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Background <p>Thyroid nodules are common clinical findings that often require fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for evaluation. This study aimed to assess the clinical value of Cytomatrix, a commercially available synthetic 3D matrix designed to improve preservation of cytological samples, in enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology in a standard clinical setting.</p> Methods <p>A prospective study was conducted at Dr. D Medical Center (Timișoara) between January 2023 and January 2025, involving 80 patients with high-risk thyroid nodules classified as EU-TIRADS 4 or higher (European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System). Each patient underwent FNAC with samples collected using both the conventional smear technique and the Cytomatrix method. Both sample types were processed under standard laboratory conditions with minimal technician involvement. Smears were classified according to the 2023 Bethesda System, and Cytomatrix samples were evaluated using a corresponding Bethesda classification. The diagnostic outcomes of both approaches were compared with each other and against the final histopathological results.</p> Results <p>Cytomatrix exhibited superior diagnostic performance, achieving a sensitivity of 78.2%, specificity of 96.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 90%, and overall accuracy of 91.2%. In comparison, the conventional smear method demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.5%, specificity of 94.7%, PPV of 84.2%, and accuracy of 87.5%. The two methods showed a concordance rate of 76.2%. Cytomatrix notably refined Bethesda classifications by both upgrading and downgrading smear-based diagnoses, aligning more closely with histopathology findings.</p> Conclusion <p>Cytomatrix represents a promising addition to traditional FNAC in clinical settings characterized by minimal resource use and reduced technician intervention. Its improved diagnostic accuracy and streamlined processing may enhance thyroid nodule evaluation, contributing to better patient management outcomes.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>

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Assessment of an innovative synthetic matrix for enhanced cell preservation: evaluating its clinical utility and impact on diagnostic precision in thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月9日

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  • Diana-Raluca Streinu,
  • Octavian Constantin Neagoe,
  • Andreea Bena,
  • Dana-Liana Stoian

摘要

Background

Thyroid nodules are common clinical findings that often require fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for evaluation. This study aimed to assess the clinical value of Cytomatrix, a commercially available synthetic 3D matrix designed to improve preservation of cytological samples, in enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology in a standard clinical setting.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at Dr. D Medical Center (Timișoara) between January 2023 and January 2025, involving 80 patients with high-risk thyroid nodules classified as EU-TIRADS 4 or higher (European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System). Each patient underwent FNAC with samples collected using both the conventional smear technique and the Cytomatrix method. Both sample types were processed under standard laboratory conditions with minimal technician involvement. Smears were classified according to the 2023 Bethesda System, and Cytomatrix samples were evaluated using a corresponding Bethesda classification. The diagnostic outcomes of both approaches were compared with each other and against the final histopathological results.

Results

Cytomatrix exhibited superior diagnostic performance, achieving a sensitivity of 78.2%, specificity of 96.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 90%, and overall accuracy of 91.2%. In comparison, the conventional smear method demonstrated a sensitivity of 69.5%, specificity of 94.7%, PPV of 84.2%, and accuracy of 87.5%. The two methods showed a concordance rate of 76.2%. Cytomatrix notably refined Bethesda classifications by both upgrading and downgrading smear-based diagnoses, aligning more closely with histopathology findings.

Conclusion

Cytomatrix represents a promising addition to traditional FNAC in clinical settings characterized by minimal resource use and reduced technician intervention. Its improved diagnostic accuracy and streamlined processing may enhance thyroid nodule evaluation, contributing to better patient management outcomes.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.