Preoperative predictors and prognosis of bilateral multifocal papillary thyroid carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of multifocal PTC remain controversial. Surgical approach to multifocal tumor changes between centers. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of bilateral involvement, predictive factors for bilaterality and whether bilaterality was related with more aggressive histopathologic features or prognosis in patients with multifocal PTC. METHOD: Medical records and pathologic data of 914 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and diagnosed with PTC were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with multifocal disease were detected and divided into two subgroups as unilateral-multifocal PTCs and bilateral multifocal PTCs. Those two groups were compared regarding to demographic, clinical and histopathological features. RESULT: Multifocal disease was detected in 294 patients (32.7%). Of all, 102 patients (36.7%) had unilateral whereas 192 cases (65.3%) had bilateral involvement. As a result of univariate analysis, bilaterality was significantly associated with the number of tumor foci (p < 0.001), tumor size (p = 0.008), TSH (p = 0.002) and capsule invasion (p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the number of tumor foci and TSH level were independent risk factors for bilaterality in multifocal PTC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). Bilateral and unilateral tumors had similar local/regional and distant recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: Incidence of bilateral tumors is high and increases with the number of tumor foci in multifocal PTC. Bilateral involvement in multifocal PTC is not associated with worse prognosis.TSH can be taken as a preoperative indicator able to predict multifocal cancers and guide clinical decision making and surgical management.

Can ratio of the biggest tumor diameter to total tumor diameter be a new parameter in the differential diagnosis of agressive and favorable multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma?

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a new parameter -ratio of the biggest tumor diameter to total tumor diameter- for the differentiation of agressive and favorable papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diameter of the biggest tumor focus was taken as the primary tumor diameter. Total tumor diameter was calculated as the sum of the maximal diameter of each lesion. Ratio of primary tumor diameter to total tumor diameter was defined as tumor diameter ratio (TDR). Positive and negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of TDR to predict capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were determined. RESULTS: Mean TDR was significantly lower in multifocal PTMC patients with capsular invasion, ETE, lymphovascular invasion and LNM compared to patients without these features. The sensitivities of TDR for the detection of LNM, ETE and capsular invasion were 100%, 100% and 94.2%, respectively. Specificity of TDR was 86.2% for LNM, 88% for ETE and 94.7% for capsular invasion. Best cut off values of TDR that can predict capsular invasion, ETE and LNM in multifocal PTMC were 0.62, 0.57 and 0.56, respectively. Multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with capsular invasion, ETE and LNM had significantly lower mean TDR when compared to ones without these features. CONCLUSION: Decreased TDR was associated with capsular invasion, ETE and LNM in patients with multifocal PTMC and PTC. This new parameter might be particularly helpful for the detection of aggressive behavior in multifocal PTMCs.

Concomitant thyroid lesions in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant thyroid pathologies in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) present a challenge in the clinical and surgical decision-making for these patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate concomitant thyroid pathologies in patients who underwent operations for PHPT to determine the sensitivity (Sn) of neck ultrasonography (US) and Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy in detecting parathyroid adenoma. We also aimed to determine the clinical impact of preoperative neck US in patients with PHPT. METHODS: One hundred thirty-eight patients with PHPT were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent preoperative Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy and/or thyroid US. Nodules of ≥1 cm or <1 cm with suspicious US features underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). RESULTS: Preoperative thyroid US revealed that 93.5% of patients with PHPT had thyroid abnormalities and 66.7% of patients had at least one thyroid nodule. Postoperative histopathology results showed that 79.2% of patients had benign thyroid disease and 20.8% of patients had malignant thyroid disease. In the detection of parathyroid adenoma, US had 89.1% Sn and Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy had 82.6% Sn. CONCLUSION: We recommend the routine use of US in combination with Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy, especially in endemic goiter regions, to detect any concomitant thyroid disease and thus determine the best surgical strategy for patients with PHPT.

Idiopathic adrenal hematoma mimicking neoplasia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal haemorrhage is a relatively rare condition. If there is not a specific ethology describing adrenal hematoma, then, this is termed as 'idiopathic adrenal hematoma'. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We presented a case of idiopathic adrenal hematoma in this study. A 62-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a 40mm mass in the left upper abdominal cavity. The histopathological findings of the surgical specimen revealed a hematoma with normal adrenal tissue. DISCUSSION: The incidence of adrenal haemorrhage was found to be 1.1% regarding autopsy results. The Adrenal gland is highly vascular and vulnerable to haemorrhage. Before a surgical operation, it is difficult to diagnose idiopathic adrenal hematomas. CONCLUSION: An adrenal hematoma should be kept in mind when adrenal masses assessing.

Association of multifocality, tumor number, and total tumor diameter with clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid cancer.

Tumor multifocality is not an unusual finding in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but its clinical significance is controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate impact of multifocality, tumor number, and total tumor diameter on clinicopathological features of PTC. Medical records of 912 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and diagnosed with PTC were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were grouped into four according to number of tumoral foci: N1 (1 focus), N2 (2 foci), N3 (3 foci), and N4 (≥4 foci). The diameter of the largest tumor was considered the primary tumor diameter (PTD), and total tumor diameter (TTD) was calculated as the sum of the maximal diameter of each lesion in multicentric tumors. Patients were further classified into subgroups according to PTD and TTD. Multifocal PTC was found in 308 (33.8 %) patients. Capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in patients with multifocal tumors compared to patients with unifocal PTC. As the number of tumor increased, extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis also increased (p = 0.034 and p = 0.004, respectively). The risk of lymph node metastasis was 2.287 (OR = 2.287, p = 0.036) times higher in N3 and 3.449 (OR = 3.449, p = 0.001) times higher in N4 compared to N1. Capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in multifocal patients with PTD ≤10 mm and TTD >10 mm than unifocal patients with tumor diameter ≤10 mm (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of these parameters in multifocal patients with PTD ≤10 mm and TTD >10 mm and unifocal patients with tumor diameter >10 mm. In this study, increased tumor number was associated with higher rates of capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. In a patient with multifocal papillary microcarcinoma, TTD >10 mm confers a similar risk of aggressive histopathological behavior with unifocal PTC greater than 10 mm.

Evaluation of biochemical and clinical markers of endothelial dysfunction and their correlation with urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the study was to determine flow mediated endothelial dependent vasodilatation (FMD) measurements and serum soluble (s) endothelin-1 (ET-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with or without increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and compare them with the healthy controls. Subjects and methods Seventy three patients with T1DM were enrolled. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to microalbumin measurements in 24-hr urine collections. The diabetic patients without microalbuminuria (41 patients) were defined as Group I and those with microalbuminuria (32 patients) were defined as group II. A hundred age and sex matched healthy subjects participated as the control group (Group III). Serum sET-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 levels and FMD measurements were determined in all participants. Results Median FMD measurement was significantly lower in the diabetic groups compared with the control group (6.6, 6.4 and 7.8% in Group I, II and III, respectively) (p < 0.05). FMD was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.042). Median serum sICAM-1 level was higher in the patient groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Median serum sVCAM-1 level was higher in the group of patients with increased albuminuria compared to the normoalbuinuric and the control group (p < 0.05). Serum sVCAM-1 level was found to be positively correlated with degree of urinary albumin excretion (p < 0.001). Conclusion We assume that sVCAM-1 may be used as a predictive marker for risk stratification for nephropathy development and progression.

Evaluation of biochemical and clinical markers of endothelial dysfunction and their correlation with urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objective Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the study was to determine flow mediated endothelial dependent vasodilatation (FMD) measurements and serum soluble (s) endothelin-1 (ET-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with or without increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and compare them with the healthy controls. Subjects and methods Seventy three patients with T1DM were enrolled. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to microalbumin measurements in 24-hr urine collections. The diabetic patients without microalbuminuria (41 patients) were defined as Group I and those with microalbuminuria (32 patients) were defined as group II. A hundred age and sex matched healthy subjects participated as the control group (Group III). Serum sET-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 levels and FMD measurements were determined in all participants. Results Median FMD measurement was significantly lower in the diabetic groups compared with the control group (6.6, 6.4 and 7.8% in Group I, II and III, respectively) (p < 0.05). FMD was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.042). Median serum sICAM-1 level was higher in the patient groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Median serum sVCAM-1 level was higher in the group of patients with increased albuminuria compared to the normoalbuinuric and the control group (p < 0.05). Serum sVCAM-1 level was found to be positively correlated with degree of urinary albumin excretion (p < 0.001). Conclusion We assume that sVCAM-1 may be used as a predictive marker for risk stratification for nephropathy development and progression.

Is there any association between primary hyperparathyroidism and ocular changes, such as central corneal thickness, retinal thickness, and intraocular pressure?

Ocular changes are commonly encountered in various endocrine disorders. However, only a few studies have reported ocular changes in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Here, we examined the central corneal thickness (CCT), retinal thickness (RT), and intraocular pressure (IOP), and their relationships with serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) levels in patients with PHPT. Thirty-seven eyes of 37 PHPT patients were compared with 43 eyes of 43 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. A detailed ophthalmologic examination, including CCT, RT, and IOP, was performed. CCT and IOP in PHPT patients were significantly higher than controls (p = 0.024 and p = 0.038, respectively). No statistically significant difference was detected in RT between the two groups (p = 0.730). iPTH levels were positively correlated with CCT and IOP (r = 0.304, p = 0.006 and r = 0.249, p = 0.026, respectively). No significant correlation was found between iPTH levels and RT (p > 0.05), and between serum Ca levels, and RT, CCT, and IOP (all, p > 0.05). While there was a negative correlation between serum P levels and CCT (r = -0.264, p = 0.018), no correlation was observed between serum P levels, and RT and IOP (both, p > 0.05). Using multiple regression analyses, iPTH, serum Ca, and serum P levels were found to have no significant associations with CCT, IOP, and RT (all, p > 0.05). There was no significant association between PHPT, and CCT, RT, and IOP. We postulate that the identification of ocular aspects of PHPT is significant, and further studies related to this condition are required.

Nonclassical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Pregnancy.

Objective. The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency due to mutation of the CYP21A2 gene. Patients with nonclassical CAH (NC-CAH) are usually asymptomatic at birth and typically present in late childhood, adolescence, or adulthood with symptoms of excessive androgen secretion. Subfertility is relative in NC-CAH, but the incidence of spontaneous miscarriage is higher. Here, we report a previously undiagnosed female who gave birth to a normal male child and is planning to become pregnant again. Case Report. A 32-year-old female was referred to our clinic for obesity. Her medical history revealed that she had had three pregnancies. She was planning to become pregnant again. Her laboratory results revealed that she had NC-CAH. Since her husband is the son of her aunt and she had miscarriages and intrauterin exitus in her history, their genetic analyses were performed. Conclusion. Since most patients with NC-CAH have a severe mutation, these patients may give birth to a child with the classical CAH (C-CAH) if their partner is also carrying a severe mutation. Females with NC-CAH who desire pregnancy must be aware of the risk of having an infant with C-CAH.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Does Not Affect Ultrasonographical, Cytological, and Histopathological Features in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The association between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare preoperative thyroid functions, ultrasonography (US) features, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) results, and histopathological characteristics of PTC in patients with and without HT. Data of 919 PTC patients were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of HT was based on histopathological examination and patients were grouped as HT and non-HT. There were 1321 PTC lesions in 919 patients among which 317 (34.5 %) had coexistent HT. There were no significant differences in nodule volume, longitudinal diameter, texture, echogenicity, marginal regularity, presence of microcalcification and hypoechoic halo, and peripheral vascularization in patients with and without HT (p > 0.05, for all parameters). Macrocalcification was observed more frequently in the non-HT group (p = 0.021). FNAB results were similar in the two groups (p = 0.105). Distribution of variants, capsule invasion, vascular invasion, and extrathyroidal extension were observed with similar rates in the HT and non-HT groups. Lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in patients without HT (p = 0.012). Of the carcinomas, 66.1 % (n = 874) were papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Tumor size was lower in PTMC lesions coexistent with HT (p = 0.026). We observed lower rates of capsule invasion, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastases in PTMC with HT compared to without HT (p = 0.007, p = 0.003, and p = 0.015, respectively). This study showed that US features, FNAB results, and histopathological findings of PTC lesions are not influenced by the presence of HT. However, PTMC seems to be related with less aggressive histopathological behavior in HT.

THYROID NODULES WITH 2 PRIOR INADEQUATE FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION RESULTS: EFFECT OF INCREASING THE DIAMETER OF THE NEEDLE.

OBJECTIVE: The major limitation of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) procedures of thyroid nodules are the cytologically nondiagnostic results. The role of increasing the diameter of the needle in the third FNAB (FNAB#3) due to inadequate cytology has as yet not been investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether increasing the needle diameter could improve the cytologic sampling of thyroid nodules following 2 previous nondiagnostic US-FNAB results. METHODS: Between July 2012 and December 2012, 140 consecutive patients with 2 prior nondiagnostic US-FNAB results were enrolled in this prospective investigation. Group 22G consisted of 70 patients (78.5% women; mean age, 52 years) having nodules examined with a 22-gauge (G) needle. Group 27G consisted of 70 patients (75.7% women; mean age, 53 years) having nodules examined with a 27-G needle. RESULTS: The rate of nondiagnostic FNAB results was 42.8% (30 of 70) in group 22G and 64.3% (45 of 70) in group 27G, which was a significant difference (P = .011). The large-bore (22 G) needle was found to be statistically significantly superior compared with the small-bore (27 G) needle in diagnostic ability for predominantly solid (P = .014), irregular (P = .013), and halo-free (P = .021) nodules. The accuracy rate was 64.6 and 38% for large-bore (22 G) and small-bore (27 G) needles, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that increasing the needle lumen diameter significantly improves diagnostic performance in terms of adequate aspirated material and diagnostic accuracy rate following 2 prior nondiagnostic US-FNABs.

Effective treatment of severe pregnancy and lactation-related osteoporosis with teriparatide: case report and review of the literature.

Pregnancy or lactation-related osteoporosis (PLO) is a very rare and debilitating condition which is usually diagnosed during the last trimester of the pregnancy or early postpartum period. Herein, we report a case with severe PLO and multiple vertebral compression fractures that were successfully treated with teriparatide. Twenty-three-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic two months after her first spontaneous vaginal delivery with the complaint of severe back pain. Bone mineral density was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and low T- and Z-scores were observed in lumbar vertebrae. In vertebral MRI, severe height loss was detected in thoracic (T) 5,7,10,11,12 vertebrae. After exclusion of the other possible causes of OP, she was diagnosed to have PLO and the lactation was stopped. She was treated with calcium 1000 mg/day, cholecalciferol 800 mg/day and teriparatide 20 µg/day. At the 12th and 18th month of therapy, BMD was increased by 8% and 27%, respectively, at the lumbar spine and pain was completely relieved in few months. There are pharmacological therapy modalities that can be used in PLO. Bisphosphonates are effective, but there are some concerns that they accumulate in bone and may expose fetus in subsequent pregnancies. Teriparatide is a strong candidate to be the optimal medical therapy in severe cases since it is effective and safe.

Evaluation of cytopathological findings in thyroid nodules with macrocalcification: macrocalcification is not innocent as it seems / Avaliação dos achados citopatológicos em nódulos tiroidianos com macrocalcificações: elas não são tão inocentes como parecem

Objective Microcalcification is strongly correlated with papillary thyroid cancer. It is not clear whether macrocalcification is associated with malignancy. In this study, we aimed to assess the result of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications. Subjects and methods We retrospectively evaluated 269 patients (907 nodules). Macrocalcifications were classified as eggshell and parenchymal macrocalcification. FNAB results were divided into four groups: benign, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, and non-diagnostic. Results There were 79.9% female and 20.1% male and mean age was 56.9 years. Macrocalcification was detected in 46.3% nodules and 53.7% nodules had no macrocalcification. Parenchymal and eggshell macrocalcification were observed in 40.5% and 5.8% nodules, respectively. Cytologically, malignant and suspicious for malignancy rates were higher in nodules with macrocalcification compared to nodules without macrocalcification (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). Benign and non-diagnostic cytology results were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). Nodules with eggshell calcification had higher rate of suspicious for malignancy and nodules with parenchymal macrocalcification had higher rates of malignant and suspicious for malignancy compared to those without macrocalcification (p = 0.01, p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions Our findings suggest that macrocalcifications are not always benign and are not associated with increased nondiagnostic FNAB results. Macrocalcification, particularly the parenchymal type should be taken into consideration. Arq Bras ...

Objetivo A microcalcificação está fortemente correlacionada com o câncer papilar de tiroide. Não está claro se a macrocalcificação também está associada com malignidade. Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi avaliar o resultado da biópsia de aspiração por agulha fina (FNAB) de nódulos tiroidianos com macrocalcificações. Sujeitos e métodos Avaliamos retrospectivamente 269 pacientes (907 nódulos). As macrocalcificações foram classificadas como periféricas (casca de ovo) ou parenquimatosas (interna). Os resultados da FNAB foram divididos em quatro grupos citológicos: benignos, com malignidade, suspeita de malignidade e não diagnósticos. Resultados Das amostras, 79,9% foram coletadas de mulheres e 20,1% de homens, e a idade média foi de 56,9 anos. A macrocalcificação foi detectada em 46,3% dos nódulos, e em 53,7% dos nódulos não havia macrocalcificação. A macrocalcificação parenquimatosa e periférica foi observada em 40,5% e 5,8% dos nódulos, respectivamente. Em termos citológicos, a malignidade e suspeita de malignidade foram mais comuns em nódulos com macrocalcificação em comparação com nódulos sem macrocalcificação (p = 0,004 e p = 0,003, respectivamente). Resultados benignos e não diagnósticos da citologia foram similares em ambos os grupos (p > 0,05). Os nódulos com calcificações periféricas apresentaram uma taxa maior de suspeita de malignidade e os nódulos com macrocalcificação parenquimatosa apresentaram ...

Evaluation of postural parathyroid hormone change in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Purpose. In the present study, we aimed to investigate postural change of PTH in normal individuals and in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Methods. Twenty-two patients with PHPT and nine healthy controls were enrolled. Following 12 h of fast, patients stayed in recumbent position for an hour and PTH and total Ca measurements were performed at the 45th and 60th minutes of resting. Afterwards, the patients resumed an upright posture for an hour and again blood samples were taken at the 45th and 60th minutes of standing. Results. In the PHPT group, mean PTH was calculated as 153.9 pg/mL in the recumbent position while it was 206.3 during upright position (Δ change was 47.7) (P < 0.001). In the control group mean serum PTH was measured as 41.2 pg/mL in the recumbent position while it was 44.8 pg/mL in the upright position (Δ change was 1.7) (P = 0.11). In both groups, serum Ca was higher in the upright position compared to the recumbent position (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Postural change of serum PTH is significant only in PHPT group. Postural PTH test may give a clue to the clinician when the diagnosis of PHPT is equivocal.

Do repeatedly nondiagnostic fine needle aspirations of thyroid nodules predict malignancy risk?

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a common, minimally invasive, cost-effective, and rapid method to manage thyroid nodules, but nondiagnostic FNAB (ND-FNAB) is still a common problem due to high prevalence (2%-20%). Our purpose in this study is to investigate risk of malignancy of repeating ND-FNABs and correlation between clinical and ultrasound findings. Our cohort study included 75 patients who had 2 or more times ND-FNABs and, finally, undergone surgical resection. We evaluated demographic, clinical, ultasonographic, and pathologic features. Fifty-seven patients were female, and 22 patients were male. Seventy-five patients' histopathologic results were 76% (n=57) benign and 24% (n=18) malignant. Of malignant nodules, 94.4% (n=17) were papillary carcinoma, whereas 5.6% (n=1) were follicular carcinoma. We did not find any predictive factor for malignancy and any differences associated with clinical and ultrasonographic features between benign and malignant nodules. Reaspiration followed by surgery for appropriate patients is recommended.

Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management.

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast glandular tissue and is the most common breast condition in males. At least 30% of males will be affected during their life. Since it causes anxiety, psychosocial discomfort and fear of breast cancer, early diagnostic evaluation is important and patients usually seek medical attention. Gynecomastia was reported to cause an imbalance between estrogen and androgen action or an increased estrogen to androgen ratio, due to increased estrogen production, decreased androgen production or both. Evaluation of gynecomastia must include a detailed medical history, clinical examination, specific blood tests, imaging and tissue sampling. Individual treatment requirements can range from simple reassurance to medical treatment or even surgery. The main aim of any intervention is to relieve the symptoms and exclude other etiological factors.

Malignancy rate of thyroid nodules defined as follicular lesion of undetermined significance and atypia of undetermined significance in thyroid cytopathology and its relation with ultrasonographic features.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been widely accepted as the most accurate, safe, and cost-effective method for evaluation of thyroid nodules. The most challenging category in FNAB is atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) and follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS). The Bethesda system (BS) recommends repeat FNAB in that category due to its low risk of malignancy. In our study, we aimed to investigate the malignancy rate of thyroid nodules of AUS and FLUS and whether there were different malignancy rates among the different patterns in this category, and to evaluate the presence of biochemical, clinical, and echographic features possibly predictive of malignancy related to AUS and FLUS. Data of 268 patients operated for AUS and FLUS cytology were screened retrospectively. Ultrasonographic features and thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies, scintigraphy, and histopathological results were evaluated. Of the 268 patients' results, 276 nodules are evaluated. Malignancy rates were 24.3 % in the AUS group, 19.8 % in the FLUS group, and 22.8 % in both groups. In the evaluation of all nodules, the predictive features of malignancy are hypoechogenicity and peripheral vascularization of the nodule. We determined that the malignancy rates in these nodules are higher than that in the literature rate. This high ratio may be due to the fact that we studied only patients who underwent surgery. The ultrasonographic features alone may be insufficient to predict the malignancy; therefore, all the clinical and ultrasonographic features must be considered in the evaluation of the thyroid nodules. In addition, we think that the recommended management of repeat FNAB in these groups must be reconsidered with the clinical and ultrasonographic features.

Evaluation of cytopathological findings in thyroid nodules with macrocalcification: macrocalcification is not innocent as it seems.

OBJECTIVE: Microcalcification is strongly correlated with papillary thyroid cancer. It is not clear whether macrocalcification is associated with malignancy. In this study, we aimed to assess the result of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of thyroid nodules with macrocalcifications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 269 patients (907 nodules). Macrocalcifications were classified as eggshell and parenchymal macrocalcification. FNAB results were divided into four groups: benign, malignant, suspicious for malignancy, and non-diagnostic. RESULTS: There were 79.9% female and 20.1% male and mean age was 56.9 years. Macrocalcification was detected in 46.3% nodules and 53.7% nodules had no macrocalcification. Parenchymal and eggshell macrocalcification were observed in 40.5% and 5.8% nodules, respectively. Cytologically, malignant and suspicious for malignancy rates were higher in nodules with macrocalcification compared to nodules without macrocalcification (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). Benign and non-diagnostic cytology results were similar in two groups (p > 0.05). Nodules with eggshell calcification had higher rate of suspicious for malignancy and nodules with parenchymal macrocalcification had higher rates of malignant and suspicious for malignancy compared to those without macrocalcification (p = 0.01, p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that macrocalcifications are not always benign and are not associated with increased nondiagnostic FNAB results. Macrocalcification, particularly the parenchymal type should be taken into consideration.

Parathyroid incidentalomas detected during thyroid ultrasonography and effect of chronic thyroiditis on false positive parathyroid lesions.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of parathyroid incidentalomas in patients referred for thyroid ultrasonography (US) and investigate the role of chronic thyroiditis on false positive lesions. Patients suspected to have parathyroid lesions during thyroid US were recorded prospectively between August 2009 and January 2010. Patients referred for parathyroid US and patients with known high serum calcium or parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were excluded. Suspected parathyroid lesions were defined as hypoechoic, homogeneous, solid lesions with regular margins located outside the thyroid lobe, most commonly inferior to the thyroid gland. Thyroid US was performed in 6,528 patients. There were 78 patients (1.19 %) (73 female and 5 male) with suspected parathyroid lesion. The diagnosis of a true parathyroid adenoma was confirmed in 6 (7.69 %) patients. In patients with true adenoma, mean serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels were 10.57 ± 0.48 mg/dl, 3.03 ± 0.52 mg/dl, and 182.91 ± 46.62 pg/ml, respectively. Among 72 patients with false positive parathyroid lesion, antithyroid peroxidase antibody was positive in 50 (69.4 %), antithyroglobulin antibody was positive in 46 (63.9 %), and one of these antibodies were positive in 59 (81.9 %) patients. Also, 46 (63.9 %) of these patients had thyroid dysfunctions (43 hypothyroidism and 3 hyperthyroidism) and 59 (81.9 %) had chronic thyroiditis ultrasonographically. Parathyroid incidentaloma was detected in 0.09 % of patients referred for thyroid US. The presence of clinically or ultrasonographically chronic thyroiditis might cause inadvertent interpretation of a hypoechoic lesion as a parathyroid pathology during thyroid US.