THYROID NODULE FREQUENCY AND MALIGNANCY RISK ACCORDING TO ATA- 2015 AND ACR-TI-RADS CLASSIFICATION IN OBESE PATIENTS

In our study, we aimed to evaluate thyroid nodule ultrasound findings, nodule frequency and malignancy risk according to the ultrasonographic classification systems [(American Thyroid Association-2015 (ATA) and American College of Radiology - Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS)] in obese and non-obese subjects.

111 obese subjects and 111 non-obese age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study.The malignancy risk of the identified nodules was evaluated using ultrasonographic classification systems. Fine neddle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on the nodules according to ultrasonographic malignancy risk, and cytopathological evaluation was performed according to the Bethesda system.

We did not find any difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and thyroid volumes.We detected thyroid nodules in 36 (32.4%) of 111 subjects in the obese group and 22 (19.8%) of 111 subjects in the control group. Compared with controls, the prevalence of nodules was higher in obese subjects (p=0.046).There was no difference in the malignancy risk of nodules in obese subjects compared to non-obese subjects according to both ultrasonographic classification systems.

We have determined that the frequency of thyroid nodules is higher in obese patients than in non-obese subjects.However, we did not find any difference between the two groups in terms of malignancy risk of thyroid nodules according to ultrasonographic classification systems.