Logo American Journal of Case Reports

Call: 1.631.629.4328
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports

10 April 2020 : Case report  Italy

Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: Focusing on Adherence to Guidelines and Hospital Organization

Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Diagnostic / therapeutic accidents, Management of emergency care

Serena Ammendola1BDEF, Ilaria Girolami1ABDEF, Chiara Bovo2ADE, Marina Paini3BDE, Claudia Castelli1BDF, Costanza Bruno4BDE, Giacomo Schenal4BDE, Paolo Brazzarola3BD, Luca Mezzetto5BDE, Gian Franco Veraldi5BD, Luca Novelli6DEG, Matteo Brunelli1ADEG, Stefania Montemezzi4ABD, Albino Eccher1ABDEG*

DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.920933

Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e920933

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The complications of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are rare but can be challenging for performing physicians to diagnose and manage. This type of procedure is perceived as routine and devoid of substantial risks, but uncommon complications can occur and need to be addressed with careful workup.

CASE REPORT: A FNAC procedure for a young female patient with multiple thyroid nodules was requested by her general practitioner. After the FNAC thyroid procedure, a carotid wall hematoma was suspected and could not be excluded with ultrasound (US) alone. Thus, the patient underwent a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) that excluded blood extravasation from the carotid, confirming the suspicion of perivascular blood accumulation. As a precaution, the patient was hospitalized, with US follow-up; she was dismissed the day after her hospital admission with a diagnosis of a benign thyroid nodule in multinodular goiter according to SIAPEC-IAP classification.

CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights how a routine-perceived procedure such as FNAC could present a challenge to the performing physicians, pathologist, and radiologist, raising the suspicion of a severe complication that needs to be addressed with a readily available emergency service that may be accessible only within a central hospital-level organization. This case reinforces the point that more careful adherence to clinic-radiological guidelines is needed to avoid potentially inappropriate and harmful procedures. A review of the literature concerning guidelines for FNAC procedure, diagnostic classifications, and reported complications is provided as part of this case report.

Keywords: Biopsy, Fine-Needle, Carotid Artery Injuries, Cytological Techniques, Thyroid Gland, Ultrasonography, Goiter, Guideline Adherence, Hematoma, Thyroid Nodule

Add Comment 0 Comments

1312 25

In Press

05 Dec 2023 : Case report  Italy

Novel Mini-Invasive Surgical Technique for Treating Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures: A Case Report

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Brazil

Life-Threatening Electrical Storm Following Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Belgium

Innovative Approach to Difficult Airway Management: Utilizing the Cook® Airway Exchange Catheter for Double...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

01 Dec 2023 : Case report  Saudi Arabia

Successful Conservative Therapy for Infected Penile Implants: A Case Series

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI:  

Most Viewed Current Articles

06 Dec 2021 : Case report  Brazil

Lipedema Can Be Treated Non-Surgically: A Report of 5 Cases

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406

07 Dec 2021 : Case report  USA

Edwardsiella tarda: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Fatal Infection, with Possible New Background Risk Fac...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934347

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934347

19 Jul 2022 : Case report  Saudi Arabia

Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128

13 Jul 2022 : Case report  USA

Whistling Scrotum: An Unusual Presentation of Pneumomediastinum in the Setting of an Open Scrotal Wound

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936441

Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936441

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923