Comparison of the prognostic value of AJCC cancer staging system 7th and 8th editions for differentiated thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: In the last American Joint Committee on Cancer/Tumor, Node, Metastasis (AJCC/TNM) 8th edition (TNM8), several changes were introduced to this risk stratification system to improve the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). AIM: To validate the impact of TNM8 vs. TNM 7th edition (TNM7) in DTC in terms of predictive value in two hospitals from Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS: Retrospective study of DTC patients from two institutions. Reclassification from TNM7 to TNM8, disease-specific survival (DSS), and final clinical outcomes at the end of follow-up (recurrent/persistent structural disease) (median 5 years) were analyzed. The proportion of variation explained (PVE) was used to compare the predictive capability of DSS of both classification systems. RESULTS: Reclassification of 245 patients, aged (mean ± SD) 55 ± 15.36 years, 91% women, to TNM8 from TNM7 showed: 82% vs 57% stage I (SI), 10% vs 8.5% SII, 5% vs 22% SIII, 3% vs 12% SIV (p < 0.01). Forty percent of the population was downstaged with TNM8. Ten-year DSS rates for SI, SII, SIII and SIV in TNM7 were 100, 100, 100 and 74%, respectively and in TNM8: 97.6, 100, 100 and 37.5%, respectively. Out of 4 disease-specific deaths in SIV TNM7, one was subclassified to SI TNM8, corresponding to a 53-year-old patient with structural persistence. PVE for TNM8 (29%) was more than twice that of TNM7 (13%). CONCLUSION: In this Argentinian DTC patients sample, it was confirmed that the new TNM8 classification is more accurate in predicting survival attributable to cancer than its previous version.

Acute and chronic hypothyroidism are associated with similar left ventricular diastolic dysfunction relative to the euthyroid state: results of doppler echocardiographic comparisons.

BACKGROUND: How the duration of hypothyroidism affects left ventricular diastolic function is not well-characterized. AIM: We sought to compare left ventricular diastolic function in acutely vs chronically hypothyroid patients vs euthyroid controls, and within individuals while on vs off T4. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively performed such comparisons measuring pulsed-wave and color M-mode Doppler echocardiographic variables: early or late mitral peak velocities (E wave or A wave, respectively), E wave/A wave ratio, E wave deceleration time, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), mitral flow propagation velocity (Vp), E wave/Vp ratio. Subjects comprised the acute HYPO group, 10 patients undergoing T4 withdrawal ≥ 6 months post-primary treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC); the chronic HYPO group, 23 treatment-naïve Hashimoto thyroiditis patients; and 21 healthy euthyroid controls. Subjects were adults aged ≤ 60 yr, predominantly female, with sinus rhythm; exclusion criteria were cardiovascular or thyroid disorder besides DTC (Hashimoto thyroiditis) in acute (chronic) HYPO patients or medication (besides thyroid hormone) affecting cardiac or thyroid function. RESULTS: Mean IVRT was significantly delayed and mean Vp, significantly slowed in both HYPO groups vs controls (p<0.0005), but did not differ between HYPO groups. These variables also were significantly impaired (p<0.05) within individuals when off vs on T4 (no.=8 acute, 10 chronic HYPO patients). Both HYPO groups had elevated mean E wave/Vp ratios vs controls, but the elevation reached significance (p<0.05) only in the larger chronic HYPO group. CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is largely similar in acutely or chronically hypothyroid patients off T4 vs healthy controls or the same patients on T4.

Synthetic peptides for the immunodiagnosis of hepatitis A virus infection.

VP1, VP2 and VP3 molecules of hepatitis A virus are exposed capsid proteins that have shown to be antigenic and are used for diagnosis in recombinant-antigen commercial kits. In this study, we developed a sequence analysis in order to predict diagnostic peptide epitopes, followed by their spot synthesis on functionalized cellulose paper (Pepscan). This paper with synthetic peptides was tested against a sera pool of hepatitis A patients. Two peptide sequences, that have shown an antigenic recognition, were selected for greater scale synthesis on resin. A dimeric form of one of these peptides (IMT-1996), located in the C-Terminus region of protein VP1, was antigenic with a recognition frequency of 87-100% of anti-IgG antibodies and 100% of anti-IgM antibodies employing the immunological assays MABA and ELISA. We propose peptide IMT-1996, with less than twenty residues, as a cheaper alternative for prevalence studies and diagnosis of hepatitis A infection.

Graves' disease: evolution and prognosis after eight months of treatment with methimazole.

We studied 26 patients with Graves' disease, from a population with sufficient iodine supply, treated with high doses of methyl mercaptoimidazole (MMI) during eight moths. We evaluated: a) their evolution after treatment withdrawal; b) the correlation between evolution and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroid hormone levels, microsomal antibodies (MAb), T3/T4 index and clinical data; c) their prognosis. The patients were followed during 12-60 months, and blood samples were collected before treatment withdrawal. Out of 26 patients, 20 relapsed, with T3/T4 index and TRAb significantly higher than those under remission. The T3/T4 index correlated with TRAb. All the TRAb-positive patients, and only 57.1% of the negatives, relapsed. The relapses were significantly more frequent prior to the 6th month in the TRAb-positive patients than afterwards. The TRAb-negatives who relapsed during that period, showed TRAb and age means significantly higher than those under remission. The TRAb test, as a prognostic marker of evolution, showed a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 100%. No significant differences were found between evolution to relapse or to remission and the other parameters. It can be concluded that TRAb and T3/T4 index were different in the group that relapsed from that which remitted, and that a TRAb positive value, at the moment of treatment withdrawal, is a useful marker of relapse.

Oftalmopatía de Graves y tratamiento con I131 / Graves´ Ophthalmopathy and Radioiodine Treatment

La oftalmopatía de Graves (OG) es un desorden autoinmune que representa la manifestación extratiroidea más frecuente de la Enfermedad de Graves. Se describen múltiples factores que pueden influir en el desarrollo/progresión de la enfermedad, entre ellos el tratamiento con I131. El objetivo de esta monografía es analizar la bibliografía existente sobre la relación entre OG y tratamiento con I131, teniendo en cuenta su fisiopatología así como los factores de riesgo asociados y su profilaxis.

Graves´ ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disorder representing the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. Multiple factors can influence the development / progression of the disease, including treatment with 131I. The aim of this paper is to analyze the existing literature on the relationship between OG and treatment with I131, considering the pathophysiology and associated risk factors and prophylaxis.

Características clínicas, histopatológicas y factores pronósticos del microcarcinoma tiroideo: estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico / Clinical, Hystopathologic Caractheristics and Prognostic Factors of Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

Introducción: El microcarcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (MCDT) es definido por la OMS, como un tumor <10 mm en su diámetro mayor. Estos tumores son casi exclusivamente de estirpe papilar, representando el 30 % de todos los carcinomas papilares. La historia natural del MCDT es poco conocida y existe una controversia sobre cuál es la óptima forma de abordaje. Objetivos: 1) Analizar retrospectivamente las características del MCDT; 2) Evaluar factores de riesgo de persistencia/recurrencia en una cohorte retrospectiva seguida en la C.A.B.A. Materiales y Métodos: Se recolectaron los datos de 187 pacientes en un estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico y se analizaron las características clínicas, histopatológicas, bioquímicas y distintos factores pronósticos del MCDT. Resultados: El 82,8 % eran mujeres, con una X ± DS de edad de 48 ± 13 años. La mediana de tiempo de seguimiento fue de 38 meses (r: 1-120). El 97 % de los tumores eran de estirpe papilar. En el 29,4 % de los pacientes el hallazgo fue incidental, de los cuales el 57 % se operó por el tamaño del bocio. El 81 % de los pacientes fue sometido a una tiroidectomía total, mientras que el 91,4 % recibió ablación posquirúrgica con radioiodo. Los 174 pacientes que fueron seguidos por más de 12 meses, con una X ± DS de 49 ± 36,9 meses, fueron incluidos en el análisis de sobrevida. El 84 % estaban libres de enfermedad (LE) al final del seguimiento. De los factores de persistencia/recurrencia analizados, la Tg preablativa > 20 ng/ml resultó un predictor independiente. Al realizar el análisis de regresión de Cox para el evento LE, se demostró que tanto la edad

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid microcarcinoma (MCDT) has been defined as a differentiated thyroid cancer measuring 10 mm or less. The majority of these tumors are papillary thyroid carcinomas and comprise 30 % of all papillary thyroid carcinomas. Little is known of its natural history and there is an ongoing controversy in the field regarding its optimum management. Objectives: 1) To describe the characteristics of MCDT 2) To assess risk factors for persistence and/ or recurrence of disease in a retrospective cohort of patients followed up at several health centers of the City of Buenos Aires (CABA). Patients and Methods: The medical records of 187 patients with MCDT operated on between January 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2009 at several centers of CABA were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical, histopathological, biochemical characteristics and risk factors were assessed. Results: Most of the patients were female (82.8 %) and their mean age was 48 ± 13 (X ± SD) years. Median follow up was 38 months (range: 1 to 120 months), and 97 % of tumors were papillary thyroid cancers. Incidentalomas accounted for 29.4 % of tumors, mostly found during a surgical procedure undergone for the size of the goitre. Over 81 % of patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, while 91.4 % received radioactive iodine ablation. Patients with a follow-up longer than 12 months after surgery were analyzed longitudinally to assess prognostic factors of disease outcome (174 patients). After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 36.9 months, 146 (84 %) patients had no evidence of disease. Only postoperative, preablation Tg levels > 20 ng/ml were identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor in the multivariate analyses. In addition, age < 45 ys. (p< 0.01), tumor size > 0.5cm (p<0.017), and preablation Tg levels >20 ng/ml (p<0.011) were independent prognostic factors of a longer time to disease remission in the longitudinal analyses. Conclusion: Differentiated thyroid microcarcinoma has an excellent prognosis in our local practice, with 84 % disease remission at long-term follow-up. Age at diagnosis, tumor size and preablation Tg levels were independent prognostic factors of time to disease remission.

Consenso intersocietario* sobre tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Inter Society Consensus for the Management of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

La incidencia del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides se incrementó exponencialmente en todo el mundo. Aunque estos tumores presentan un pronóstico excelente, se produjeron múltiples cambios en el enfoque terapéutico y de seguimiento en los últimos años. Esta situación, vinculada principalmente con la estadificación por riesgos de recurrencia de la enfermedad, determinó la necesidad de generar un consenso entre representantes de las 3 sociedades argentinas que habitualmente se encuentran involucradas en el manejo de estos pacientes, (Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Asociación Argentina de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello y Asociación Argentina de Biología y Medicina Nuclear). Las recomendaciones se realizaron de acuerdo a la experiencia de los participantes y a la revisión de la literatura. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 52:85-118, 2014 Conflictos de interés: Pitoia F: Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advi­sory Board, Speaker, Steering Committee Bayer; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Astra Zeneca. Califano I: Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Faure E: Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Gauna A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.; Advisory Board Bayer. Mollerach A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi. Orlandi A: Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi. El resto de los autores no declaran conflictos de intereses.

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer increased exponentially worldwide. Although these tumors usually have an excellent prognosis, multiple changes occurred in the therapeutic approach and follow-up in recent years. This situation, mainly related to the stratification by the risk of recurrence of the disease, made it necessary to build a consensus among representative members from the three Argentinean societies that are usually involved in the management of these patients, (Argentinean Society of Endocrinology and Metabo lism, Argentinean Association of Head and Neck Surgery and Argentinean Association of Biology and Nuclear Medicine). The recommendations were done according to personal experiences and review of bibliography. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 52:85-118, 2014 Conflicts of interest: Pitoia F: Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker, Steering Committee Bayer; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Califano I: Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Faure E: Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Gauna A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.; Advisory Board Bayer. Mollerach A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.Orlandi A: Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi. No other financial conflicts of interest exist.

Carcinoma medular de tiroides: estudio multicéntrico. Presentación y evolución en 219 pacientes / Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Presentation and Outcome in 219 Patients

Ante la baja frecuencia del carcinoma medular de tiroides (CMT), en el Departamento de Tiroides de SAEM nos propusimos realizar un estudio de cohorte, observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron 219 pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de CMT. El 65 % fueron mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 39 ± 20 años (1 a 84 años); 44-% de los casos fueron familiares. Las formas de presentación más frecuentes fueron nódulo tiroideo (58 %) y pesquisa genética por antecedente familiar (22 %). Si bien la citología tiroidea fue diagnóstica de CMT en el 39 % de los casos, fue determinante de indicación quirúrgica en el 79 %. En el 47 % de los pacientes el diagnóstico de CMT se obtuvo previamente al tratamiento quirúrgico inicial por punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF), estudio genético o nivel de calcitonina (CT)). El 65 % se presentó en estadios avanzados (TNM III y IV). El estudio del protoncogen RET se realizó en 162 pacientes (74 %). En el 49 % se observó mutación siendo la más frecuente (76 %) en el codón 634. La forma hereditaria más frecuentemente observada fue el síndrome de neoplasia endocrina múltiple (NEM) 2A (57 % de los casos familiares), seguida por carcinoma medular familiar (25 %) y NEM 2B (13 %). Los casos familiares tuvieron menor edad al diagnóstico y mayor frecuencia de diagnóstico prequirúrgico. Los casos índice tuvieron mayor edad al momento del diagnóstico, mayores niveles de antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) y CT prequirúrgicos, mayor proporción de estadios III y IV y mayor porcentaje de evidencia de enfermedad al momento de la última consulta que aquellos detectados por pesquisa. En 143 pacientes (65 %) se obtuvieron registros completos de seguimiento en los que se analizaron los factores relacionados con la evolución. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 44 meses: fallecieron 21 pacientes (14,6 %) y 122 (86 %) viven; 76 de estos (54 %) se encuentran libres de enfermedad. El grupo con evidencia de enfermedad se presentó en estadios más avanzados. Resultaron factores de mayor riesgo para evidencia de enfermedad: sexo masculino, CMT esporádico, niveles elevados de CT prequirúrgicos, estadio IV y presencia de metástasis. Los niveles de CT posquirúrgicos fueron menores en aquellos pacientes que en la evolución final no presentaron evidencia de enfermedad. El principal factor pronóstico de la evolución de los pacientes con CMT fue el estadio de presentación, determinando la importancia del diagnóstico precoz con el fin de poder implementar un tratamiento quirúrgico curativo en estadios menos avanzados.(AU)

Due to the low frequency of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), an observational, cohort, retrospective multicenter study was conducted at the Thyroid Department of the Endocrine and Metabolism Argentine Society (SAEM). We included 219 patients with histologically proven MTC, with a mean age of 39 ± 20 yr (range 1-84 years). Sixty five percent were women and 44% were familial cases. The most common presentations were thyroid nodule (58 %) and genetic screening due to family history (22 %). In 39 % of patients, diagnosis of MTC was made by fine needle aspiration, but cytology led to surgery in 79 %. In 47 % of patients, MTC was diagnosed by cytology, calcitonin (CT) levels or genetic studies prior to initial surgery. Sixty five percent of patients had advanced stages of the disease (TNM III or IV) at diagnosis. Proto-oncogene RET was studied in 162 patients (74 %). In 49% a mutation was reported, most frequently in codon 634 (76 %). Regarding hereditary forms of MTC, MEN 2A was the most frequent (57%), followed by familial MTC in 25 % and MEN 2B in 13 % of cases. Familial cases were younger subjects and had more frequently a pre-surgery diagnosis. Index cases were older, with higher CEA and CT levels, presented in more advanced stages and had more frequently evidence of disease at final assessment than patients who were diagnosed by genetic screening. Follow-up records of 143 patients were analyzed (65%); median time was 44 months; 21 patients died (14.6 %) and 122 survived (86 %), 76 showed no evidence of disease (NED) (54 %). High risk factors for evidence of disease at the final evaluation were: male gender, sporadic MTC, higher CT pre-surgery levels, stage IV and metastasis. Post surgery CT levels were lower in patients with NED. Stage at initial diagnosis was the main prognostic factor in patients with MTC, determining the importance of early detection for performing curative surgery in less advanced stages.(AU)

Carcinoma medular de tiroides: estudio multicéntrico. Presentación y evolución en 219 pacientes / Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Clinical Presentation and Outcome in 219 Patients

Ante la baja frecuencia del carcinoma medular de tiroides (CMT), en el Departamento de Tiroides de SAEM nos propusimos realizar un estudio de cohorte, observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron 219 pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de CMT. El 65 % fueron mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 39 ± 20 años (1 a 84 años); 44-% de los casos fueron familiares. Las formas de presentación más frecuentes fueron nódulo tiroideo (58 %) y pesquisa genética por antecedente familiar (22 %). Si bien la citología tiroidea fue diagnóstica de CMT en el 39 % de los casos, fue determinante de indicación quirúrgica en el 79 %. En el 47 % de los pacientes el diagnóstico de CMT se obtuvo previamente al tratamiento quirúrgico inicial por punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF), estudio genético o nivel de calcitonina (CT)). El 65 % se presentó en estadios avanzados (TNM III y IV). El estudio del protoncogen RET se realizó en 162 pacientes (74 %). En el 49 % se observó mutación siendo la más frecuente (76 %) en el codón 634. La forma hereditaria más frecuentemente observada fue el síndrome de neoplasia endocrina múltiple (NEM) 2A (57 % de los casos familiares), seguida por carcinoma medular familiar (25 %) y NEM 2B (13 %). Los casos familiares tuvieron menor edad al diagnóstico y mayor frecuencia de diagnóstico prequirúrgico. Los casos índice tuvieron mayor edad al momento del diagnóstico, mayores niveles de antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) y CT prequirúrgicos, mayor proporción de estadios III y IV y mayor porcentaje de evidencia de enfermedad al momento de la última consulta que aquellos detectados por pesquisa. En 143 pacientes (65 %) se obtuvieron registros completos de seguimiento en los que se analizaron los factores relacionados con la evolución. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 44 meses: fallecieron 21 pacientes (14,6 %) y 122 (86 %) viven; 76 de estos (54 %) se encuentran libres de enfermedad. El grupo con evidencia de enfermedad se presentó en estadios más avanzados. Resultaron factores de mayor riesgo para evidencia de enfermedad: sexo masculino, CMT esporádico, niveles elevados de CT prequirúrgicos, estadio IV y presencia de metástasis. Los niveles de CT posquirúrgicos fueron menores en aquellos pacientes que en la evolución final no presentaron evidencia de enfermedad. El principal factor pronóstico de la evolución de los pacientes con CMT fue el estadio de presentación, determinando la importancia del diagnóstico precoz con el fin de poder implementar un tratamiento quirúrgico curativo en estadios menos avanzados.

Due to the low frequency of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), an observational, cohort, retrospective multicenter study was conducted at the Thyroid Department of the Endocrine and Metabolism Argentine Society (SAEM). We included 219 patients with histologically proven MTC, with a mean age of 39 ± 20 yr (range 1-84 years). Sixty five percent were women and 44% were familial cases. The most common presentations were thyroid nodule (58 %) and genetic screening due to family history (22 %). In 39 % of patients, diagnosis of MTC was made by fine needle aspiration, but cytology led to surgery in 79 %. In 47 % of patients, MTC was diagnosed by cytology, calcitonin (CT) levels or genetic studies prior to initial surgery. Sixty five percent of patients had advanced stages of the disease (TNM III or IV) at diagnosis. Proto-oncogene RET was studied in 162 patients (74 %). In 49% a mutation was reported, most frequently in codon 634 (76 %). Regarding hereditary forms of MTC, MEN 2A was the most frequent (57%), followed by familial MTC in 25 % and MEN 2B in 13 % of cases. Familial cases were younger subjects and had more frequently a pre-surgery diagnosis. Index cases were older, with higher CEA and CT levels, presented in more advanced stages and had more frequently evidence of disease at final assessment than patients who were diagnosed by genetic screening. Follow-up records of 143 patients were analyzed (65%); median time was 44 months; 21 patients died (14.6 %) and 122 survived (86 %), 76 showed no evidence of disease (NED) (54 %). High risk factors for evidence of disease at the final evaluation were: male gender, sporadic MTC, higher CT pre-surgery levels, stage IV and metastasis. Post surgery CT levels were lower in patients with NED. Stage at initial diagnosis was the main prognostic factor in patients with MTC, determining the importance of early detection for performing curative surgery in less advanced stages.

Autoinmunidad tiroidea: Mecanismos patogénicos comunes y distintivos en tiroiditis de Hashimoto y enfermedad de Graves / Thyroid Autoimmunity: Common and Distinctive Pathogenic Mechanisms in Hashimotos Thyroiditis and Graves Disease

Las enfermedades tiroideas autoinmunes (ETA) son los desórdenes más frecuentes que llevan a la disfunción de la glándula tiroidea. Incluyen varias formas clínicas como Tiroiditis de Hashimoto (TH) y Enfermedad de Graves (EG). La relación entre TH y EG ha sido objeto de debate por décadas. Si bien, muy diferentes en su clínica, algunos las consideran los lados opuestos de una misma moneda. En su patogénesis tienen aspectos en común, como la predisposición genética demostrado por la ocurrencia en una misma familia y en un mismo individuo. Sin embargo, diferencias en el microambiente local determinan la diferente expresión fenotípica o el viraje de una a otra patología. El objetivo de esta monografía es investigar similitudes y diferencias entre TH y EG en las distintas etapas que llevan al desarrollo de autoinmunidad. Los autores declaran no poseer conflictos de interés.(AU)

Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is the most common disorder that leads to thyroid gland dysfunction. ATD manifests in various clinical forms, such as Hashimotos Thyroiditis (HT) and Graves Disease (GD). The relation between HT and GD has been discussed for decades. Even if they greatly differ in their clinical features and treatment, some people believe they are the opposite sides of the same coin. In their pathogenesis, they share some mechanisms, such as genetic susceptibility, shown by the fact that they tend to occur both in the same person and within the same family. However, differences in the local micro-environment can determine the distinct phenotypic expression or the switch from one disease to the other. The aim of this monograph was to investigate similarities and differences between HT and GD at the diverse stages leading to the development of autoimmunity. No financial conflicts of interest exist.(AU)

Autoinmunidad tiroidea: Mecanismos patogénicos comunes y distintivos en tiroiditis de Hashimoto y enfermedad de Graves / Thyroid Autoimmunity: Common and Distinctive Pathogenic Mechanisms in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves' Disease

Las enfermedades tiroideas autoinmunes (ETA) son los desórdenes más frecuentes que llevan a la disfunción de la glándula tiroidea. Incluyen varias formas clínicas como Tiroiditis de Hashimoto (TH) y Enfermedad de Graves (EG). La relación entre TH y EG ha sido objeto de debate por décadas. Si bien, muy diferentes en su clínica, algunos las consideran los lados opuestos de una misma moneda. En su patogénesis tienen aspectos en común, como la predisposición genética demostrado por la ocurrencia en una misma familia y en un mismo individuo. Sin embargo, diferencias en el microambiente local determinan la diferente expresión fenotípica o el viraje de una a otra patología. El objetivo de esta monografía es investigar similitudes y diferencias entre TH y EG en las distintas etapas que llevan al desarrollo de autoinmunidad. Los autores declaran no poseer conflictos de interés.

Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is the most common disorder that leads to thyroid gland dysfunction. ATD manifests in various clinical forms, such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' Disease (GD). The relation between HT and GD has been discussed for decades. Even if they greatly differ in their clinical features and treatment, some people believe they are the opposite sides of the same coin. In their pathogenesis, they share some mechanisms, such as genetic susceptibility, shown by the fact that they tend to occur both in the same person and within the same family. However, differences in the local micro-environment can determine the distinct phenotypic expression or the switch from one disease to the other. The aim of this monograph was to investigate similarities and differences between HT and GD at the diverse stages leading to the development of autoimmunity. No financial conflicts of interest exist.

Programa nacional de bocio nodular (PRONBONO): Estudio multicéntrico de bocio nodular único palpable / National Program for Nodular Goiter (PRONBONO): Multicenter study of single palpable thyroid nodules

Introducción: La presencia de nódulos tiroideos palpables en la población general, es uno de los signos clínicos tiroideos más frecuentes en la práctica diaria. Objetivos: 1) establecer la prevalencia de las distintas patologías en bocio nodular único palpable y analizar sus características y su relación con los resultados citológicos. 2) analizar la existencia de diferencias regionales en Argentina. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 739 pacientes con bocio nodular único palpable evaluados entre el 1/1/2000 y el 31/12/2001 en Centros de Buenos Aires, Bahía Blanca, Mendoza y La Pampa. Se recabaron datos de examen clínico, ecografía tiroidea, TSH, ATPO y citología por punción con aguja fina. (PAAF). Fue utilizado para el análisis estadístico Correlación de Pearson, X2 y Test de Fisher. Resultados: la edad (X ± DS) fue 46,3 ± 14 años, 93,1 % eran de sexo femenino. El 1,6 % tenía historia de radiación en cuello y el 29,9 % antecedentes familiares de patología tiroidea. Hallazgos clínicos: disfagia en el 7,9 %, disfonía 3,5 %, crecimiento nodular en los últimos 6 meses 19,2 %, consistencia dura el 24,7 %, fijeza a estructuras adyacentes 1,5 % y adenopatías en el 3 %. Hallazgos bioquímicos: TSH normal en el 81,2 % y ATPO positivos en el 30,3 % de los casos. Características Ecográficas: nódulos sólidos: 53,1 %, hipoecoicos: 63,8 %, microcalcificaciones 10,3 %, halo incompleto: 15 %, multinodular: 30,5 %, tiroides heterogénea: 60,2 % y adenopatías: 3,8 %. Hallazgos citológicos: En el 86,8 % de los casos fue necesario solo una punción para llegar al diagnóstico. Insatisfactorio (excluyendo quiste): 3,2 %: benignos: 77,3 %; sospechosos: 12,6 % y cáncer: 7 % (42 papilar, 2 medular y 3 sin especificar). Una correlación significativa (p<0,02) fue observada entre citología maligna y crecimiento rápido, dureza, fijeza a estructuras vecinas, nódulo sólido, halo incompleto y adenopatías aunque estos parámetros son más frecuentes en números absolutos en nódulos benignos. La mayoría de las cirugías fueron indicadas en base al hallazgo citológico. El diagnóstico histológico de los 96 pacientes que fueron operados mostró 51 carcinomas, de los cuales solo dos tenían citología benigna y 31 adenomas. Conclusión: Los nódulos palpables únicos fueron más frecuentes en mujeres eutiroideas en la edad media de la vida. Un tercio tenía historia familiar de patología tiroidea, similar al porcentaje hallado de ATPO positivos. Por ecografía los nódulos fueron predominantemente sólidos, hipoecoicos, únicos con resto de la glándula tiroides heterogénea. La PAAF fue predominantemente benigna. El crecimiento rápido, la dureza, la fijeza a estructuras adyacentes, el halo incompleto y la presencia de adenopatías fueron relacionados con malignidad, pero la benignidad fue más frecuente. En la mayoría de los pacientes la cirugía fue recomendada por los hallazgos citológicos. Nuestros resultados son similares a los reportados en otras áreas geográficas.

Introduction: the presence of palpable thyroid nodules in the general population is one of the most common clinical signs of thyroid disease in daily practice. Objectives: 1) To assess the prevalence of pathologies, clinical and cytological findings of single palpable thyroid nodules (SPTN) in Argentina. 2) Analyze the regional differences in Argentina. Methods: Prospective study of 739 patients with STPN were evaluated at centres in Buenos Aires, Bahía Blanca, Mendoza, and La Pampa between 1/1/00 and 12/31/01. Clinical examination, thyroid ultrasound scan (US), TSH, TPOAb and fine needle aspirations (FNA) were performed. Statistics: Pearson Correlation, X2 & Fisher Tests. Results: Age (X ± SD) 46 ± 14ys: 93.1 % were women. Previous history of neck radiation & familial thyroid disease were found in 1.6 and 29.9 % respectively. Clinical findings: dysphagia: 7.9 %; dysphonia: 3.5%; nodule growth: 19.2 %; hard consistence: 24.7 %; fixation to adjacent structure: 1.5 % and lymphadenopathies (ADP): 3 %. Biochemical findings: TSH was normal in 81.2 % & TPOAb+ in 30.3 %. US features: solid: 53.1 %; hypoechoic: 63.8 %; microcalcifications: 10.3 %; incomplete halo: 15 %; more than 1 nodule: 30.5 %; thyroid heterogeneity: 60.2 % and ADP: 3.8 %. Cytology: Only 1 FNA was needed in 86.8%. Unsatisfactory (excluding cysts): 3.2 %; benign: 77.2%; suspicious: 12.6 % and cancer: 7 % (42 papillary, 2 medullary and 3 non specified). A significant correlation (p<0.02) was established between malignant nodules and rapid growth, hard, fixed, solid nodule, incomplete halo and ADP, though these parameters were more frequent (in absolute number) in benign nodules. Surgery was mainly indicated based on FNA results. Histological diagnosis of 96 patients who underwent surgery showed 51 carcinomas, of which only 2 were cytologically benign and 31 adenomas. Conclusion: Palpable single nodules were more frequent in middle aged euthyroid women. One third had familial thyroid pathology, similar to the presence of TPOAb. On US, nodules were predominantly solid, hypoechoic, single with heterogeneous thyroid gland. FNA was predominantly benign. Rapid growth, hard, fixed, solid nodule, incomplete halo and ADP were associated with malignancy, but benignity was more common. In most of the patients surgery was recommended based on cytological findings. Our results are similar to those reported in other geographic areas.

Carcinoma en quiste tirogloso / Carcinoma in thyroglosal duct cyst

El carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides en quiste tirogloso (CaQT) es una rara entidad. En diferentes series de pacientes operados por quistes tiroglosos su incidencia fue del 0.7 al 1.07%. Luego de la extirpación del quiste por el procedimiento de Sistrunk, no hay consenso sobre la indicación de tiroidectomía total, radioablación y/o terapéutica supresiva con levotiroxina. El objetivo del Departamento de tiroides de SAEM, fue evaluar: formas de presentación, evolución clínica, métodos diagnósticos de utilidad y tratamiento para consensuar futuras conductas. Material y Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo en 22 pacientes entre 10 a 69 años, 15 mujeres y 7 varones. Resultados: El tamaño de los quistes osciló entre 1 y 8 cm (Mediana= 3.0 cm, Χ ± DS= 3.7 ± 2.2 cm). La mitad de los pacientes presentó crecimiento del quiste en los 6 meses previos a la cirugía. La punción resultó sospechosa en 2/5 quistes y positiva en uno. La ecografía tiroidea evidenció nódulos en 4/13 casos (30%). Se realizó tiroidectomía en 17/22 pacientes (total: 15 y subtotal: 2). La histología del CaQT demostró carcinoma papilar en 21 y carcinoma folicular en uno. Hubo coexistencia de cáncer intratiroideo en el 23.5% de los casos, ninguno multicéntrico. Dos pacientes presentaron metástasis ganglionares y otro tuvo compromiso muscular (ninguno de ellos coexistió con cáncer intratiroideo). Se radioablacionó a 13 pacientes. En 9/11 pacientes la tiroglobulina permaneció indetectable durante el seguimiento (1 a 14 años). Conclusiones: 1) Realizar ecografía de cuello y punción ecoguiada a todo paciente con quiste tirogloso. 2) En caso de CaQT combinar simultáneamente tiroidectomía total y procedimiento de Sistrunk. 3) Evaluar radioablación complementaria y tratamiento supresivo con levotiroxina en cada caso. 4) Efectuar el seguimiento tal como en los carcinomas ortotópicos.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in thyroglosal duct cyst (TGDC) is rare, ranging from 0.7 to 1.07% in different series. After the surgery of choice (Sistrunk procedure) the other alternative treatments such as thyroidectomy (Tx), radioiodine and L-T4 therapy are controversial. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate several and controversial aspects in the largest series of DTC in TGDC reported in the literature. Subjects and methods: retrospective multicentric study: n= 22, aged 10-69 yrs. (15 females and 7 men) who underwent the Sistrunk procedure for TGDC. Results: none of the TGDC was less than 1 cm (median 3.0 cm, Χ±SD= 3.7 ± 2.2cm). In half of them there was an increased cystic size in the last 6 months before surgery. Cyst FNA was suspicious in 2/5 and positive in one, whereas the histological diagnosis of the operated TGCD was papillary cancer in 21 and 1 follicular carcinoma. Thyroid ultrasound (US) (n=13) showed nodules in 30% of the cases. Tx was performed in 17/22 (total: 15, subtotal: 2). Thyroid DTC coexisted in 4/17 (23.5%), and was unilateral in all of them. Lymph node metastases were present in 2 adults and muscle involvement was found in the 10-year old girl. None of these 3 patients had overt thyroid lesions. 131-I therapy was performed in 10 patients. In 9 out of 11 subjects Tg remained undetectable during follow-up (1-14yrs.). Persistent high Tg was present in one case without thyroid DTC. Conclusions: 1) Ultrasonography and FNAB should be performed to every patient with thyroglossal duct cyst 2) In case of TGDC, total Tx and Sistrunk's procedure should be simultaneously combined 3) 131-I therapy and L-T4 suppressive treatment should be evaluated in every case 4) Follow-up as in the DTC.

Water permeability and lipid composition of toad urinary bladder: the influence of temperature.

The water diffusional permeability, its activation energy and the lipid composition were studied in urinary bladders from toads adapted to different temperatures. It was observed that the unidirectional water flux greatly depends on the temperature at which the experiments are performed. This dependence is greater in the animals adapted to higher temperatures. Toads adapted to cold show strong reduction in the activation energy for water diffusion permeability (from 11.4+/-1.9 kcal-mol-1 to 4.4+/-1.1kcal-mol-1) and an increase of 30% in the amount of total lipids from bladder epithelial cells. There were no significant changes in the phospholipid/cholesterol ratio, composition of the parafinic chains or protein concentration between toads adapted to both temperatures. The possibility that water translocates through the mucosal border of the toad bladder by partitioning in the polar zone and diffusioning between the hydrocarbon chains of the membrane lipids and that cold adaptation would induce a stronger "packing" of lipids in the membrane is discussed.

Immunological aspects of Graves' disease patients in different clinical stages.

UNLABELLED: Humoral immunological differences and the relation between circulating immune complexes (CIC) and the thyrotropin-receptor antibody (TRAB) were evaluated in newly diagnosed (n = 30), relapsed (n = 27) and remission patients (n = 29) with Graves' disease. CIC were assessed by C1q-binding assay (CIC-C1q) and the PEG precipitation test (CIC-PEG); TRAb by the radioreceptor method and microsomal antibody (MAb) by passive hemagglutination test. The data were expressed as mean +/- SE. No difference was observed in the CIC-C1q among newly diagnosed, relapsed and remission patients, but they were elevated vs controls (p less than 0.01, less than 0.05, less than 0.05, respectively). In newly diagnosed subjects with positive TRAb, CIC were higher than in those with negative TRAb (p less than 0.05) and also higher than in relapsed patients with positive TRAb (p less than 0.05). In newly diagnosed group CIC-C1q correlated to TRAb presence but not to TRAb values. CIC-PEG and TRAb levels were similar in newly diagnosed and relapsed patients, being higher than in controls (p less than 0.01) and in remission patients (p less than 0.01). No significant differences were observed in MAb in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: i) Patients in remission were immunologically active and they differed from newly diagnosed and relapsed patients by CIC-PEG and TRAb values; ii) in hyperthyroid patients with positive TRAb, CIC-C1q were higher at the initial stage of the disease; iii) A direct correlation between CIC-C1q and TRAb presence was observed in newly diagnosed patients, but no relation could be seen in the other groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Resistencia a Hormonas Tiroideas (RHT): Descripción de una nueva mutación / Resistance to Thyroid Hormones (RTH): Description of a new mutation

Introducción: La resistencia a hormonas tiroideas (RHT) es un desorden genético de transmisión dominante poco frecuente, caracterizado por una respuesta reducida de los tejidos blanco a las hormonas tiroideas. RHT está ligada al gen del receptor beta de hormona tiroidea (TRβ). El síndrome se identifica por niveles persistentemente elevados de T4 y T3 totales y libres en presencia de TSH no suprimida. Materiales y Métodos: Paciente femenina de 62 años de edad con antecedente de hemitiroidectomía a los 22 años por bocio. Clínicamente, la mujer se encontraba eutiroidea y hemodinámicamente estable. En los exámenes complementarios se constató la presencia de nódulo tiroideo, con estudio citológico benigno y en el laboratorio hormonas tiroideas totales y libres elevadas con TSH no suprimida. La impresión diagnóstica fue RHT, siendo el principal diagnóstico diferencial el tirotropinoma. Se realizó perfil tiroideo completo en el caso índice y en dos familiares de primer grado. Se dosaron gonadotropinas y prolactina, y se realizó RMN de hipófisis en el caso índice. Se estudiaron mutaciones del gen TRβ en ADN genómico en la paciente y en uno de sus familiares. Resultados: Avalando la impresión diagnóstica, tanto el caso índice como los dos familiares mostraron un perfil tiroideo compatible con RHT. El estudio genético identificó una nueva mutación en el exón 10: c.1339C>A que resulta en una sustitución p.P447T. La misma fue observada tanto en el caso índice como en el familiar estudiado. Conclusión: La historia de esta paciente con RHT, al igual que otros casos descriptos en la bibliografía, remarcan la importancia de un diagnóstico adecuado y temprano de esta patología poco frecuente para evitar conductas terapéuticas iatrogénicas y con consecuencias relevantes en la vida de estos pacientes. Paralelamente, se describe una nueva mutación genética en esta familia.

Introduction: Resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) is an unusual autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by a reduced target organ responsiveness to thyroid hormones. RTH is linked to the gene encoding the thyroid receptor β (TR β). This syndrome is characterized by persistent high levels of total and free T4 and T3 while TSH is not inhibited. Materials and Methods: 62 years old female who underwent a partial thyroidectomy because of goiter forty years ago. Clinically, she seemed to be an euthyroid patient and her hemodynamic status was normal. The exams revealed the existence of a benign thyroid nodule, high levels of total and free thyroid hormones and normal values of TSH. Our diagnostic impression was RTH, though differential diagnosis with thyrotropin secreting pituitary adenoma was mandatory. Complete assays of thyroid hormones were performed in the patient and in two first degree relatives. Basal LH, FSH and prolactin were assayed in the patient; and a magnetic resonance imaging of her pituitary gland was obtained. Finally we performed genetic testing in patient's DNA and a relative's DNA to demonstrate gene defect. Results: According to our diagnostic impression, not only the patient's laboratory was compatible with RTH, but so was the laboratory of the two relatives. DNA mutation analisys demonstrated a new mutation in exon 10: c.1339C>A responsible for the substitution p.P447T. This mutation was found in DNA of the patient and DNA of her relative. Conclusion: This patient with RTH, as well as other reported cases, reminds us about the importance of a certain and early diagnosis of this rare disorder in order to avoid iatrogenic treatments. A new mutation is described in this family.

Graves disease: evolution and prognosis after eight months of treatment with methimazole.

We studied 26 patients with Graves disease, from a population with sufficient iodine supply, treated with high doses of methyl mercaptoimidazole (MMI) during eight moths. We evaluated: a) their evolution after treatment withdrawal; b) the correlation between evolution and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroid hormone levels, microsomal antibodies (MAb), T3/T4 index and clinical data; c) their prognosis. The patients were followed during 12-60 months, and blood samples were collected before treatment withdrawal. Out of 26 patients, 20 relapsed, with T3/T4 index and TRAb significantly higher than those under remission. The T3/T4 index correlated with TRAb. All the TRAb-positive patients, and only 57.1

of the negatives, relapsed. The relapses were significantly more frequent prior to the 6th month in the TRAb-positive patients than afterwards. The TRAb-negatives who relapsed during that period, showed TRAb and age means significantly higher than those under remission. The TRAb test, as a prognostic marker of evolution, showed a sensitivity of 60

and a specificity of 100

. No significant differences were found between evolution to relapse or to remission and the other parameters. It can be concluded that TRAb and T3/T4 index were different in the group that relapsed from that which remitted, and that a TRAb positive value, at the moment of treatment withdrawal, is a useful marker of relapse.

Graves disease: evolution and prognosis after eight months of treatment with methimazole.

We studied 26 patients with Graves disease, from a population with sufficient iodine supply, treated with high doses of methyl mercaptoimidazole (MMI) during eight moths. We evaluated: a) their evolution after treatment withdrawal; b) the correlation between evolution and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb), thyroid hormone levels, microsomal antibodies (MAb), T3/T4 index and clinical data; c) their prognosis. The patients were followed during 12-60 months, and blood samples were collected before treatment withdrawal. Out of 26 patients, 20 relapsed, with T3/T4 index and TRAb significantly higher than those under remission. The T3/T4 index correlated with TRAb. All the TRAb-positive patients, and only 57.1

of the negatives, relapsed. The relapses were significantly more frequent prior to the 6th month in the TRAb-positive patients than afterwards. The TRAb-negatives who relapsed during that period, showed TRAb and age means significantly higher than those under remission. The TRAb test, as a prognostic marker of evolution, showed a sensitivity of 60

and a specificity of 100

. No significant differences were found between evolution to relapse or to remission and the other parameters. It can be concluded that TRAb and T3/T4 index were different in the group that relapsed from that which remitted, and that a TRAb positive value, at the moment of treatment withdrawal, is a useful marker of relapse.