Objective:

To investigate the clinical and ultrasonic characteristics of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (PTC) for predicting central lymph node metastasis (CLNM)

and the correlation between clinical and u

ltrasonic characteristics and

BRAF

V600E mutations.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted in 534 patients with PTC. Groups were grouped according to the size of suspected PTC lesions on preoperative ultrasound. Clinical information and ultrasound characteristics of suspected lesions were collected

and risk factors associated with CLNM and

BRAF

V600E mutations were screened by multi-factor analysis and stratified analysis.

Results:

Multi-factor and stratified analysis showed that the close contact between the lesion and the capsule

as well as the

BRAF

V600E gene mutation

were risk factors for CLNM in patients with PTC＞10 mm. The presence of microcalcifications in the lesion or male patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) were risk factors for CLNM (

P

＜0.05). The occurrence of

BRAF

V600E gene mutations is significantly associated with the absence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (

P

＜0.001).

Conclusion:

When the patient has a suspicious ＞10 mm PTC lesion that is close to the capsule

the

BRAF

V600E gene test can be performed to predict the occurrence of CLNM. When the suspected lesion is ＜10 mm

men or patients with microcalcification of the lesion are more likely to develop CLNM. The probability of

BRAF

V600E gene mutation is higher in PTC patients with larger lesions or without Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). The clinical and focal ultrasound features of PTC have predictive value for central lymph node metastasis

and are associated with

BRAF

V600E gene mutation

which is helpful for clinical selection of reasonable surgical methods for patients.