Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report and systematic review on management and outcomes.

Primary thyroid lymphoma is a rare thyroid cancer, comprising ˂5% of thyroid neoplasms. Most cases are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Coexistence with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is extremely rare. This study presents a case of a 55-year-old woman with DLBCL and micropapillary thyroid cancer who underwent lobectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Additionally, we performed a systematic review of 10 cases, including the reported case. The risk of bias in case reports varied. DLBCL diagnoses were mainly made after surgery, with total thyroidectomy being the most common surgical procedure. Chemotherapy was administered in most cases, and radiotherapy was used in some cases. Long-term outcomes indicated a low recurrence rate. While some debate the role of surgery in thyroid lymphoma, this study suggests that surgery should be considered in selected cases. Further research is needed to determine optimal treatment strategies for DLBCL with PTC.

Radiofrequency ablation as a novel modality in Ecuador for treating toxic thyroid nodules: a case series.

Background: Treating hyperthyroidism induced by autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) through radioactive iodine and surgery often results in undesirable hypothyroidism. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has arisen as a favorable option. European guidelines recommend RFA for small AFTN in young patients, aiming to restore normal thyroid function and avoid irradiation. The procedure, costing between 500 and 1,000 euros, is conducted in outpatient clinics and takes 15 to 40 minutes. We aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of AFTN patients treated with RFA in Ecuador. Case Description: We included eight patients with toxic thyroid nodules suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), with symptomatic hyperthyroidism. The mean age was 41.63 years [standard deviation (SD): 14.97 years]. The median follow-up time was 8 months. Nodules were solid (37.5%) or predominantly solid (62.5%). The mean volume pre-RFA was 5.27 mL [interquartile range (IQR), 0.70-9.66 mL]. After ablation, the median volumes at 1, 3, and 6 months were [2.25 (SD: 1.67; P<0.12), 1.28 (SD: 1.1; P=0.013), and 1.37 (SD: 1; P=0.23) mL], respectively. The volume reduction (VR) was 45.8%, 75.1%, and 69.7% at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: RFA holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for managing AFTNs. The success and the feasibility of RFA in this series are consistent with other studies as a treatment option in young patients with small AFTN. However, more research is needed to establish comprehensive guidelines and protocols to maximize the benefits of RFA in AFTNs.

The paradigm to overcome in acute decompensated heart failure.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

[Circulatory support with venovenous ECMO in a patient with reperfusion pulmonary edema after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy]. / Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenoso en paciente con síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar secundario a tromboendarterectomía arterial pulmonar.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries secondary to chronic thromboembolism. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery (PTE) is the main treatment for patients with CTEPH, as it removes the chronic thrombi from the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary reperfusion syndrome is a common complication of the surgery, which involves the development of pulmonary edema in the area where blood perfusion improves after the surgery. The incidence of this syndrome varies from 8 to 91% depending on the criteria used for diagnosis, and it is one of the most serious complications of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. In such cases, circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a valuable therapeutic modality. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of acute pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis of the right pelvic limb who was diagnosed later with CTEPH who was admitted for scheduled surgical treatment involving bilateral PTE. However, during the immediate postoperative period, she developed cardiogenic shock and refractory hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary reperfusion syndrome following the surgical procedure. As a result, she required veno-venous ECMO circulatory support for 6 days, leading to resolution of the pulmonary condition and clinical improvement.

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es un subtipo de hipertensión pulmonar caracterizada por la obstrucción de las arterias pulmonares secundaria a tromboembolias crónicas. La cirugía de tromboendarterectomía pulmonar (TEAP) es el tratamiento principal para los pacientes con HPTEC, elimina los trombos crónicos de las arterias pulmonares. El síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar es una complicación común de la cirugía, se trata del desarrollo de edema pulmonar en el área en la que la perfusión sanguínea mejora después de la cirugía. La incidencia del síndrome varía del 8 al 91% según los criterios utilizados para diagnosticarlo y es una de las complicaciones más graves de la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar. En tales casos, el soporte circulatorio con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) se ha convertido en una valiosa modalidad terapéutica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 60 años de edad con antecedente de tromboembolia pulmonar aguda secundaria a trombosis venosa profunda de miembro pélvico derecho a quien durante el seguimiento se realizó el diagnóstico de HPTEC e ingresó de manera programada para tratamiento quirúrgico con realización de TEAP bilateral, sin embargo durante el posquirúrgico inmediato presentó choque cardiogénico e hipoxemia refractaria secundarios a síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar, por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenosa durante seis días, con resolución del cuadro pulmonar y mejoría clínica.

Radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules in Ecuador: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes following the first cohort of patients with Bening Thyroid Nodule (BTN) and (Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma) (PTMC) treated with Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)in Ecuador. METHODS: Single-center, cross-sectional study. We included adults undergoing RFA for BTN and PTMC between July 2019 and May 2022. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare some pre- and post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: We included 44 patients with 36 BTNs and eight PTMCs. The median age was 45.80 years (IQR 16-79 years), and most patients had normal thyroid function (72.72%). The median follow-up time was 7.80 months (IQR1.0-34.0). Nodules were primarily solid (43.21%) or predominantly solid (56.81%). The pre-RFA median volume in the benign lesions group was 10.30 ml (IQR 1.86-18.97). After ablation, the 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month median volumes were 6.90 (IQR 0.48-10.15; p < 0.01) mL, 5.72 (IQR 0.77-7.25; p = 0.045); 0.98 (IQR 0.25-3.64; p < 0.01), and 0.11 (IQR 0.07-11.26; p = 0.026), respectively. The volume rate reduction was 47.20%, 72.20%, 74.00%, and 96.20% at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups, respectively. The pre-RFA median volume in the PTMC group was 0.25 ml (IQR 0.19-0.48). After ablation, the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month mean volumes were 0.19 (range 0.12-0.31; p = 0.120) mL, 0.10 (IQR 0.05-0.15; p = 0.13), and 0.01 (IQR 0.005-0.04; p = 0.364), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this first report from Ecuador, we found that RFA may be a feasible alternative for treating benign and malignant thyroid nodules in the short term. Long-term data are needed to evaluate oncologic outcomes in PTMC patients.

Ablation techniques or active surveillance compared to surgical resection in patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of thyroid cancer is on the rise. About one-third of newly diagnosed thyroid cancer cases comprise low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (1.5 cm or more minor). While surgical removal remains the prevailing approach for managing low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (LPTC) in patients, other options such as active surveillance (AS), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and laser ablation (LA) are also being considered as viable alternatives. This study evaluated and compared surgical thyroid resection (TSR) versus non-surgical (NS) methods for treating patients with LPTC. METHODS: The study encompassed an analysis of comparisons between surgical thyroid resection (TSR) and alternative approaches, including active surveillance (AS), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), or laser ablation (LA). The focus was on patients with biopsy-confirmed low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (LPTC) of less than 1.5 cm without preoperative indications of local or distant metastasis. The primary outcomes assessed were recurrence rates, disease-specific mortality, and quality of life (QoL). Data were collected from prominent databases, including Cochrane Database, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus, from inception to June 3rd, 2020. The CLARITY tool was utilized to evaluate bias risk. The analysis involved odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, as well as mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous outcomes. The study is registered on PROSPERO under the identifier CRD42021235657. RESULTS: The study incorporated 13 retrospective cohort studies involving 4034 patients. Surgical thyroid resection (TSR), active surveillance (AS), and minimally invasive techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and laser ablation (LA) were performed in varying proportions of cases. The analysis indicated that specific disease mortality rates were comparable among AS, MWA, and TSR groups. The risk of recurrence, evaluated over different follow-up periods, showed no significant differences when comparing AS, RFA, MWA, or LA against TSR. Patients undergoing AS demonstrated better physical health-related quality of life (QoL) than those undergoing TSR. However, no substantial differences were observed in the overall mental health domain of QoL when comparing AS or RFA with TSR. The risk of bias was moderate in nine studies and high in four. CONCLUSION: Low-quality evidence indicates comparable recurrence and disease-specific mortality risks among patients with LPTC who underwent ablation techniques or active surveillance (AS) compared to surgery. Nevertheless, individuals who opted for AS exhibited enhanced physical quality of life (QoL). Subsequent investigations are warranted to validate these findings.

Surgical approach for thyroglossal duct cyst cancer: a case report of challenging conventional thinking.

This article reports an older woman with a 2-year history of enlarging submental neck mass. Head and neck imaging displayed a group with a solid central component. Additionally, a fine-needle aspiration suggested neoplasia. Thyroglossal duct cyst cancer is sporadic, accounting for ˂1% of all thyroid malignancies. A Sistrunk procedure was followed by a total thyroidectomy and unilateral neck dissections. From histological and immunohistochemical examinations, the incidental finding of carcinoma indicates the diagnosis of thyroid tissue thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma, as it is the most common site for malignancy in ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient had an excellent recovery without additional treatments after surgery.

Managing thyroid cancer in Steinert's disease: the role of radiofrequency ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical technique used to treat benign or microcarcinoma thyroid nodules (TN) that provides an alternative for patients considered high-risk candidates for surgery. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), also known as Steinert's Disease, is a multisystem disorder that affects various organs and tissues, including the thyroid. In this case, we presented a male patient diagnosed with DM1 who incidentally discovered a left TN with features indicative of thyroid cancer. Due to the patient's increased surgical risk associated with DM1, we opted for RFA as the treatment approach. In the follow-up, the TN decreased by 76.92% in size. The patient's thyroid function remained standard, with no reported complications or adverse effects post-treatment.

Large congenital facial teratoma.

This case report discusses a presentation of a giant facial teratoma, a rare congenital neoplasm. Head and neck locations of the tumour uncommonly distort the face and may be associated with functional problems. We present a case of teratoma arising from the right parotid extending to the extracranial regions, successfully managed by surgical resection. Reviewing this case with the supporting body of literature anticipates further investigation to address patients' needs more thoroughly.

Combination of Mustardé cheek advancement flap and paramedian forehead flap as a functional and aesthetic alternative.

Depending on the size and location, defects resulting from the surgical procedure due to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may be challenging to reconstruct. A combination of more than one flap type might be necessary for moderate to large-sized defects, especially in face lesions. We present a patient with a large BCC in the nasal region, successfully closed using a combination of rotation and advancement flaps. The patient showed excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Safe management of carotid body tumor resection without preoperative embolization: an Ecuadorian high-altitude cities experience.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are a neoplasm that affects the carotid glomus. This study aims to improve the management of CBTs in Ecuador. This single-center, retrospective observational study was conducted at the Instituto de la Tiroides y Enfermedades de Cabeza y Cuello (ITECC). We included adults with CBTs, between January 2019 and August 2022. A total of 15 patients with CBTs were included. All patients were females living at high altitudes (>2500 m). In the Shamblin classification, 12 tumors were type II, and 3 were type III. Complete tumor resection was performed in all patients without pre-operative embolization. All patients had benign CBTs with a mean follow-up of 17, 73 months. In a time when the medical cost is high mainly in low-income countries such as Ecuador, further investigation should be undertaken in the form of randomized prospective trials to answer who would benefit from the pre-TAE procedure.

Identification of KIT and BRAF mutations in thyroid tissue using next-generation sequencing in an Ecuadorian patient: A case report.

Background: The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide. Ecuador presents the highest incidence among Latin American countries and the second around the world. Genetic alteration is the driving force for thyroid tumorigenesis and progression. The change from valine (V) to glutamic acid (E) at codon 600 of the BRAF gene (BRAFVal600Glu) is the most commonly reported mutation in thyroid cancer. Moreover, the BRAF mutation is not the only mutation that has been correlated with TC. For instance, mutations and overexpression of the KIT gene has been associated with different types of cancer, including lung and colon cancer, and neuroblastoma. Case presentation: A woman in her early fifties, self-identified as mestizo, from Otavalo, Imbabura-Ecuador had no systemic diseases and denied allergies, but she had a family history of a benign thyroid nodule. Physical examination revealed a thyroid gland enlargement. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy indicated papillary thyroid cancer. The patient underwent a successful total thyroidectomy with an excellent recovery and no additional treatments after surgery. Using Next-Generation sequencing a heterozygous mutation in the BRAF gene, causing an amino acid change Val600Glu was identified. Similarly, in the KIT gene, a heterozygous mutation resulting in an amino acid change Leu678Phe was detected. Moreover, an ancestry analysis was performed, and the results showed 3.1% African, 20.9% European, and 76% Native American ancestry. Conclusions: This report represents the genetic characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer in an Ecuadorian woman with a mainly Native American ethnic component. Further studies of pathological variants are needed to determine if the combined demographic and molecular profiles are useful to develop targeted treatments focused on the Ecuadorian population.

Impacto de la nutrición enteral temprana en la mortalidad y días de estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Impact of early enteral nutrition over mortality and days of stay in the intensive care unit / Impacto da nutrição enteral precoce na mortalidade e dias de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva

Resumen: Introducción: el retraso en el inicio de la nutrición enteral (NE), a diferencia de la NE precoz, está asociado a resultados adversos en los pacientes críticos. Objetivos: correlacionar el tiempo de inicio de la nutrición con la mortalidad, días de ventilación mecánica, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y estancia hospitalaria. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio tipo cohorte, retrospectivo, comparativo de los pacientes hospitalizados durante un periodo de enero a julio de 2022 en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Centro Médico ABC Campus Observatorio. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes ingresados que recibieron nutrición enteral. Resultados: de 242 pacientes, 62.8% son masculinos, con una mediana de edad de 65 (62.8-67.7) años, de los cuales 22% de la población requirió ventilación mecánica, encontrando una mortalidad global de 6.3%. Se observó diferencia significativa con p = 0.001, con un OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) en la mortalidad de los pacientes con nutrición temprana 5.5 versus 13.2% nutrición tardía, sin diferencia en días de ventilación, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos adultos (UCIA) ni hospitalización. Conclusiones: el retraso en la NE se asoció significativamente con menos días libres de UCI, estancia más prolongada en la UCI, hospitalizaciones más largas y mortalidad en comparación con la NE temprana.

Abstract: Introduction: the delay in the start of enteral nutrition (EN) or late EN, unlike early EN, is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Objectives: to correlate the start time of nutrition with mortality, days of mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Material and methods: a retrospective, comparative, cohort study of hospitalized patients during the period from January to July 2022 in the ICU of the ABC Medical Center Observatory Campus was carried out. All hospitalized patients who received enteral nutrition were included. Results: of 242 patients, 62.8% were male, with a median age of 65 (62.8-67.7) years, 22% of the population required mechanical ventilation, finding an overall mortality of 6.3%. A significant difference was found with p = 0.001, with an OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) in the mortality of patients with early nutrition 5.5 vs 13.2% late nutrition, without difference in days of mechanical ventilation, ICU or hospitalization length of stay. Conclusions: delayed EN was significantly associated with less ICU-free days, longer intrahospital length of stay and mortality, compared with early EN.

Resumo: Introdução: o atraso no início da nutrição enteral (NE) ou NE tardia, ao contrário da NE precoce, está associado a desfechos adversos em pacientes críticos. Objetivos: correlacionar o tempo de início da nutrição com mortalidade, dias de ventilação mecânica, internação na UTI e internação. Material e métodos: realizou-se um estudo de coorte, retrospectivo e comparativo de pacientes internados no período de janeiro a julho de 2022 na UTI do Hospital Centro Médico ABC Campus Observatorio. Todos os pacientes admitidos que receberam nutrição enteral foram incluídos. Resultados: dos 242 pacientes, 62.8% são do sexo masculino, com idade média de 65 (62.8-67.7) anos, dos quais 22% da população necessitou de ventilação mecânica, encontrando-se uma mortalidade geral de 6.3%. Uma diferença significativa foi encontrada com p = 0.001, com OR 0.210 (0.087-0.509) na mortalidade de pacientes com nutrição precoce 5.5 vs 13.2% nutrição tardia, sem diferença em dias de ventilação, permanência na UTI ou hospitalização. Conclusões: o atraso da NE foi significativamente associada a menos dias livres de UTI, estadias mais longas na UTI, internações mais longas e mortalidade, em comparação com NE precoce.

Satisfacción de los usuarios de unidades de salud familiar del Paraguay en 2020: estudio multicéntrico / Satisfaction of users of family health units in Paraguay in 2020: a multicenter study

RESUMEN Introducción: el grado de satisfacción y los factores de insatisfacción en los pacientes de las unidades de salud familiar aportan información sobre la calidad de la atención. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de satisfacción de los usuarios de unidades de salud familiar del Departamento Central (Paraguay) en 2020. Además, describir las características demográficas y la calidad de vida de los encuestados. Metodología: diseño observacional, prospectivo, transversal, multicéntrico. Se incluyó a varones y mujeres mayores de 18 años, usuarios de seis unidades de salud familiar del Departamento Central (Paraguay) en 2020, que aceptaban participar de la encuesta. Fueron excluidos los sujetos con incapacidad de comunicarse. Se determinaron variables demográficas (edad, sexo, educación, ingresos propios), la satisfacción se midió con el cuestionario de Baker y la calidad de vida con el cuestionario EQ-5D. Se utilizó muestreo no probabilístico. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética de la Universidad Privada del Este. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 343 sujetos, siendo 257 mujeres con edad media de 44 años y 86 varones con edad media de 46 años. Predominó el estado civil casado o concubinado (62 %), con educación superior (62 %), con ingresos propios (54 %) y mala calidad de vida (57 %). La satisfacción con la atención de la salud fue del 49 %. Las mujeres con ingreso propio fueron las que presentaron mayores frecuencias de insatisfacción siendo estas diferencias estadísticamente significativas con otros grupos. Conclusión: el grado de insatisfacción con los servicios de las unidades de salud fue elevado por lo que se recomienda identificar factores causales y realizar intervenciones para mejorar el servicio prestado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the degree of satisfaction and dissatisfaction factors in patients in family health units provide information on the quality of care. Objectives: to determine the level of satisfaction of users of family health units of the Departamento Central (Paraguay) in 2020. In addition, to describe the demographic characteristics and quality of life of the respondents. Methodology: we conducted an observational, prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study. We included men and women over 18 years of age, users of six family health units of the Departamento Central (Paraguay) in 2020, who agreed to participate in the survey. Subjects with inability to communicate were excluded. Demographic variables (age, sex, education, own income) were determined, satisfaction was measured with the Baker questionnaire and quality of life with the EQ-5D questionnaire. Non-probability sampling was used. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Privada del Este. Results: 343 subjects entered the study, 257 women with a mean age of 44 years and 86 men with a mean age of 46 years. Marital status married or concubine predominated (62 %), with higher education (62 %), with own income (54 %) and poor quality of life (57 %). Satisfaction with health care was 49 %. The factors significantly related to dissatisfaction were female sex and having own income. Conclusion: satisfaction with the care in 6 family health units was 49 %. The female sex and having own income were significantly related to dissatisfaction. It is recommended to periodically evaluate the satisfaction of primary care patients and compare it with other health regions.

Transoral approach in facial penetrating trauma - importance of multidisciplinary management and nutritional support a case report.

The high incidence and prevalence of facial trauma makes it important to consider related injuries and possible complications that may arise as a result. Penetrating trauma to the face, although not common, requires a surgeon with knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the injured area and injury patterns. We present a case of penetrating trauma to the face that was caused by a blunt object (stake) resulting from the felling of a palm tree. We describe the transoral management that was performed and the multidisciplinary support that allowed optimal management of the injury without complications, including functional or aesthetic sequelae.

Thyroid cancer overdiagnosis and overtreatment: a cross- sectional study at a thyroid cancer referral center in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to the rapid increase in thyroid cancer incidence, the mortality has remained low and stable over the last decades. In Ecuador, however, thyroid cancer mortality has increased. The objective of this study is to determine possible drivers of high rates of thyroid cancer mortality, through a cross-sectional analysis of all patients attending a thyroid cancer referral center in Ecuador. METHODS: From June 2014 to December 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital de Especialidades Eugenio Espejo, a regional reference public hospital for endocrine neoplasia in adults in Quito, Ecuador. We identified the mechanism of detection, histopathology and treatment modalities from a patient interview and review of clinical records. RESULTS: Among 452 patients, 74.8% were young adults and 94.2% (426) were female. 13.7% had a family history of thyroid cancer, and patients' median tumor size was 2 cm. The incidental finding was 54.2% whereas 45.8% was non-incidental. Thyroid cancer histology reported that 93.3% had papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), 2.7% follicular, 1.5% Hurtle cells, 1.6% medullary, 0.7% poor differentiated, and 0.2% anaplastic carcinoma. The mean MACIS (metastasis, age, completeness, invasion, and size) score was 4.95 (CI 4.15-5.95) with 76.2% of the thyroid cancer patients having MACIS score less than or equal to 6. The very low and low risk of recurrence was 18.1% (79) and 62% (271) respectively. An analysis of 319 patients with non-metastatic thyroid cancer showed that 10.7% (34) of patients had surgical complications. Moreover, around 62.5% (80 from 128 patients with thyroglobulin laboratory results) of TC patients had a stimulated-thyroglobulin value equal or higher than 2 ng/ml. Overall, a poor surgical outcome was present in 35.1% (112) patients. Out of 436 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, 86% (375) received radioactive iodine. CONCLUSION: Thyroid cancer histological characteristics and method of diagnosis are like those described in other reports without any evidence of the high frequency of aggressive thyroid cancer histology. However, we observed evidence of overtreatment and poor surgical outcomes that demand additional studies to understand their association with thyroid cancer mortality in Ecuador.

Triggers of thyroid cancer diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Understanding the method of thyroid cancer detection has potential implications on interpreting incidence rates, the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer. We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting methods of thyroid cancer detection to estimate the frequency of incidentally found cancers and classify triggers of incidental thyroid cancer diagnosis. METHODS: We searched multiple bibliographic databases from inception to June 2020. A pair of reviewers, working independently and in duplicate selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and evaluated each trial's risk of bias. Studies enrolling patients older than 18 years with thyroid cancer confirmed histologically were included. RESULTS: In total, 17 cohorts and 1 cross-sectional study, conducted between 1991 and 2018, enrolling 4668 patients with thyroid cancer were included: 88% had papillary thyroid cancer and 23% had papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The proportion of patients with non-incidental and incidental thyroid cancer was similar: 49% [95% confidence interval (CI): 40-58%]. Subgroup analysis showed that most patients with incidental thyroid cancers had tumor size <10 mm (76%; 95% CI: 56-92%), age >45 (61%; 95% CI: 56-67%), and were detected through imaging (35%; 95% CI: 26-45%), of which ultrasound was the most common modality (27%; 95% CI: 14-43%). The heterogeneity for all the effect sizes was large and significant. CONCLUSIONS: About half of thyroid cancers were found incidentally through the use of imaging studies, in particular neck ultrasound. These incidentally found cancers were mostly small papillary thyroid cancer. These results highlight opportunities for interventions aimed at reducing drivers of overdiagnosis.

Índice de desregulación inmunológica como predictor de evolución hacia síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria progresiva del adulto en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Immune dysregulation index as a predictor of evolution to acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia / Índice de disregulação imunológica como preditor da evolução da síndrome de insuficiência respiratória progressiva do adultos em pacientes com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2

Resumen: Introducción: Se han descrito los principios fisiopatológicos de la neumonía secundaria a infección por SARS-CoV-2, en donde se identificó la cascada de citocinas como principal factor para el desarrollo de lesiones orgánicas. Actualmente, se realizan mediciones de marcadores bioquímicos inflamatorios en la búsqueda de su relación con el pronóstico y posibles complicaciones. En un estudio reciente, se realizó un índice relacionando la interleucina 6 y los niveles de linfocitos y su asociación con la mortalidad en los pacientes con neumonía severa por SARS-CoV-2. El índice de desregulación inmunológica (IL-6/linfocitos) podría permitir estimar a los pacientes que evolucionarán hacia síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria progresiva del adulto (SIRPA). Objetivos: Establecer si existe una relación entre el nivel de índice de desregulación inmunológica y la aparición del síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria progresiva del adulto, en los pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Material y métodos: Se realizó el estudio observacional y retrolectivo de una cohorte, en el cual se incluyeron pacientes internados en el Centro Médico ABC con el diagnóstico de neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 de marzo a julio del año 2020, en quienes se realizaron mediciones de interleucina 6 y linfocitos de ingreso, se evaluó su progreso y desarrollo de complicaciones. Se efectuó un análisis univariado de los factores seleccionados, el procesamiento estadístico se elaboró en SPSS v 22.1, se determinaron medidas de frecuencia y de los factores de riesgo con pruebas de Fisher y χ2. Resultados: Se analizaron 346 pacientes, el índice de desregulación inmunológica presentó un promedio de 157 en el grupo correspondiente a SIRPA, mientras que en el grupo control el promedio fue de 38. De los pacientes con diagnóstico de SIRPA, el 18.6% fallecieron, mientras que dentro del grupo control sólo 0.47%. La curva ROC para el análisis de la sensibilidad y especificidad del índice como predictor de evolución hacia SIRPA resultó con un hallazgo de sensibilidad de 68.2% y una especificidad de 77% con un punto de corte de 99. Conclusión: La predicción de complicaciones en el contexto de SARS-CoV-2 permitirá tomar medidas oportunas; por lo que la existencia de índices predictivos es una herramienta útil pero que requiere análisis múltiples y validados en distintas poblaciones para contar con un nivel de seguridad alto al tomar decisiones basadas en ellos.En este estudio en particular, el índice de desregulación inmunológica se ha mostrado como un posible predictor de evolución hacia SIRPA; sin embargo, el establecimiento de medidas terapéuticas deberá continuar con relación a hallazgos clínicos, bioquímicos y de imagen.

Abstract: Introduction: The pathophysiological principles of pneumonia secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described, where the cytokine cascade was identified as the main factor for the development of organic lesions. Measurements of inflammatory biochemical markers are currently being carried out in search of their relationship with prognosis and possible complications. In a recent study, an index was made relating interleukin 6 and lymphocyte levels and their association with mortality in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The index of immune dysregulation (IL-6/lymphocytes) could allow estimating the patients that evolve towards acute respiratory distress syndrome. Objectives: To establish whether there is a relationship between the levels of the immune dysregulation index and the appearance of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Material and methods: We conducted a retrolective, observational cohort study, in which patients admitted to the ABC Medical Center with the diagnosis of pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 from March to July of 2020 were included, in them, measurements of interleukin 6 and lymphocytes on admission and their progress and development of complications were evaluated. A univariate analysis of the selected factors was carried out; the statistical analysis was elaborated in SPSS v 22.1, frequency measures were examined and the analysis of the risk factors was carried out with the Fisher and χ2 tests. Results: 346 patients were analyzed, the immune dysregulation index presented an average of 157 in the group corresponding to ARDS, while in the control group the average was 38. Of the patients with a diagnosis of ARDS, 18.6% died, while in the control group only 0.47%. The ROC curve was used for the analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the index as a predictor of evolution towards ARDS with a sensitivity finding of 68.2% and a specificity of 77% with a cut-off point of 99. Conclusion: The prediction of complications in the context of SARS-CoV-2 will allow timely measures to be taken. The existence of predictive indices is a useful tool but it requires multiple and validated analyses in different populations to have a high level of safety when making decisions based on them. In this study, the immune dysregulation index has been shown as a possible predictor of evolution towards ARDS; however, the establishment of therapeutic measures should continue in relation to clinical, biochemical and imaging findings.

Resumo: Introdução: São descritos os princípios fisiopatológicos da pneumonia secundária à infecção por SARS-CoV-2, onde a cascata de citocinas foi identificada como o principal fator para o desenvolvimento de lesões orgânicas. Medidas de marcadores bioquímicos inflamatórios estão sendo realizadas em busca de sua relação com o prognóstico e possíveis complicações. Em um estudo recente, foi realizado um índice relacionando os níveis de interleucina 6 e de linfócitos e sua associação com a mortalidade em pacientes com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 grave. O índice de desregulação imunológica (IL-6/linfócitos) poderia permitir estimar os pacientes que irão evoluir para a síndrome do desconforto respiratório progressivo em adultos (SIRPA). Objetivos: Estabelecer se há uma relação entre o nível do índice de desregulação imunológica e o aparecimento da síndrome de insuficiência respiratória progressiva do adulto em pacientes com pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte observacional, retroletivo, que incluiu pacientes internados no Centro Médico do ABC com diagnóstico de pneumonia por SARS-CoV-2 de março a julho deste ano, nos quais foram realizadas dosagens de interleucina 6 e linfócitos na admissão, sua evolução e desenvolvimento de complicações. Realizou-se a análise univariada dos fatores selecionados, a análise estatística foi elaborada no SPSS v 22.1, as medidas de frequência e os fatores de risco foram determinados com teste de Fisher e χ2. Resultados: Foram analisados 346 pacientes, o índice de desregulação imunológica apresentou média de 157 no grupo correspondente ao SIRPA, enquanto no grupo controle a média foi de 38. Dos pacientes com diagnóstico de SIRPA 18.6% morreram durante o grupo controle apenas 0.47%. A curva ROC para análise da sensibilidade e especificidade do índice como preditor de evolução para SIRPA com uma de sensibilidade de 68.2% e uma especificidade de 77% com um ponto de corte de 99. Conclusão: A previsão de complicações no contexto da SARS-CoV-2 nos permitirá tomar medidas oportunas; portanto, a existência de índices preditivos é uma ferramenta útil, mas requer análises múltiplas e validadas em diferentes populações para ter um alto nível de segurança ao tomar decisões com base neles. Neste estudo em particular, o índice de desregulação imunológica foi mostrado como um possível preditor de evolução para SIRPA; entretanto, o estabelecimento de medidas terapêuticas deve continuar em relação aos achados clínicos, bioquímicos e de imagem.

Radical neck dissection with advancement flap in advanced papillary thyroid cancer: a therapeutic option.

Papillary thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common TC subtype with a global incidence of 80-90% and an annual rate of increase of 5% in the last ten years. Papillary TC has the peculiar tendency to spread to the central and lateral lymph nodes (LNs) of the neck, and recurrence occurs in 60-75% of cases. The most affected site is the central compartment. Total thyroidectomy with radical dissection achieved the best results for differentiated TC with LN involvement, with a complication rate of 6%. Classic radical dissection is an effective surgical approach when performed by experienced surgeons in cases in which there is a good knowledge of local anatomy, decreasing recurrence and improving survival.