Hydrodissection: A Novel Approach for Safe Core Needle Biopsy of Small High-Risk Subcapsular Thyroid Nodules.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of core needle biopsy (CNB) under the assistance of hydrodissection (HDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 2325 patients requiring biopsy of thyroid lesions, 21 high-risk patients with subcapsular nodules smaller than 10 mm were recruited into this study. All patients underwent HDS with 0.9% saline solution followed by ultrasound (US)-guided CNB with an 18-gauge semi-automated biopsy needle. The separation success rate (SSR) of the HDS, technical success rate (TSR) of CNB, histopathologic success rate (HSR), and complications were assessed. RESULTS: Both the SSR of HDS and TSR of CNB were 100% (21/21). The HSR of the thyroid nodules was 85.7% (18/21). No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: HDS before CNB can successfully lead to safe biopsy of small subcapsular thyroid nodules. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.

A novel succinate dehydrogenase type B mutation in an Iranian family. Its genetic and clinical evaluation.

Succinate Dehydrogenase-B (SDH-B) gene mutations constitute one of the most frequent forms of hereditary paragangliomas (PGL). Genetic study is advised in all cases for the evaluation of tumour behaviour, the selection of optimal management and the surveillance of the first degree relatives. There are limited data on the genetic characteristics of patients with PGLs from Middle East countries, and to our knowledge this is the first study from Iran. We present the clinical and genetic characteristics of a 29-year old woman who presented with hypertension secondary to a para-aortic PGL. She was shown to have a novel mutation in the SDH-B gene and her family was subsequently screened. We also emphasize the problems in diagnosing and treating patients in this region.