Diagnostic value of thyroid imaging reporting and data system combined with BRAFV600E mutation analysis in Bethesda categories III-V thyroid nodules

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a crucial method for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules. However, thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda categories III-V cannot obtain definite cytological results. Our aim was to study the diagnostic value of thyroid imaging reporting and data system combined with BRAF^V600E mutation analysis in Bethesda categories III-V thyroid nodules, so as to provide more precise direction for the follow-up treatments. A total of 174 Bethesda categories III-V thyroid nodules performed TIRADS and BRAF^V600E mutation analysis were included in the study. We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasound features as well as the results of BRAF^V600E mutation of the 174 thyroid nodules. In the multiple regression analysis models, ultrasound features including lobulated or irregular margin, punctate echogenic foci, and shape with taller-than-wide were statistically significant in malignant nodules (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of the combination of TIRADS and BRAF^V600E increased to 0.925, which were much higher than TIRADS (0.861) and BRAF^V600E (0.804) separately. Combined diagnosis was of the greatest value to identify Bethesda III-V thyroid nodules definitely, especially with higher sensitivity (93%) and accuracy (90%).