Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed at correlation of ultrasound findings with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) results using the Bethesda system, providing insights into thyroid nodule pathology.
Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis involving 104 patients was performed at Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM) between July 5, 2023, and July 1, 2024. The study encompassed patients of all ages and genders diagnosed with cold thyroid nodules (solitary and with multinodular goiter) through thyroid nuclear scans. The exclusion criteria included diffuse goiter, hot nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers, and metastases. Ultrasound evaluations included the assessment of nodule composition and FNAC outcomes were classified according to the Bethesda system. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24, with a significance threshold set at a P-value of less than 0.05.
Results: The majority of patients were female (94%); and the right side being the most frequently affected (57%). Benign cases dominated in all nodule categories. Solid single nodules demonstrated an increased risk of follicular neoplasm and malignancy. Spongiform nodules were primarily benign. Ultrasound findings demonstrated an 80% correlation with fine needle aspiration cytology outcomes.
Conclusion: Ultrasound, in conjunction with FNAC as reported on the Bethesda system, is highly useful in discriminating benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and it is suggested as a primary screening method for patients with thyroid nodules.
Keywords: Ultrasound (US), Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Thyroid Nodule (TN).

Key words: Ultrasound (US), Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Thyroid nodule (TN).