Effect of fine needle aspiration biopsy on change in thyroid nodule elasticity.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate changes in the stiffness of thyroid nodules following fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), using shear wave elastography (SWE), a non-invasive imaging technique utilized in thyroid nodule evaluation.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 82 patients scheduled to undergo FNAB for the first time were included. Ultrasound and SWE examinations were performed before the procedure and again 8 to 10 weeks after FNAB. Nodule stiffness was measured in kilopascals (kPa) during both evaluations, and changes in elasticity were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean SWE stiffness of the nodules significantly decreased from 21.80 ± 11.43 kPa before FNAB to 17.83 ± 9.98 kPa after FNAB (p = 0.001). Smoking status and serum free T3 levels were significantly associated with changes in SWE stiffness (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between TIRADS 3 and TIRADS 4 categories regarding the change in stiffness (p = 0.223).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant reduction in thyroid nodule stiffness after FNAB as measured by SWE. These post-biopsy changes may lead to potential misinterpretations in subsequent elastographic evaluations, possibly affecting diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making.