Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Fine Needle Aspiration in Treatment of Thyroid Cystic Nodules

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of percutaneous fine needle aspiration in the treatment thyroid cystic nodules and factors that affect it

Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study reviewing the charts of patients with cystic thyroid nodule who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration in the Diabetes, Thyroid and Endocrine Center, St Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City from November 2013 to December 2014. Ultrasonographic examination were reviewed within the one year period after aspiration to determine recurrence.

Result: A final cohort of 92 charts was reviewed with 95 aspirated thyroid nodules included in the study. Seventy six percent of the nodules were complex, 55% of which were predominantly cystic and 21% were predominantly solid, and 24% were purely cystic. The mean pretreatment volume was 13.09ml ± 16.11ml. The mean volume aspirated was 8.26ml ± 11.8ml. The mean percent reduction was 78.34% ± 27.61% (range: 0 to 100%). Among the 95 thyroid cystic nodules aspirated, only 36 had repeat surveillance ultrasound within the 1 year observation period after aspiration. Of the 36 nodules analysed, 12 nodules has re-accumulation of the cystic fluid.

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided aspiration is an effective therapy for those patients with cystic thyroid nodule.