Incidental thyroid nodules on COVID-19-related thoracic tomography scans: a giant cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Computerized thoracic tomography (CT) imaging was extensively employed, especially in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. An incidental thyroid nodule (ITN) is defined as a nodule not previously detected or suspected clinically but identified via an imaging study. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of thyroid nodules incidentally detected in thoracic CTs for the suspicion of COVID-19 pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who underwent thoracic CT in our hospital for COVID-19 management were retrospectively identified between March 2020 and September 2020. Medical information registered in the hospital and national health system was reviewed. The prevalence of incidental thyroid nodules at CT, thyroid function test results of patients with incidental lesions, correlation of CT findings with ultrasonography (US) findings, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) results were evaluated. RESULTS: We analyzed 35,113 patients who had COVID-19-indicated CT scans. There was information about the thyroid gland in CT reports of 3049 patients. The prevalence of ITN was 3.82% (1343/35,113 patients) and thyroid heterogeneity was 1.11% (388/35,113 patients). While it was explicitly stated that no pathology was found in the patient's thyroid gland in 3.75% of patients (1318/35,113), no information was given about the thyroid gland in 91.32% of the patients (32064/35,113). Thus, the number of patients informed about their thyroid was 3049 (8.68%) and the number of patients with thyroid pathology was 1731 (4.93%). It was observed that 308 of 1731 patients (17.80%) had follow-up thyroid US. An FNAB was indicated in 238 patients (87.50%). Of the 238 patients with indication for biopsy, only 115 (48.31%) underwent a thyroid FNAB. The cytological diagnosis was benign in 59 (51.30%), non-diagnostic in 30 (26.08%), atypia of uncertain significance in 22 (19.13%), and suspected follicular neoplasia/follicular neoplasia in four patients (3.46%). Thyroidectomy was performed in six more patients due to large nodules and the final diagnosis was benign in two and papillary thyroid cancer in three patients. CONCLUSION: Increased use of thoracic CT during the COVID-19 pandemic probably enabled improved detection of ITNs. In this large-scale study, the prevalence of thyroid nodules reported with thoracic CT was 3.82%, while thyroid cancer was detected in 1.30% of patients evaluated with US. We recommend against using thoracic CT scans as a direct means of assessing thyroid disease owing to the low number of detected cancer cases in our cohort of 35,113 patients. However, thoracic CT scans obtained for various reasons might provide the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, including cancers.

Investigation of pre-operative demographic, biochemical, sonographic and cytopathological findings in low-risk thyroid neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: The present article analyses pre-operative demographic, biochemical, sonographic and histopathological characteristics of low-risk thyroid neoplasms (LRTNs), with a focus on four subgroups, "well-differentiated carcinoma-not otherwise specified" (WDC-NOS), "non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary like nuclear features" (NIFTP), "well-differentiated tumours of uncertain malignant potential" (WDT-UMP) and "follicular tumour of uncertain malignant potential" (FT-UMP). METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed the histopathology of 2453 malignant thyroids and the final analyses included 99 cases diagnosed with LRTNs. The demographic and clinical features, pre-operative thyroid function, ultrasonography results, cytopathology results, histopathology results and prognostic classifications were assessed. RESULTS: The groups were similar demographic characteristics and the majority of clinical data, including comorbidities, thyroid function tests, thyroid cancer/neck radiotherapy history. NIFTPs represented 69.7% of all LRTNs. All (100%) WDT-UMPs had solitary nodules. Index nodule volume differed among the groups (p = .036), it was the lowest in WDC-NOS [0.68 (0.63-0.72 cc)] and highest in FT-UMP [12.6 (0.5-64 cc)]. Echogenicity findings were similar. Index nodule TIRADS demonstrated a significant difference (p = .021) but index nodule halo sign and BETHESDA scores were similar in all groups. The diameter, localisation and multicentric structure of LRTNs were again similar for all groups. Finally, prognostic scores suggested similar outcomes in all groups. CONCLUSION: The majority of LRTNs were NIFTPs in our population and all WDT-UMPs were solitary lesions. Index nodule volume was the most essential discriminating sonographic finding but further research must be performed before discriminatory potential can be described.

Paradoxical GH increase during oral glucose load may predict overall remission in acromegalic patients.

BACKGROUND: The nadir growth hormone (nGH) during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the gold standard method for diagnosing acromegaly. A paradoxical growth hormone (GH) response to oral glucose (OG) in acromegaly can be observed. The role of the paradoxical GH response on how the patients with acromegaly respond to the treatment has been addressed in few studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between glucose-dependent growth hormone results and and the responses of acromegalic patients to surgical and/or medical therapy following surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with acromegaly who underwent surgery (n = 189) or received primary medical treatment (n = 9). The mean age was 50.44 ± 12.81 years (M/F: 84/114). The patients were grouped into paradoxical (GH-P) and non-paradoxical (GH-nP) according to GH response to OG and were compared in terms of clinical and pathological features, pituitary tumor size, invasiveness, biochemical profiles, and how they responded to the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age, gender distribution, and basal tumor diameter were all similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The GH-P group had a higher remission rate in response to medical therapy followed by surgery (83% vs. 55%; p = 0.026). Although a higher surgical remission rate in favor of GH-P was observed, it did not reach statistical significance (63% vs. 48%; p = 0.059). Overall treatment response rates were also higher in the GH-P group compared to the GH-nP group (89% vs. 71%; p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A paradoxical GH response to OG load may help to predict the response to medical treatment in patients with acromegaly.

THE PREVALENCE OF CANCER AND ITS RELATION TO DISEASE ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY: TWO CENTERS' EXPERIENCE.

OBJECTIVE: Acromegaly is characterized by increased serum concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Although animal studies have demonstrated a relationship between these hormones and cancer risk, the results of human studies evaluating cancer prevalence in acromegaly are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of malignant neoplasms in patients with acromegaly. METHODS: Cancer risk was evaluated in a cohort of 280 patients (male/female: 120/160; mean age: 50.93 ± 12.07 years) with acromegaly. Patients were categorized into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of cancer. Standard incidence ratios were calculated as compared to the general population. RESULTS: From 280 patients, cancer was diagnosed in 19 (6.8%) patients; 9 (47%) of them had thyroid cancer, which was the most common cancer type. Standard incidence ratios of all cancers were 0.8 (95% CI, 0.5-1.1) and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.8-1.3) in men and women, respectively. Compared to patients without cancer, the current age was higher in patients with cancer (59 [49-65] to 51 [42-59], P = .027). In contrast, the age at diagnosis was similar in both groups. Not only was the time to diagnosis and disease duration similar in both groups but also the basal and current GH and IGF-1 levels. The prevalence of active disease was also similar between the groups (32% to 23%, P = .394). CONCLUSION: Our findings were not consistent with the studies suggesting that patients with acromegaly encounter an increased cancer risk. Furthermore, there were similar basal and current GH and IGF-1 levels in patients with acromegaly, both with and without cancer.

Clinical outcomes of ocular surface in patients treated with vitamin D oral replacement / Resultados clínicos da superfície ocular em pacientes tratados com reposição oral de vitamina D

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcomes of the ocular surface in patients with vitamin D deficiency after oral replacement. Methods: A total of 40 patients with vitamin D deficiency were enrolled in the study. The patients received 50,000 units of oral vitamin D weekly over a period of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, 1,500-2,000 units/d were administered for 24 weeks. Eyelid margin score, meibomian gland expressibility score, Oxford grading, Schirmer I test, tear breakup time, tear osmolarity, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score were evaluated at baseline, and at 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: The meibomian gland expressibility score, Schirmer I, tear breakup time, tear osmolarity, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score showed improvement 8 weeks after vitamin D supplementation (p<0.05). Compared with the pretreatment values, the eyelid margin score and Oxford grading were decreased at week 12 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D replacement appears to improve ocular surface in individuals with vitamin D deficiency.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os resultados clínicos da superfície ocular em pacientes com deficiência de vitamina D após reposição oral. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 40 pacientes com deficiência de vitamina D. Os pacientes receberam 50.000 unidades de vitamina D semanalmente por um período de oito semanas. Após esse período, 1.500-2.000 unidades/dia foram administradas por 24 semanas. Escores da margem palpebral, escores de expressibilidade da glândula meibomiana, classificação de Oxford, teste de Schirmer I, tempo de ruptura lacrimal, osmolaridade da lágrima e escore do Índice de Doenças da Superfície Ocular foram avaliados no início e após 8, 12 e 24 semanas. Resultados: O escore de expressibilidade da glândula meibomiana, Schirmer I, tempo de ruptura lacrimal, osmolaridade da lágrima e o Índice de Doenças da Superfície Ocular apresentaram melhoras após 8 semanas de suplementação de vitamina D (p<0,05). Comparado com os valores do pré-tratamento, o escore da margem palpebral e a classificação de Oxford diminuíram na 12ª semana (p<0,05). Conclusão: A reposição de vitamina D parece melhorar a superfície ocular em indivíduos com deficiência de vitamina D.

Clinical and hormonal characteristics of patients with different types of hypophysitis: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The inflammation of the pituitary gland is known as hypophysitis. It is a rare disease accounting for approximately 0.24%-0.88% of all pituitary diseases. The natural course of hypophysitis is variable. Main forms are histologically classified as lymphocytic, granulomatous, IgG4 related and xanthomatous. We aim to present our patients with hypophysitis and compare clinical, laboratory and radiological features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our database of 1.293 patients diagnosed with pituitary diseases between 2010 and 2017. Twelve patients with hypophysitis were identified. Demographical data, clinical features, endocrinological dysfunction, imaging findings, treatment courses and follow-up periods were evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of hypophysitis was found 0.93% in all cases of the pituitary disease. Twelve patients (nine females and three males), ages between 17-61 years, were evaluated. The characteristic features of our patients tended to be predominantly female and young. Diagnosis of hypophysitis was made after pituitary biopsy in four patients, and in eight patients after pituitary operation due to adenoma. Headache (67%) and visual problems (33%) were the most frequent nonendocrine symptoms. Anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies (63.7%) and/or diabetes insipidus (17%) were seen among patients. According to histopathological forms, four had lymphocytic, seven had granulomatous and one had xanthogranulomatous types. Contrast enhancement heterogeneous and thickened pituitary stalk were the most common radiological alterations. CONCLUSION: Hypophysitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sellar masses. It can mimic pituitary adenomas in radiological and endocrinological aspects. The different patterns of pituitary hormone deficiencies may be seen in the course of the disease.

Stratifying the risk factors for hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. A single Center study.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative hypoparathyroidism is a complication in patients who undergo thyroid surgery. Our study aimed to evaluate the incidence and causes of post-operative transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 933 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a single center were retrospectively evaluated. The rate of post-operative hypoparathyroidism, clinicopathological features, and laboratory parameters during the post-operative first day, first month, and first year of patients with and without hypoparathyroidism were analyzed. Patients with hypoparathyroidism were classified as transient or permanent cases. RESULTS: The incidence of post-operative hypoparathyroidism was 22.7%, including transient (20.6%) and permanent (2.1%). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of permanent hypoparathyroidism were as follows: surgery due to malignant thyroid disease, tumor multifocality, and pre-operative vitamin-D deficiency (VDD) (p<0.001, 0.047, and 0.002, respectively). During the post-operative first month, the mean serum PTH levels were found to be 7.58 pg/mL, and they remained low on the post-operative first year in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: Surgery due to thyroid malignancy and VDD should be considered risk factors for permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients who undergo thyroid surgery. The post-operative first month is important in the prediction of permanent hypoparathyroidism. KEY WORDS: Hypoparathyroidism, Permanent, Transient.

Clinical and hormonal characteristics of patients with different types of hypophysitis: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Objective: The inflammation of the pituitary gland is known as hypophysitis. It is a rare disease accounting for approximately 0.24%-0.88% of all pituitary diseases. The natural course of hypophysitis is variable. Main forms are histologically classified as lymphocytic, granulomatous, IgG4 related and xanthomatous. We aim to present our patients with hypophysitis and compare clinical, laboratory and radiological features. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively reviewed our database of 1.293 patients diagnosed with pituitary diseases between 2010 and 2017. Twelve patients with hypophysitis were identified. Demographical data, clinical features, endocrinological dysfunction, imaging findings, treatment courses and follow-up periods were evaluated. Results: The frequency of hypophysitis was found 0.93% in all cases of the pituitary disease. Twelve patients (nine females and three males), ages between 17-61 years, were evaluated. The characteristic features of our patients tended to be predominantly female and young. Diagnosis of hypophysitis was made after pituitary biopsy in four patients, and in eight patients after pituitary operation due to adenoma. Headache (67%) and visual problems (33%) were the most frequent nonendocrine symptoms. Anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies (63.7%) and/or diabetes insipidus (17%) were seen among patients. According to histopathological forms, four had lymphocytic, seven had granulomatous and one had xanthogranulomatous types. Contrast enhancement heterogeneous and thickened pituitary stalk were the most common radiological alterations. Conclusion: Hypophysitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sellar masses. It can mimic pituitary adenomas in radiological and endocrinological aspects. The different patterns of pituitary hormone deficiencies may be seen in the course of the disease.

Serum Amyloid A, Paraoxonase-1 Activity, and Apolipoprotein Concentrations as Biomarkers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis Risk in Adrenal Incidentaloma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), particularly subclinical hypercortisolism (SH), are related to an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The anti-oxidative enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and the acute phase reactant serum amyloid A (SAA) are transported by highdensity lipoprotein and reciprocally regulated in acute inflammatory response. Our aim was to investigate serum SAA, PON1, and apolipoprotein levels as indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with nonfunctioning AI (NFAI) and SH. METHODS: The study group consisted of 60 controls, 14 SH, and 86 NFAI subjects. Serum amyloid A (SAA), PON1 activity, lipid profiles, apoA and B, lipoprotein A (LpA), hsCRP, and HOMA-IR levels were compared in all groups. RESULTS: Serum insulin, triglyceride, SAA, SAA/PON1 ratio, LpA, apoB, hsCRP, and morning cortisol levels were found to be higher while PON1 and apoAI levels were lower in the SH and NFAI groups compared with the controls, and these parameters were found to be more impaired in SH group than NFAI group (p <0.001). HOMA-IR was higher and DHEAS was lower in the SH group than in the other groups. The SAA/PON1 ratio was positively correlated with LpA (r = 0.460; p <0.001), apoB (r = 0.515; p <0.001), insulin (r = 0.275; p = 0.026), triglyceride (r = 0.248; p = 0.002), morning cortisol (r = 0.259; p = 0.045), and UFC (r = 0.274; p <0.001) and negatively correlated with apoAI (r = 0.329; p <0.001), ACTH (r = -0.384; p <0.001), and DHEAS (r = -0.521, p <0.001) levels. The cut-off value of the SAA/PON1 ratio for NFAI was >0.23, and for SH it was >1.33. CONCLUSION: The serum SAA/PON1 ratio was high in both the NFAI and SH groups and also exhibited higher levels in SH group. An increased SAA/PON1 ratio and low DHEAS could be attributable to subclinical atherosclerosis risk in SH patients.

Comparison of echocardiographic findings in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas.

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are usually discovered incidentally after imaging unrelated to adrenal glands. We aimed to evaluate standard risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis and echocardiographic changes in patients with nonfunctioning AIs and compare them with normal subjects. We evaluated 70 patients diagnosed with AIs and 51 healthy controls. Mean levels were determined for HbA1c, LDL, uric acid, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and these values were found to be significantly higher in the patients than the controls. The mean left atrial diameter, interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, E-wave deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and the median ratio of the early transmittal flow velocity to the early diastolic tissue velocity (E/Em) were higher in patients with AIs compared to controls. The mitral annular early diastolic velocity was lower in patients with AIs. The mean aortic diastolic diameter, stiffness index (SI), and aortic strain were higher, and aortic distensibility was lower in the patients. The mean right ventricular diameter, right atrial major-axis diameter, and right atrial minor-axis diameter were statistically higher in the patient group than the controls. A negative correlation was found between the NLR and aortic strain and aortic distensibility, while a positive correction was found between the NLR and SI. We found altered left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) echocardiographic findings in patients with AIs without known cardiovascular disease. Aortic stiffness was also increased. These changes may be related to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in AI patients.

Impaired endothelial function in patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism improves after parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity; however, data on the reversibility of cardiovascular disease in mild primary hyperparathyroidism are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess endothelial function in patients with mild PHPT before and after parathyroidectomy (Ptx). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 53 patients with mild PHPT (Group 1; 45 women, eight men; aged 52 ± 3·1 years) and 46 healthy control subjects (Group 2; 38 women, eight men; aged 46 ± 9·5 years). Endothelial function was measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) using Doppler ultrasonography. Patients with diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, impaired renal function, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and a history of smoking were excluded from the study. Patients were studied at baseline and 6-12 months after the first evaluation. RESULTS: There were no differences with respect to age, gender and BMI between the two groups. Hypertension prevalence was three times higher in group 1 than in controls. % FMD was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (2·6 ± 1·2 vs 14·8 ± 9·6, P < 0·001). CIMT was higher in patients with PHPT than controls (0·69 ± 0·18 vs 0·61 ± 0·12, P = 0·045). This significance remained when hypertensive patients were excluded from the analysis. While FMD and CIMT improved significantly after Ptx, there were no differences in mild PHPT patients who followed without parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: FMD and CIMT are impaired in patients with mild PHPT compared to controls and improved significantly after a successful Ptx. Ptx improves endothelial function in patients with mild PHPT that may lead to decreased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas are associated with higher hypertension prevalence and higher risk of atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) have been associated with an increased incidence of several cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma adiponectin, leptin, resistin, homocysteine, high sensitive C-reactive protein levels, and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with non-functioning AI (NFAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included data from 28 patients with NFAI (Group 1) and 41 controls (Group 2). Of the patients, 50 were female and 19 were male, and the mean age was 46.7 (range 37-65) years. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Group 1 and 2 in terms of age, sex, or BMI. Hypertension prevalence was significantly higher in the NFAI group than in the control group (p = 0.01). Both groups had similar lipid, blood glucose, homocysteine, uric acid, high-sensitivity CRP levels. Adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were similar in both groups. CIMTs were significantly higher in the NFAI group. CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence that several cardiometabolic risk factors occur with higher prevalence in non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma patients compared to age-matched healthy subjects. In our study, hypertension prevalence and CIMT were higher in the NFAI group. Serum adipokine levels were similar for both groups.

Idiopathic spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage (SAH) is seen in the absence of trauma or adrenal tumor in adrenal glands. The incidence of SAH has been reported from 0.14% to 1.1% and it usually involves the right gland. During pregnancy, idiopathic unilateral SAH has been reported rarely. We present a case which comes to emergency department with an acute abdominal pain and the test results showed spontaneous left SAH.