Efficacy and safety of core-needle biopsy in initially detected thyroid nodules via propensity score analysis

We compared the efficacy and complications of core-needle biopsy (CNB) with those of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in a large population of patients with initially detected thyroid nodules via a propensity score analysis. Outpatients with initially detected thyroid nodules, who had undergone CNB or FNA between January 2013 and December 2013, were selected. This study included 4,822 thyroid nodules from 4,553 consecutive patients. Adjustments for significant differences in patients’ baseline characteristics were facilitated via propensity score analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed according to nodule sizes ≥ 1 cm. The non-diagnostic result rate, malignancy rate, complication rate, and diagnostic accuracy were compared. A 1:1 matching of 1,615 patients yielded no significant differences between two groups for any covariate. The non-diagnostic result rate was significantly lower in the core-needle biopsy group than in the fine-needle aspiration group (5.2% vs. 12.1%), while the malignancy rate (23.7% vs. 11.8%) and sensitivity (75.9% vs. 55.6%) were significantly higher. However, the specificities were similar (100% and 99.9%, respectively). Propensity score and subgroup analyses showed similar results. The complication rate was similar between groups in matched cohorts. CNB is a promising and safe diagnostic tool for patients with initially detected thyroid nodules.