Evidence mapPaperPMID 41801531Full record

ArticleEndocrine2026

Elderly age and male gender as risk factors for Non Diagnostic cytology at thyroid fine needle aspiration: results of a large cytological series.

Laura Croce, Spyridon Chytiris, Marsida Teliti, Isabella Chiardi, Francesca Coperchini, Linda Loretta Businaro, Flavia Magri, Tshering Dorji, Mario Rotondi

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Article in Endocrine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Laura CroceDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Spyridon ChytirisUnit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Marsida TelitiDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Isabella ChiardiDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Francesca CoperchiniDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Linda Loretta BusinaroDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Flavia MagriDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Tshering DorjiUnit of Anatomic Pathology, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
Mario RotondiDepartment of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy. mario.rotondi@icsmaugeri.it.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6464-2334

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeNon-diagnostic (ND) result of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of thyroid nodules can lead to diagnostic delays, repeated procedures and, potentially, unnecessary surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the role of patient age and gender as predictors of a ND cytological result of FNAC, both at first sampling and after repeat procedures.

methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 5,774 FNACs performed between October 2017 and April 2025 at a single tertiary center. All procedures were conducted by an experienced endocrinologist and interpreted by a single expert cytopathologist. ND rates were compared by age and gender. Logistic regression assessed independent associations, and interaction analysis evaluated whether age effects differed by gender.

resultsND cytology occurred in 29.5% of cases. Patients with ND results were older (59.3 ± 14.2 vs. 57.3 ± 14.0 years, p < 0.001) and more often male (29.6% vs. 23.0%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed male gender (OR 1.376, 95% CI 1.211–1.563) and age (OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.005–1.013) as independent predictors (p < 0.001 for both), with a significant age × gender interaction (p = 0.036), showing a stronger age effect in males. Among 443 patients repeating FNAC after an initial ND result, 39% remained ND, with no significant age or gender differences between persistent-ND and diagnostic outcomes.

conclusionElderly age and male gender independently increase the likelihood of ND FNAC results. These factors should be considered when planning thyroid FNAC, although they do not predict persistent ND outcomes upon repeat sampling.

Indexed as

Thyroid GlandThyroid NeoplasmsThyroid NoduleAdultAgedAge FactorsBiopsy, Fine-NeedleFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesRisk FactorsSex FactorsAgeFine needle aspirationGenderNon diagnosticThyroid cytology

Identifiers

PMID41801531
PMCPMC12971783

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