Predicting papillary thyroid carcinoma cervical lymph node metastases: an algorithm using the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System.

BACKGROUND: It is important to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) preoperatively; however, the relationship between the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) score and cervical LNM remains unclear. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the ACR TI-RADS score and cervical LNM in patients with PTC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 474 patients with 548 PTCs. Cervical LNM including central LNM (CLNM) and lateral LNM (LLNM) were confirmed by pathology. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the risk factors of CLNM and LLNM. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that younger age and multifocality were risk factors for CLNM in PTCs with TR5. In addition, younger age, larger tumor size, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) were risk factors for LLNM in PTCs ≥ 10 mm with TR5. In PTCs with TR4, ACR TI-RADS scores 5-6 conferred risks for LNM. In PTCs ≥ 10 mm with TR5, ACR TI-RADS scores ≥9 were risk factors for LLNM. CONCLUSION: A higher ACR TI-RADS score is a predictor for cervical LNM in PTCs with TR4 and PTCs ≥ 10 mm with TR5.

Association Between BRAFV600E Mutation and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System in Solitary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between BRAFV600E mutation, the American College of Radiology (ACR) thyroid imaging, reporting and data system (TI-RADS) on ultrasound and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with a solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 397 patients with a solitary PTC, proved pathologically. BRAFV600E mutation status was detected in postoperative samples by real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction. Associations of BRAFV600E mutation with the ACR TI-RADS and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of BRAFV600E mutation was 81.4% (323/397) in patients with a solitary PTC. Univariate analyses showed that BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with margin, higher ACR TI-RADS point scores, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In multivariate analyses, lobulated or irregular margin was independently associated with BRAFV600E mutation in total solitary PTC. Furthermore, both in total solitary PTC and papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, BRAFV600E mutation was associated with ACR TI-RADS point scores, which was positively correlated with the risk of BRAFV600E mutation. There was no significant relationship between BRAFV600E mutation and ACR TI-RADS point scores in PTC >10 mm. In addition, Hashimoto's thyroiditis had a significant negative association with BRAFV600E mutation. CONCLUSION: A lobulated or irregular margin of the thyroid nodule is independently associated with BRAFV600E mutation in patients with PTC. In addition, higher ACR TI-RADS point scores is an independent risk factor for BRAFV600E mutation, and ACR TI-RADS point scores is positively associated with the risk of BRAFV600E mutation in solitary PTC, especially in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Our findings may be helpful for preoperative identification and medical management of PTC patients with BRAFV600E mutation.