18F-fluorocholine PET/MRI versus ultrasound and sestamibi for the localization of parathyroid adenomas.

PURPOSE: Accurate preoperative localization is imperative to facilitate a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). This study aims to compare the diagnostic value of standard-of-care localization techniques (ultrasound [US] and 99mTechnetium (99mTc) -sestamibi scintigraphy) to [F-18]-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FCH-PET/MRI) to determine the additional clinical usefulness of PET/MRI in a Canadian cohort. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, appropriately powered, study to compare the diagnostic value of -FCH PET/MRI to that of the US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy for localization of parathyroid adenomas in a patient with pHPT. The primary outcome was the per-lesion sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of FCH-PET/MRI, US, and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy. Intraoperative surgeon localization, parathormone levels, and histopathological findings were used as reference standards. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent FCH-PET/MRI of which 36 patients had parathyroidectomy. In these 36 patients, 41 parathyroid lesions were histologically confirmed as adenomas or hyperplastic glands. Per-lesion sensitivity of FCH-PET/MRI was 82.9% and of US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy combined at 50.0%, respectively. The sensitivity of FCH-PET/MRI was superior to that of US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy (p = 0.002). In the 19 patients in whom both US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy were negative, PET/MRI correctly identified the parathyroid adenoma in 13 patients (68%). CONCLUSIONS: FCH-PET/MRI is a highly accurate imaging modality for localization of parathyroid adenomas in a tertiary center in North America. It is a superior functional imaging modality to 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy alone and more sensitive for localization of parathyroid lesions than US and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy combined. This imaging modality could become the most valuable preoperative localization study given its superior performance in localizing parathyroid adenomas.

Locking in trochanteric fractures: a comparison of static versus dynamic locking using the Gamma3 nail.

PURPOSE: The Gamma3 nail (Stryker®) is an intramedullary device consisting of a proximal lag screw and distal interlocking screw. It is still unknown whether the screw locking mode could influence clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare static and dynamic screw locking regarding their influence on surgical revisions and lag screw displacement. METHODS: A retrospective single-centre study was performed on patients ≥ 60 years admitted for a trochanteric fracture between September 2016 and January 2020. Surgical revisions and lag screw displacement were evaluated at 6 weeks and 1-year follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were included for analysis. Surgical revisions were needed in 13 cases (9.2%). Indications included implant breakage (n = 3), lag screw cut-out (n = 3), lateral hip pain (n = 6) and non-union (n = 1). The number of surgical revisions was not different between static and dynamic locking (OR 2.55; 95%CI 0.73-8.56; p 0.142). The median lag screw displacement was 2.5 mm, which was similar for static and dynamic locking (2.3 mm versus 2.7 mm; p 0.785). CONCLUSION: The screw locking mode of the Gamma3 nail is not associated with a higher risk of surgical revisions. However, the design of the Gamma3 nail may not be suitable for static locking.

[Is our treatment of well-differentiated thyroid cancer too aggressive? Hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy]. / Behandelen we goed gedifferentieerde schildklierkanker te agressief?

Recent literature shows that hemithyroidectomy is a safe alternative for total thyroidectomy in the treatment of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer up to 4 cm in diameter and a low risk of recurrence. According to criteria of the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines, more than 28% of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer of a Dutch cohort would be eligible for hemithyroidectomy instead of the total thyroidectomy they actually underwent. However, standardisation and high quality pre- and postoperative diagnostics are required for responsible implementation of this new guideline in Dutch healthcare.

[Procedural sedation and analgesia with nitrous oxide for children in the emergency department]. / Procedurele sedatie en analgesie met lachgas bij kinderen op de SEH.

Procedural sedation and analgesia with nitrous oxide in children who are anxious or in pain is a relatively new type of sedation in emergency departments in the Netherlands. The gas is inhaled through a face mask and does not require intravenous access. Furthermore, nitrous oxide does not influence the circulatory and respiratory systems and airway reflexes remain intact, which means that the child does not need to be fasted. Children who are treated with nitrous oxide experience significantly less pain and discomfort compared to the application of conventional analgesia. Satisfaction levels are also high amongst patients' parents. This type of sedation can be used in virtually any procedure that causes the child to be anxious and where psychological behaviour change techniques will likely not suffice. Since only light sedation is induced, the general consensus is that this technique can also be applied safely by non-anaesthetists.