Radiofrequency for benign and malign thyroid lesions.

BACKGROUND: Thermal ablation of thyroid nodules is new modality for the management of the benign and malign lesions. This minimally invasive treatment is performed as an outpatient, local anesthetic, single professional procedure that can treat neoplastic lesions without removing normal thyroid tissue and thus avoiding hypothyroidism. METHOD: A comprehensive review of the most relevant literature regarding the thermal ablation of benign and malign nodules was performed in order to currently define its role on the management of the nodular thyroid disease. The data was divided into benign and malign literature. RESULTS: The benign nodules can be effectively treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) but some limitation exists regarding the nodule's size but not nodules characteristics. The RFA of primary malign tumors of the thyroid recently demonstrated positive and safe long-term follow-up and encouraged additional investigation and possibly a definitive role in the management of these low risk nodules. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe, cost-effective minimally invasive procedure that avoids thyroid tissue removal while destroying neoplastic one thus, preventing hypothyroidism.

Accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping in detecting occult neck metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: 1) the accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in detecting metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and 2) if SLNM could modify the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of previous cN0 PTC patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty SLNM were performed prospectively in 38 consecutive cN0 PTC patients, with total thyroidectomy and elective compartment neck dissection (CND). The results of SLNM were compared with CND pathological findings to verify the accuracy of sentinel SLNM. RESULTS: The mean patients' follow-up was 36 months. A total of 133 SLN were found at levels VI, II, III and IV. The SLN was identified in 95% of the patients with one false negative, 95% sensitivity, a 94% negative predictive value and 97% accuracy. The SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, and to stages III and IVa, it was 21%. CONCLUSIONS: For this series of cN0 PTC patients: 1) SLNM accuracy was 97%, and 2) SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, whereas to stages III and IVa, it was 21%.

Accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping in detecting occult neck metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the following: 1) the accuracy of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) in detecting metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and 2) if SLNM could modify the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging of previous cN0 PTC patients. Subjects and methods: Forty SLNM were performed prospectively in 38 consecutive cN0 PTC patients, with total thyroidectomy and elective compartment neck dissection (CND). The results of SLNM were compared with CND pathological findings to verify the accuracy of sentinel SLNM. Results: The mean patients' follow-up was 36 months. A total of 133 SLN were found at levels VI, II, III and IV. The SLN was identified in 95% of the patients with one false negative, 95% sensitivity, a 94% negative predictive value and 97% accuracy. The SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, and to stages III and IVa, it was 21%. Conclusions: For this series of cN0 PTC patients: 1) SLNM accuracy was 97%, and 2) SLNM upstaging from cN0 to pN+ was 49%, whereas to stages III and IVa, it was 21%.

The learning progression of diagnostic sialendoscopy / Progressão do aprendizado da sialoendoscopia diagnóstica

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Sialendoscopy is becoming the gold standard procedure for diagnosis and treatment of Salivary Gland Inflammatory Diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the learning progression of a single surgeon to implement and perform diagnostic sialendoscopy: to estimate how many procedures were necessary to achieve better results; if it was higher rate of complications in the beginning. METHODS: Retrospective analysis involving 113 consecutive sialendoscopies performed from 2010 to 2013. According to a descriptive analysis of the factors related to surgeon's experience, the casuistic was divided into two groups: group (A) comprising the first 50 exams, and group (B) the last 63. Groups were then compared concerning demographic and peri-operative aspects. RESULTS: In Group A, failure to catheterize papilla were 22% versus 3% in B (p = 0.001). Failure to complete examination was 30% in group A versus 6% in B (p = 0.001), and necessity to repeat exams was 22% in group A versus 10% in B (p = 0.058). The complication rates were 18% in group A, and 10% in B (p = 0.149). Operative time was slightly shorter in group B (56 versus 41 min, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: We found better outcomes after the first 50 diagnostic sialendoscopies. Complication rates were statistically the same between early and late groups of experience with sialendoscopy.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A sialoendoscopia vem se tornando o procedimento de referência para o diagnóstico e o tratamento das doenças inflamatórias da glândula salivar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a progressão de aprendizado de um mesmo cirurgião para implementação e realização da sialoendoscopia diagnóstica: verificar quantos procedimentos foram necessários para a obtenção de resultados melhores e se houve ocorrência de maior taxa de complicações no início do aprendizado. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva envolvendo 113 sialoendoscopias consecutivas realizadas de 2010 a 2013. De acordo com uma análise descritiva dos fatores relacionados à experiência do cirurgião, a casuística foi dividida em dois grupos: grupo (A), compreendendo os primeiros 50 exames; e grupo (B), os últimos 63. Em seguida, os grupos foram comparados, levando em consideração os aspectos demográficos e perioperatórios. RESULTADOS: No grupo A, a não realização do cateterismo papilar foi de 22% vs. 3% em B (p = 0,001). A não realização de um exame completo foi de 30% no grupo A vs. 6% em B (p = 0,001), e a necessidade de repetir o exame foi de 22% no grupo A vs. 10% em B (p = 0,058). Os percentuais de complicações foram 18% no grupo A e 10% em B (p = 0,149). O tempo operatório foi ligeiramente menor no grupo B (56 vs. 41 minutos, p = 0,045). CONCLUSÃO: Verificamos melhores desfechos após as 50 primeiras sialoendoscopias diagnósticas. Os percentuais de complicações foram estatisticamente semelhantes entre os grupos inicial e avançado de experiência com a sialoendoscopia.

Tumor thickness as a predictive factor of lymph node metastasis and disease recurrence in T1N0 and T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the thickness of primary tumors with the frequency of nodal metastases and survival in patients surgically treated for T1/T2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective longitudinal study with 74 patients. RESULTS: None of the patients with a tumor thickness (TT) ≤ 7 mm presented with nodal metastasis, whereas 25 of the patients with a TT > 7 mm (51.0%) developed metastases (P < .0001). Multivariate analysis showed that TT > 7 mm was a risk factor for occult nodal metastasis (odds ratio = 8.7; P = .002) with 81.9% accuracy. TT > 10 mm was also a predictive factor of worse disease-free survival in these patients (hazard ratio = 12.2; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor thickness of greater than 7 mm is predictive of a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, and a TT > 10 mm is predictive of worse disease-free survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

Avaliação nutricional de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça e pescoço / Nutritional evaluation of the patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Introdução: pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça epescoço (CECP) frequentemente têm quadro de desnutriçãoassociado à doença, seja pelo acometimento direto do tratodigestivo alto, seja pela modalidade terapêutica empregada.Objetivo: avaliar o estado nutricional de pacientes com CECP emdiferentes fases do tratamento. Métodos: estudo transversal com155 pacientes assim divididos: 103 com CECP (29 pré-tratamento,47 pós-tratamento sem doença e 27 pós-tratamento com recidivatumoral) e 52 controles sem CECP. Foram coletados dados clínicose epidemiológicos, realizada avaliação nutricional a partir de dadosantropométricos (peso, altura e índice de massa corpórea – IMC),de composição corpórea por meio de bioimpedância (porcentagemde massa magra) e laboratoriais (albumina e contagem total delinfócitos – CTL). Resultados: a estatura e a massa magra emhomens e mulheres não foram diferentes entre os grupos. Asmédias do IMC, albumina e CTL foram normais, porém, menoresnos pacientes com recidiva da doença. Os casos pré-tratamentoapresentaram média do IMC menor que a dos controles, contudo,as médias de albumina sérica e CLT foram semelhantes entre eles.O grupo de pacientes pós-tratamento com doença recidivadaapresentou médias dos três critérios menores do que aquelas dogrupo sem doença. Nos casos tratados sem doença, pacientessubmetidos à cirurgia exclusiva apresentaram maiores índices deIMC e CTL que aqueles que receberam tratamentos combinados.Conclusão: pacientes com CECP apresentaram média de IMCmenor do que controles. Os casos com doença recidivada tiverampior estado nutricional que aqueles que se encontravam semdoença após o tratamento.

Introduction: Patients with head and neck squamous cellcarcinoma (HNSCC) usually present nutritional disorders,secondary to the upper aerodigestive tract involvement or due tothe treatment sequels. Objective: To assess the nutritional status ofpatients with HNSCC in different phases of the disease treatment.Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 patients divided in 4groups: 103 patients with HNSCC (29 before treatment, 47 posttreatment with no recurrence and 27 post treatment with recurrentdisease) and 52 controls without HNSCC. Clinical and epidemiologicaldata were collected and a nutrition assessment wasperformed from anthropometric parameters (weight, height andBody Mass Index – BMI), electric bioimpedance (thin masspercentage) and biochemical parameters (albumin and totallymphocyte count – TLC). Results: Height and thin masspercentage were similar between the groups. The means of BMI,albumin and TLC were normal; however, they were lower in posttreatment patients with recurrent disease. The patients beforetreatment had BMI average lower then control patients but albuminand TLC were similar between them. The post treatment groupwithout recurrent disease had averages of the three parametershigher than those of the patients with recurrent disease group. Inthe post treatment group without recurrent disease, the patientswho underwent surgical treatment exclusively had BMI and TLChigher than those who received adjuvant therapy. Conclusion:Patients with HNSCC had lower BMI average then control patients.Cases with recurrent disease had worst nutritional status thenpatients treated without disease.

Análise crítica do tratamento atual para o carcinoma espinocelular precoce de língua oral e soalho com invasão perineural / Critical assessment of the current treatment for initial squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and floor of mouth with perineural invasion

Introdução: O espaço perineural é reconhecido como rota de propagação do carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) e, quando acometido, tem sido relacionado com pior prognóstico, maior recorrência e menor tempo de sobrevivência. Contudo, seu papel nos tumores precoces de cavidade oral ainda não está totalmente esclarecido. Objetivos: comparar a sobrevivência global e livre de doença entre pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular precoce de língua oral e soalho de boca com e sem invasão perineural; comparar a ocorrência de fatores clínicos e anátomo-patológicos entre os grupos; e descrever os casos de óbito para análise crítica da realização do tratamento radioterápico adjuvante. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo longitudinal de caso-controle, de 42 pacientes operados por CEC precoce (T1/T2 N0) de língua oral e soalho de boca, divididos em dois grupos: com invasão perineural (n=16) e sem invasão (n=26). Variáveis clínicas, anátomo-patológicas e de seguimento, incluindo realização de tratamento adjuvante foram comparadas. Resultados: No grupo com invasão perineural houve maior freqüência de homens (p=0,008), óbito relacionado (p=0,015), quantidade de cigarro consumida (p=0,042) e menor freqüência de não etilistas. As médias do maior diâmetro (p=0,046) e da espessura (p=0,002) do CEC primário foram maiores nesse grupo. Conclusões: Houve menor sobrevivência global no grupo de doentes com CEC precoce de língua oral e soalho com invasão perineural (p=0,019), apesar da maior freqüência de radioterapia adjuvante. Todos os óbitos relacionados ocorreram no grupo com invasão perineural, por recidiva local, sendo que, em dois casos, nenhuma outra característica de mau prognóstico foi observada. À análise multivariada, a presença de invasão perineural foi indicada como fator associado ao óbito correlacionado, de maneira não significante (p=0,275). Os resultados favorecem a indicação de tratamento radioterápico adjuvante.

Introduction: perineural space is known as a pathway for spreading of the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Its invasion has been associated with worse prognosis, greater rates of recurrence and lower survival rates. However, its impact on the initial oral cavity tumors is not well established. Objectives: to compare global survival and disease free survival between patients with initial SCC of tongue and floor of mouth, with and without perineural invasion; to compare clinical and pathological features between the two groups; and to describe the cases of death for a critical analysis of the use of adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods: retrospective longitudinal case-control study of 42 patients surgically treated for initial SCC (T1/T2 N0 ? UICC-2002) of oral tongue and floor of mouth. The patients were divided into two groups: with (n=16) and without (n=26) perineural invasion. Clinical and pathological features, as well as the follow-up and treatment information were compared. Results: the group with perineural invasion presented a higher frequency of male patients (p=0.008) and of tobacco use (p=0.042) and lower frequency of non users of alcohol. The mean of greater tumor diameter (p=0.046) and thickness (p=0,002) were higher in this group. Those patients also had higher disease specific death (p=0.015) and a lower survival (p=0.019), regardless of a higher frequency of adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy. All disease specific deaths occurred in this group and, in two of these cases, no other known features of worse prognosis were observed. At the multivariate analysis, the perineural invasion was related to disease-specific death in a non significant manner (p=0.275). Conclusion: These results point out the perineural invasion as a feature of worse prognosis, even in initial tumors and despite more aggressive treatment.

Metástase linfática cervical no carcinoma espinocelular de vias aerodigestivas superiores: análise crítica de fatores preditivos, pelo modelo de regressão logística / Lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: individual risk prediction by logistic regression model

Introdução: a dissecção cervical no carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de vias aerodigestivas superiores (VADS) é preconizada com base no risco epidemiológico de metástase linfática. A indicação do esvaziamento eletivo, porém, ainda é controversa. Determinar o risco individual de metástase auxilia na escolha do tratamento mais adequado. Objetivo: verificar a possibilidade de calcular o risco individual de metástase segundo os resultados da comparação de características clínicas e anátomo-patológicas entre os doentes com e sem metástase linfática cervical do CEC de VADS. Pacientes e Método: estudo retrospectivo longitudinal de caso-controle de 209 operados no período de agosto de 2002 a janeiro de 2007, distribuídos em dois grupos: 128 casos com e 81 sem metástase (estes seguidos por mais de 12 meses). Variáveis passíveis de serem preditivas do risco de metástase linfática foram comparadas entre os grupos e analisadas pelo modelo de regressão logística. Resultados: No grupo com metástase, o CEC apresentou maior freqüência de invasão sangüínea, linfática, perineural, margem comprometida e infiltrado inflamatório escasso. Maior diâmetro e grau de diferenciação foram variáveis independentes preditivas do risco (razão de chances) de desenvolver metástase linfática respectivamente de: 4,8 vezes para o CEC moderadamente diferenciado; e 1,5 vezes para cada centímetro de aumento no diâmetro do carcinoma primário. Maior espessura e invasão sangüínea foram co-variáveis dependentes. O cálculo do risco individual revelou que tanto para o CEC T1/T2 de língua oral e soalho, bem diferenciado e com espessura a partir de 1cm, assim como para o CEC de laringe (não glótico) com diâmetro acima de 1,3cm, o risco de metástase foi maior de 20%, para esta casuística. Conclusão: O grau de diferenciação e o maior diâmetro do CEC de VADS foram variáveis independentes preditivas da ocorrência de metástase linfática cervical. O risco individual de metástase pôde ser calculado em função dessas características, segundo o modelo logístico.

Introduction: the elective neck dissection is indicated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with metastasis risk higher than 20% in epidemiological investigations, but it remains controversial in some situations. To determine the individual risk to develop node metastasis would allow the surgeons to offer a more adequate treatment case by case. Objective: to verify if it is possible to obtain an individual risk prediction model based on clinical and pathological features presented by patients with SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract. Patients and methods: retrospective longitudinal case-control study of 209 patients treated from August 2002 to January 2007, divided into two groups: 128 cases with and 81 without node metastasis followed up more than 12 months. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the primary tumor were compared between the groups and analyzed by the logistic regression model. Results: Diameter and histological grade were independent predictive variables of node metastasis risk (odds ratio = 4.8 for moderately, compared to well differentiated carcinoma; 1.5 per centimeter of primary carcinoma diameter). Thickness and vascular invasion were covariates related to them. The logistic prediction model revealed that the risk of node metastasis was higher than 20% for T1/T2 well differentiated SCC of the oral tongue and floor of mouth with thickness larger than 1.0cm. Laryngeal SCC (except glottic) with diameter smaller than 1.3cm presented less than 20% of risk. Conclusion: histological grade and diameter of the upper aerodigestive tract SCC were independent predictive variables of the neck node metastasis. The individual risk could be calculated in function of these factors by the logistic regression model.

Immunohistochemistry quantification by a digital computer-assisted method compared to semiquantitative analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare immunostaining quantification obtained by a digital computer-assisted method with the well-established semiquantitative analysis. METHODS: Cytoplasmic staining of galectin-3 was obtained by standard immunohistochemical reactions in 25 cases of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The expression index that associates the conventional area fraction of labeled cells with the immunostaining intensity score based on visual qualitative observation was used as the semiquantitative analysis. A digital computer-assisted method is described based on the use of an image processing program (ImageLab). Three parameters were obtained: (1) percentage of labeled cells; (2) digital immunostaining intensity, and (3) digital expression index. The proposed method allows numerical analysis of the immunostaining intensity. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the immunostaining intensity obtained by the two methods (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.71, P = 0.0001). The same was observed between expression indexes (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.66, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Results obtained with our proposed digital computer-assisted method for immunoexpression analysis were concordant with the semiquantitative analysis. In addition, digital values can also resolve disagreement among different observers about the quality of staining intensity because the digital method does not classify the results into groups, but rather provides a numerical value for each individual case; thus, it increases the diagnostic and, more importantly, the prognostic sensitivity of the immunohistochemical analysis.

Immunohistochemistry quantification by a digital computer-assisted method compared to semiquantitative analysis

PURPOSE: To compare immunostaining quantification obtained by a digital computer-assisted method with the well-established semiquantitative analysis. METHODS: Cytoplasmic staining of galectin-3 was obtained by standard immunohistochemical reactions in 25 cases of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The expression index that associates the conventional area fraction of labeled cells with the immunostaining intensity score based on visual qualitative observation was used as the semiquantitative analysis. A digital computer-assisted method is described based on the use of an image processing program (ImageLab®). Three parameters were obtained: (1) percentage of labeled cells; (2) digital immunostaining intensity, and (3) digital expression index. The proposed method allows numerical analysis of the immunostaining intensity. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the immunostaining intensity obtained by the two methods (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.71, P = 0.0001). The same was observed between expression indexes (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.66, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Results obtained with our proposed digital computer-assisted method for immunoexpression analysis were concordant with the semiquantitative analysis. In addition, digital values can also resolve disagreement among different observers about the quality of staining intensity because the digital method does not classify the results into groups, but rather provides a numerical value for each individual case; thus, it increases the diagnostic and, more importantly, the prognostic sensitivity of the immunohistochemical analysis.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a quantificação da imunomarcação através de um método digital assistido por computador à bem estabelecida análise semiquantitativa. MÉTODO: A marcação citoplasmática de galectina-3 foi obtida por reações imunohistoquímicas em 25 casos de carcinoma bem-diferenciado da glândula tireóide. Determinou-se o índice de expressão da análise semiquantitativa que associa a convencional fração de área de células marcadas com os escores de intensidade da imunoexpressão, com base na observação visual qualitativa. O método digital assistido por computador foi desenvolvido com o uso de um programa de análise de imagem (ImageLab®). Três parâmetros foram obtidos: (1) porcentagem de células marcadas; (2) intensidade de imunoexpressão digital e (3) índice de expressão digital. O método proposto resulta na análise numérica da intensidade de imunoexpressão. RESULTADOS: Houve importante correlação entre as intensidades de imunoexpressão obtidas pelos dois métodos (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, r=0,71, p=0,0001). O mesmo foi observado entre os índices de expressão (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, r=0,66, p=0,0001). DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados de intensidade de imunoexpressão obtidos com o emprego do método digital assistido por computador foram concordantes com os escores da análise semiquantitativa. Entretanto, os resultados alcançados com o emprego do método digital podem resolver a discordância entre diferentes observadores com relação a esta intensidade de imunomarcação. Além disso, o método proposto não categoriza os resultados em grupos, o que torna a análise imunohistoquímica numericamente mensurável individualmente, aumentando seu poder diagnóstico e, sobretudo, prognóstico.

Predição do risco de metástase do carcinoma bem diferenciado da glândula tireóide pela quantificação digital da imunoexpressão da galectina-3 nos compartimentos do tireócito maligno / Prediction of metastasis risk in well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma based on digital quantification of of galectin-3 immunoexpression in subcellular compartments of the malignant thyrocyte

Determinar o risco da ocorrência de metástase do carcinoma bem diferenciado da glândula tireóide auxilia na escolha do tratamento adequado. Um modelo de predição individual do risco de metástase foi desenvolvido com base no estudo caso-controle de um grupo de 109 doentes operados e seguidos por mais de 5 anos. A imunomarcação da galectina-3 no nucléolo do tireócito maligno foi um fator preditivo do risco individual de metástase linfática cervical...

Determination of metastasis risk in well differentiated thyroid carcinoma allows surgeons and oncologists to offer an adequate treatment to each patient. Individual metastasis risk prediction was calculated based on a case-control study involving 109 treated patients who were followed up during at least 5 years. Nucleolar galectin-3 immuno expression in malignant thyrocytes was an individual predictive factor for cervical lymph node metastasis...

Angiogenesis as an indicator of metastatic potential in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: Angiogenesis is new blood vessel formation, a process that can lead to tumor development. Microvessel count has been correlated to metastasis in some neoplasias. PURPOSE: To determine if measurement of microvessel density is useful in predicting metastasis to the cervical lymph node and prognosis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 30 patients that had undergone total thyroidectomy. They were divided in 2 groups of 15 patients--with and without metastatic disease. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression of CD34 in archival paraffin-embedded papillary thyroid tumors, and microvessel density was calculated based on it. Association between microvessel density and the presence of metastasis, according to histological subtype, disease recurrence, and AMES prognostic index groups was determined through statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median microvessel density for the patient group without metastasis (200.0 microvessels/mm2) was apparently, but not significantly, less than that observed among metastatic disease patients (254.4 microvessels/mm2) (P=.20). When papillary carcinoma subtypes were analyzed, this difference became significant (P=02). The follicular variant exhibited a greater microvessel density than the other subtypes, independent of metastasis presence. There was an apparent, but not significant, tendency for a larger median microvessel density in the group of patients that presented recurrence (294.4 microvessels/mm2 vs 249.6 microvessels/mm2, P=.11). There was no relationship between risk level and microvessel density: in the low- and high-risk groups, the median MVD was 304.0 microvessels/mm2 and 229.6 microvessels/mm2, respectively (P=.27). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that angiogenesis is more intense among metastatic tumors in the classic and the tall cell variants, indicating that microvessel count can be an indicator of the potential for metastasis in these subtypes of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patients that developed recurrent disease had a tendency to exhibit higher angiogenesis; however, there was no association between microvessel density and the AMES prognostic index.

Angiogenesis as an indicator of metastatic potential in papillary thyroid carcinoma

O desenvolvimento dos tumores depende da formação de neovasos, a angiogênese. Em algumas neoplasias, a alta densidade de microvasos tumorais correlaciona-se com a presença de metástase. OBJETIVO: Determinar se a medida da angiogênese pode indicar o potencial de metástase e o prognóstico do carcinoma papilífero tireóideo. MÉTODO: Foi feita análise retrospectiva de 30 tireoidectomizados, divididos em dois grupos de 15 indivíduos cada, respectivamente com e sem metástase. A partir dos blocos de parafina, foi calculada a densidade de microvasos no tecido tumoral por meio da quantificação da expressão do anticorpo CD34 pela imunohistoquímica. A associação da densidade de microvasos com a presença de metástase, ocorrência de recidiva e os grupos de risco do índice prognóstico AMES foi determinada por análise estatística. RESULTADOS: A mediana da densidade de microvasos no grupo de doentes sem metástase (200,0 microvasos/mm2) foi inferior àquela dos portadores de metástase (254,4 microvasos/mm2) (p = .2), sem atingir significância estatística. Ao considerar apenas os subtipos histológicos clássico e de células altas, essa diferença tornou-se significante (p = .02), uma vez que a variante folicular exibiu maior DMV que os demais subtipos, independente da presença de metástase. Houve tendência não significativa à maior densidade de microvasos entre aqueles que apresentaram recidiva (294,4 microvasos/mm2 contra 249,6 microvasos/mm2, p = .11). Nos grupos de baixo e alto risco, a mediana da densidade de microvasos foi de 304,0 microvasos/mm2 e 229,6 microvasos/mm2 respectivamente (p = .27). CONCLUSAO: A angiogênese foi mais intensa nos tumores com metástase nos subtipos clássico e de células altas, sugerindo que a contagem de microvasos pode ser um indicador do potencial de metástase nestes subtipos histológicos do carcinoma papilífero tireóideo. Doentes que evoluíram com recidiva tenderam a exibir maior angiogênese, porém não houve associação da densidade de microvasos e o índice prognóstico.

Paracoccidioidomicose: revisao bibliografica e discussäo da terapeutica através do relato de um caso tratado com fluconazol / Paracoccidioidomycosis: bibliographic review and discussion of therapeutic through of report of a case treated with fluconazole

A paracoccidioidomicose e uma micose profunda de evoluçäo aguda, sub-aguda ou crônica causada pelo fungo Paracoccidioidis brasiliensis, que incide em proporçöes significativas no Brasil. O estudo detalhado desta patologia e fundamental, pois a doença apresenta mau prognóstico na ausência de tratamento. O diagnóstico e baseado em dados clínicos e exames subsidiários, sendo que as provas sorológicas constituem um importante parâmetro do desenvolvimento da doença. O tratamento desta doença consiste no uso de três grupos principais de farmacos: os derivados sulfamidicos, anfotericina B e derivados imidazolicos. Dentre estes últimos, pode-se destacar o fluconazol como uma droga nova no tratamento da paracoccidioidomicose, utilizada em número reduzido de pacientes, apresentando resultados ainda pouco descritos na literatura...