Utility of BRAF mutation detection in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy samples read as "suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma". Issue 12 (25th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jara, Sebastian M.; Bhatnagar, Ramneesh; Guan, Hui; Gocke, Christopher D.; Ali, Syed Z.; Tufano, Ralph P.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 37:Issue 12(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 1788
• Page End: 1793
• Publication Date: 2014-09-25
• Subjects: BRAF mutation -- fine‐needle aspiration biopsy -- papillary thyroid carcinoma -- suspicious for papillary carcinoma -- molecular marker testing; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23829
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of BRAF mutation testing on thyroid nodules "suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma" (PTC) cytology. Methods: A chart review of patients with fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) results "suspicious for PTC" with subsequent thyroidectomy was performed. Corresponding archived FNA slides underwent BRAF mutation testing. Results: Sixty‐six patients with FNA "suspicious for PTC" underwent thyroidectomy. Forty‐two (63.6%) had PTC diagnosed on final histopathology, whereas 21 (31.8%) had benign findings. Thirty‐five patients (83%) with histologically proven PTC underwent total thyroidectomy, whereas 7 (17%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. BRAF mutation was detected in 17 of 49 samples (34.6%) available for testing and had 45.5% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity, 88.2% positive predictive value (PPV), and 43.8% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing PTC. Two of 4 patients (50%) who underwent hemithyroidectomy with subsequent completion thyroidectomy had mutated BRAF detected. Conclusion: BRAF testing is a useful adjunct to improve PPV for patients with "suspicious for PTC" cytology. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1788–1793, 2015