Risk-adapted trajectory selection for ultrasound-guided thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a multicenter study of in-plane and out-of-plane approaches - Report - MDSpire

Risk-adapted trajectory selection for ultrasound-guided thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a multicenter study of in-plane and out-of-plane approaches

  • By

  • Xiubin Tang

  • Wenjin Lin

  • Youhai Wu

  • Ming Chen

  • Xiao Yang

  • July 17, 2026

Share

Clinical Report: Evaluation of Needle Approach Strategies in Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid FNAB

Overview

This multicenter study evaluated the diagnostic adequacy of in-plane versus out-of-plane needle approaches in ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules.

Background

Ultrasound-guided FNAB is a critical procedure for assessing thyroid nodules, with diagnostic adequacy being essential for effective patient management. Nondiagnostic cytology can lead to repeat procedures and delays in treatment, making the choice of needle approach significant. Understanding the impact of different needle techniques on diagnostic outcomes can enhance clinical decision-making.

Data Highlights

Needle ApproachDiagnostic AdequacyP-value
In-Plane98.3%< 0.001
Out-of-Plane85.7% 

Key Findings

  • The in-plane approach had a diagnostic adequacy of 98.3%, compared to 85.7% for the out-of-plane approach (P < 0.001).
  • Adjusted odds ratios indicated a significant association of the in-plane approach with diagnostic adequacy in both primary and validation cohorts.
  • Satisfactory needle-tip visualization was more frequent with the in-plane approach (97.2% vs. 63.6%; P < 0.001).
  • Immediate hematoma rates were similar between the two approaches (6.2% vs. 9.2%; P = 0.234).
  • The study included 506 thyroid nodules across three tertiary hospitals.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate differences in diagnostic adequacy between needle approaches in ultrasound-guided FNAB of thyroid nodules.

Conclusion

The in-plane approach is associated with higher diagnostic adequacy without a significant increase in immediate hematoma.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  4. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  5. 2023 European Thyroid Association Clinical Practice Guidelines for thyroid nodule management - PMC
  6. Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: A Consensus Statement by the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology
  7. Fine-Needle Aspiration of the Thyroid Gland - Endotext
  8. 2023 European Thyroid Association Clinical Practice Guidelines for thyroid nodule management - PMC
  9. American College of Radiology National
  10. The 2023 Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology - ScienceDirect
  11. Executive Summary of the 2025 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer - Stephanie Smooke Praw, Benjamin J. Gigliotti, Alex Tessnow, Hyunseok Kang, Debra J. Margulies, 2025
  12. Impact of Needle Gauge Selection on Sample Adequacy in Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  13. Nondiagnostic Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: Review of Predisposing Factors - PubMed
  14. Comparison of core-needle biopsy and repeat fine-needle aspiration biopsy for thyroid nodules with initially inconclusive findings: a systematic review, diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis, and meta-regression - ScienceDirect
  15. Evaluation of US Elastography in Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis: The ElaTION Randomized Control Trial | Radiology

Original Source(s)

Related Content