Local recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after radio(chemo)therapy: Diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/MRI with diffusion-weighted sequences.

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (FDG-PET/DWIMRI) for detection and local staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after radio(chemo)therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study that included 74 consecutive patients with previous radio(chemo)therapy for HNSCC and in whom tumour recurrence or radiation-induced complications were suspected clinically. The patients underwent hybrid PET/MRI examinations with morphological MRI, DWI and FDG-PET. Experienced readers blinded to clinical/histopathological data evaluated images according to established diagnostic criteria taking into account the complementarity of multiparametric information. The standard of reference was histopathology with whole-organ sections and follow-up ≥24 months. Statistical analysis considered data clustering. RESULTS: The proof of diagnosis was histology in 46/74 (62.2%) patients and follow-up (mean ± SD = 34 ± 8 months) in 28/74 (37.8%). Thirty-eight patients had 43 HNSCCs and 46 patients (10 with and 36 without tumours) had 62 benign lesions/complications. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of PET/DWIMRI were 97.4%, 91.7%, 92.5% and 97.1% per patient, and 93.0%, 93.5%, 90.9%, and 95.1% per lesion, respectively. Agreement between imaging-based and pathological T-stage was excellent (kappa = 0.84, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/DWIMRI yields excellent results for detection and T-classification of HNSCC after radio(chemo)therapy. KEY POINTS: • FDG-PET/DWIMRI yields excellent results for the detection of post-radio(chemo)therapy HNSCC recurrence. • Prospective one-centre study showed excellent agreement between imaging-based and pathological T-stage. • 97.5% of positive concordant MRI, DWI and FDG-PET results correspond to recurrence. • 87% of discordant MRI, DWI and FDG-PET results correspond to benign lesions. • Multiparametric FDG-PET/DWIMRI facilitates planning of salvage surgery in the irradiated neck.

Correction to: Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society.

The article 'Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society,' written by Marc Remacle, Christoph Arens, Mostafa Badr Eldin, Guillermo Campos, Carlos Chiesa Estomba, Pavel Dulguerov, Ivana Fiz, Anastasios Hantzakos, Jerôme Keghian, Francesco Mora, Nayla Matar, Giorgio Peretti, Cesare Piazza, Gregory N. Postma, Vyas Prasad, Elisabeth Sjogren, Frederik G. Dikkers, was originally published Online First without open access. After publication in volume 274 issue 10, page 3723-3727 the authors decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an open access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to

Long-Segment Tracheal Reconstruction With Free Radial Forearm Flap Reinforced by Rib Cartilage.

Long-segment tracheal reconstruction remains a challenge. The ideal tracheal substitute should be an epithelialized tube to prevent stenosis and sufficiently rigid to maintain airflow patency. An autologous technique using a radial forearm free flap reinforced by rib cartilage has been recently described for tracheal reconstruction. We report here two cases of complex tracheal reconstruction with a modification of this technique, which consists of the creation of two independent skin paddles to allow the reconstruction of the trachea and a second adjacent defect (eg, cervical skin, esophagus). Airway patency was achieved with no stenosis, prolonged stenting, fistula, or necrosis after 26 and 44 months, respectively. We suggest that the satisfactory outcome obtained with this modified technique is a valuable option for tracheal and adjacent defect reconstruction without the need for a second flap.

Laser-assisted surgery of the upper aero-digestive tract: a clarification of nomenclature. A consensus statement of the European Laryngological Society.

Acronyms and abbreviations are frequently used in otorhinolaryngology and other medical specialties. CO2 laser-assisted transoral surgery of the pharynx, the larynx and the upper airway is a family of commonly performed surgical procedures termed transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). The abbreviation TLM can be confusing because of alternative modes of delivery. Classification and definition of the different types of procedures, performed transorally or transnasally, are proposed by the Working Committee for Nomenclature of the European Laryngological Society, emphasizing the type of laser used and the way this laser is transmitted. What is usually called TLM, would more clearly be defined as CO2 laser transoral microsurgery or CO2 TOLMS or CO2 laser transoral surgery only (with a handpiece) would be defined as CO2 TOLS. KTP transnasal flexible laser surgery would be KTP TNFLS. Transoral use of the flexible CO2 wave-guide with a handpiece would be a CO2 TOFLS. One can argue that these clarifications are not necessary and that the abbreviation TLM for transoral laser microsurgery is more than sufficient. But this is not the case. Laser surgery, office-based laser surgery and microsurgery are frequently and erroneously interchanged for one another. These classifications allow for a clear understanding of what was performed and what the results meant.

[Changes in the new TNM classification in Head and Neck oncology]. / Changements dans la nouvelle classification TNM en oncologie cervico-faciale.

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) published in 2017 a revised 8th edition of the TNM classification bringing numerous changes in the classification of head and neck tumors. Three new entities were introduced, namely HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma, neck metastasis from an unknown primary, and skin carcinoma of the head and neck. Going beyond the traditional size of the lesions, several new predictive factors have been included, such as the depth of invasion of oral carcinoma and the extracapsular spread of neck metastasis.

L'Union internationale contre le cancer (UICC) a publié cette année la 8e version de la classification TNM des cancers apportant de nombreux changements dans la sphère ORL. Trois nouvelles classifications ont été introduites dans le chapitre de la tête et du cou : le cancer de l'oropharynx HPV(+), l'adénopathie cervicale méta-statique sans porte d'entrée et les carcinomes cutanés de la tête et du cou. Par ailleurs, de nouveaux facteurs prédictifs au-delà de la taille ont été mis en évidence, notamment la profondeur de l'infiltration tumorale des cancers de la cavité buccale et la notion d'extension extra-capsulaire des métastases ganglionnaires régionales.

Emergency Cricothyrotomy Performed by Surgical Airway-naive Medical Personnel: A Randomized Crossover Study in Cadavers Comparing Three Commonly Used Techniques.

BACKGROUND: When conventional approaches to obtain effective ventilation and return of effective spontaneous breathing fail, surgical airway is the last rescue option. Most physicians have a limited lifetime experience with cricothyrotomy, and it is unclear what method should be taught for this lifesaving procedure. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of medical personnel, naive to surgical airway techniques, in establishing an emergency surgical airway in cadavers using three commonly used cricothyrotomy techniques. METHODS: Twenty medical students, without previous knowledge of surgical airway techniques, were randomly selected from their class. After training, they performed cricothyrotomy by three techniques (surgical, Melker, and QuickTrach II) in a random order on 60 cadavers with comparable biometrics. The time to complete the procedure, rate of success, and number of complications were recorded. A success was defined as the correct placement of the cannula within the trachea in 3 min. RESULTS: The success rates were 95, 55, and 50% for surgical cricothyrotomy, QuickTrach, and Melker, respectively (P = 0.025). The majority of failures were due to cannula misplacement (15 of 20). In successful procedures, the mean procedure time was 94 ± 35 s in the surgical group, 77 ± 34 in the QuickTrach II group, and 149 ± 24 in the Melker group (P < 0.001). Few significant complications were found in successful procedures. No cadaver biometric parameters were correlated with success of the procedure. CONCLUSION: Surgical airway-naive medical personnel establish emergency cricothyrotomy more efficiently and safely with the surgical procedure than with the other two commonly used techniques.

[Airways access in cannot intubate situation : cricothyrotomy]. / Ouverture des voies aériennes en cas d'intubation impossible : la cricothyrotomie ou coniotomie.

In case of impossible intubation /oxygenation because of an upper airways obstruction, a cricothyrotomy is indicated. It is a relative simple and safe procedure that may be life saving. A blade, a tube and one's index finger are the only tools needed. The procedure can be done anywhere and every physician should be able to perform it. Several devices have been developed to try to improve it's success rate ; on the contrary, they render the task more complicated and lead to double failure rates with associated lesions, as described in our comparative study. The aim of this article is to recall the technique and make doctors that are not familiar with the use of a knife feel more confident. We emphasize on the use of a finger (index) to facilitate the procedure.

En cas d'intubation ou d'oxygénation impossible suite à une obstruction haute des voies aériennes, une cricothyrotomie est indiquée, appelée aussi « coniotomie ¼. C'est une procédure relativement simple et sûre, qui peut sauver la vie et ne nécessite qu'une lame, un tuyau et son doigt. Elle peut donc être réalisée n'importe où. Tout médecin devrait être capable de la réaliser. Des dispositifs ingénieux ont été inventés pour tenter d'en améliorer le taux de succès ; au contraire, ils compliquent la tâche et engendrent un taux d'échecs double avec des lésions associées, comme décrit dans notre étude comparative. Le but de cet article est de rappeler la technique de la coniotomie et mettre en confiance les médecins qui ne seraient pas familiers avec l'usage d'un bistouri. Nous recommandons l'utilisation d'un doigt, l'index, pour faciliter la procédure.

Diffusion-weighted and PET/MR Imaging after Radiation Therapy for Malignant Head and Neck Tumors.

Interpreting imaging studies of the irradiated neck constitutes a challenge because of radiation therapy-induced tissue alterations, the variable appearances of recurrent tumors, and functional and metabolic phenomena that mimic disease. Therefore, morphologic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging, positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT), and software fusion of PET and MR imaging data sets are increasingly used to facilitate diagnosis in clinical practice. Because MR imaging and PET often yield complementary information, PET/MR imaging holds promise to facilitate differentiation of tumor recurrence from radiation therapy-induced changes and complications. This review focuses on clinical applications of DW and PET/MR imaging in the irradiated neck and discusses the added value of multiparametric imaging to solve diagnostic dilemmas. Radiologists should understand key features of radiation therapy-induced tissue alterations and potential complications seen at DW and PET/MR imaging, including edema, fibrosis, scar tissue, soft-tissue necrosis, bone and cartilage necrosis, cranial nerve palsy, and radiation therapy-induced arteriosclerosis, brain necrosis, and thyroid disorders. DW and PET/MR imaging also play a complementary role in detection of residual and recurrent disease. Interpretation pitfalls due to technical, functional, and metabolic phenomena should be recognized and avoided. Familiarity with DW and PET/MR imaging features of expected findings, potential complications, and treatment failure after radiation therapy increases diagnostic confidence when interpreting images of the irradiated neck. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma: oncological outcomes in good responders of induction chemotherapy-based larynx preservation protocols.

Induction chemotherapy-based larynx preservation protocols use chemotherapy to select exclusively patients with 'chemosensitive' tumors for a nonsurgical treatment with radiation therapy. This study on pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is interested in the oncological outcome of treatment based on radiation therapy when offered to patients with tumors responding to induction chemotherapy. This was a retrospective cohort study. The cohort included good responders to induction chemotherapy, subsequently treated with definite radiation therapy (with or without concomitant chemotherapy) for pyriform sinus SCC, in a tertiary referral cancer center. The primary endpoints were overall, laryngectomy-free and disease-free survival and the secondary endpoints were analysis of treatment failures and possibilities of salvage treatment. Forty-two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis; 7% were stage II (3/42), 48% stage III (20/42) and 45% stage IV (19/42). At 1, 3 and 5 years, the overall survival was 95% (40/42), 74% (31/42), and 60% (SE ≈ 0.08), respectively. For the same intervals, the laryngectomy-free survival was 90% (38/42), 69% (29/42) and 50% (SE ≈ 0.08), respectively. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival was also 50%. Disease-free survival was significantly better for N0 patients. There was a 28% recurrence rate, mainly in the primary tumor site (9/11), with or without simultaneous nodal recurrence. Interestingly, more than one-third of all oncologic failures occurred beyond the first 3 years of follow-up. Salvage treatment was not possible or definitely inefficient in at least 2/3 of all recurrences. In candidates for larynx preservation for a pyriform sinus SCC, good response to induction chemotherapy followed by definite radiation therapy seems to be associated with a more favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, in case of locoregional recurrence the possibilities for efficient salvage treatment are limited.

Detection and quantification of focal uptake in head and neck tumours: (18)F-FDG PET/MR versus PET/CT.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to assess the quality of PET images and coregistered anatomic images obtained with PET/MR, to evaluate the detection of focal uptake and SUV, and to compare these findings with those of PET/CT in patients with head and neck tumours. METHODS: The study group comprised 32 consecutive patients with malignant head and neck tumours who underwent whole-body (18)F-FDG PET/MR and PET/CT. PET images were reconstructed using the attenuation correction sequence for PET/MR and CT for PET/CT. Two experienced observers evaluated the anonymized data. They evaluated image and fusion quality, lesion conspicuity, anatomic location, number and size of categorized (benign versus assumed malignant) lesions with focal uptake. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed to determine SUVs of lesions and organs for both modalities. Statistical analysis considered data clustering due to multiple lesions per patient. RESULTS: PET/MR coregistration and image fusion was feasible in all patients. The analysis included 66 malignant lesions (tumours, metastatic lymph nodes and distant metastases), 136 benign lesions and 470 organ ROIs. There was no statistically significant difference between PET/MR and PET/CT regarding rating scores for image quality, fusion quality, lesion conspicuity or anatomic location, number of detected lesions and number of patients with and without malignant lesions. A high correlation was observed for SUVmean and SUVmax measured on PET/MR and PET/CT for malignant lesions, benign lesions and organs (ρ = 0.787 to 0.877, p < 0.001). SUVmean and SUVmax measured on PET/MR were significantly lower than on PET/CT for malignant tumours, metastatic neck nodes, benign lesions, bone marrow, and liver (p < 0.05). The main factor affecting the difference between SUVs in malignant lesions was tumour size (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with head and neck tumours, PET/MR showed equivalent performance to PET/CT in terms of qualitative results. Comparison of SUVs revealed an excellent correlation for measurements on both modalities, but underestimation of SUVs measured on PET/MR as compared to PET/CT.

Larynx preservation protocols: long-term functional outcomes in good responders to induction chemotherapy for pyriform sinus carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Larynx preservation for laryngopharyngeal carcinomas aims to avoid the mutilation of a total laryngectomy without compromising survival or functionality. The aim of the present study on pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of larynx preservation in good responders to induction chemotherapy (ICT). METHODS: The study was carried out in a tertiary referral cancer center in France. The subjects were good responders to ICT for pyriform sinus SCC, subsequently treated with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) - with or without concomitant chemotherapy - between 1999 and 2008. Only patients without recurrence at 3 years were included. The evaluated pharyngolaryngeal functions were airway patency, oral communication and oral feeding, based on a self-administered questionnaire and the patients' medical records. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were retained. Two (7%) patients needed a tracheotomy during or after the treatment and 2 (7%) had total laryngectomy for a late local recurrence. At least 3 years after the end of treatment, all patients were exclusively fed by mouth. All the evaluated patients judged their voice performance as 'adequate for everyday oral communication'. CONCLUSIONS: In the long run, patients with pyriform sinus SCC who are candidates for larynx preservation and respond favorably to ICT present a satisfactory functional outcome when treated with adjuvant RT.

Functional imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with diffusion-weighted MRI and FDG PET/CT: quantitative analysis of ADC and SUV.

PURPOSE: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may cause a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) and an increased standardized uptake value (SUV) on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET/CT). We analysed the reproducibility of ADC and SUV measurements in HNSCC and evaluated whether these biomarkers are correlated or independent. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of DW MRI and FDG PET/CT data series included 34 HNSCC in 33 consecutive patients. Two experienced readers measured tumour ADC and SUV values independently. Statistical comparison and correlation with histopathology was done. Intra- and inter-observer agreement for ADC and SUV measurements was assessed. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis showed almost perfect reproducibility (>0.90) for ADCmean, ADCmin, SUVmax and SUVmean values for intra-observer and inter-observer agreement. Mean ADCmean and ADCmin in HNSCC were 1.05 ± 0.34 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s and 0.65 ± 0.29 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively. Mean SUVmean and mean SUVmax were 7.61 ± 3.87 and 12.8 ± 5.0, respectively. Although statistically not significant, a trend towards higher SUV and lower ADC was observed with increasing tumour dedifferentiation. Pearson's correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between ADC and SUV measurements (r -0.103, -0.051; p 0.552, 0.777). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ADC and SUV values are reproducible and independent biomarkers in HNSCC.

How reliable is sonography in the assessment of sialolithiasis?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of sonography for the diagnosis of salivary gland calculi. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, 82 salivary glands in 79 consecutively registered patients with acute or recurrent parotid or submandibular gland swelling were examined with 7.5-12 MHz linear probes. All sonographic examinations were performed by two experienced radiologists without knowledge of the final diagnosis. The reference standard was digital sialography and sialendoscopy with or without surgery for 54 salivary glands and digital sialography alone for 28 glands. RESULTS: Sialolithiasis was present in 44 glands and was absent in 38 glands as confirmed by the final diagnosis. The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of sonography in the detection of calculi were 77%, 95%, 85%, 94%, and 78%, respectively. False-negative sonographic findings were associated with calculi with a diameter less than 3 mm in nondilated or dilated salivary ducts; most calculi with a diameter of 3 mm or greater were correctly identified. False-positive findings were caused by ductal stenosis with wall fibrosis, which was erroneously interpreted as lithiasis. CONCLUSION: Because of its limited sensitivity and limited negative predictive value, sonography does not allow reliable exclusion of small salivary gland calculi. Therefore, further diagnostic investigations are recommended to detect calculi in patients with normal sonographic findings and suspected lithiasis.

Hemorrhage after tonsillectomy: does the surgical technique really matter?

A thorough review of the publications on surgical techniques used for tonsillectomy is provided, emphasizing randomized studies and meta-analysis. In the assessment of the data it is important to clearly define and categorize the types of posttonsillectomy bleeding (PTB), as well as the various factors that have been associated with increased PTB. In recent audits of a large number of tonsillectomies, the PTB rates seem to concur: 1% early and 2.5% delayed PTB; 10% anamnestic, 2% objective, and 2% re-operation PTB. Objective PTB rates beyond 10% should require an audit. The bipolar technique seems associated with the least early PTB, while the cold technique is associated with the least delayed PTB. Because of the lack of large well-conducted randomized trials, it is difficult to conclude which technique is the best. With electrocautery techniques, the current power should be adjusted to the minimal level providing hemostasis. Surgical techniques for tonsillectomy that should probably be abandoned include monopolar electrocautery, Coblation, various lasers, and the harmonic scalpel. Vessel-sealing systems might hold promise and deserve further evaluation. Tonsillotomy might be associated with less postoperative pain, but the hemorrhagic advantage in randomized studies is not obvious. Tonsil regrowth rates and efficacy to treat obstruction need also further evaluation.

[HPV associated head and neck cancers]. / Les cancers ORL HPV positifs.

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rising and this increase is linked to sexual behaviors. Viral and epidemiological studies have linked tonsillar and base of tongue carcinoma with a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. The patients involved are usually younger and do not exhibit other risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse. HPV positive squamous cell carcinoma are associated with a better prognosis than other head and neck carcinoma. Differences in the carcinogenesis mechanisms open options for different and specific oncologic treatments and the potential for prevention of these HPV-related carcinoma by vaccination.

[Carotidynia and Eagle syndrome: two neck pain syndromes to be rediscovered]. / Carotidynie et syndrome d'Eagle: deux syndromes classiques a redécouvrir.

Two classical syndromes of upper cervical pain in the carotid region are discussed: carotidynia and Eagle syndrome. In both cases, after an initial period of enthusiasm, poorly defined diagnostic criteria led to frequent wrong diagnosis and poor treatment responses. This led to doubts about the existence of these syndromes. New radiologic diagnostic criteria have emerged and should allow for a more precise diagnosis. With the correct diagnosis, medical and surgical treatments should be better tailored and more efficient.

[Tracheal replacement grafts: current options]. / Greffes trachéales: options actuelles.

A critical review of publications on tracheal reconstruction is presented. The extent of the resection defect in terms of horizontal circumference or longitudinal extension determines the difficulty of the reconstruction. To allow a valid comparison, a classification of tracheal defects is proposed. The reconstruction materials can be subdivided into synthetic grafts, autografts, allografts, and bioengineering constructs. Reconstruction of tracheal defects greater than half of the tracheal length was not possible until recently. Numerous publications on animal experimental techniques, and rare human case reports show few successful outcomes. During the last five years, new reconstructive options have emerged: autograft of composite flaps mimicking tracheal architecture and bioengineered tracheal constructs.

[Integration of nutritional care into cancer treatment: need for improvement]. / Soin nutritionnel intégré au soin oncologique: un besoin d'optimisation.

Progresses in cancer treatment transformed cancer into a chronic disease associated with growing nutritional problems. Poor nutritional status of cancer patients worsens morbidity, mortality, overall cost of care and decreases patients' quality of life, oncologic treatments tolerance and efficacy. These adverse effects lead to treatment modifications or interruptions, reducing the chances to control or cure cancer. Implementation of an interdisciplinary and longitudinal integration of nutritional care and nutritional information into cancer treatment (The OncoNut Program) could prevent or treat poor nutritional status and its adversely side effects.

Minor Parotidectomy Complications: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: To report descriptive statistics for minor parotidectomy complications. METHODS: A systematic review was performed, selecting 235 studies for analysis. The incidence of complications was tabulated, and descriptive statistics calculated. Outlier studies, 1 standard deviation above the mean, were reexamined to determine potential causal factors for each complication. All studies were examined for statistically significant differences for any potential causal factor. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of minor complications reported were hematoma 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-3.5), wound infection 2.3% (95% CI: 1.8-2.9), sialocele 4.5% (95% CI: 3.5-5.7), salivary fistula 3.1% (95% CI: 2.6-3.7), flap necrosis 1.7% (95% CI: 1.1-2.5), scar issues 3.6% (95% CI: 2.4-5.4), numbness 33.9% (95% CI: 25.6-43.4), and deformity 11.8 (95% CI: 6.9-19.5). Implants result in more wound complications, such as hematoma, sialocele, or salivary fistula. Sialocele and salivary fistula appear more frequently after less extensive parotid surgery, whereas hematoma, wound infections, flap necrosis, and aesthetic considerations are worse with more extensive resections. CONCLUSIONS: Minor parotidectomy complications are more frequent than generally assumed and related to certain factors that should be investigated. Laryngoscope, 131:571-579, 2021.

The RAI-6 Questionnaire: A New Screening Questionnaire to Monitor Complications of Radioiodine Treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a simple and efficient screening questionnaire to be able to routinely monitor potential radioiodine therapy-induced complications. Materials and Methods: A new radioiodine 6 (RAI-6) questionnaire containing six questions adressing salivary, ocular, and nasal symptoms as well as quality of life was developed. Validation of the RAI-6 questionnaire was assessed with a group of fifty-four patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated post-operatively with radioiodine therapy, and in a group of fifty healthy volunteers. The patient's group was subdivided into subgroups according to the radioiodine dose received: 23 patients received less or 30 mCi, 28 patients received 100 mCi, and three patients received between 200 and 300 mCi. We asked the patients to complete the RAI-6 questionnaire in a retrospective manner, regarding their situation before radioiodine therapy and regarding their actual symptoms after radioiodine therapy. The time needed to complete the RAI-6 was also assessed both in patients and in healthy volunteers. Results: The mean post radioiodine treatment RAI-6 score were significantly higher than the mean pre radioiodine RAI-6 scores (p < 0.001) and the scores of healthy participants (p < 0.001). The mean total RAI-6 scores increased significantly with increasing radioiodine dose. A total mean RAI-6 score of each question was also analysed and revealed that ocular and nasal discomfort as well as quality of life were the items which affected the patients most after radioiodine treatment. The mean time to fill the RAI-6 questionnaire was 2 min for patients and 49 s for healthy volunteers. Conclusion: The RAI-6 represents a new questionnaire which is easy and quick to complete. This simple screening tool can be recommended for general clinical practise and further epidemiological research.