"Leverage pry-off method" for effective prevention of thermal injury during microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the safety and efficacy of"leverage pry-off method"for preventing thermal injury during microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules.@*METHODS@#From July, 2017 to September, 2019, a total of 348 patients with benign thyroid nodules underwent ultrasound-guided microwave ablation. For protecting from thermal injury during the ablation, "hydrodissection technique" was used in 174 of the patients (admitted from July, 2017 to August, 2018) and "leverage pry-off method" in the other 174 patients (admitted from September, 2018 to September, 2019). All the patients were followed up for 1 to 12 months after the operation for observation of severe complications and nodular residues.@*RESULTS@#Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation was completed in all the 348 patients. The most common severe complication associated with the ablation was voice change, occurring in 3 cases (1.7%) in "hydrodissection technique" group and in 4 (2.3%) in the "leverage pry-off method" group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up, no significant difference was found in the rate of nodular residues between the "hydrodissection technique" group and "hydrodissection technique" group (9.8% vs 10.9% (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The "leverage pry-off method" is simple and effective for preventing thermal injury during microwave ablation of benign thyroid nodules.

Evaluation of accuracy of pathological diagnosis based on thyroid core needle biopsy / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the protocol for diagnosing thyroid nodules based on core needle biopsy (CNB) and study the biomarkers' application in distinguishing indeterminate samples.@*METHODS@#Patients with thyroid nodules treated at Peking University First Hospital from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed. In the study, 598 cases with CNB and matched resected specimens were retrieved. According to "diagnostic categories of thyroid CNB" proposed by the Korean Endocrine Pathology Thyroid Core Needle Biopsy Study Group, the CNB samples were diagnosed as follows: Ⅰ, unsatisfactory; Ⅱ, benign; Ⅲ, indeterminate; Ⅳ, follicular neoplasm; Ⅴ, suspicious for malignancy; and Ⅵ, malignant. The samples of CNB Ⅲ were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against CK19, Galectin-3, HBME-1, and CD56, and detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using an OncoAim® thyroid cancer multigene assay kit (Singlera Genomics) that detected 26 genes. Taking the resected specimens' classification as the gold standard, the predictive value of CNB for determining the malignancy of thyroid nodules and the biomarkers for distinguishing the samples of CNB Ⅲ was calculated.@*RESULTS@#The study included 598 patients, of which none were CNB Ⅰ, 40 cases were CNB Ⅱ, 40 cases were CNB Ⅲ, 32 cases were CNB Ⅳ, 35 cases were CNB Ⅴ, and 451 cases were CNB Ⅵ. The predictive value of CNB Ⅳ for determining follicular neoplasm was sensitivity (Sen) 100.00% and specificity (Sep) 100.00%, CNB Ⅴ-Ⅵ for determining malignancy was Sen 94.55% and Sep 100.00%, CNB Ⅱ for determining benign lesions was Sen 75.00% and Sep 99.80%. The predictive value of biomarkers for determining malignancy in cases of CNB Ⅲ was Sen 96.30% and Sep 92.31% by NGS, and Sen 81.48% and Sep 92.30% by IHC.@*CONCLUSION@#The Korean "diagnostic categories of thyroid CNB", which considers the histological specificity of CNB samples and the habits of clinicians, have strong operability, high diagnosis rate, and high clinical value. Under this framework, the cases of CNB Ⅵ should be treated with surgical operation, the cases of CNB Ⅴ-Ⅵ are recommended to be treated as malignant neoplasms, and the major cases of CNB Ⅱ could be followed up without worrisome except the one considered malignant by ultrasound. The value of biomarkers in distinguishing the cases of CNB Ⅲ is significant.

Expert consensus on microwave ablation for benign breast nodules / 中华内科杂志

Because mammary glands are regulated by endocrine factors, they are prone to various abnormalities and disorders. Breast nodules are common and occur frequently in clinical practice. The clinical management of breast nodules mainly includes follow-up observation, lesion biopsy, and surgical intervention, and surgical intervention is an effective treatment. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation is a new minimally invasive treatment technology developed in recent years. It has the advantages of short operation time, no scarring, less damage to the lactiferous duct, quick recovery, and good curative effects without bleeding. The establishment of an expert consensus on microwave ablation for benign breast nodules aims to provide a reliable clinical basis for microwave ablation of benign breast nodules, standardize the treatment process, and improve treatment efficacy, so as to serve as a reference for physicians in clinical practice.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del nódulo de tiroides en el Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García" / Surgical Treatment of Thyroid Nodule in Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García"

Introducción: El nódulo tiroideo es un concepto clínico que puede definirse como el aumento de volumen circunscrito en la glándula tiroides que puede ser único o múltiple y de diversas etiologías. Una controversia actual constituye la selección del tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado en pacientes portadores de carcinoma diferenciado del tiroides en etapas tempranas. La importancia de la edad, el grado histológico del tumor, la extensión de la enfermedad y el tamaño del tumor, brindan una información pronóstica de gran utilidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar el tratamiento quirúrgico del nódulo de tiroides y su relación con un índice pronóstico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte longitudinal, prospectivo, en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García", con los pacientes atendidos y operados de nódulo de tiroides, desde noviembre de 2012 hasta diciembre de 2015. La muestra fue de 114 pacientes. Resultados: Prevalecieron los nódulos de tiroides en el sexo femenino, fue el grupo etario de 40 - 49 años en el que existió mayor número de pacientes. Predominaron las lesiones benignas con un 60 por ciento. La intervención quirúrgica que se realizó con mayor frecuencia fue la hemitiroidectomía, o sea, cirugía conservadora, aunque existió discrepancia en el empleo de la técnica quirúrgica en los pacientes con carcinoma bien diferenciado que tuvieron un índice de bajo riesgo. Conclusiones: Las afecciones benignas mantienen su mayor frecuencia en el tiroides. Existen contradicciones en el momento de elegir una técnica quirúrgica en los pacientes de bajo riesgo, donde se opta por la radicalidad, en la que existe mayor número de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: Thyroid nodule is a clinical concept that can be defined as volume increase circumscribed in the thyroid gland and that can be single or multiple, as well as of various etiologies. A current controversy is the selection of the appropriate surgical treatment in patients with early-stage differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The importance of age, histologic tumor grade, disease extent and tumor size provide useful prognostic information. Objective: To characterize the surgical treatment of the thyroid nodule and its relationship with a prognostic index. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study was carried out in the general surgery service of Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García" with patients treated and operated on for thyroid nodules, from November 2012 to December 2015. The sample consisted of 114 patients. Results: Thyroid nodules prevailed in the female sex, and the age group of 40-49 years old had the highest number of patients. Benign lesions predominated, accounting for 60 percent. The most frequently performed surgical intervention was Hemithyroidectomy -that is, conservative surgery-, although there was disagreement regarding the use of the surgical technique in patients with well-differentiated carcinoma and a low risk index. Conclusions: Benign conditions maintain the highest frequency in the thyroid. There are contradictions at the moment of choosing a surgical technique for low-risk patients, for whom radicality is chosen, in which case there is a greater number of complications(AU)

Caracterización de los pacientes operados de afecciones nodulares de tiroides / Characterization of Patients Operated on for Nodular Thyroid Conditions

Introducción: Los nódulos tiroideos son un problema frecuente, deben ser estudiados, sobre todo por la posibilidad de que puedan ser malignos. Objetivo: Caracterizar el comportamiento de los pacientes con afecciones quirúrgicas del tiroides en la provincia de Cienfuegos desde el 1 de enero del 2015 al 31 de diciembre del 2017. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de 225 pacientes con afecciones quirúrgicas del tiroides en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital General Universitario "Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima" en la provincia Cienfuegos durante un trienio. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, lóbulo afectado, características físicas y ecográficas de los nódulos, modalidades de biopsias utilizadas y su correlación, técnica quirúrgica, variedad histológica y complicaciones posoperatorias. Se empleó modelo recolector de datos con las variables de interés, presentándose en tablas de frecuencia, números y porciento. Resultados: Predominaron las féminas (87,1 por ciento), el grupo etareo 41 - 50 años (34,7 por ciento) y el lóbulo izquierdo (45,3 por ciento). Prevalecieron los nódulos únicos, móviles, renitentes y ecogénicos. Predominó el carcinoma papilar (59,6 por ciento) y el bocio multinodular (25,3 por ciento). La hemitiroidectomía, el procedimiento quirúrgico más empleado (44,9 por ciento) y la disfonía transitoria (4,9 por ciento) complicación más frecuente. Conclusiones: En la práctica clínica cotidiana de las afecciones del tiroides se evidencia la necesaria interrelación entre endocrinólogos, cirujanos, oncólogos, imaginólogos y patólogos, entre otros, para el abordaje multi e interdisciplinario en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a frequent problem; they should be studied, especially because of the possibility that they may be malignant. Objective: To characterize patients with thyroid surgical conditions in Cienfuegos Province, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study of 225 patients with thyroid surgical affections was carried out in the surgery service of Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital, in Cienfuegos Province, during a three-year period. The variables analyzed were age, sex, affected lobe, physical and ultrasound nodular characteristics of nodules, used biopsy modalities and their correlation, surgical technique, histological variety and postoperative complications. A data collection model was used with the variables of interest, presented in tables of frequency, numbers and percentages. Results: Females predominated (87.1 percent), together with the age group 41-50 years (34.7 percent) and the left lobe (45.3 percent). Single, mobile, refractory and echogenic nodules prevailed. Papillary carcinoma (59.6 percent) and multinodular goiter (25.3 percent) predominated. Hemithyroidectomy was the most employed surgical procedure (44.9 percent) and transient dysphonia (4.9 percent) was the most frequent complication. Conclusions: The daily clinical practice of thyroid conditions evidences the necessary interrelation between endocrinologists, surgical doctors, oncologists, imaginologists and pathologists, among others, for the multi- and interdisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and managment of these patients(AU)

Intraoperative frozen section performance for thyroid cancer diagnosis

ABSTRACT Objective: A primary medical relevance of thyroid nodules consists of excluding thyroid cancer, present in approximately 5% of all thyroid nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has a paramount role in distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules due to its availability and diagnostic performance. Nevertheless, intraoperative frozen section (iFS) is still advocated as a valuable tool for surgery planning, especially for indeterminate nodules. Subjects and methods: To compare the FNAB and iFS performances in thyroid cancer diagnosis among nodules in Bethesda Categories (BC) I to VI. The performance of FNAB and iFS tests were calculated using final histopathology results as the gold standard. Results: In total, 316 patients were included in the analysis. Both FNAB and iFS data were available for 272 patients (86.1%). The overall malignancy rate was 30.4%% (n = 96). The FNAB sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for benign (BC II) and malignant (BC V and VI) were 89.5%, 97.1%, and 94.1%, respectively. For all nodules evaluated, the iFS sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 80.9%, 100%, and 94.9%, respectively. For indeterminate nodules and follicular lesions (BC III and IV), the iFS sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 25%, 100%, and 88.7%, respectively. For BC I nodules, iFS had 95.2% of accuracy. Conclusion: Our results do not support routine iFS for indeterminate nodules or follicular neoplasms (BC III and IV) due to its low sensitivity. In these categories, iFS is not sufficiently accurate to guide the intraoperative management of thyroidectomies. iFS for BC I nodules could be an option and should be specifically investigated

The efficacy and safety of high-intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis from 1990 to 2021

INTRODUCTION@#To date, there have only been 2 systematic reviews, and 1 systematic review and meta-analysis on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for benign thyroid nodules. The present systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HIFU in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.@*METHODS@#Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies from 1990 to 2021. Nine studies were included in the systematic review and 6 in the meta-analysis. Pooled volume reduction rates (VRRs) at 3, 6 and 24 months after HIFU were assessed.@*RESULTS@#This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that pooled VRRs at 3, 6, and 24 months after HIFU were 42.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.66-55.62, I2=91%), 53.51 (95% CI 36.78-70.25, I2=97%) and 46.89 (95% CI 18.87-74.92, I2=99%), respectively. There was significant heterogeneity in the pooled VRRs at 3, 6 and 24 months after HIFU. No studies recorded complete disappearance of the nodules. Common side effects included pain, skin changes and oedema. There were no major complications except for transient vocal cord paralysis and voice hoarseness (0.014%) and transient Horner syndrome (0.5%).@*CONCLUSION@#HIFU may be an effective and safe alternative treatment modality for benign thyroid nodules. Larger clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of HIFU in treating benign thyroid nodules.

Valor de la PAAF y el Sistema Bethesda en tumores de tiroides / TFNA VALUE AND THE BETHESDA SYSTEM IN THYROID TUMORS

Introducción: La punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) de tiroides se fundamentó y desarrolló por completo en 1950. Los informes citológicos eran descriptivos, no sistematizados, no comparables y rara vez indicaban el manejo del paciente. En 2007, en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer de los Estados Unidos en Bethesda, se realiza el manual de la Nomenclatura y Sistemática de elaboración de los informes de PAAF tiroidea (Sistema Bethesda). En la actualidad, es una herramienta diagnóstica imprescindible para la evaluación de nódulos tiroideos y útil para decidir conducta e indicar la intervención quirúrgica. Objetivos: determinar el valor de la citología por PAAF en el diagnóstico final de los tumores tiroideos y comparar con el estudio patológico intraoperatorio y definitivo. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo observacional. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital Público de atención terciaria de oncología. Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron todos los pacientes operados por patología tiroidea de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2020, con PAAF previa y estudio patológico intraoperatorio. Resultados: La PAAF tuvo una sensibilidad de 96% y una especificidad del 70% con 1 falso negativo (FN) y 6 falsos positivos (FP), un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) de 85% y un valor predictivo negativo (VPN) de 87%. El porcentaje de malignidad según categoría de Bethesda fue: 28% para la categoría IV, 91% para V y 100% para VI. El estudio patológico intraoperatorio (EPI) tuvo una sensibilidad de 97% y especificidad del 83,3%, con 1 FN y 1 FP, un VPP de 96% y un VPN de 86%. Conclusión: El estudio de los tumores de tiroides por medio de la PAAF y su informe mediante el Sistema de Bethesda demostró, en general, ser confiable para evaluar el riesgo de malignidad tiroidea y la adecuada indicación de tratamiento quirúrgico a los pacientes estudiados en el preoperatorio.

Background: Thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) was fully founded and developed in 1950. Cytological reports were descriptive, not systematized, and not comparable and rarely indicated patient management. The manual of the Nomenclature and Systematics of preparation of the thyroid FNA reports (Bethesda System) was created in 2007, at the National Cancer Institute of the United States. At present, it is an essential diagnostic tool for the evaluation of thyroid nodules and useful for deciding on the conduct and indicating surgical intervention. Objectives: to determine the value of FNA cytology in the final diagnosis of thyroid tumors and to compare it with the intraoperative and definitive pathological study. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Public Hospital for tertiary care of tumors. Material and methods: all patients surgically intervened for thyroid pathology from January 2018 to December 2020, with previous FNA and intraoperative pathological study, were evaluated. Results: FNA had a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 70% with one false negative (FN) and six of them with false positives (FP), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 85% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87%. The percentage of malignancy according to Bethesda category was: 28% for category IV, 91% for V and 100% for VI. Intraoperative histologic study (HIS) had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 83.3%, with 1 FN and 1 FP, a PPV of 96% and a NPV of 86%. Conclusions: The study of thyroid tumors using FNA and its report using the Bethesda System proved, generally, to be reliable in evaluating the risk of thyroid malignancy and the adequate indication of surgical treatment in preoperative studied patients.

Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: prospective cost-effectiveness analysis in comparison to conventional thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the total costs of surgery and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: This is a prospective randomized study comparing cases treated with US-guided RF ablation (cases) and surgery (control). They were selected and allocated to groups (thyroidectomy or radioablation) by permuted block randomization in blocks of five cases each. Results: Five cases of RF Ablation were compared with five cases of thyroidectomies conducted in the same period. Similar complication rates were observed in both groups. Shorter operating time and hospital stay were observed for the RF group. In the evaluation of the total cost between procedures, radioblation represented 76% of the cost of partial thyroidectomy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that radioablation has a competitive cost, making it an effective alternative in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

Valor del estudio patológico intraoperatorio de tiroides. Comparación con la punción aspiración preoperatoria y la patología diferida / Value of the intraoperative pathology in thyroid surgery: comparison with preoperative aspiration puncture and deferred pathology

Resumen Para evaluar la utilidad diagnóstica del estudio patológico intraoperatorio (EPI) en cirugía tiroidea se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de sus resultados en 350 pacientes en comparación con la biopsia preoperatoria por punción con aguja fina (PAAF) y el est udio patológico diferido (EPD). Los resultados de la PAAF se clasificaron según el sistema de Bethesda en categoría II (91 casos, 26.0%), III (21 casos, 6.0%), IV (73 casos, 21.9%), V (54 casos, 15.4%) y VI (111 casos, 31.7%). El EPI mostró lesiones benignas en 137 casos (39.1%), malignas en 169 (48.2%), y resultados no definitivos en 44 (12.6 %). El EPD informó patología benigna en 161 casos (46%) y carcinoma en 189 (54%); se encontró carcinoma en 8 pacientes (5.8%) en quienes el EPI había informado lesión benigna y en 12 (27.2%) en quienes había informado no definitivo; 13 de estos 20 casos fueron microcarcinomas incidentales. El EPI no informó ningún falso positivo (especificidad 100%, sensibilidad 89.4%, valor predictivo positivo 100%, valor predictivo negativo 90.0%, exactitud 94.2%). Los resultados de malignidad con EPI y EPD, según categorías de Bethesda fueron respectivamente: II 3 (3.3%) y 7 (7.7%); III 8 (38.1%) y 10 (47.6%); IV 3 (4.1%) y 10 (13.7%); V 47 (87.0%) y 52 (96.3%); VI 108 (97.3%) y 110 (99.1%). El EPI no dio información adicional a la biopsia por PAAF en la mayoría de los casos ni detectó microcarcinomas en otros, por lo que no parece justificado indicarlo rutinariamente.

Abstract To evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative pathology (IP) in thyroid surgery, a retrospective review of its results in 350 patients was performed in comparison with the results of the preoperative fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and the surgical pathology report (SPR). The FNB was reported according to the Bethesda system as type II in 91 cases (26.0%), type III in 21 (6.0%), type IV in 73 (21.9%), type V in 54 (15.4%), and type VI in 111 (31.7%). The IP showed benign lesions in 137 cases (39.1%), malignancy in 169 (48.2%), and inconclusive results in 44 (12.6%). The SPR results were benign pathology in 161 cases (46%) and carcinoma in 189 (54%); carcinoma was found in 8 patients (5.8%) in whom the IP had reported benignity, and in 12 (27.2%) with IP inconclusive results; 13 of those 20 cases were incidental microcarcinomas. The IP did not report any false positive result (specificity 100 %, sensitivity 89.4%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 90.0%, and accuracy 94.2%). When discriminated by Bethesda types, the malignant lesions detected by IP and SPR were, respectively: II 3 (3.3%) and 7 (7.70%); III 8 (38.1%) and 10 (47.6%); IV 3 (4.1%) and 10 (13.7%); V 47 (87.0%) and 52 (96.3%); VI 108 (97.3%) and 110 (99.1%). In most cases, the IP did not provide additional information to the FNB report nor did it detect microcarcinomas in others, so it does not seem justified to perform it routinely.

Are clinicopathological features of the isthmic thyroid nodule different from nodules in thyroid lobes? A single center experience

ABSTRACT Objectives: Thyroid nodules located in isthmus were found less prevalent, although papillary thyroid cancer in this location was reported to be more aggressive behaviour in some studies. Our aim was to evaluate hormonal,ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features of nodules located in isthmus (isthmic nodules). Subjects and methods: Patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2006-2014 reviewed retrospectively. Hormonal, ultrasonographic, and cytopathologic features compared between patients with isthmic (Group-1) and with lober (non-isthmic, Group-2) nodules. Results: Group-1 and Group-2 consisted of 251 and 2076 patients, respectively. 260 isthmic (5.5%) and 4433 non-isthmic (94.5%) nodules were compared.However,most ultrasonographical features such as presence of microcalcification and halo, diameters, echogenicity, texture, margin, and vascularity were similar between groups, macrocalcification rate was lower in isthmic nodules (18.8%, 25.9%; p = 0.012). Cytologic results were also similar.Although malignancy rate was lower in isthmic nodules (6.2%, 12.5%; p = 0.002), type of thyroid cancer was similar in isthmic and non-isthmic nodules.When malignant isthmic (n = 16,2.8%) and malignant non-isthmic nodules (n = 553, 97.2%) were compared, diameter and type of tumor, lymphovascular and capsular invasions, extrathyroidal extension and multifocality rates were not statistically significant.Malignant isthmic nodules (n = 16, 6.2%) had smaller size [10.1 (7.5-34.5) mm, 19.95 (8.4-74.1) mm; p = 0.002], and higher hypoechogenicity rate (31.3%, 5.7%, p = 0.003) compared to benign isthmic nodules (n = 244, 93.8%). Negative predictive value was higher and positive predictive value was lower in isthmic nodules compared to non-isthmic nodules (p = 0.033, p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: Isthmic nodules appear to be indolent because of having lower malignancy rate. FNAB might be required in isthmic nodules even if it has relatively small size.The surgery with limited extent or follow-up might seem to be reliable in the management of patients having isthmic nodules especially with indeterminate cytology.

Can the unnecessary operations for suspected thyroid nodules be avoided by the combined use of the strain ratio and elastography score? / As cirurgias desnecessárias para nódulos tireoidianos suspeitos podem ser evitadas pelo uso combinado da razão de compressão e do escore da elastografia?

Abstract Introduction Only 5%-15% of thyroid surgical specimens are reported as malignant. Most of the operations are performed due to suspicion of malignancy as a result of fine needle aspiration biopsy but invasiveness, non-diagnostic results and potential repeat biopsies are disadvantages of fine needle aspiration biopsy. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of simultaneously using both the strain ratio and elasticity score in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, as well as to assess the compatibility of these two methods. Methods A total of 144 nodules were included in the study. The final histopathologic diagnosis was used as the reference standard. The area under the curve sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of the strain ratio and elasticity score were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The compatibility and comparison of strain ratio and elasticity score were also performed. Results Twenty eight nodules (19.4%) were malignant. The strain ratio and elasticity score results were found to be significantly successful in predicting thyroid malignancy (p < 0.001 for both). Moreover, the area under the curve for the strain ratio and elasticity score were found to be 0.944 and 0.960, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the elasticity score was found to be superior to that of the strain ratio, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.456). When the compatibility of the strain ratio and elasticity score was examined, the two evaluations were revealed to be statistically consistent with each other (Kappa = 0.767; p < 0.001). When the strain ratio and the elasticity score were used together, the specificity of capturing the correct diagnosis increased from 84.5% to 93.1%. Conclusion When the strain ratio an elasticity score were used together for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules, more accurate results were obtained. Thus, combining both methods may be a promising alternative to fine needle aspiration biopsy in order to prevent unnecessary surgical interventions for suspected thyroid nodules.

Resumo Introdução Apenas 5% a 15% das amostras cirúrgicas de tireoide são relatadas como malignas. A maioria das cirurgias é feita devido à suspeita de lesão maligna como resultado da biópsia por punção aspirativa com agulha fina. Entretanto, invasividade, resultados não diagnósticos e biópsias repetidas são desvantagens desse procedimento. Objetivo Investigar a eficácia do uso simultâneo da razão de compressão e do escore de elasticidade no diagnóstico diferencial de nódulos tireoidianos, bem como avaliar a compatibilidade desses dois métodos. Método Foram incluídos no estudo 144 nódulos. O diagnóstico histopatológico final foi usado como padrão de referência. A área sob a curva sensibilidade, especificidade e valores de corte da razão de compressão e do escore de elasticidade foram determinados com a análise da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic. A compatibilidade e comparação da razão de compressão e do escore de elasticidade também foram feitas. Resultados Eram malignos 28 nódulos (19,4%). Os resultados da razão de compressão e do escore de elasticidade foram significantemente bem-sucedidos em prever a lesão maligna de nódulos da tireoide (p < 0,001 para ambos). Além disso, as áreas sob a curva para a razão de compressão e o escore de elasticidade foram de 0,944 e 0,960, respectivamente. A acurácia diagnóstica escore de elasticidade foi superior à da razão de compressão, mas essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significante (p = 0,456). Quando a compatibilidade da razão de compressão e do escore de elasticidade foi examinada, as duas avaliações mostraram-se estatisticamente consistentes (Kappa = 0,767; p < 0,001). Quando a razão de compressão e o escore de elasticidade foram usados em conjunto, a especificidade de captar o diagnóstico correto aumentou de 84,5% para 93,1%. Conclusão Quando a razão de compressão e o escore de elasticidade foram usados juntos para o diagnóstico diferencial de nódulos tireoidianos, resultados mais precisos foram obtidos. Assim, o uso combinado dos dois métodos pode ser uma opção promissora à biópsia por punção aspirativa com agulha fina e evitar intervenções cirúrgicas desnecessárias para nódulos tireoidianos suspeitos.

Microcalcificaciones en ausencia de nódulo tiroideo identificable por ecografía y su asociación a cáncer de tiroides: a propósito de un caso / Microcalcifications in the absence of identifiable thyroid nodule on sonography and its association with thyroid carcinoma: a case report

La ecografía tiroidea es la principal herramienta diagnóstica en el manejo de los nódulos tiroideos, siendo la presencia de microcalcificaciones un signo de malignidad. Sin embargo, existen escasas publicaciones acerca de la presencia de microcalcificaciones en ausencia de nódulo identificable y su asociación con cáncer de tiroides. Presentamos un caso de una mujer de 26 años, que, tras hallazgo incidental de bocio, se describe en ecografía un tiroides con alteración difusa de su ecogenicidad e imágenes compatibles con microcalcificaciones sin claro nódulo definido en su polo inferior. Tras realización de punción aspiración con aguja fina de la lesión con resultado Bethesda categoría 5, se decide realizar tiroidectomía total, presentando estudio histológico con diagnóstico de carcinoma papilar de tiroides variante clásica con metástasis ganglionares p(T1bN1a). Tras una revisión sistemática, los estudios hasta hoy publicados sugieren que la presencia de microcalcificaciones aisladas sin nódulo identificable debe considerarse un importante factor de riesgo de cáncer de tiroides, especialmente en gente joven, y en aquellas asentadas sobre una tiroiditis de Hashimoto. Por ende, resulta imperativo mantener una alta sospecha ante el hallazgo de este tipo de lesiones, recomendando una valoración exhaustiva de las mismas con la realización de una punción aspiración con aguja fina a todas las lesiones con dichas características.

Thyroid ultrasound is the main diagnostic tool in the management of thyroid nodules, with the presence of microcalcifications being a sign of malignancy. However, there are few publications about the presence of microcalcifications in the absence of an identifiable nodule and its association with thyroid cancer. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman who, after an incidental finding of goiter, a thyroid with diffuse echogenicity alteration and images compatible with microcalcifications without a clear nodule defined in the lower pole of the lobe is described on the ultrasound. After performing a fine needle aspiration of the lesion resulting in a Bethesda category 5, a total thyroidectomy was performed, presenting in the histological study a diagnosis of a classic variant of a papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastases p (T1bN1a). After a systematic review, the studies previously published suggest that the presence of isolated microcalcifications without an identifiable nodule should be considered an important risk factor for thyroid cancer, especially in young people, and in those with a concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a high suspicion of the discovery of this type of lesion, recommending an exhaustive assessment of them with the performance of a fine needle aspiration to all lesions with these features.

Seguimiento y características clínicas de los pacientes con nódulos tiroideos en nuestra práctica clínica antes de 2015 / Follow-up and clinical characteristics of patients with thyroid nodules in our clinical practice before 2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los nódulos tiroideos son una consulta muy prevalente en Endocrinología. Las guías de la Asociación Americana de Tiroides (2015) animaban a realizar estudios a largo plazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar las características, el seguimiento y la evolución de los nódulos de tiroides seguidos en nuestras consultas hasta 2015. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con al menos dos ecografías o cirugía. Los datos clínicos, ecográficos y de punción, así como la evolución y los resultados histológicos de aquellos operados, se analizaron con métodos descriptivos, bivariados y de regresión. RESULTADOS: 1.420 pacientes seguidos en Endocrinología a largo plazo fueron incluidos. 20 se excluyeron por tener una sola ecografía. El 71,2% presentaban normofunción, 9,6% hipertiroidismo subclínico, 9,5% hipotiroidismo subclínico, 5,7% hipotiroidismo clínico y 4% hipertiroidismo clínico. Del total de nódulos seguidos (n= 1400), 64,1%, 15,6% y 20,3% permanecieron estables, aumentaron y disminuyeron respectivamente. Los que crecieron no tuvieron más características sospechosas en las ecografías. De los intervenidos (457 casos (32,6% del total), 207 fueron malignos (45,2%). 57% de ellos fueron diagnosticados e intervenidos durante el primer año, en la primera evaluación. La aparición de nódulos malignos en el resto de pacientes fue de 89 casos (6,3% de todos los nódulos seguidos, 38,3% de ellos, incidentalomas). La ecografía y la citología empleadas antes de la homogenización de los criterios diagnósticos tuvieron una baja sensibilidad y especificidad en nuestro medio. CONCLUSIONES: Más de la mitad de los cánceres de tiroides fueron diagnosticados en la evaluación inicial del nódulo tiroideo. Más de la mitad de los nódulos no operados en el primer año mantienen el mismo tamaño a largo plazo. No encontramos predictores clínicos del aumento de tamaño. El valor diagnóstico de la ecografía y PAAF sin unos criterios estandarizados homogéneos es bajo.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules are a very prevalent consultation in endocrinology. Guidelines from the American Thyroid Association (2015) encouraged to conduct follow-up studies in the long term. This study object was to review the clinical characteristics, follow-up and evolution of thyroid nodules visited in our consultations till 2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients that had at least two thyroid ultrasounds or had been operated. Clinical, ultrasound and FNA (fine needle aspiration) data as well as the evolution and histology results of those operated, were analyzed with descriptive, bivariated and regression analyses. RESULTS: 1.420 patients followed in Endocrinology in the long term were included. 20 were excluded for having only one ecography. 71,2% had normal function, 9,6% subclinical hyperthyroidism, 9,5% subclinical hypothyroidism, 5,7% clinical hypothyroidism and 4% clinical hyperthyroidism. Of all the nodules followed (n=1400), 64,1%, 15,6% and 20,3% remained the same size, grew and decreased respectively. Nodules that grew didn´t have more suspicious sonographic characteristics. Of the operated nodules (457 cases (32,6% of all), 207 were cáncer (45,2%). 57% of them were diagnosed and intervened during the first year, in the first evaluation. Malignant nodules were detected in the rest of patients in 89 cases (6,3% of all the followed nodules, 38,3% of them were incidental cases). The ultrasound and citology diagnoses used before the homogenization of diagnoses criteria had a low senitivity and specificity in our clinical environment. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the thyroid cancers were diagnosed in the initial evaluation of the thyroid nodule. More than half of nodules non operated in the first year remained the same size long term. We could not find clinical predictors of growth. The diagnostic value of the ultrasound and FNA is low without standardized and homogenous criteria.

Manejo de nódulos tiroideos y cáncer de tiroides con lobectomía: experiencia de un equipo multidisciplinario / Management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer with lobectomy: experience of a multidisciplinary team

INTRODUCCIÓN: La extensión de la cirugía es motivo de controversia en el manejo de nódulos y cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT). En nódulos benignos e indeterminados que requieran cirugía, la lobectomía es de elección, mientras que en CDT debe considerarse en tumores intratiroideos ≤ 4 cm. NUESTRO OBJETIVO objetivo fue reportar la primera cohorte chilena de nódulos tiroideos y CDT tratados con lobectomía por un equipo multidisciplinario. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a lobectomía por nódulos tiroideos y CDT que cumplieran: 1) tumor intratiroideo ≤4cm si punción aspirativa (PAF) Bethesda I, III, IV, V o VI; sin límite de tamaño si PAF Bethesda II, y 2) sin hallazgos sospechosos en la ecografía preoperatoria. En pacientes con CDT se describió presentación clínica, complicaciones y tipo de respuesta a tratamiento según ATA 2015 y MINSAL 2020. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 105 pacientes, edad 38±11 años, 84 (80%) mujeres, diámetro 2,2±1,5cm: 41 (39%) benignos y 64 (61%) CDT. De los CDT, 44 (69%) tenían cáncer papilar, 7 (11%) cáncer folicular y 13 (20%) NIFTP. Todos eran etapa I. Según MINSAL, 55 (85,9%) de riesgo muy bajo/bajo y 9 (14,1%) intermedio. Según ATA, 51 (80%) y 13 (20%) de riesgo bajo e intermedio, respectivamente. Se indicó totalización precoz y ablación con radioyodo en 6 (9,4%) pacientes: 4 por invasión venosa y 2 por CPT variedad sólida. De los 39 no totalizados seguidos ≥6 meses, no hubo casos de respuesta incompleta. Respecto a las complicaciones, ningún paciente tuvo hipocalcemia y 10 (9,5%) tuvieron disfonía transitoria. CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con nódulos tiroideos o CDT seleccionados, la lobectomía es una alternativa adecuada. En CDT logra buen control de enfermedad sin necesidad de tratamiento adicional en cerca de 90% de los pacientes, con muy baja morbilidad asociada.

INTRODUCTION: The extension of surgery is a matter of debate in the management of thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While lobectomy is the procedure of choice in benign and indeterminate nodules that require surgery, it is an option in intrathyroidal DTC up to 4 cm. OUR OBJECTIVE was to report the first Chilean cohort of patients with thyroid nodules and DTC treated with lobectomy by a multidisciplinary team. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included patients with thyroid nodules treated with lobectomy, who met the following inclusion criteria: 1) intrathyroidal tumor ≤ 4cm if fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) was Bethesda I, III, IV, V o VI; without size limit if FNA was Bethesda II, and 2) non-suspicious findings in preoperative ultrasound. In patients with DTC we described clinical presentation, complications and response to treatment according to ATA 2015 and MINSAL 2020. RESULTS: We included 105 patients, 38±11 years old, 84 (80%) female, diameter 2.2±1.5cm: 41 (39%) benign and 64 (61%) DTC. Among DTC, 44 (69%) had papillary thyroid cancer, 7 (11%) follicular thyroid cancer and 13 (20%) NIFTP. All had stage I DTC. According to MINSAL, 55 (85.9%) were very low/low, and 9 (14.1%) intermediate risk. According to ATA, 51 (80%) and 13 (20%) were low and intermediate risk, respectively. Six (9.4%) patients required early completion thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation: 4 due to angioinvasion and 2 due to solid variant PTC. None of the 39 non-completed patients followed for at least 6 months had incomplete response. Regarding complications, there were no cases of hypocalcemia and 10 (9.5%) patients had transient dysphonia. CONCLUSIONS: In properly selected patients with thyroid nodules or DTC, lobectomy is an appropriate treatment option. In DTC, lobectomy accomplishes adequate disease control without need of further treatment in nearly 90% of patients, with very low associated morbidity.

Thyroid nodules ≤ 1 cm and papillary thyroid microcarcinomas: Brazilian experts opinion

ABSTRACT The indolent evolution of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTC) in adult patients and the consequences of thyroidectomy require a revision of the management traditionally recommended. Aiming to spare patients unnecessary procedures and therapies and to optimize the health system in Brazil, we suggest some measures. Fine-needle aspiration of nodules ≤ 1 cm without extrathyroidal extension on ultrasonography should be performed only in nodules classified as "very suspicious" (i.e., high suspicion according to ATA, high risk according to AACE, TI-RADS 5) and in selected cases [age < 40 years, nodule adjacent to the trachea or recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), multiple suspicious nodules, presence of hypercalcitoninemia or suspicious lymph nodes]. Active surveillance (AS) rather than immediate surgery should be considered in adult patients with low-risk mPTC. Lobectomy is the best option in patients with unifocal low-risk mPTC who are not candidates for AS because of age, proximity of the tumor to the trachea or RLN, or because they opted for surgery. The same applies to patients who started AS but had a subsequent surgical indication not due to a suspicion of tumor extension beyond the gland or multicentricity. Molecular tests are not necessary to choose between AS and surgery or, in the latter case, between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy. The presence of RAS or other RAS-like mutations or BRAFV600E or other BRAF V600E-like mutations should not modify the management cited above; however, the rare cases of mPTC exhibiting high-risk mutations, like in the TERT promoter or p53, are not candidates for AS.

Carcinoma tiroideo en nódulo centellográfico hipercaptante: reporte de caso / Thyroid carcinoma in hypercaptative scintigraphic nodule: case report

Los nódulos tiroideos suelen ser benignos en más del 95% de los casos y eutiroideos. La probabilidad de cáncer de tiroides en el hipertiroidismo es baja. Al enfrentarse a un nódulo tiroideo la importancia radica en excluir patología maligna, pero se debe mantener el orden en el algoritmo de estudio para evitar un diagnóstico incorrecto y caer en costos innecesarios. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad con hipertiroidismo que en la ecografía aparece un nódulo tiroideo y adenopatía derecha, ambos con elementos sospechosos de malignidad, por lo que se pide punción de ambas estructuras, y se confirma el carcinoma papilar en el nódulo tiroideo, no así en la adenopatía. En el centellograma se observa un nódulo caliente que coincide con el nódulo maligno. Se realiza biopsia intraoperatoria de la adenopatía sospechosa y resulta ser una metástasis de carcinoma papilar. Se procedió a la tiroidectomía total con vaciamiento ganglionar central y lateral derecho. La anatomía patológica confirmó la presencia del carcinoma papilar clásico con metástasis de la adenopatía sospechosa. Posteriormente se administraron 130 mCi de radioyodo. Se debe considerar que los carcinomas pueden enmascararse ocasionalmente como nódulos «calientes¼ en el centellograma y en este caso, si bien en principio no estaría indicada la punción con aguja fina del nódulo dado que es hipercaptante en el centellograma, la ecografía demuestra elementos sospechosos contundentes de malignidad. En este caso el hilo conductor fue la ecografía y se rompió con el esquema clásico en la solicitud de estudios paraclínicos, obteniendo finalmente la confirmación diagnóstica de un cáncer y se realizó el tratamiento adecuado del mismo.

Thyroid nodules are usually benign in more than 95% of cases and euthyroid. The likelihood of thyroid cancer in hyperthyroidism is low. When dealing with a thyroid nodule the importance lies in excluding malignant pathology, but order must be maintained in the study algorithm to avoid an incorrect diagnosis and to fall into unnecessary costs. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism who presented a thyroid nodule and right adenopathy on ultrasound, both with suspicious elements of malignancy, so puncture of both structures was requested, and papillary carcinoma was confirmed in the thyroid nodule, but not in adenopathy. In the scintigraphy a hot nodule is observed that coincides with the malignant nodule. Intraoperative biopsy of the suspected adenopathy is performed and it turns out to be a metastasis of papillary carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy was performed with central and right lateral lymph node dissection. The pathological anatomy confirmed the presence of classic papillary carcinoma with metastasis of the suspected adenopathy. Subsequently, 130 mCi of radioiodine was administered. It should be considered that carcinomas can occasionally be masked as «hot¼ nodules in the scintigraphy and in this case, although in principle the fine needle puncture of the nodule is not indicated given that it is hypercaptant in the scintigraphy, the ultrasound shows blunt suspicious elements of malignancy. In this case, the common thread was ultrasound and it was broken with the classic scheme in the request for paraclinical studies, finally obtaining the diagnostic confirmation of a cancer and the appropriate treatment was carried out.

Modelo ambulatorial de atendimento de nódulo de tireoide / Ambulatory care model thyroid nodule

A prevalência de detecção de nódulos na tireoide através da palpação é de aproximadamente 5%. Essa prevalência sobe para 19 a 67% quando utilizada a avaliação ecográfica. A importância da avaliação clínica dessa entidade está na necessidade de diagnosticar o câncer de tireoide que ocorre em 5 a 10% dos casos. O relato descreve o perfil dos atendimentos realizados no ambulatório de nódulos de tireoide do Hospital Municipal Dr. Mário Gatti no período de 01/05/17 a 27/07/18 de pacientes que tiveram diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de nódulo de tireoide e realizaram punção aspirativa por agulha fina, a fim de inferir a respeito da capacidade de resolutividade do ambulatório interdisciplinar (endocrinologia e cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço) no diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer de tireoide. A organização do ambulatório com atendimento integral e por equipe multidisciplinar, possibilita uma melhora na qualidade assistencial além de ser elemento facilitador para o ensino, aprendizado e pesquisa. (AU)

The rate of thyroid node detection by touch is approximately 5%. This rate goes up to a range between 19 and 67% when a sonographic evaluation is used. The importance of the clinical evaluation of those thyroid nodes is within the need of diagnosing the cancer that occurs in 5 to 10% of the cases. This paper describes the profile of consultations performed at the Outpatient Clinic Thyroid Node Unit of the Municipal Hospital Dr. Mário Gatti (HMMG) from 01/05/17 to 07/27/18, of patients who had ultrasonographic diagnostics of thyroid node and underwent fine-needle aspiration, in order to draw conclusions about the capacity of the interdisciplinary clinic (Endocrinology and Head and Neck surgery) to diagnose and treat thyroid cancer effectively. The organization of the outpatient clinic, with comprehensive care and multidisciplinary team, enables an improvement in medical assistance as well as facilitating teaching, learning and research. (AU)