The BRAFV600E mutation is associated with malignant ultrasonographic features in thyroid nodules

Summary Context Several ultrasonographic (US) features of thyroid nodules have been reported to predict malignancy. The BRAFV600E mutation is a useful diagnostic marker for differentiating papillary thyroid carcinoma from benign thyroid nodules, especially in BRAFV600E‐prevalent populations such as in Korea. Objective To evaluate the association of BRAFV600E mutation with US features of thyroid nodules in predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules in Korean patients. Design A total of 991 thyroid nodules from 823 patients in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens were investigated. The relationship between US features and the presence of BRAFV600E mutation by pyrosequencing method was prospectively analysed. Results The BRAFV600E mutation was associated with the following US features: solid composition [odds ratio (OR) 20·338; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4·952–83·532; P