Telecytopathology for Rapid Preliminary Diagnosis of Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules

Background: Onsite evaluation of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USGFNA) of thyroid nodules is essential to procure adequate samples and provide initial assessment. We present our experience with onsite evaluation of USGFNA of thyroid nodules using telecytopathology. Methods: Real-time images of Diff-Quik-stained cytology smears were obtained with an Olympus Digital camera attached to an Olympus CX41 microscope and transmitted via ethernet by a cytotechnologist to a pathologist who rendered a preliminary diagnosis while communicating with an onsite cytotechnologist over the phone. Accuracy of preliminary diagnosis was compared with final diagnosis, retrospectively. Results: A total of 79 patients (mean age 48.9 year) underwent USGFNA of 100 thyroid nodules. Preliminary diagnoses of benign, suspicious/malignant, and unsatisfactory were 72%, 7%, and 21%, respectively. Of the 72 cases initially reported as benign all remained benign on the final cytology. Of the seven suspicious/malignant cases on initial cytology, five were suspicious/malignant and two were benign on final cytology. Of the 21 cases that were initially interpreted as unsatisfactory only four were reclassified as benign on final diagnosis. The accuracy rate between the final cytology and preliminary telecytopathology diagnosis was 94%. Presence of additional material on Papanicolaou-stained slides and cellblock sections was the main reason for discrepancy that accounted for six discrepant cases. Conclusions: On-site telecytopathology for thyroid USGFNAs is highly accurate compared with final cytologic evaluation. It allows pathologists to use their time more efficiently and makes onsite evaluation at a remote site possible.