The Utility of ACR TI-RADS in Predicting False-Negative Fine Needle Aspiration for Thyroid Cancer.

[BACKGROUND] Thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies are associated with a low false-negative rate. There is limited data regarding the predictive value of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System for false-negative FNA.

[METHODS] This single-center retrospective study evaluated 119 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. The association of TR category, along with other clinical variables, with false-negative FNA was evaluated.

[RESULTS] The overall false-negative rate of FNA was 10.8% (n = 9). False-negative FNAs were associated with younger age (mean 42 years vs 50.6 years, = .04), larger nodule size (mean 4.4 cm vs 3.2 cm, = .03), and a lower TR category (median 3 v 4, = .01).

[DISCUSSION] Lower TR category, younger age, and larger nodule size were associated with false-negative FNA of thyroid nodules. These findings should be taken into context when counseling patients with thyroid nodules who have a benign FNA.