Serum thyroid autoantibodies in malignant thyroid nodules

Abstract

Background: Thyroid cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours of the endocrine system. Thyroid autoantibodies were reported to be associated with malignant thyroid nodules. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum thyroid autoantibody levels for malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: From March 2023 to January 2024, we recruited 104 consecutive patients with thyroid nodules confirmed by ultrasonography in three departments of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Out of these, 52 were diagnosed with malignant thyroid nodules using fine needle aspiration cytology, while the remaining 52 had benign thyroid nodules. Serum thyroid autoantibodies were measured using the immunoassay technique. Results: The mean levels of serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were significantly higher (P40 IU/mL) and TgAb (>35 IU/mL) showed reasonable accuracy (60% to 65%) in detecting malignancy of thyroid nodules. Conclusions: Thyroid malignancy is positively associated with TgAb and TPOAb. Therefore, thyroid autoantibodies could be considered for screening malignancy in thyroid nodules.

Keywords

• thyroid nodule
• thyroid cancer
• thyroid peroxidase antibody
• thyroglobulin antibody