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World Journal of Surgical Oncology
Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

False-negative BRAF V600E mutation results on fine-needle aspiration cytology of papillary thyroid carcinoma

Authors: Se Hyun Paek, Byung Seup Kim, Kyung Ho Kang, Hee Sung Kim

Published in: World Journal of Surgical Oncology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

The BRAF V600E mutation is highly specific for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A test for this mutation can increase the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), but a considerably high false-negative rate for the BRAF V600E mutation on FNAC has been reported. In this study, we investigated the risk factors associated with false-negative BRAF V600E mutation results on FNAC.

Methods

BRAF V600E mutation results of 221 PTC nodules between December 2011 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. BRAF V600E mutation results on both preoperative FNAC and postoperative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were compared. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of BRAF V600E mutation results on FNAC. And, we identified the risk factors associated with false-negative results.

Results

Of 221 PTC nodules, 150 (67.9%) on FNAC and 185 (83.7%) on FFPE samples were BRAF V600E mutation positive. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for BRAF V600E mutation testing with FNAC were 80.5, 97.2, 99.3, and 49.3%, respectively. Thirty-six (16.3%) BRAF V600E mutation-negative nodules on FNAC were mutation positive on FFPE sample analysis. Risk factors for these false-negative results were age, indeterminate FNAC results (nondiagnostic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), and findings suspicious for PTC), and PTC subtype.

Conclusion

False-negative rate of BRAF mutation testing with FNAC for thyroid nodules is increased in cases of old age, indeterminate FNAC pathology results, and certain PTC subtypes. Therapeutic surgery can be considered for these cases. A well-designed prospective study with informed consent of patients will be essential for more informative results.
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Metadata
Title
False-negative BRAF V600E mutation results on fine-needle aspiration cytology of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors
Se Hyun Paek
Byung Seup Kim
Kyung Ho Kang
Hee Sung Kim
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
World Journal of Surgical Oncology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-017-1266-5

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