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. 2023 Apr 14:44:176.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.176.37751. eCollection 2023.

Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression by thyroid neoplasms in a Nigerian tertiary health centre

Soremekun Ademola Idowu  1 , Olaofe Olaejirinde Olaniyi  1 , Komolafe Akinwumi Oluwole  1
Affiliations

Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression by thyroid neoplasms in a Nigerian tertiary health centre

Soremekun Ademola Idowu et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: despite the observed appreciable sensitivity and specificity of the use of CK19 in predicting thyroid malignancies, there is still a paucity of information about its uses in Nigeria. Current information across the world is also scarce. This study was to review the histopathological diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms seen in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile Ife, using cytokeratin 19 immunohistochemical marker.

Methods: a retrospective study of fifty-six cases of thyroid neoplasm seen over a period of twenty years was conducted. The tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for CK19 using monoclonal antibodies. The expression of the markers on the various thyroid neoplasms was assessed histologically.

Results: the expression of CK19 was significantly higher in malignant thyroid neoplasms compared to benign neoplasms (p<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity for cytokeratin 19 were 90.0% and 75.0% respectively.

Conclusion: diffuse immunohistochemical expression of CK19 is a strong indicator of thyroid malignancy. This biomarker can help in the diagnosis of thyroid neoplasms especially those with incomplete or equivocal histomorphology features.

Keywords: Thyroid; antibody; cytokeratin; immunohistochemistry; neoplasm.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
age group distribution of benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms in the study
Figure 2
Figure 2
photomicrograph of a patient with follicular adenoma showing micro follicles, oedematous stroma and diffuse staining by CK19 (x200); the black arrow points to a microfollicle and the blue arrow points to the oedematous stroma
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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