Assessing Adequacy: A Meta-Analysis of Rapid Onsite Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the standard form of preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodule cytological status. A significant number FNAs are classified as inadequate for interpretation, requiring a repeat FNA which is potentially avoidable, costly, and delays treatment. To address these concerns and maximize first-time FNA adequacy, rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) of FNA specimens was introduced. Our study aims to determine the impact of ROSE on FNA adequacy. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for primary articles assessing the adequacy of ROSE in thyroid nodules. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included for a total of 24,649 thyroid nodes. Thirteen thousand two hundred fifteen (53.6%) thyroid nodules were assessed utilizing ROSE and 11,434 (46.4%) were not. Pooled adequacy increased significantly from 76% without ROSE to 92% with rose (P = 0.001). Use of ROSE increased the odds of adequate FNA by 22% (risk ratio (RR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.32). At institutions with less than 85% effective diagnostic adequacy without ROSE, the risk for diagnostic adequacy increased by 28% with ROSE implementation (RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.20-1.37). In contrast, in studies reported from institutions with an effective diagnostic rate greater than 85% without the use of ROSE, the diagnostic adequacy only increased by 5% with ROSE implementation (RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03-1.06). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ROSE during first-time FNA of thyroid nodules can significantly improve adequacy, especially at institutions with baseline high inadequacy rates. Implementation of ROSE can reduce repeat FNAs and its associated consequences.

Cardiovascular Health by Graves' Disease Management Modality - Surgery Versus Radioactive Iodine Versus Antithyroid Medications: A Network Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland associated with the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Excess secretion of thyroid hormones leads to cardiovascular consequences. Treatment options include antithyroid medications (ATM), radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation, and total thyroidectomy. We examined the cardiovascular outcomes following Graves' disease management modality. METHODS: A systematic search was performed up to September 22nd, 2021, using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. We conducted a network meta-analysis analyzing cardiovascular outcomes of interest, including congestive heart failure (CHF), arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), and hypertension. RESULTS: Three studies were included in this analysis totaling 6700 patients with Graves' disease, of which 74% were female. The mean age was 44.34 y. When compared to pretreatment, management options lowered the risk of maintaining arrhythmia 81% with surgery (relative risk [RR] = 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12 to 0.31), 67% with ATM (RR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.49), and 50% with RAI (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.13 to 1.95). Risk of maintaining CHF was reduced 80% with surgery (RR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.49), 41% with ATM (RR = 0.59; 95%CI = 0.52 to 0.67), and only 7% with RAI (RR = 0.93; 95%CI = 0.68 to 1.26). Treatment-ranking analysis found all parameters, including CHF, arrhythmia, AF, and hypertension, to be in favor of surgical treatment over medical treatment and RAI ablation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first network meta-analysis analyzing the cardiovascular outcomes in Graves' disease patients by treatment option. Our study demonstrated that surgery is superior to RAI and medical treatment.

Recommend with caution: A meta-analysis investigating papillary thyroid carcinoma tumor progression under active surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an indolent disease with favorable outcomes. The non-surgical treatment approach known as active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as an alternative treatment instead of the traditional thyroidectomy. However, 10-15 % of PTC tend to progress. We sought to determine factors predicting the progression of PTC under AS. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in January 2022 using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. PRISMA guidelines were used by multiple reviewers to extract study characteristics (author name, publication date, journal name, country, institution, and study design), as well as main outcomes and measures. A combination of utilization of thyroid replacement therapy, baseline tumor size and volume, follow-up tumor size and volume, and the presence of lymph node metastasis and its distribution, as well as surveillance duration, were the main measures of this study. RESULTS: Nine studies with 4166 patients were included, of which 354 showed tumor progression during AS (15 %; 95%CI = 7 % - 23 %). The average follow-up period was 41.58 months. The mean tumor maximum diameter was 8.54 mm (95%CI = 7.04-10.03). Tumor progression was most commonly secondary to an increase in volume by ≥50 % (75 %; 95%CI = 68 % - 80 %), then increase in diameter by ≥3 mm (41 %; 95%CI = 13 % - 76 %), and finally the development of lymph node metastasis (13 %; 95%CI = 9 % - 19 %). Approximately only 2 % of all patients thus developed new lymph node metastasis. Patient age, sex, and tumor size were not associated with higher risks of tumor progression. 12 % of AS patients eventually underwent surgery, though only 40 % (95%CI = 27 % - 53 %) of these patients displayed tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis determined a tumor progression rate of 15 % in patients who underwent AS management, 13 % of which (2 % of all patients) developed lymph node metastasis. We found no protective or risk factors for tumor progression, and that almost half of all patients who underwent delayed surgery did so for reasons other than tumor progression. While not biopsying small (<1 cm) or very low suspicious nodules is already recommended, AS may be an appropriate treatment option in patients appropriately counseled, considering the low risk of advanced tumor progression but also the considerable patient population who fail to adhere to treatment. Alternatively, in aim of preventing overtreatment in patients who would rather take proactive measures against their low-risk carcinoma, minimally-invasive ablation techniques may be an attractive option.

The beavertail modified radial forearm free flap: Retrospective review of a versatile technique to increase flap bulk in the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE: Utilization of free tissue transfers in head and neck reconstruction has greatly increased due to their dependability and reliability. Anterolateral thigh (ALT) and rectus abdominus (RA) free flaps may provide too much soft tissue bulk, especially in patients with a large body habitus. A radial forearm free flap (RFFF) may be modified with a "beaver tail" (BT), which provides a flap whose bulk may be tailored to a defect. The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique, how it can be used for a variety of defects and the outcomes of these reconstructions. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed at single tertiary care center between 2012 and 2022. BT-RFFF was designed by leaving a fibroadipose tail vascularized to branches of the radial artery or separated from the vascular pedicle and left attached to the proximal portion of the skin paddle. Functional outcomes, tracheostomy dependence, and gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependence as well as complications were determined. RESULTS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients undergoing BTRFFF were included. Defects reconstructed included: oral tongue and/or floor of mouth 32 (55%), oropharynx 10 (17%), parotid 6 (10%), orbit 6 (10%), lateral temporal bone 3 (5%), and mentum 1 (2%). Indications for BTRFF were: need for bulk when the ALT and RA were too thick (53%) and need for a separate subcutaneous flap for contouring or deep defect lining (47%). Complications directly related to beavertail included a widened forearm scar (100%), wrist contracture (2%) partial flap loss (2%), and flap loss requiring a revision flap (3%). Ninety-three percent of patients with oral/oropharyngeal defects and 12-month follow-up tolerated oral intake without aspiration and 76% were tube-independent. Ninety-three percent were tracheostomy-free at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The BTRFF is a useful tool for reconstructing complex 3D defects requiring bulk where an ALT or rectus would otherwise provide too much bulk.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been recently adopted into the practice of thyroidology in the United States, although its use as an alternative to traditional thyroid surgery in Asia and Europe came near the turn of the 21st century. In the United States, only a few studies with small sample sizes have been published to date. We examined outcomes of benign thyroid nodules treated with RFA from 2 North American institutions. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multi-institutional cohort study of thyroid nodules treated with RFA between July 2019 and January 2022. Demographics, sonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules, thyroid function profiles, procedural details, complications, and nodule volume measurements at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up were evaluated. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify sonographic features associated with treatment failure. RESULTS: A total of 233 nodules were included. The median and interquartile range of volume reduction rate (VRR) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 54% [interquartile range (IQR): 36%-73%], 58% (IQR: 37%-80%), 73% (IQR: 51%-90%), and 76% (IQR: 52%-90%), respectively ( P <0.001). Four patients presented with toxic adenomas. All patients were confirmed euthyroid at 3-month postprocedure follow-up. Two patients developed temporary hoarseness of voice, but no hematoma or nodular rupture occurred postprocedure. Elastography was significantly associated with VRR. Compared with soft nodules, stiff nodules were more likely to have a lower VRR (odds ratio: 11.64, 95% confidence interval: 3.81-35.53, P <0.05), and mixed elasticity was also more likely to have a lower VRR (odds ratio: 4.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.62-14.85, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest multi-institutional North American study examining thyroid nodule treatment response to RFA. RFA is a safe and effective treatment option that allows preservation of thyroid function with minimal risk of procedural complications.

Accuracy of the 'CUT' Score for Assessing Malignancy in Bethesda 3 and 4 Thyroid Nodules in North American Population: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The CUT score is a thyroid nodule malignancy risk assessment scoring system intended to guide surgeons in treating Bethesda 3 and 4 thyroid nodules. It is based on clinical (C) and ultrasonographic (U) features and a five-tiered (T) representing cytology. PURPOSE: Our study aimed to assess the utility of the CUT score in predicting thyroid malignancy in the North American population. The main reason for creating this score is to reduce unnecessary surgeries on these challenging thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective record review study applied the CUT score to 219 Bethesda 3 and 4 thyroid nodules. A total of 203 Bethesda 3 and 16 Bethesda 4 nodules from patients treated between January 2015 and December 2019 at a single institution were assessed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the CUT diagnostic test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Iteration of analysis was performed after stratification according to body mass index to assess CUT score accuracy in obese and non-obese patients. RESULTS: Of 219 nodules analyzed, 148 were characterized as benign and 71 as malignant. Prevalence rates of malignancy were 29.6% (n = 60) and 68.8% (n = 11) in Bethesda 3 and 4 nodules, respectively. The mean CU (clinical, ultrasonography) score was 5.35 ± 1.38 in benign nodules versus 4.96 ± 1.5 in malignant nodules (p = 0.08). The area under the curve (AUC = 0.433) for the association of CUT scores with nodule malignancy was not significant (p = 0.13). The CUT score was insignificant as a diagnostic test for nodule malignancy in obese (AUC = 0.45; p = 0.72) and non-obese patients (AUC = 0.39; p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The CUT score did not correlate with preoperative malignancy risk estimates in Bethesda 3 thyroid nodules and, therefore, may have limited utility as a predictor of malignancy in these thyroid nodules.

Thyroidectomy practice in pediatric population: a national perspective.

PURPOSE: To examine presentations and outcomes of pediatric patients underoing thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010-2014, was performed. Study population included pediatric (<18 years) inpatients undergoing thyroidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 361 patients were included. Mean age was 13.5 ± 0.2 years, and 79.8% were female. Thyroid diseases included: (i) 19.0% thyroid cancer, (ii) 5.4% Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type II, (iii) 33.6% toxic nodular disease, and (iv) 42.0% non-toxic benign disease. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 67.7% of the patients, and 3.2% of the patients who had initial lobectomy were readmitted within 3 months for completion thyroidectomy. Postoperative complications were reported in 14.2% of the sample, and hypocalcemia was the most common complication (98.2%). Risk of hypocalcemia was significantly higher in patients who had thyroid cancer (risk = 20.9%, p = 0.011) or toxic thyroid diseases (risk = 19.8%, p = 0.033). Of the study population, 25.6% were managed exclusively in children's hospitals. Management in children's hospitals was not associated with improved outcomes or shorter hospital stay; however, it was associated with a significantly higher cost of health services [US $19,4575.0 ± 195.49 vs. US $13,788.00 ± 238.51, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports a national perspective on thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. Most thyroid surgeries performed in the pediatric population are performed for benign conditions. Most pediatric thyroidectomies are performed at low-volume centers. Surgeries performed in children's hospitals are significantly higher in cost without any associated improvement in outcomes or length of hospital stay.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: The First North American Comparative Analysis.

Thyroid nodules can be classified as benign, malignant, or indeterminate, the latter of which make up 10-30% of nodules. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become an attractive and promising therapy for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. However, few studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of RFA for the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules. In this study, 178 patients with thyroid nodules diagnosed as benign (Bethesda II) or indeterminate (Bethesda III/IV) by preoperative cytopathological analysis were included. Patients in the benign and indeterminate cohorts had similar thyroid nodule volume reduction rates at 65.60% and 64.20%, respectively (p = 0.68). The two groups had similar nodular regrowth rates, at 11.2% for benign nodules and 9.40% for indeterminate nodules (p = 0.72). A total of three cases of transient dysphonia were reported. RFA of indeterminate thyroid nodules was comparable to that of benign thyroid nodules in all parameters of interest, including volume reduction rate. To our best knowledge, our work is the first North American analysis comparing benign and indeterminate thyroid nodules and suggests RFA to be a promising modality for the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Association of BRAFV600E Mutation with the Aggressive Behavior of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of 33 Studies.

An association between the BRAFV600E mutation and the clinicopathological progression of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has been suggested. We aimed to summarize the relevant literature and determine the predictive value of BRAFV600E mutation in predicting clinical outcomes and risk stratification in patients with PTMC. A systematic search using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to February 2020 was performed. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a pool of 8838 patients, of whom 5043 (57.1%) patients were positive for BRAFV600E mutation. Tumors with positive BRAFV600E mutation had a higher tendency for multifocality (RR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.03-1.16), extrathyroidal extension (RR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.37-2.32), and lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.19-1.71). Patients with BRAFV600E mutation were at increased risk of disease recurrence (RR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.43-2.53). PTMC in patients positive for the BRAFV600E mutation is more aggressive than wild-type BRAF PTMC. Since BRAF-mutated PTMC is generally more resistant to radioiodine treatment, patients with BRAFV600E-mutated PTMC may require earlier management, such as a minimally invasive ablative intervention. Conservative management by active surveillance may be suitable for patients with wild-type BRAFV600E PTMC.

Outcomes of Subtotal Parathyroidectomy Versus Total Parathyroidectomy With Autotransplantation for Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: Multi-institutional Study.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the paucity of data and controversy regarding the preferred surgical approach for managing tertiary HPT, we sought to investigate the outcomes of different surgical approaches in managing this challenging disease. METHODS: We performed a multi-center retrospective study to include patients with tertiary HPT who underwent STPX or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPX-A). RESULTS: One hundred five patients had kidney transplant, and 43 were on dialysis. In the kidney transplant group, 61 patients underwent STPX, and 44 for TPX-A. Patients' demographics were not significantly different (48.61 ±â€Š9.31 vs 47.95 ±â€Š12.73 years, P = 0.759. The postoperative follow-up showed that the TPX-A cohort had a higher rate of hypoparathyroidism (N = 20, 45.45%) versus (N = 14, 22.95%) with the STPX cohort (P = 0.013). The cure among the TPX-A cohorts (84.09%) over the STPX cohort (73.77%) (P = 0.153). The long-term follow-up showed that the rate of developing temporary (N = 16, 41.03%) or permanent (N = 8, 20.51%) hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher among patients who underwent TPX-A over the patients who underwent STPX (N = 7, 17.95%), and (N = 4, 10.26%), respectively (P = 0.012). There was no statistical difference between the persistence (N = 3, 7.69%) or the recurrence (N = 2, 5.13%) of the HPT in the TPX-A cohort and the STPX cohort (N = 2, 5.13%). (N = 4, 10.26%), respectively, P = 0.644. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest multi-center study that compared different approaches for managing tertiary HPT. Showing that STPX is the better modality in patients diagnosed with tertiary HPT and had kidney transplants avoiding the risk of hypoparathyroidism.

Microvascular surgery using surgical loupes versus operating microscope-A single head and neck reconstructive surgeon's experience.

BACKGROUND: This prospective randomized study evaluates surgical outcomes of head and neck free tissue transfer surgery performed by a single head and neck reconstructive surgeon comparing the use of surgical loupes and the operating microscope. METHODS: Cases using surgical loupes were performed under ×3.5 magnification, whereas cases using the microscope were done using the standard operating microscope. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative details, surgical outcomes, and flap failure were assessed. RESULTS: Eighty-five free tissue transfer surgeries were included. Of these, 51.8% (n = 44) free tissue transfers were performed using loupe magnification and 48.2% (n = 41) were performed using the operating microscope. Total cases requiring intraoperative microvascular anastomosis revision was 12 (15.4%)-of these, 41.7% (n = 5) were originally performed with surgical loupes and 58.3% (n = 7) were with microscope (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: The current study provides novel, prospective data regarding a single head and neck reconstructive surgeon's experience at a single academic institution. From this, surgical loupes or the operating microscope can be used to perform head and neck microvascular reconstruction with no significant difference in rates of free tissue transfer failure or perioperative complications or outcomes.

Clinical outcomes and tumor microenvironment response to radiofrequency ablation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) utilizes minimally invasive high-energy current to precisely ablate tumor cells. It has been utilized in many cancer types including thyroid, lung, and liver cancer. It has been shown to provide adequate ablative margins with minimal complications; however, incomplete RFA may lead to recurrence of tumor. The underlying cellular mechanism and behavior of ablated cancer tissue is poorly understood. Methods: A systematic review was performed, searching EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus for studies published up to March 2022 and reported following PRISMA guidelines. Collection was performed by two groups of investigators to avoid risk of bias. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used for assessing risk of bias. We identified human, in vivo, and in vitro research studies utilizing RFA for tumor tissues. We required that the studies included at least one of the following: complications, recurrence, or survival, and took interest to studies identifying cellular signaling pathway patterns after RFA. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed in 'R' software including mean and confidence interval. Results: The most frequent cancers studied were liver and lung cancers accounting for 57.4% (N=995) and 15.4% (N=267), followed by esophageal (N=190) and breast cancer (N=134). The most common reported complications were bleeding (19%) and post-operative pain (14%). In our literature search, four independent studies showed upregulation and activation of the VEGF pathway following RFA, four showed upregulation and activation of the AKT pathway following RFA, three studies demonstrated involvement of matrix metalloproteinases, and four showed upregulation of c-Met protein following RFA. Conclusions: In our review and meta-analysis, we identify several proteins and pathways of interest of which are important in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cellular growth and survival. These proteins and pathways of interest may implicate areas of research towards RFA resistance and cancer recurrence.

Completion thyroidectomy: A safe option for high-volume surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The risk of complication in patients undergoing completion thyroidectomy (cT) is mixed. Several studies report increased risk in comparison to total thyroidectomy (TT) and still others reporting a comparatively decreased risk. We compared the rates of complication in patients at our institution undergoing thyroid lobectomy (TL), (TT), and cT by a single high-volume surgeon. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing TL, TT, or cT by a high-volume surgeon were included. Rates of complication were collected and compared between the three cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were included. The overall rate of complication was 4.2%. The complication rates in the TL, TT, and cT cohorts were 1%, 7.1%, and 4.5%, respectively (p = 0.10). Transient hypocalcemia was slightly more common in the TT cohort (6.1%) as opposed to the TL (0%) or cT (0.9%) cohort (p = 0.01). The cohorts also had similar rates of recurrent laryngeal nerve signal loss leading to transient dysphonia (TL: 0% vs. TT: 1% vs. cT: 3.6%, p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: While rates of complication tended to predictably decrease as approaches became less extensive, there were no significant differences in complication rates among the three surgical approaches when performed by a high-volume surgeon. Considering the low rates of complication overall, patient counseling and preference should be emphasized to provide appropriate and tailored treatment plans.

Initial versus Staged Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Multi-Dimensional Cohort Analysis of Effectiveness and Safety.

The optimal surgical approach for differentiated thyroid cancer remains controversial, with debate regarding the comparative risks of upfront total thyroidectomy versus staged completion thyroidectomy following the initial lobectomy. This study aimed to assess the complication rates associated with these two strategies and identify the optimal timing for completion thyroidectomy using a multi-dimensional analysis of four cohorts: an institutional series (n = 148), the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (n = 39,992), the TriNetX repository (n > 30,000), and a pooled literature review (10 studies, n = 6015). Institutional data revealed higher overall complication rates with total thyroidectomy (18.3%) compared to completion thyroidectomy (6.8%), primarily due to increased temporary hypocalcemia (10% vs. 0%, p = 0.004). The NSQIP analysis demonstrated that total thyroidectomy was associated with a 72% increased risk of transient hypocalcemia (p < 0.001) and a 25% increased risk of permanent hypocalcemia (p < 0.001). TriNetX data confirmed these findings and identified obesity and concurrent neck dissection as risk factors for complications. A meta-analysis showed that total thyroidectomy increased the rates of transient (RR = 1.63) and permanent (RR = 1.23) hypocalcemia (p < 0.001). Institutional and TriNetX data suggested that performing completion thyroidectomy between 1 and 6 months after the initial lobectomy minimized permanent complication rates compared to delays beyond 6 months. In conclusion, for differentiated thyroid cancer, total thyroidectomy is associated with higher risks of transient and permanent hypocalcemia compared to staged completion thyroidectomy. However, performing completion thyroidectomy within 1-6 months of the initial lobectomy may mitigate the risk of permanent complications. These findings can inform personalized surgical decision-making for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

From ablation to operation: Unraveling the surgical outcomes and complications of thyroidectomy after radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules; however, concerns exist regarding its impact on subsequent thyroid surgery. We compared surgical outcomes and complications between patients undergoing thyroidectomy after radiofrequency ablation (post-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy group) and those without prior radiofrequency ablation (non-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy group). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed thyroidectomy patients, comparing post-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy and non-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy groups, examining demographics, nodule characteristics, surgical techniques, and complications. RESULTS: The study included 96 patients (73 in the non-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy group and 23 in the post-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy group). The mean age was 53.3 ± 14.4 years, with 78.1% female patients and 36.5% African American patients. Median operative time was similar between the post-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy (110 minutes) and the non-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy (92 minutes) cohorts (P = .40). Complications were reported in 13 patients, without significant differences between groups (P = .54). No permanent complications, including nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism, were reported in either cohort. Prior radiofrequency ablation treatment did not increase the risk of complications (odds ratio = 3.48, 95% confidence interval = 0.70-17.43, P = .16). CONCLUSION: Our work found no differences in outcomes or safety in patients undergoing thyroidectomy with or without previous radiofrequency ablation treatment, potentiating the post-radiofrequency ablation thyroidectomy group as a safe management option. Accordingly, this may reassure both clinicians and patients of the safety of radiofrequency ablation in treating patients with thyroid nodules.

Genetic variation in the PNPLA3 gene and hepatocellular carcinoma in USA: risk and prognosis prediction.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging epidemic with high prevalence in Western countries. Genome-wide association studies had reported that a variation in the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene is associated with high susceptibility to NAFLD. However, the relationship between this variation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well established. We investigated the impact of PNPLA3 genetic variation (rs738409: C>G) on HCC risk and prognosis in the United States by conducting a case-control study that included 257 newly diagnosed and pathologically confirmed Caucasian patients with HCC (cases) and 494 healthy controls. Multivariate logistics and Cox regression models were used to control for the confounding effects of HCC risk and prognostic factors. We observed higher risk of HCC for subjects with a homozygous GG genotype than for those with CC or CG genotypes, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 3.21 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-6.41). We observed risk modification among individuals with diabetes mellitus (OR = 19.11; 95% CI, 5.13-71.20). The PNPLA3 GG genotype was significantly associated with underlying cirrhosis in HCC patients (OR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.05-5.87). Moreover, GG allele represents an independent risk factor for death. The adjusted hazard ratio of the GG genotype was 2.11 (95% CI, 1.26-3.52) compared with CC and CG genotypes. PNPLA3 genetic variation (rs738409: C>G) may determine individual susceptibility to HCC development and poor prognosis. Further experimental investigations are necessary for thorough assessment of the hepatocarcinogenic role of PNPLA3.

Prognostic indicators and treatment outcome in 94 cases of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a rare variant of HCC. We report an analysis of the clinicopathologic features, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators of 94 cases. METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinicopathologic and treatment outcome data from 94 FLHCC patients (48 males and 46 females). Median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and survival rates were compared by the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate estimation of hazard risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors that correlated with survival and disease recurrence after resection. RESULTS: Median age was 23 years (14-75); median OS was 57.2 months (95% CI, 36.4-77.9), and median RFS was 13.9 months (95% CI, 8.8-18.9). White race, female gender, early tumor stage, and tumor resection including metastasectomy were positively associated with longer OS, while female gender was the only significant positive predictor of longer RFS. Finally, the 5-fluorouracil-interferon combination was the most frequently used systemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our analyses indicate that surgical approaches including metastasectomy as the first-line treatment in FLHCC correlated with better outcome. Multimodality approaches, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, prolonged patient survival.

Bilateral nodule radiofrequency ablation in a single setting: First reported case series.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally-invasive ablative technique with an impressive safety profile used to manage thyroid nodules. Current reports with RFA describe the treatment of a single nodule in a single-setting. We describe the first series of bilateral nodule RFA in a single-setting. METHODS: RFA was performed on patients with bilateral thyroid nodules in a single-setting. A cohort of randomly selected patients undergoing RFA for bilateral thyroid nodules in a separate setting was reported as a control cohort. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were included in our series, included 6 patients in the single-setting ablation cohort. For patients with bilateral nodules treated by RFA in a separate setting, the mean volume reduction rate (VRR) at 6 months of 63.79% ± 18.86%. There were no reports of complications in the separate setting cohort. For patients with bilateral nodules treated by RFA in a single-setting, the mean VRR at 6 months was 64.% ± 18.97%. There were no reports of complications in the single-setting cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Our work describes a novel use of RFA, providing preliminary insight into its use for appropriately selected patients with bilateral thyroid nodules. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to corroborate and expand on our findings.

Radiofrequency ablation of an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring: a case report of a novel technique.

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is classically treated by conventional parathyroidectomy, an open neck surgery. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been shown as a safe minimally-invasive alternative to parathyroidectomy for the management of PHPT and has been shown to be effective in 60-90% of cases. Here, we present a patient successfully treated for persistent PHPT by RFA with simultaneous intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring. Case Description: A 51-year-old female with a past medical history of resistant hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and vitamin D deficiency presented to our endocrine surgery clinic with PHPT. Neck ultrasound (US) localized a 0.79 cm lesion suggestive of a parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid exploration resulted in the excision of two masses. IOPTH levels dropped from 259.9 to 204.7 pg/mL. No ectopic parathyroid tissue was found. Three-month follow-up demonstrated elevated calcium levels, suggesting persistent disease. A repeat neck US one-year post operation localized a suspicious hypoechoic sub-centimeter thyroid nodule, which was subsequently determined to be an intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma. The patient elected to proceed with RFA with IOPTH monitoring, citing concern for increased risk of redo open neck surgery. Operation pursued without complication and IOPTH levels dropped from 270 to 39.1 pg/mL. The patient's only three-day post-operative complaints, occasional numbness and tingling, were completely resolved by her three-month follow up. The patient had normal PTH and calcium levels at seven months post-operation visit and was without complaint. Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first reported case of RFA with IOPTH monitoring used to manage a parathyroid adenoma. Our work adds to the growing literature suggesting minimally-invasive techniques, such as RFA with IOPTH, as a potential management option for treating parathyroid adenomas.

Presentation and Outcomes of Otolaryngologic Surgeries in Patients With Mental Illness History.

BACKGROUND: Describe the epidemiology and characteristics of patients with a history of mental illness undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2010 to 2015. The study sample included adult (≥18 years) patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures. RESULTS: A total of 146 182 patients were included, 18.3% with mental illness history. The prevalence of patients who required otolaryngologic surgeries with history of mental illness increased significantly from 14.9% in 2010 to 25.0% in 2015 (P < .001). Mental illness diagnoses included: depression (6.9%), anxiety (5.8%), alcohol dependence (4.2%), substance dependence (2.9%), bipolar disorder (1.4%), memory disorders (1.2%), delusional disorders (0.6%), self-harm (0.1%). Patients with a history of mental illness were more likely to be <65 years, female, and have multiple comorbidities (P < .05 each). Patients with history of mental illness had a higher risk of complications [OR:1.59, 95% CI:1.50,1.69, P < .001]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of mental illness are increasingly encountered in otolaryngology service. This study provides an epidemiological perspective that warrants increasing clinical investigation of this subpopulation.