The use of core needle biopsy as first-line in diagnosis of thyroid nodules reduces false negative and inconclusive data reported by fine-needle aspiration

Table 1 Main ultrasound characteristics of 72 solid nodules included in the study

	CNB group	FNA group	P
Size (mm)	12.3 ± 3.8	11.2 ± 5.1	0.31
Marked hypoechogenicity	26 (82.9%)	37 (90.2%)	0.48
Taller shape	5 (16.1%)	7 (17.1%)	0.83
Microcalcifications	14 (45.2%)	21 (51.2%)	0.78
Intranodular vascularization	17 (54.8%)	20 (48.8%)	0.78
Score III to IV at elastography	26 (83.9%)	32 (78.0%)	0.75
More than two risk features	15 (48.4%)	17 (41.5%)	0.72

Legend: CNB, core needle biopsy; FNA, fine-needle aspiration. Marked hypoechogenicity, solid hypoechoic nodule with no cystic areas. Taller shape, taller than wide shaped nodule. Microcalcifications, hyperechoic punctuations <2 mm. Intranodular vascularization, intralesional vascular signal. Score III to IV at elastography, blue color in more than 50% of the nodule.

ISSN: 1477-7819