Objective:

To investigate the value of clinical ultrasonographic features and

BRAF

gene for the prediction of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid (P

TMC).

Methods:

A total of 509 PTMC patients who underwent thyroidectomy in Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital

Medical School of Nanjing University were included in this study. They were divided into metastatic group and non-metastatic group. Their clinical data

ultrasonic and pathological characteristics were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the risk factors associated with CLNM.

Results:

CLNM was present in 203 (39.9%) of 509 PTMC patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age ＜45 years (OR=2.453

P

＜0.001)

diameter of tumor0.7 cm (OR=1.729

P

=0.021)

micro-calcification (OR=1.914

P

=0.002)

bilateral lobe (OR=1.947

P

=0.005)

and capsule invasion (OR=1.804

P

=0.004) were independent risk factors for CLNM. However

there was no significant difference in

BRAF

gene mutation between the two groups (

P

=0.850). Comparison between

BRAF

V600E (-) and

BRAF

V600E (+) showed that the differences between the two groups were only statistically significant in aspect ratio and micro- calcification (

P

＜0.001

P

=0.011).

Conclusion:

For PTMC patients

age＜45 years

diameter of tumor0.7 cm

bilateral growth

micro-calcification and capsule invasion can predict CLNM

but

BRAF

gene mutation cannot.