[Study and management of thyroid nodes by non specialist physicians: SOCHED consensus]. / Estudio y manejo de nódulos tiroideos por médicos no especialistas. Consenso SOCHED.

The thyroid nodule is a frequent cause of primary care consultation. The prevalence of a palpable thyroid nodule is approximately 4-7%, increasing up to 67% by the incidental detection of nodules on ultrasound. The vast majority are benign and asymptomatic, staying stable over time. The clinical importance of studying a thyroid nodule is to exclude thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5 to 10% of the nodules. The Board of SOCHED (Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes) asked the Thyroid Study Group to develop a consensus regarding the diagnostic management of the thyroid nodule in Chile, aimed at non-specialist physicians and adapted to the national reality. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of 31 experts was established among university academics, active researchers with publications on the subject and prominent members of scientific societies of endocrinology, head and neck surgery, pathology and radiology. A total of 14 questions were developed with key aspects for the diagnosis and subsequent referral of patients with thyroid nodules, which were addressed by the participants. In those areas where the evidence was insufficient or the national reality had to be considered, the consensus opinion of the experts was used through the Delphi methodology. The consensus was approved by the SOCHED board for publication.

Cáncer de piel: melanoma. Revisión de la literatura / Skin cancer: melanoma. Literature review

Skin cancer is usually classified into melanoma (SCM) and non-melanoma (SCNM), with different cell origins; being the SCM responsible for the highest mortality. In Chile, an incidence (2008) of 434 new cases is estimated, obtaining a standardized rate of 2.2 cases per 100,000 habitants. There are multiple associated risk factors, the main ones being exposure to UV radiation and sunburn. The strategies to prevent this pathology fall on these same factors. The clinical evaluation of the lesions with ABCD mnemonics added to the use of dermoscopy increases the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; however, the definitive confirmation is through biopsy, which must include the necessary parameters to define prognosis of disease. The definitive treatment is Surgical. There are alternatives such as the use of the sentinel lymph node to define lymph node dissections. Regarding systemic therapies, the use of immunotherapy has shown results that improve survival in these patients.

Tumores de glándulas salivales: enfrentamiento diagnóstico inicial / Salivary gland tumors: initial diagnostic confrontation

It is described that salivary gland tumors account for up to 3-6% of head and neck tumors, 80% of these being located in the parotid gland. Broadly speaking, the smaller the gland, the greater the probability of malignancy. The most common clinical manifestation in tumor pathology is the appearance of a painless mass. Indicators of malignancy should be considered: chronic volume increase or rapid growth, facial paralysis, cranial nerve involvement, ulceration, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Ultrasonography should be the first imaging study, however, it provides limited information. MRI is the exam of choice for salivary gland tumors, whereas CT and PET-CT allow the study of local and remote invasion. FNA is controversial, it is not indicated for all patients, in parotid tumors a cytological examination is usually not necessary prior to surgery. Excisional biopsy is not recommended due to the risk of tumor seeding, neural damage, and salivary fistula. The goal of treatment in gland tumors is the removal of the glands, associated with lymph node dissection and adjuvant radiation therapy in indicated cases. The general practitioner must comprehensively address these pathologies to achieve a timely referral to the specialist. (AU)

Hiperparatiroidismo primario / Primary hyperparathyroidism

Resumen El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPP) se define como un trastorno endocrinológico caracterizado por hipercalcemia y niveles de hormona paratiroidea (PTH) elevados o inadecuadamente normales resultado de la secreción excesiva de PTH de una o más glándulas paratiroides. Con respecto a la causa, en un 85% se debe a un adenoma paratiroideo único y un 95% de los casos son esporádicos, sin un factor etiológico identificable. La presentación clásica en la mayoría de los casos es de forma asintomática, sin embargo, sus síntomas o signos clásicos incluyen los derivados de la afectación renal, donde la nefrolitiasis es la manifestación clínica más frecuente de la afectación ósea y de la hipercalcemia. El diagnóstico es bioquímico, sin necesidad de estudio imagenológico, el cual se realiza únicamente como pruebas localizadoras prequirúrgicas. El tratamiento definitivo es quirúrgico, siendo la paratiroidectomía con abordaje cervical el procedimiento de elección.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is defined as an endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated or inadequately normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels resulting from the excessive secretion of PTH from one or more parathyroid glands. The cause of this disorder is due, in 85%, to a single parathyroid adenoma and most cases (95%) are sporadic, without an identifiable etiologic factor. PHP is asymptomatic in most patients, however, classic symptoms or signs include those derived from renal involvement, where nephrolithiasis is the most frequent clinical manifestation, and those derived from bone affectation and hypercalcemia. The diagnosis is biochemical, without the need for an imaging study, which is performed only as pre-surgical locator tests. The definitive treatment is surgical, being the parathyroidectomy with cervical approach the procedure of choice.

Enfrentamiento a una masa cervical no tiroidea en Atención Primaria / Confrontation with a non-thyroid cervical mass in Primary Care

The clinical approach to non-thyroid cervical masses in primary care has always been considered a diagnostic challenge. In the absence of specific diagnostic methods, the general practitioner must rely on clinic and general tests in order to achieve a suspected diagnosis and timely referral. On initial approach to cervical masses, one must first analyze each case according to patient age, associating an exhaustive anamnesis focused on the growth pattern and aggregate symptoms, along with a physical examination focused on signs of malignancy. Once completed, the etiology of the mass can be classified as probable congenital, inflammatory or tumoral origin. And also try to determine localization, temporality and discriminate between benign and malignant causes. Once the clinical interrogation has been completed, basic complementary tests and/or directed test according to suspicion can be requested. The foregoing allows the primary care physician a proper referral to specialist and/or initiation of appropriate treatment. (AU)

Variación de dosis de radioyodo en pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides post implementación de guías ATA 2015 / Variation of radioiodine dose in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer after implementation of the ATA 2015 guidelines

Introducción: El cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT), es actualmente la neoplasia endocrina más frecuente. Su tratamiento estándar es la resolución quirúrgica, asociado a ablación con radioyodo (RI) según la clasificación propuesta por la American Thyroid Association (ATA). Las indicaciones y dosis de este último, han ido variando en los últimos años según avanzan las investigaciones en este ámbito. Objetivo: En el siguiente estudio se compararon las dosis de RI utilizadas previo y posterior a la implementación de las últimas guías de la ATA. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de 70 pacientes con diagnóstico de CDT del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 2012 y 2017. Se agruparon los pacientes en dos cohortes, los operados entre los años 2012-2015 y los 2016-2017 clasificándolos según riesgo ATA, TNM y riesgo de recurrencia. Se consignaron las dosis de RI utilizadas y se compararon entre las cohortes. Análisis estadístico: Mann Whithney. Resultados: Al comparar la dosis de RI entre ambas cohortes, según TNM y riesgo ATA, se obtuvo los siguientes resultados: los pacientes T1b de la cohorte 2012-2015 presentaron dosis de RI significativamente mayores que los de la cohorte 2016-2017; también se evidenció que en pacientes N0 hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, mostrando una tendencia a disminuir la dosis de RI; además, en los pacientes de la cohorte 2012-2015 con riesgo ATA intermedio, se obtuvo que las dosis de RI fueron significativamente mayores que las utilizadas en la cohorte 2016-2017. Conclusión: Se concluye que las variaciones de las dosis de RI utilizadas en pacientes con CDT en un hospital universitario van acorde a las recomendaciones internacionales actuales, particularmente la publicación de la guía ATA 2015, aplicándose radioablación con menor dosis de RI. Dado este cambio, se ha evidenciado igualdad de efectos con dosis menores de RI y consecuentemente menos efectos adversos.

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (CDT) is currently the most frequent endocrine neoplasia. Its standard of care is surgical treatment, associated with radioiodine ablation (IR) according to the classification proposed by the American Thyroid Association (ATA). The indications and doses of the latter have changed in recent years as research in this area advances. Objective: In the following study, the doses of IR used before and after the implementation of the latest ATA guidelines were compared. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study of 70 patients with a diagnosis of CDT from the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2012 and 2017. Patients were grouped into two cohorts, those surgically intervened between the years 2012-2015 and 2016-2017, classifying them according to ATA risk, TNM and recurrence risk. The IR doses used were reported and compared between the cohorts. Statistical analysis: Mann Whithney. Results: When comparing the IR dose between both cohorts, according to TNM and ATA risk, the following results were obtained: T1b patients in the 2012-2015 cohort had significantly higher IR doses than those in the 2016-2017 cohort; It was also evidenced that N0 patients showed a statistically significant tendency to decrease the IR dose; In addition, the 2012-2015 cohort with intermediate ATA risk, revealed IR doses significantly higher than those used in the 2016-2017 cohort. Conclusion: It is concluded that the variations in IR doses, used in patients with CDT in a university hospital, are in accordance with current international recommendations, particularly the publication of the ATA 2015 guidelines, applying radioablation with a lower dose of IR. Given this change, equality of effects has been evidenced with lower doses of IR and consequently fewer adverse effects.

Quiste dermoide latero cervical / Dermoid cyst of the lateral neck

Resumen Introducción: Los quistes dermoides son lesiones de origen ectodérmico poco frecuentes. Solo un 1,6% de ellos, se presenta en el piso de la boca y de éstos, solo un 6% lateralmente en el espacio submandibular. Objetivo: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 32 años, con un cuadro de 1 año de evolución caracterizado por una lesión de crecimiento lento pero sostenido. Se le realizó la resección de la lesión junto con una submandibulectomía ipsilateral resultando compatible con un quiste dermoide. Discusión: La localización de esta lesión es muy infrecuente. En el estudio histopatológico son lesiones con epitelio pluriestratificado cornificado y anexos cutáneos. El estudio de imágenes orienta a una lesión quística, siendo la resonancia nuclear hoy en día el mejor examen para caracterizar esta lesión. Es una lesión benigna, sin recidivas reportadas cuando la resección ha sido completa.

Introduction: Dermoid cysts are uncommon lesions from ectodermic origin. Only 1.6% arise in the floor of the mouth, and at this site only 6% arise laterally in the submandibular region. Aim: Case report and review of the literature. Clinical Case: 32 years old patient, with a slow growing lesion during 1 year. Complete resection with an ipisilateral submandibulectomy was performed. The pathologic report showed a dermoid cyst. Discussion: The localization of this lesion is very uncommon. In the pathologic report are lesion with pluri stratified cornified epthitelium with skin attachments. Image studies show a cystic lesion being the magnetic resonance the best study to characterize this lesions. Are benign lesions, without recurrence reported when the lesion has been fully excised.

Infecciones profundas del cuello / Deep neck infections

Deep neck infections (DNIs) are special entities among infectious diseases for their versatility and potential for severe complications. Complex head and neck anatomy often makes early recognition of DNIs challenging, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid any delay in treatment. The diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination findings and imaging studies. The treatment consists in securing the airway, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage, when needed. To make decisions the surgeon must understand the anatomy of the region, the etiology of infection, appropriate diagnostic tools, and medical and surgical management. This article provides a review of these pertinent topics. (AU)

Paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica por acceso vestibular oral: cirugía de paratiroides sin cicatriz: primer caso realizado en Sudamérica / Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA)

Introducción: El abordaje de elección de la glándula tiroides y paratiroides, desde su descripción, ha sido la cervicotomía transversal. En el hiperparatiroidismo, con la optimización de los métodos de localización preoperatoria de las glándulas anómalas, se han creado técnicas abiertas mínimamente invasivas, con un mejor resultado estético y un menor tiempo de recuperación. Con el objetivo de eliminar las cicatrices externas se ha implementado una nueva técnica quirúrgica que utiliza abordajes endoscópicos a través de orificios naturales (NOTES). En los últimos años se ha hecho conocida una técnica de tiroidectomía y paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica a través de incisiones en el vestíbulo oral. Caso clínico: Paciente de 65 años con hiperparatiroidismo primario con nódulo hiperfuncionante superior derecho que se somete a una paratiroidectomía parcial transoral endoscópica por abordaje vestibular. Resultados: El procedimiento se realiza sin incidentes con buena evolución posoperatoria de la paciente. Discusión: La paratiroidectomía transoral endoscópica por abordaje vestibular (TOEPVA) ha demostrado ser una técnica bastante segura, con resultados similares a los de la técnica abierta, pero sin dejar cicatrices visibles.

Introduction: The approach of choice of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, since its description, has been the transverse cervicotomy. In hyperparathyroidism, with the optimization of the preoperative localization methods of the anomalous glands, minimally invasive open techniques have been created, with a better aesthetic result and a shorter recovery time. With the aim of eliminating external scars, a new surgical technique has been implemented that uses endoscopic approaches through natural orifices (NOTES). In recent years, a transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy technique through incisions in the oral vestibule has been known. Clinical case: A 65-year-old patient with primary hyperparathyroidism with right upper hyperfunctioning nodule who underwent partial transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy due to vestibular approach. Results: The procedure is performed without incidents with good postoperative evolution of the patient. Discussion: Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy by vestibular approach (TOEPVA) has proven to be a fairly safe technique, with results similar to open technique, but without leaving visible scars.

Fístulas del seno piriforme congénitas: reporte de 4 casos y revisión de la literatura / Congenital pyriform sinus fistula: report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Resumen Introducción: Las fístulas del seno piriforme, originadas desde el tercer o cuarto arco branquial, son entidades poco frecuentes. Se pueden presentar como aumento de volumen cervical, fístula cervical, absceso cervical, tiroiditis abscedada y/o disfonía. Objetivo: Reportar 4 casos tratados en nuestro hospital y revisión de la literatura. Discusión: Frente a un cuadro clínico compatible, se debe realizar estudio endos- cópico y de imágenes. El manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el de mejores resultados, pero se han desarrollado terapias endoscópicas y combinaciones de estas con buenos resultados. Conclusión: El diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha clínica. La cirugía abierta se mantiene como el gold standard, sin embargo, en población pediátrica estaría indicada la resolución endoscópica debido a la alta morbilidad de la cirugía tradicional.

Introduction: Pyriform sinus fistula is a rare cervical branchial anomaly derived from the third and fourth branchial arch. Pyriform sinus fistula should be considered in children presenting enlarged neck mass, fistula, abscess, thyroid infection and/or dysphonia. Objective: We here report 4 cases treated in Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile and review of the current literature on pyriform sinus fistula. Discussion: When clinical presentation is compatible with pyriform sinus fistula, endoscopic and imaging techniques are required. Surgical outcomes are better, although endoscopic therapies and combination of both surgery and endoscopy have also reported good outcomes. Conclusion: Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and a high index of clinical suspicion. Open surgery is gold standard, however in pediatric population endoscopic resolution should be considered to reduce the high morbidity of traditional surgery.

Paratirotoxicosis y tumor cervical palpable: caso clínico de cáncer de paratiroides / Parathyrotoxicosis and palpable neck mass: a clinical presentation of parathyroid cancer

Introducción: El cáncer de paratiroides es poco frecuente. Suele presentarse como hiperparatiroidismo primario, en ocasiones como crisis hipercalcémica, con malestar general, náuseas, vómitos, alteraciones del ánimo y pérdida de peso. En algunos casos se presenta como osteítis fibrosa quística, osteopenia difusa, osteoporosis y fracturas patológicas. El diagnóstico suele estar dado por biopsia quirúrgica que muestra invasión a estructuras adyacentes, o metástasis locales y distantes. El tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica del tumor, sin uso de terapias adyuvantes. Su tasa de recurrencia es alta, de 25 a 100%. Algunos factores de mal pronóstico son metástasis a linfonodos en la presentación inicial, metástasis distantes y carcinomas no funcionantes. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 64 años que consultó por compromiso del estado general, bradipsiquia, poliuria, cefalea y masa cervical. Además presentaba hipercalcemia y gran elevación de PTH. Se realizó resección quirúrgica de la masa cervical, con biopsia rápida con atipias y mitosis 1/10, y de un nódulo hiperplásico tiroideo. Tras esto, sus niveles de PTH disminuyeron, así como también descendieron sus niveles de calcio. Discusión: Los pacientes que presentan cáncer de paratiroides suelen tener valores más elevados de calcemia y PTH. Para su diagnóstico, no se recomienda usar biopsia por punción, por riesgo de diseminación y por el bajo rendimiento de esta técnica. Conclusión: Pese a ser poco frecuente, se debe pensar en cáncer de paratiroides en el contexto de un paciente con hipercalcemia, especialmente si presenta PTH muy elevada. La sospecha clínica de este diagnóstico tiene directa relación con la posibilidad de tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Parathyroid cancer is rare. Usually presented as primary hyperparathyroidism, sometimes as hypercalcemic crisis, with general malaise, nausea, vomiting, mood disturbances and low weight. In some cases it occurs as osteitis fibrosa cystica, diffuse osteopenia, osteoporosis and pathological fractures. The diagnosis is usually made by surgical biopsy shows invasion of adjacent structures, or local and distant metastases. The treatment is surgical resection of the tumor, without the use of adjuvant therapies. Their recurrence rate is high, 25 to 100%. Poor prognostic factors are lymph node metastases at initial presentation, distant metastases and nonfunctional carcinomas. Case report: Male patient consulted for 64 years in general conditions, bradypsychia, polyuria, headache and neck mass. He also had hypercalcemia and high elevation of PTH. Surgical resection of the cervical mass was performed, with rapid biopsy atypia and mitosis 1/10, and hyperplastic thyroid nodule. After this, PTH decreased levels as well as levels of calcium. Discussion: Patients with parathyroid cancer tend to have higher serum calcium and PTH of values. For diagnosis, it is not recommended to use needle biopsy, risk of spread and the poor performance of this technique. Conclusion: Despite being rare, you should think parathyroid cancer in the context of a patient with hypercalcemia, especially if you have very high PTH. The clinical suspicion of this diagnosis is directly related to the possibility of treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso / Thyroglossal duct cyst with papillary carcinoma

Introduction: In about 1-2 percent of cases of thyroglossal cyst may be neoplastic changes, mostly correspond to papillary thyroid carcinoma (75-85 percent). The aim of this paper is to present 9 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst. Materials and Methods: Data were recorded retrospectively from patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroglossal duct cyst treated at Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile between 1999 2014. Results: From 142 cases operated for thyroglossal duct cyst, 9 cases of papillary cancer (6.34 percent) were recorded. The average age was 32 years. The average diameter of the lesion was 4.4 cm (SD 2.2 cm). 8 patients underwent total thyroidectomy; a simultaneous thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 3 of them. In 6 cases was added iodine therapy. In only one patient a lymph nodal dissection was performed. We do not observe any surgical complication. A solid component in preoperative ultrasonographic study is suspicious of malignancy. The average follow-up time was 85 months. There is no recurrence or mortality in this group of patients. Conclusions: Although the safest long term management is Sistrunk surgery associated with thyroidectomy and radioiodine in selected cases, these patients must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group and thyroidectomy should be considered in high surgical volume center, in order to minimize complications.

Introducción: En alrededor de 1-2 por ciento de los casos de quiste tirogloso pueden existir cambios neoplásicos, en su mayoría corresponden a carcinoma papilar de tiroides (75-85 por ciento). El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar 9 casos de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso, en cuanto a su forma de presentación y manejo. Material y Método: Se registraron en forma retrospectiva datos de pacientes condiagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides en quiste del conducto tirogloso atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre 1999 2014. Resultados: De 142 casos de pacientes operados por quiste del conducto tirogloso, se registraron 9 casos de cáncer papilar (6,34 por ciento). El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 32 años. El diámetro promedio de la lesión fue de 4,4 cm (DS 2,2 cm). Del total, 8 pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía total, se diagnosticó cáncer de tiroides en 3 de ellos, en 6 se asoció tratamiento con radioyodo. En sólo 1 paciente se realizó una disección linfonodal. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 85 meses; a la fecha la serie no ha presentado recurrencia ni mortalidad. Conclusiones: Si bien el manejo más seguro a largo plazo es la cirugía de Sistrunk, asociado a una tiroidectomía y eventual radioyodo, la resolución quirúrgica con tiroidectomía asociada debe ser considerada cuando la morbilidad no sea mayor que el beneficio teórico.

Carcinoma in situ ex adenoma pleomorfo en glándula parótida, descripción de un caso inusual / Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma

Objective: To report a case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma on a young patient. Introduction: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma typically presents in patients in the sixth decade of life, with a history of parotid tumor of long standing. Alarm symptoms are present in 50 percent of cases and survival is mainly correlated with the degree of differentiation and tumor invasion. Case report: A 33 years old woman with right parotid tumor of five years of evolution with slow growing and no symptoms. During the last year, present accelerated growth and stabbing pain. Total parotidectomy was performed without complications or sequelae. The biopsy confirms carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. Discussion: The long-standing pleomorphic adenoma may present malignant transformation in up to 12 percent. We discuss risk factors, clinical presentation and diagnosis of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico de carcinoma ex adenoma pleomorfo en una paciente joven. Introducción: El carcinoma ex adenoma pleomorfo se presenta típicamente en pacientes en la sexta década de la vida, con historia de tumor de parótida de larga data. Tiene síntomas de alarma en el 50 por ciento de los casos y la sobrevida se correlaciona principalmente con el grado de diferenciación y de invasión del tumor. Caso clínico: Paciente de 33 años con tumor de parótida derecho de 5 años de evolución, de lento crecimiento y asintomático. Que durante el último año de evolución presenta dolor punzante y crecimiento acelerado. Se realiza parotidectomía total sin complicaciones ni secuelas. La biopsia confirma un carcinoma ex adenoma pleomorfo. Discusión: El adenoma pleomorfo de larga data puede presentar malignización en hasta un 12 por ciento. Se discute los factores de riesgo, forma de presentación y diagnóstico del carcinoma ex adenoma pleomorfo.

[Primary thyroid lymphoma. Report of four cases]. / Linfoma primario de tiroides: Reporte de cuatro casos.

Primary thyroid lymphoma is uncommon and usually of non-Hodgkin type. We report four female patients with thyroid lymphoma. An 81 year-old patient that was operated and received three cycles of chemotherapy and was lost from follow up. A 16 year-old patient that is operated and received full chemotherapy and was discharged free of disease. A 80 year-old patient that was operated and died due to a multiple organ failure, 50 days after hospital admission and a 54 year-old female that was operated but rejected chemotherapy and was lost from follow up.

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica de pacientes operados con diagnóstico de quiste branquial / Epidemiological and clinical characterization of operated patients diagnosed with branchial cyst

Branchial Cysts are uncommon anomalies in regular clinical practice. However, among congenital cervical cysts, they represent about 30% from total. Objective: Characterize patients diagnosed with operated branquial cyst in our clinical center, and correlate clinic, imaging and final diagnose. Material and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of discharged patients diagnosed as cervical cysts, between January 2005 and July 2011, at Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile. Selection of Clinical records with final diagnose of branchial cyst were selected. Age, sex, clinical story, imaging exams, pre-operative and post-operative diagnoses, and biopsy report were registered. Results: from a total of 149 cervical cysts, 31 (20,8%) were branchial cysts. Man 45% and women 55%. By age, 9 (29%) were < 15 years old (average: 6,69 years) and 22 (70,9%) > 15 years (average: 33,7 years). Lateral cervical mass was the most common clinical manifestation. Regarding Imaging study, 15 cervical ultrasounds (sensibility 0,86 and specificity 0,98) and 13 cervical CTA scans (sensibility 0,92 and specificity 0,94) were conducted. In 9 patients, imaging studies weren't conducted for the clinical diagnose (sensibility 0,77 and specificity 0,98). Correlation of pre-operative and post-operative diagnose was 87%. Discussion: According to literature, presentation age is generally during childhood; however, in our statistics it presented during adult age, which could be explained due to the main focus our medical center has for adult population. Most common clinical presentation was lateral neck mass, which had a good clinical correlation, however improves with imaging studies. (AU)

Hemangiopericitoma: reporte de 3 casos / Hemangiopericytoma: a report of 3 cases and a literature review

Introduction: The hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare vascular tumor that can be potentially malignant. It can be found in any part of the body but usually in the lower extremities or the retroperitoneum. Because its potential malign nature, it's necessary to perform oncological resections when are operating on. Methods: Three cases are presented. Results: One of them was located at the sacrococcigeal space, being the second reported case in the international literature. The other cases were in cervical and adrenal localization.

Introducción: El hemangiopericitoma (HPC) es un tumor vascular raro y potencialmente maligno que puede localizarse en cualquier parte del cuerpo, con mayor frecuencia en extremidades inferiores y retrope-ritoneo. Su potencial malignidad da la necesidad de realizar resecciones oncológicas al operarlos. Material y Método: Se presentan tres casos tratados por nuestro grupo. Resultados: Uno de ellos tiene localización sacra siendo, hasta donde sabemos, el segundo en ser publicado. Otro es de localización suprarrenal y el tercero es cervical.

Análisis de factores de agresividad de microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides / Features influencing aggressiveness of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background: the risk factors determining the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) are not well known. Aim: to determine if tumor size, along with other features of the tumor, influences its prognosis. Patients and Methods: we analyzed the medical records of 147 patients (age range 16-92 years, 93 percent women) at the Clinical Hospital of University of Chile who underwent thyroid surgery and in whom at least one focus of PTMC was found. We determined the association between different clinical characteristics and the presence of capsular invasion, lymph nodal extension or recurrence. Results: a tumor size over 5 mm, a follicular subtype and being aged more than 45 years, were significantly associated with the presence of capsular invasion. The latter two variables were protective. In the multivariate analysis, only a tumor size over 5 mm was significantly associated with thyroid capsule involvement. Conclusions: a tumor size over 5 mm is associated with capsular invasion in PTMC.

Introducción: los factores de riesgo que determinan una conducta agresiva de microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides (MCPT) no se conocen. Nuestra hipótesis es que el tamaño del tumor, posiblemente junto con otras características del cáncer puede influir en el pronóstico de esta patología. Material y Método: se analizaron las historias clínicas de 147 pacientes que se sometieron en nuestro hospital a cirugía de tiroides y en los cuales se encontró al menos un foco de MCPT. Resultados: se determinó la existencia de una correlación entre las diferentes características clínicas y la presencia de invasión capsular, la extensión ganglionar linfático o la recidiva. En el análisis univariado, el tamaño del tumor mayor de 5 mm, se correlacionó significativamente con la presencia de invasión capsular (p < 0,05). Entre las variables estudiadas, sólo un tamaño superior a 5 mm se asoció significativamente con el compromiso de la cápsula tiroidea en el análisis multivariado. Conclusiones: aunque en general el MCPT se comportan con baja agresividad, se encontró que aquellos que son mayores de 5 mm a menudo tienen invasión capsular, que se ha relacionado con aumento de la agresividad y recidiva. Se recomienda un tratamiento orientado según la presencia de factores de riesgo como las que se describen aquí.

[Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: report of three cases]. / Tumor cervical por enfermedad de Kikuchi: Una entidad clínica a la que no estamos habituados. Caso clínico.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), also known as Kikuchi 5 disease is a rare condition of unknown etiology. Patients present with cervical lymph node enlargement, fever and malaise. The diagnosis is made by excision biopsy. However, this entity must be distinguished from both reactive processes and malignant tumors such as lymphoma. The clinical course is self limited with spontaneous resolution within a few months. We report three patients with the disease. A 37 year-old woman with a 4 months history of a painless submaxillary mass of 2.5 cm diameter, attached to the deep tissues of the neck. The mass was excised and the biopsy report was HNL. After 26 months of follow up, the patient is asymptomatic. A 30 year-old woman with a history of 2 months of a painless lateral cervical mass and aspiration biopsy was reported as suspicious for lymphoma. An excision biopsy was performed, that was reported as HNL. In both patients, lymphoma was ruled out by immunohistochemistry. A 33 year-old woman with a 3 weeks history of an asymptomatic lateral cervical mass. Biopsy was reported as HNL. This condition must be included in the differential diagnosis of cervical asymptomatic masses. The clinician must be aware of it to avoid long-term, costly treatments.

Detección inmunohistoquímica de parafibromina en patología de paratiroides / Immunohistochemical detection of parafibromin in parathyroid pathology

Introduction: The definitive diagnosis of parathyroid cancer is extremely difficult, from the clinical approach to the molecular diagnosis. A gene mutation was detected recently in patients with parathyroid cancer. It is a suppressor tumor gene called HRPT2, which codifies for a protein that participates in PAF1 complex, the parafibromin. It has been observed that the expression of this protein it's altered in parathyroid cancer, what would serve like method of diagnosis by immunohystochemistry, with a sensitivity and specificity of 73-96 percent and 99-100 percent respectively. Material and Method: The anti-parafibromin immunohysto-chemistry staining was made in 23 parathyroids tissue samples (5 adenomas, 6 hyperplasia, 7 normal and 5 carcinomas). Results: A positive pattern is observed in almost 100 percent of benign pathology and 100 percent in normal tissue. In the cases of carcinoma only 2 of 5 had a strong positivity. Conclusions: The pathological clinical correlation does not allow the association of the loss of parafibromin immunoreactivity in some unequivocal cases of parathyroid cancer. The parafibromin immunostaining does not allow to discriminate between benign or malign pathologies.

Introducción: El diagnóstico definitivo de cáncer de paratiroides es extremadamente difícil, desde el acercamiento clínico hasta el diagnóstico molecular. Se detectó recientemente en pacientes con cáncer de paratirodes un gen supresor de tumor mutado (HRPT2), que codifica para una proteína que participa en el complejo PAF1, la parafibromina. Se ha observado que la expresión de esta proteína está alterada en los casos de cáncer de paratiroides, lo que serviría como método de diagnóstico por inmunohistoquímica, con una sensibilidad y especificidad de 73-96 por ciento y 99-100 por ciento, respectivamente. Material y Método: Se realizó tinción inmunohistoquímica anti parafibromina en 23 muestras de tejido paratiroideo (5 adenomas, 6 hiper-plasias, 7 normales y 5 carcinomas). Resultados: Se observa un patrón positivo fuerte en casi 100 por ciento de la patología benigna y 100 por ciento en tejido normal. En los casos de carcinoma sólo 2 de 5 tenían positividad fuerte. Conclusiones: La correlación clínico patológica no permite asociar la pérdida de tinción de parafibromina en algunos casos de cáncer inequívocos. La tinción de parafibromina no permite discriminar entre patología benigna y maligna.

Caracterización de línea celular de paratiroides humana (RCPTH) y evaluación de tumorigenicidad en ratones NOD/SCID / Characterization of human parathyroid cell line (RCPTH) and tumorigenicity evaluation in NOD/SCID

Background: Cell therapy could be an alternative for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Therefore efforts have been made to establish a cell line of parathyroid cells. Aim: To establish a continuous functional and non-tumorigenic human parathyroid cell line. Material and Methods: Nineteen tissue samples from 15 patients subjected to parathyroidectomy due to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism were obtained. Functional, morphological and tumorigenic properties of the obtained cells were analyzed. Results: After two months of culture in conditions of immortalization, cells had an exponential growth without experiencing senescence. Therefore, more than 200 sub cultures have been performed. The cell line was denominated RCPTH. Morphological characterization showed monolayer growth with contact inhibition and a duplication time of 30 hours. On light microscopy, pleomorphism and low number of mitoses were observed. Cells accumulated glycogen, expressed calcium sensing receptor and had positive PTH cytoplasmic clusters. The line secreted PTH initially but subsequently, PTH production became undetectable. The cell line did not have tumor or metastatic growth. Conclusions: A parathyroid cell line has been established. The lack of PTH production is a problem that will require the search for mechanisms to activate it.