Predictors of a follicular nodule (Thy3) outcome of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology among Saudi patients.

Objective: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate predictors of thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) outcomes among Saudis with a thyroid nodule. Socio-demographic data, thyroid function status, thyroid parameters, ultrasound and cytology results were collected from 269 files of patients with thyroid nodules.

Result: The patients' age was 40 ± 1.4 years (mean ± SD), and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.3 ± 1.2 kg/m. The thyroid statuses were euthyroid (85.5%), hypothyroidism (7.4%) and hyperthyroidism (7.1%). Young age, an absence of irradiation history, and multinodular goitre were protective against Thy3 [(OR = 0.05, CI = 003-0.6, P = 0.024), (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.8, P = 0.012) and (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.2-5.3, P = 0.016), respectively]; a lower FT3 was protective against Thy4 (OR = 0.4, CI = 0.2-0.99, P = 0.046), the absence of cervical lymphadenopathy was associated with Thy2 (OR = 2.7, CI = 1.4-5, P = 0.001), and a solid nodule was associated with Thy2 and Thy3 [(OR = 1.2, CI = 0.3-0.97, P = 0.040) and (OR = 2.2, CI = 1-4.8, P = 0.039), respectively]. In a multivariate analysis, younger age, multinodular goitre, an absence of irradiation history and cervical lymphadenopathy were protective against Thy3 [(OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.002-0.96, P = 0.047), (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.0-5.60, P = 0.039), (OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.16-0.94, P = 0.036) and (O R = 0.39, 95% CI = 1-5.6, P = 0.039), respectively]. In summary, younger age, multinodular goitre, the absence of an irradiation history and cervical lymphadenopathy were protective against Thy3 in a thyroid nodule.