Acute diffuse thyroid swelling after fine-needle aspiration: A case report and review of the literature

J Clin Ultrasound. 2021 Sep;49(7):720-723. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23008. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Abstract

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the first-line and a cost-effective examination method of nonfunctional thyroid nodules. Acute transient thyroid swelling after an FNA is a rare complication, and to date, only 14 cases have been reported in the English literature. Herein, we report a case of a 26-year-old woman with acute transient thyroid swelling, which occurred after an ultrasound-guided FNA of a thyroid nodule. Although the patient had undergone an FNA without complication 2 years previously, the second FNA caused acute thyroid swelling. The present case emphasizes the potential risk of acute thyroid swelling associated with every FNA procedure.

Keywords: acute transient thyroid swelling; fine-needle aspiration; thyroid nodule; ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image-Guided Biopsy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms*
  • Thyroid Nodule* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography