Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in washout liquid from thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the consequences of genetic result on clinical decision-making. Methods: We retrospectively considered subjects tested for BRAF-V600E among those attending the Endocrinology Unit of Modena for FNA between 2014 and 2018. Washing fluid was collected together with cytological sample and stored at −20 °C. If the clinician deemed it necessary, the sample was thawed, DNA extracted, and genetic test performed by high-resolution melting technique. We collected data on cytology according to the Italian Consensus for the cytological classification of thyroid nodules, type of surgery (when performed), histology, and adverse events. Results: Out of 7112 subjects submitted to FNA, BRAF analysis was requested for 683 (9.6%). Overall, 896 nodules were analyzed: 74% were indeterminate at cytology, mainly TIR3A (low risk). Twenty-two nodules were mutant (BRAF+). Only 2% of indeterminate, mainly TIR3B, were BRAF+. Based on final histological diagnosis, BRAF test had high specificity (100%) but poor sensitivity (21%), also in indeterminate nodules. Mutant subjects underwent more extensive surgery compared to wild type (p = 0.000), with frequent prophylactic central lymph node dissection. One third had local metastases. Higher prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was found in BRAF+ compared to wild type (p = 0.018). Conclusions: The analysis of BRAF-V600E outside of gene panels has low sensitivity, especially in indeterminate nodules, and a positive result could lead to more extensive surgery with greater risk of hypoparathyroidism and questionable clinical utility.

Real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration: consequences on clinical decision-making / Brigante, G.; Craparo, A.; Pignatti, E.; Marino, M.; Monzani, M. L.; De Vincentis, S.; Casarini, L.; Sperduti, S.; Boselli, G.; Margiotta, G.; Ippolito, M.; Rochira, V.; Simoni, M.. - In: ENDOCRINE. - ISSN 1559-0100. - 73:3(2021), pp. 625-632. [10.1007/s12020-021-02693-2]

Real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration: consequences on clinical decision-making

Brigante G.
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
Pignatti E.
Formal Analysis
;
Monzani M. L.
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
De Vincentis S.
Writing – Review & Editing
;
Casarini L.
Methodology
;
Sperduti S.
Methodology
;
Boselli G.
Data Curation
;
Margiotta G.
Data Curation
;
Ippolito M.
Formal Analysis
;
Rochira V.
Writing – Review & Editing
;
Simoni M.
Supervision
2021

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in washout liquid from thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the consequences of genetic result on clinical decision-making. Methods: We retrospectively considered subjects tested for BRAF-V600E among those attending the Endocrinology Unit of Modena for FNA between 2014 and 2018. Washing fluid was collected together with cytological sample and stored at −20 °C. If the clinician deemed it necessary, the sample was thawed, DNA extracted, and genetic test performed by high-resolution melting technique. We collected data on cytology according to the Italian Consensus for the cytological classification of thyroid nodules, type of surgery (when performed), histology, and adverse events. Results: Out of 7112 subjects submitted to FNA, BRAF analysis was requested for 683 (9.6%). Overall, 896 nodules were analyzed: 74% were indeterminate at cytology, mainly TIR3A (low risk). Twenty-two nodules were mutant (BRAF+). Only 2% of indeterminate, mainly TIR3B, were BRAF+. Based on final histological diagnosis, BRAF test had high specificity (100%) but poor sensitivity (21%), also in indeterminate nodules. Mutant subjects underwent more extensive surgery compared to wild type (p = 0.000), with frequent prophylactic central lymph node dissection. One third had local metastases. Higher prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was found in BRAF+ compared to wild type (p = 0.018). Conclusions: The analysis of BRAF-V600E outside of gene panels has low sensitivity, especially in indeterminate nodules, and a positive result could lead to more extensive surgery with greater risk of hypoparathyroidism and questionable clinical utility.
2021
73
3
625
632
Real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration: consequences on clinical decision-making / Brigante, G.; Craparo, A.; Pignatti, E.; Marino, M.; Monzani, M. L.; De Vincentis, S.; Casarini, L.; Sperduti, S.; Boselli, G.; Margiotta, G.; Ippolito, M.; Rochira, V.; Simoni, M.. - In: ENDOCRINE. - ISSN 1559-0100. - 73:3(2021), pp. 625-632. [10.1007/s12020-021-02693-2]
Brigante, G.; Craparo, A.; Pignatti, E.; Marino, M.; Monzani, M. L.; De Vincentis, S.; Casarini, L.; Sperduti, S.; Boselli, G.; Margiotta, G.; Ippolit...espandi
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/1246377
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