Background: Thyroid cancer is increasing globally and is currently the most prevalent endocrine malignancy. Recent data show an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Thyroid ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are the cornerstones in managing thyroid nodules. We conducted this study to evaluate the prevalence and the associated predictors for thyroid nodule Bethesda III–VI in eastern KSA. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2015 and 31 August 2021. The participants were recruited patients who received a thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided thyroid FNAC, using the thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) and the Bethesda Classification, respectively. Result: Three hundred and ten patients who underwent thyroid FNAC were enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile, IQR) age was 47.0 (20.0) years, and 266 (85.8%) of them were females. The median (IQR) body mass index was 30.2 (7.6) kg/m2. Out of these participants, 64.8% were euthyroid, 27.4% had hypothyroidism and 7.7% had hyperthyroidism. The ACR TI-RADS-3, 4 and 5 were 51.3%, 46.1% and 2.6%, respectively. The Bethesda outcome of thyroid FNAC I–VI was 5.2%, 63.9%, 15.5%, 5.8%, 3.5% and 6.1%, respectively. The risk for malignancy (Bethesda III–VI) was documented in 31.0% and atypia of undetermined significance was most prevalent (15.5%). A higher ACR TI-RADS score was associated with a higher risk of malignancy: ACR TI-RADS-3 (20.8%), ACR TI-RADS-4 (39.2%) and ACR TI-RADS-5 (87.5%). In a multivariate analysis, only the ACR TI-RADS score was significantly associated with the outcome of thyroid FNAC: ACR TI-RADS-4 [OR = 2.59 (95% CI = 1.54–4.36)] and ACR TI-RADS-5 [OR = 29.03 (95% CI = 3.44–245.07)]. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of Bethesda III–VI and atypia of undetermined significance was most prevalent. A thyroid ultrasound report for TI-RADS was significantly associated with the outcome of thyroid FNAC and is a reliable tool in the absence of molecular testing for thyroid cancer.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the human body. Its deficiency is linked with many common chronic diseases, types of cancer and thyroid disorders. Recent data have shown high rates of vitamin D deficiency, thyroid nodules and an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). We conducted this study to evaluate the rates of vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors in patients with thyroid nodules in the Eastern Region of the KSA. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021. The recruited patients had documented thyroid nodules based on the American College of Radiology’s Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS). Results: There were 391 patients with thyroid nodules enrolled in the study. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 46.00 (20.0) years, and 332 (84.9%) of the participants were women. The patients’ median (IQR) body mass index was 30.26 (7.71) kg/m2, and the median (IQR) 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH)]D) level was 14.50 (12.0) nmol/L. There was a high prevalence (89.8%) of vitamin D deficiency among patients with thyroid nodules. In the univariate analysis, there were significant associations between 25(OH)D level and age, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, thyroid-stimulating hormone level, free triiodothyronine level and thyroid ultrasound-based TI-RADS scores of 3 to 5. In the multivariate analysis, age, free thyroxine level, free triiodothyronine level and hyperthyroidism were not significantly associated with 25(OH)D level. However, there were significant associations between 25(OH)D level and hypertension (odds ratio [OR]=0.438, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.210‒0.911) and higher TI-RADS scores (TI-RADS 4: OR=9.654 [95% CI 1.819‒51.226] and TI-RADS 5: OR=7.784 [95% CI 1.473‒41.135]). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients with nodular thyroid disease. TI-RADS ultrasound scores of 4 and 5 and the presence of hypertension were significantly associated with lower levels of vitamin D.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.