Value of Multimodal Ultrasound Combined with BRAF Gene in Evaluating Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Objective: The aim of the work described here was to explore the predictive value of multimodal ultrasound combined with the BRAF gene in cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods: One hundred six patients (114 lesions) with PTMC confirmed by surgery and pathology at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Routine ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, shear wave elastography examination and BRAF V600E gene detection were performed before surgery. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of post-operative pathology: non-metastasis group and metastasis group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the risk factors of cervical lymph node metastasis in PTMC. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that there were significant differences in gender, high echo in lesions, enhancement level, peak intensity (PI) and average modulus of elasticity (E-avg) between the two groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in BRAF gene mutation (p = 0.855). Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, microcalcification and hyper- or iso-enhancing parametric increased the risk of CLNM in PTMC (p < 0.05), and that sensitivity (92.3%) and accuracy (73.9%) were higher for combined diagnosis than for single diagnosis; the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Male gender, microcalcification and hyper- or iso-enhancing parametrics of CEUS are independent risk factors for CLNM in PTMC patients. Combined diagnosis is more effective.