RESUMEN
Objectives: The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in the characterization of adrenal masses. Methods: A total of 150 patients who presented with 186 adrenal tumors were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Final patient cohort consisted of 17 pheochromocytomas, 3 adrenocortical carcinomas, 24 metastases, 31 lipid-poor adenomas and 111 lipid-rich adenomas. We carried out a visual assessment on FSE (Fast spin echo)T2 weighted images and also calculated T2 signal intensity ratio of all adrenal masses and also performed a qualitative assessment on chemical shift imaging (CSI) together with quantitative calculation using Adrenal to spleen signal intensity (si) ratio and Adrenal si index formulas. On dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences, visual assessment based on enhancement patterns on late-arterial phase images was performed and also mean signal intensity measurements were carried out. All examinations were interpreted by two abdominal radiologists in consensus who were blinded to the clinical and pathological findings. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: On FSE T2 weighted imaging, isointense to liver and slightly hyperintense than liver was found higher in benign cases, however, in malignant cases moderately and strikingly hyperintense than liver was higher than in benign cases (p=0.001, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between the T2 signal intensity ratio values of adrenal tumor groups (p=0.001, p<0.01). In lipid-rich and lipid-poor adenoma groups, T2 signal intensity ratio values was significantly lower than in pheochromocytoma and metastasis cases. In malignant group, T2 signal intensity ratio values were found statistically significantly higher than in the benign group (p=0.001, p<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between CSI visual assessment of adrenal tumor groups (p=0.001, p<0.01). Although moderate and significant signal intensity loss was usually detected in lipid-rich adenoma group, never detected in other tumor groups. There was also a statistically significant difference between benign and malignant adrenal tumor groups (p=0.001, p<0.01). In the malignant group, Adrenal to spleen si ratio values were found significantly higher whereas, Adrenal si index values were significantly lower compared to benign tumors (p=0.001, p<0.01). Based on malignancy, there was a statistically significant difference between adrenal tumor groups (p=0.001, p<0.01). Although capillary blush and homogenous type enhancement were more common in benign cases than in malignant ones, peripheral-patchy and strikingly capillary blush type enhancement was more frequent in malignant tumors. Based on malignancy, mean arterial signal intensity values of malignant tumors were statistically higher than benign tumors (p=0.001; p<0.01). Conclusion: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI protocol including CSI aids in the characterization of indeterminate adrenal masses. Herein, the combined use of qualitative and quantitative parameters enables more tumors to be recognized that otherwise would be indeterminate.
RESUMEN
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the adequacy of conventional smear (CS) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) methods in thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples obtained without an accompanying cytopathologist during the procedure. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the presence of a significant difference between the rates of nodules classified as Bethesda Category III and malignancy in both techniques and the features of the nodules affecting malignancy. Methods: A total of 625 nodules from 572 patients who were found suitable for biopsy were included in this retrospective study. FNABs were performed by interventional radiologists without an accompanying cytopathologist during the procedures. The specimens were either prepared using CS or LBC preparation methods. Cytopathological diagnostic adequacy and cytopathological results of the specimens were evaluated according to Bethesda category, and the relationship between the morphological findings was evaluated retrospectively. Results: Of all the biopsy preparations, 338 (54.1%) of them were transferred to pathology in liquid-based solution and 287 (45.9%) were transferred as CS. Malignancy rates of the biopsy samples were found similar in both LBC and CS methods. Considering the nodules classified as Bethesda Category II, III, IV, V, and VI, there was no statistical difference between the results of both methods. Non-diagnostic biopsy rate was higher in the specimens prepared by CS method (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, the adequacy rate of FNAB was found significantly higher in LBC method compared to the CS method. LBC was more practical and faster than the CS method. We think that LBC method may be preferred in FNAB of thyroid nodules.