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

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.

Preoperative detection of TERT promoter and BRAFV600E mutations in papillary thyroid carcinoma in high-risk thyroid nodules

ABSTRACT Objectives: This observational study analyzed telomerase reverse transcriptase (pTERT) mutations in 45 fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens obtained from thyroid nodules followed by postoperatively confirmation of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) diagnosis, examining their relationship with clinicopathologic aspects and the BRAFV600E mutation. Subjects and methods: Clinical information was collected from patients who presented to Ribeirao Preto University Hospital for surgical consultation regarding a thyroid nodule and who underwent molecular testing between January 2010 to October 2012. Tests included a DNA-based somatic detection of BRAFV600E and pTERT mutations. Results: We found coexistence of pTERTC228T and BRAFV600E mutations in 8.9% (4/45) of thyroid nodules. All nodules positive for pTERT mutations were BRAFV600E positives. There was a significant association between pTERTC228T/BRAFV600E with older age and advanced stage compared with the group negative for either mutation. Conclusions: This series provides evidence that FNA is a reliable method for preoperative diagnosis of high-risk thyroid nodules. pTERTC228T/BRAFV600E mutations could be a marker of poor prognosis. Its use as a personalized molecular medicine tool to individualize treatment decisions and follow-up design needs to be further studied.

Can current molecular tests help in the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodule FNAB?

ABSTRACT Approximately 15-30% of all thyroid nodules evaluated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are classified as cytologically indeterminate. The stepwise unraveling of the molecular etiology of thyroid nodules has provided the basis for a better understanding of indeterminate samples and an opportunity to decrease diagnostic surgery in this group of patients. Over the last 15 years, several studies have tested different methodologies to detect somatic mutations (by polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, for example), and to identify differentially expressed genes or microRNA, aiming at developing molecular tests to improve the presurgical diagnosis of cytologically indeterminate nodules. In this review, we will provide an overview of the currently available molecular tests and the impact of mutation testing on the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. We will also review current published data and future perspectives in molecular testing of thyroid nodule FNAB and describe the current Brazilian experience with this diagnostic approach. Based on currently available data, especially for countries outside the US-Europe axis, a rational use of these tests must be made to avoid errors with regard to test indication and interpretation of test outcomes. In addition to clinical, radiological, and cytological features, we still need to determine local malignancy rates and conduct more independent validation and comparative performance studies of these tests before including them into our routine approach to indeterminate FNAB.

Correlación entre resultados de citología y anatomía patológica en nódulos tiroideos intervenidos quirúrgicamente / Correlation between cytology results and pathological anatomy in surgically treated thyroid nodules / Correlação entre resultados de citologia eanatomia patológica em nódulos tireoidianos tratados cirurgicamente

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los nódulos tiroideos son habituales y pueden ser detectados por ultrasonido hasta en el 60% de la población general. La punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) es una herramienta imprescindible en la actualidad para evaluar nódulos tiroideos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la correlación entre la citología de un nódulo tiroideo y la histología luego de la exéresis quirúrgica, y así evaluar el valor diagnóstico de la PAAF. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía en el período comprendido entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2016. Se excluyeron a los pacientes cuya intervención estuvo motivada por un mal manejo del perfil hormonal, refractario al tratamiento médico, ya que no presentaban nódulos tiroideos, y los pacientes de edad pediátrica...

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules are common and can be detected by ultrasound in up to 60% of the general population. Fine-needle aspiration citology (FNAC) is currently an essential tool for evaluating thyroid nodules. The aim of this study is to describe the correlation between cytology of a thyroid nodule and histology after surgical excision, and thus to evaluate the diagnostic value of FNAC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. All patients who underwent thyroidectomy in the period between January 2014 and December 2016 were included. Patients whose intervention was motivated by poor hormonal profile management, refractory to medical treatment, were excluded because they had no nodules thyroid, and pediatric patients…

INTRODUÇÃO: Os nódulos tireoidianos são comuns e podem ser detectados por ultrasom em até 60% da população em geral. A aspiração com agulha fina (FNAP) é atualmente uma ferramenta essencial para avaliar os nódulos tireoidianos. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a correlação entre citologia de um nódulo tireoidiano e histologia após a excisão cirúrgica, e assim avaliar o valor diagnóstico de FNAB. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo. Todos os pacientes que foram submetidos a tireoidectomia no período entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2016. Foram incluídos os pacientes cuja intervenção foi motivada por uma má gestão do perfil hormonal, refratária ao tratamento médico, porque não possuíam nódulos tireóide e pacientes pediátricos...

TeleCondutas: nódulo de tireoide / TeleGuides: thyroid nodule

É uma condição comum, encontrada em 5% das mulheres e 1% dos homens. Se avaliada por ecografia, a prevalência aumenta para 19% a 68%. A principal preocupação com nódulos de tireoide é a possibilidade de neoplasia maligna de tireoide. Apesar disso, a frequência de câncer de tireoide é baixa (7% a 15 % do total de nódulos) e a maioria dos pacientes com esse diagnóstico costuma ter um bom prognóstico (mais de 90% das neoplasias são papilares ou foliculares). Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de nódulo de tireoide no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: Manifestação Clínica, Diagnóstico, Avaliação Inicial, Indicação de PAAF, Acompanhamento ecográfico de nódulo não puncionado, Conduta após PAAF, Tireoide com múltiplos nódulos, Tratamento, Encaminhamento para serviço especializado.

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

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

Abordagem cirúrgica dos nódulos de tireoide / Surgical approach of thyroid nodules

Objetivos: Nosso objetivo é trazer nessa revisão as informações mais recentes e atualizadas sobre a abordagem cirúrgica dos nódulos de tireóide (NT). Métodos:Utilizamos as diretrizes da Associação Americana de Tireoide - American ThyroidAssociation (ATA), Consenso da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia, bibliografias prevalentes e artigos das principais bases de dados como fontes para criação desta. Resultados: Abordamos de forma objetiva e didática os principais métodos diagnósticos, além de indicações e tratamento cirúrgico, nos casos necessários, para darmos ao leitor uma ideia prática de como manejar um paciente com NT. Dentro deste contexto, a abordagem cirúrgica dessa patologiafoi o foco principal visandoque seja empregada de maneira oportuna, uma vez que esta representa uma marca divisória e definitiva no manejo desta condição. Conclusões: Diagnóstico e manejo dos NT estão sendo constantemente revisados e modificados graças aos avanços científico e epidemiológico nesta área do conhecimento. Ainda é necessário maior aprofundamento nas indicações do tratamento cirúrgico, tendo em mente o impacto que o mesmo gera na vida do paciente.

Aims: Our aim is to provide in this review the most recent information about surgical approach in thyroid nodular disease. Methods: We have used the most recent guidelines of The American Thyroid Association (ATA's) andConsenso da SociedadeBrasileira de Endocrinologia, prevalent bibliography, and articles found in relevant data bases to create this review. Results: We have approached in an objective and didactic way the methods of diagnosis, and the surgical treatment, when necessary, with the intention to give to the reader a practical idea of how to deal with patients with thyroid nodular disease. In this context, a surgical approach was the focus of this study, because it represents one of the most important and definitive divisions within management of this condition. Conclusions: Diagnosis and management of thyroid nodular diseases are constantly being revised and modified thanks to the scientific and even epidemiological advance in this area of knowledge. It yet shows that is necessary a deeper analysis about the surgical treatment, having in mind the impact that it has in the patient's life.

Armadilhas no diagnóstico do carcinoma papilífero associado à doença de graves: relato de caso / Pitfalls in papillary carcinoma diagnosis associated with graves' disease: case report

A Doença de Graves constitui a forma mais comum de hipertireoidismoem áreas suficientes em iodo (60-80%)10. Por sua vez,o carcinoma papilífero, é o tumor tireoidiano mais frequentee é responsável por 80% dos casos de câncer de tireoide nosEUA12. Carcinomas da tireoide incidentais em pacientes comDG não são incomuns, mas a maioria deles são microcarcinomapapilar de tireoide de baixo risco, sem metástases em linfonodosou invasão extratireoidiana4. Exames complementares quandorealizado por profissionais experientes tornam-se instrumentode grande valia ao diagnóstico. Relata-se o caso de uma pacientefeminina, 41 anos, em seguimento ambulatorial, com sintomastípicos de DG cujos exames iniciais mostravam-se normais ecom subsequente avaliação apresentava nódulo tireoidiano comcaracterísticas de malignidade. A punção aspirativa por agulhafina (PAAF) foi compatível com Carcinoma Papilífero e a terapêuticacirúrgica indicada, seguida de dose ablativa iodo radioativo(131I) e supressiva com levotiroxina (LT4).(AU)

The Graves Disease is one of the most common clinical formsof hyperthyroidism in iodine sufficient areas (60-80%). At the same time, papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent andresponsible for 80% of thyroid cancer cases in US. Incidentalthyroid cancer is common among patients with Graves disease,with no linphonodal metastasis nor local extrathyroidal invasion.Complementary exams performed by experienced physiciansare a valuable diagnostic tool. Here we describe of a 41 yearoldfemale patient that was in outpatient care for classic Graveswith typical symptoms, but with primary exams all normal.In the follow-up examination a single nodule with malignantcharacteristics was visualized and for the patient was indicatedto Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), which was positive forPapillary Carcinoma. Patient underwent surgical treatmentfollowed by radioactive iodine therapy and a suppressing doseof levothyroxine.(AU)

Diagnóstico de las afecciones nodulares del tiroides / Diagnosis of the thyroid nodular disorders

A pesar de los avances en los medios de diagnóstico, la identificación de los nódulos malignos del tiroides continúa siendo un reto para los patólogos, endocrinólogos y cirujanos. Aunque los factores pronósticos, la aplicación del método clínico y los estudios imagenológicos y funcionales pueden contribuir al diagnóstico; sus pilares fundamentales lo constituyen el estudio citológico mediante punción aspirativa con aguja fina, la biopsia intraoperatoria por congelación y la biopsia por inclusión en parafina. Al respecto, en el presente trabajo se ofrecen algunas consideraciones relacionadas con el diagnóstico del nódulo tiroideo.

In spite of the advances in the diagnosis means, the identification of the malignant nodules of the thyroid continues being a challenge for the pathologists, endocrinologist and surgeons. Although the prognosis factors, the use of the clinical method and the imagenological and functional studies can contribute to the diagnosis; their main key stone is constituted by the cytological study through fine needle aspiration, the frozen intraoperative biopsy and the paraffin inclusion biopsy. In this respect, some considerations related to the diagnosis of the thyroid nodule are offered in this work.

Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Nodules: A Consensus Statement by the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology

Ultrasound (US)-guided fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) has played a crucial role in managing patients with thyroid nodules, owing to its safety and accuracy. However, even with US guidance, nondiagnostic sampling and infrequent complications still occur after FNA. Accordingly, the Task Force on US-FNA of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology has provided consensus recommendations for the US-FNA technique and related issues to improve diagnostic yield. These detailed procedures are based on a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and from the consensus of experts.

Large thyroid cyst in a patient with congenital hypothyroidism / Grande cisto tiroidiano em paciente com hipotireoidismo congênito

Thyroid hormone biosynthetic defects are rare causes of congenital hypothyroidism. Although, initial presentations are usually diffuse goiter and hypothyroidism, subsequently they may develop thyroid nodules and or thyroid cancer. We describe a case of hypothyroidism due to dyshormonogenesis whose one of the previously solid nodules degenerates into a large cyst. A 22-year-old male was referred to our clinic for evaluation of enlarging thyroid nodule. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in infancy, however due to poor compliance to treatment TSH values were elevated most of the times. When he was fifteen the first nodule was detected which was a solid cold nodule. Fine needle aspiration was in favor of benign follicular nodule. Seven years later we found a large multi nodular thyroid with a predominant large cyst corresponding to the previously detected solid nodule. 21cc straw colored fluid was aspirated. Cytology was reported as benign cystic nodule. The patient underwent thyroidectomy and pathology confirmed a benign thyroid cyst. Although underreported thyroid dyshormonogenesis may progress to cystic degeneration. Taking into account the risk of malignancy and eventually cyst formation, we recommend more frequent evaluation in the face of nodule formation in these patients. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):958-61.

Os defeitos de biossíntese do hormônio tiroidiano são causas raras de hipotireoidismo congênito. Embora as apresentações iniciais sejam geralmente bócio difuso e hipotireoidismo, nódulos tiroidianos ou câncer de tiroide podem se desenvolver subsequentemente. Descrevemos aqui um caso de hipotireoidismo causado por disormonogênese e no qual um dos nódulos sólidos degenerou em um grande cisto. Um homem de 22 anos de idade foi encaminhado para nossa clínica para avaliação do aumento de um nódulo tiroidiano. O hipotireoidismo foi diagnosticado na infância. Entretanto, em razão da baixa conformidade ao tratamento, os valores de TSH estavam elevados na maior parte do tempo. Quando o paciente tinha 15 anos de idade, um primeiro nódulo sólido e frio foi detectado. A aspiração por agulha fina mostrou um nódulo folicular benigno. Sete anos depois encontramos múltiplos nódulos na tiroide e um grande cisto predominante que correspondia ao nódulo sólido anteriormente detectado. Foram aspirados 21cc de fluido cor de palha. A citologia mostrou um nódulo cístico benigno. O paciente foi submetido à tiroidectomia e o exame histopatológico confirmou um cisto tiroidiano benigno. Embora não seja comumente relatada, a disormonogênese da tiroide pode progredir para a degeneração cística. Ao serem considerados o risco de malignidade e a eventual formação de cistos, recomendamos uma avaliação mais frequente da formação de nódulos nesses pacientes. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):958-61.

Diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento do carcinoma medular de tireoide: recomendações do Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia / Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma: recommendations by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Introdução O carcinoma medular de tireoide (CMT) origina-se das células parafoliculares da tireoide e corresponde a 3-4% das neoplasias malignas da glândula. Aproximadamente 25% dos casos de CMT são hereditários e decorrentes de mutações ativadoras no proto-oncogene RET (REarranged during Transfection). O CMT é uma neoplasia de curso indolente, com taxas de sobrevida dependentes do estádio tumoral ao diagnóstico. Este artigo descreve diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas para o diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento do CMT. Objetivo O presente consenso, elaborado por especialistas brasileiros e patrocinado pelo Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, visa abordar o diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento dos pacientes com CMT, de acordo com as evidências mais recentes da literatura. Materiais e métodos: Após estruturação das questões clínicas, foi realizada busca das evidências disponíveis na literatura, inicialmente na base de dados do MedLine-PubMed e posteriormente nas bases Embase e SciELO – Lilacs. A força das evidências, avaliada pelo sistema de classificação de Oxford, foi estabelecida a partir do desenho de estudo utilizado, considerando-se a melhor evidência disponível para cada questão. Resultados Foram definidas 11 questões sobre o diagnóstico, 8 sobre o tratamento cirúrgico e 13 questões abordando o seguimento do CMT, totalizando 32 recomendações. Como um todo, o artigo aborda o diagnóstico clínico e molecular, o tratamento cirúrgico inicial, o manejo pós-operatório e as opções terapêuticas para a doença metastática. Conclusões O diagnóstico de CMT deve ser suspeitado na presença de nódulo tireoidiano e história ...

Introduction Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) originates in the thyroid parafollicular cells and represents 3-4% of the malignant neoplasms that affect this gland. Approximately 25% of these cases are hereditary due to activating mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The course of MTC is indolent, and survival rates depend on the tumor stage at diagnosis. The present article describes clinical evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MTC. Objective The aim of the consensus described herein, which was elaborated by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, was to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with MTC in accordance with the latest evidence reported in the literature. Materials and methods: After clinical questions were elaborated, the available literature was initially surveyed for evidence in the MedLine-PubMed database, followed by the Embase and Scientific Electronic Library Online/Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (SciELO/Lilacs) databases. The strength of evidence was assessed according to the Oxford classification of evidence levels, which is based on study design, and the best evidence available for each question was selected. Results Eleven questions corresponded to MTC diagnosis, 8 corresponded to its surgical treatment, and 13 corresponded to follow-up, for a total of 32 recommendations. The present article discusses the clinical and molecular diagnosis, initial surgical treatment, and postoperative management of MTC, as well as the therapeutic options for metastatic disease. Conclusions 7 .

An uncommon case of Marine-Lenhart syndrome / Um caso incomum de síndrome de Marine-Lenhart

The term Marine-Lenhart syndrome describes the association between Graves’ disease and autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN), such as toxic adenoma or toxic multinodular goiter. The two diseases may coexist or may be present at different moments in the same patient. In the literature, there are many reports on the development of Graves’ disease after radioiodine treatment for AFTN, but very little information may be found on the occurrence of AFTN after radioiodine therapy for Graves’ disease. We describe here the case of a female patient with Graves’ disease who was successfully treated with radioiodine for Graves’ disease, returning to normal thyroid function. Three years later, biochemical analysis and ultrasound examination identified a thyroid nodule that progressively increased in size. The 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy showed avid uptake in the right lobule, which corresponded to a nodular lesion consistent with AFTN.

O termo “síndrome de Marine-Lenhart” descreve a associação da doença de Graves e nódulos tireoidianos de funcionamento autônomo (AFTN), como no adenoma tóxico ou bócio multinodular tóxico. As duas doenças podem coexistir ou podem estar presentes em diferentes momentos no mesmo paciente. Na literatura, existem muitos relatos sobre o desenvolvimento da doença de Graves após radioiodoterapia para AFTN, mas muito poucos dados podem ser encontrados em relação ao aparecimento de AFTN após radioiodoterapia para doença de Graves. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino com doença de Graves que realizou com sucesso o tratamento com iodo radioativo, com a normalização da função da tireoide. Três anos depois, uma análise bioquímica e um exame de ultrassonografia identificaram o aparecimento de um nódulo na tireoide que progressivamente aumentou de tamanho. A cintilografia com 99mTc-pertecnetato revelou uma captação ávida no lóbulo direito, correspondente à lesão nodular, consistente com uma AFTN.

Lesão folicular: correlação entre achados da punção aspirativa por agulha fina de tireoide e exame anatomopatológico / Follicular lesion: correlation between findings of fine needle aspiration of thyroid and histological study

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A punção aspirativa por agulha fina é um método de alta acurácia no diagnóstico pré-operatório de nódulos tireoidianos, porém, quando se trata de lesões de padrão folicular, ainda há limitação diagnóstica na distinção entre lesões benignas e malignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a taxa de malignidade em lesões foliculares de tireoide a partir do exame anatomopatológico de pacientes cirurgicamente tratados em centro médico quaternário. MÉTODOS: Análise observacional retrospectiva dos casos de lesão folicular de tireoide investigados em ambiente ambulatorial pela disciplina de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto no período entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de dezembro de 2012. RESULTADOS: Dentre o total de 1.150 punções aspirativa por agulha fina realizadas, 841 tiveram diagnóstico citológico de benignidade (73,13%), 117 tiveram diagnóstico de malignidade (10,17%) e 192 tiveram diagnóstico de lesão folicular de significado indeterminado (16,70%). Destes, 144 (75%) foram submetidos à tireoidectomia para diagnóstico anatomopatológico confirmatório, tendo prevalência de malignidade em 36,80%. Houve predomínio do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide (20,83%), seguido do carcinoma folicular de tireoide(15,28%) e apenas um caso de carcinoma medular de tireoide (0,69%). CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de malignidade nas citologias de padrão folicular, após correlação histológica neste serviço, foi superior à estimada na literatura, o que evidencia o valor da punção aspirativa por agulha fina como um exame de screening de nódulos tireoidianos e reforça a importância da confirmação histopatológica, para correto tratamento e seguimento desses pacientes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The fine needle aspiration is a method of high accuracy in preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules, but when it comes to follicular lesions there are still limitations in diagnostic distinction between benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of malignancy in thyroid follicular lesions from the pathologic exam of patients surgically treated in a quaternary medical center. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis of cases of thyroid follicular lesions investigated in an outpatient basis by the Endocrinology Department, at Hospital de Base, in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, in the period between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,150 fine needle aspirations, 841 had benign cytological diagnosis (73.13%), 117 had diagnosis of malignancy (10.17%) and 192 had diagnosis of follicular lesions of undetermined significance (16.70%). Of these, 144 (75%) underwent thyroidectomy for confirmatory histological diagnosis, with prevalence of malignancy in 36.80%. There was a predominance of papillary thyroid carcinoma (20.83%), followed by follicular thyroid carcinoma (15.28%) and only one case of medullary thyroid carcinoma (0.69%). CONCLUSION: The rate of malignancy in follicular cytology after histologic correlation in our service was higher than that estimated in the literature, showing the value of fine needle aspiration as a screening test for thyroid nodules, and reinforcing the importance of histopathological confirmation for correct handling and follow-up of these patients.