Diagnostic value of thyroid imaging reporting and data system combined with BRAF(V600E) mutation analysis in Bethesda categories III–V thyroid nodules

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%).