Endocrine Abstracts

The occurrence of thyroid diseases is determined by interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The major environmental factor that determines goiter prevalence is iodine status.

Thyroid nodules are present in up to 30% of the Georgian population. The causative role of iodine deficiency which is still endemic in this country has long been established.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the thyroid gland is the cost-effective examination in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.

The aim of this study was to present results of FNA in out-patients of endocrinology department in the period of 2003–2005. Ultrasound-guided FNA was performed in 231 patients of whom 94.5% were females.

The cases were classified according to diagnosis into four groups: benign/negative 145 (62.8%), primary carcinoma 19 (8.2%), suspicious/indeterminate 61 (26.4%) and non-diagnostic 6 (2.6%). These results are in accordance with the already published data in the international literature.

In conclusion, we suggest that FNAB is an effective screening test in the evaluation of the necessity for surgical treatment in patients with thyroid nodules.