nodules: a study on the correlation with Bethesda classification.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the predictive significance of inflammatory parameters as potential markers for malignancy in individuals with thyroid nodules. METHOD: Nine hundred and ninety-one patients with thyroid nodules who had undergone thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy were included and classified according to the Bethesda system. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values obtained from hemogram parameters were determined for each patient. The study examined the correlation between the Bethesda classification and NLR/SII levels. In addition, a comparison was made between the inflammatory parameters of the benign and malignant Bethesda groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were classified as Bethesda 2 (benign), 34 as Bethesda 6 (malignant). A correlation was observed between the Bethesda classification and NLR and SII levels (r: 0.230, p < 0.001; r: 0.207 p < 0.001, respectively). NLR and SII values were significantly higher in the malignant group (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for SII in predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules was 489.86 × 103/mm3 with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 63.7%. The cutoff value for NLR for the same prediction was 2.06 with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 83.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that SII and NLR may be valuable prognostic markers for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar parámetros inflamatorios como posibles marcadores de malignidad en individuos con nódulos tiroideos. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 991 pacientes con nódulos tiroideos que se sometieron a biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina y se clasificaron según el sistema de Bethesda. Se determinaron los valores de la relación neutrófilo-linfocito (NLR) y el índice de inflamación inmunitaria sistémica (SII). El estudio exploró la correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR/SII, y comparó los parámetros inflamatorios de los grupos benignos y malignos de Bethesda. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron 573 pacientes como Bethesda 2 (benigno) y 34 como Bethesda 6 (maligno). Se observó una correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR y SII (r: 0.230; r: 0.207). Los valores de NLR y SII fueron mayores en el grupo maligno (p < 0.001). El valor de corte para SII en la predicción de nódulos tiroideos benignos y malignos fue de 489.86 × 103/mm3, con una sensibilidad del 88.2% y una especificidad del 63.7%; para NLR fue de 2.06, con una sensibilidad del 82.4% y una especificidad del 83.4%. CONCLUSIONES: El SII y el NLR pueden ser valiosos marcadores pronósticos para predecir la malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos.

The use of telecytology for the evaluation of thyroid nodules fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is currently the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules, but the growing need for anatomic pathology services in small communities is becoming a challenge. Telecytology (TC) is defined as the electronic transmission of cytological digital images, and allows for the collection of samples, primary diagnosis, and other applications without the physical presence of a pathologist. Our aim is to systematically report, summarize, and critically analyze the most up to date applications of TC to thyroid nodules FNAB evaluation. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Only studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals were included. Data were extracted using the PICO framework and critically analyzed. PRISMA guidelines were applied, and the risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I tools. The methodological quality was assessed following GRADE criteria. RESULTS: We included 13 observational studies, resulting in a total of 3856 evaluated FNAB specimens. The majority of studies (63.6%) showed an excellent concordance rate of diagnosis via TC and conventional cytology. TC can be used to perform preliminary assessment of samples with a concordance rate ranging from 74 and 100%, showing a significant reduction of the non-diagnostic rate. Image quality was referred to as perfect or nearly perfect in most cases, regardless of telecytology technique. CONCLUSION: Telecytology could be a valuable implementation for thyroid FNAB evaluation both for primary diagnosis and preliminary assessment of samples.