Reappraising the Diagnostic Accuracy of Post-Treatment Whole-Body Scans for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma.

Initial treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) often consists of surgery and the administration of radioiodine. In this context, post-treatment Whole-Body Scans (ptWBS) are currently recommended, but data on its diagnostic accuracy are rare. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of ptWBS for distant metastasis in DTC patients. We included DTC patients who received radioiodine and underwent ptWBS between 2009-2015. The medical data were independently reviewed by two specialists to evaluate the concordance of positive distant ptWBS uptake and distant metastasis documented by imaging exams (gold standard). We studied 268 DTC patients. The mean age was 46±16 years (82% women), and papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 87% of the patients. The median tumor size was 2.7 cm, 40% had lymph node involvement, and 11% had distant metastasis. Twenty-eight patients (10%) had distant ptWBS uptake, and nine of them (32%) were false-positives. In addition, nine false-negative ptWBS uptakes were identified. The overall performance of ptWBS showed 68% sensitivity and 96% specificity with significantly different performance according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk groups. While the ptWBS performance for ATA low-intermediate-risk showed 29% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and Kappa of 0.19, the ATA high-risk group ptWBS displayed high sensitivity (82%), specificity (100%), and good agreement (Kappa 0.74). ptWBS is useful for a subgroup of ATA high-risk DTC patients. The overall poor performance of ptWBS suggests that it should be reconsidered for routine use in ATA at low to intermediate risk: the exam has little value to this subgroup.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma metastatic to skin: a small papule and a big diagnostic change.

Cutaneous metastases are uncommon in daily practice, although very important, since they may be the first manifestation of an undiscovered primary neoplasm or the first indication of recurrence. Cutaneous metastases from the breast are the most frequent in women and cutaneous metastases from the lung are the most frequent in men. Thyroid carcinoma, despite representing the most frequent endocrine neoplasm, is considered a rare neoplasm, corresponding to 1% of malignant neoplasms diagnosed. Cutaneous metastases from follicular carcinoma are rare and occur mainly in the head and neck area. We report a case of cutaneous metastasis in a patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma and breast carcinoma. Because of the association of these two neoplasms, the possibility of Cowden Syndrome - multiple hamartoma syndrome - was raised, but was excluded by genetic analysis of PTEN gene.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma metastatic to skin: a small papule and a big diagnostic change

Abstract: Cutaneous metastases are uncommon in daily practice, although very important, since they may be the first manifestation of an undiscovered primary neoplasm or the first indication of recurrence. Cutaneous metastases from the breast are the most frequent in women and cutaneous metastases from the lung are the most frequent in men. Thyroid carcinoma, despite representing the most frequent endocrine neoplasm, is considered a rare neoplasm, corresponding to 1% of malignant neoplasms diagnosed. Cutaneous metastases from follicular carcinoma are rare and occur mainly in the head and neck area. We report a case of cutaneous metastasis in a patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma and breast carcinoma. Because of the association of these two neoplasms, the possibility of Cowden Syndrome - multiple hamartoma syndrome - was raised, but was excluded by genetic analysis of PTEN gene.

[Metástasis en el lóbulo frontal como primera manifestación clínica de un carcinoma folicular de tiroides]. / Frontal lobe metastases as the initial presentation of follicular thyroid carcinoma.

ANTECEDENTES: El carcinoma folicular de tiroides puede producir metástasis a distancia, siendo las localizaciones más habituales el pulmón y el hueso. Las metástasis cerebrales son inusuales, y es poco habitual que aparezcan como primera manifestación de cáncer. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente varón de 80 años, que tras una caída al suelo comenzó con alteración del comportamiento, desorientación y pérdida del control de esfínteres. La tomografía computarizada cerebral evidenció una masa en el lóbulo frontal derecho. Se realizó la extirpación de la lesión cerebral, cuyo estudio histológico informó de metástasis de carcinoma folicular de tiroides. CONCLUSIÓN: La manifestación de la enfermedad con metástasis cerebrales es muy infrecuente, y empeora el pronóstico notablemente. BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid carcinoma can produce distant metastases, generally occur to lung followed by bone. Brain metastases are unusual, and onset manifestation is little frequently. CLINICAL CASE: A 80-years old men presented disturbance behavior, desorientation and loss of sphincters after fallin to the ground. Computed tomography scan showed a lesion in the right frontal lobe. The patient underwent a craniotomy to remove the brain tumor, histopathology confirmed of follicular thyroid carcinoma metastases. CONCLUSION: At initial diagnosis brain metastasis are extremely rare, with adverse prognosis.

Pituitary Metastasis of Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Pituitary metastasis of thyroid carcinoma is a rare entity. Differential diagnosis with other lesions in the sellar/parasellar region, through clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and imaging is challenging but essential for adequate treatment. CASE REPORT This case report describes a 58-year-old patient with the previous diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma, with metastasis to cervical lymph nodes, bone, and lung, initially evolving to left palpebral ptosis. In the investigation, laboratory tests showed hypopituitarism, and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull showed a suprasellar formation measuring 2.2×3.5×2.5 cm, which increased in size in a few months. The patient underwent transcranial neurosurgery and subsequent immunohistochemical analysis, which confirmed pituitary metastasis of follicular thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but died 26 months after the onset of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The differential diagnosis of pituitary metastasis from a benign lesion is difficult. Therefore, a careful analysis of the history and clinical evolution, use of complementary imaging tests, and, where possible, the histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the lesion for diagnostic elucidation are necessary.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / Impacto do índice de massa corporal sobre o desfecho de sobrevida em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25 kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40 kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. Results Median follow up period was 5.2 years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3 kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40 kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30 kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p = 0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Resumo Introdução Sabe-se que o aumento do índice de massa corpórea está associado à alta prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide; entretanto, os dados sobre seu impacto no desfecho de sobrevivência após tireoidectomia e terapia adjuvante são escassos. Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Método Entre 2000 e 2011, 209 pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide (papilar/folicular/de células de Hurthle) foram tratados através de tireoidectomia, seguida de tratamento com iodo radioativo-131 adjuvante e supressão de hormônio estimulante da tireoide. Com base no índice de massa corpórea, os pacientes foram divididos em cinco grupos; (a) < 18,5 kg/m2 (baixo peso); (b) 18,5-25 kg/m2 (peso normal); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (sobrepeso); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obesos) e (e) > 40 kg/m2 (obesos mórbidos). Várias características demográficas, clínicas e de tratamento e toxicidade associada e desfechos (sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença) foram analisadas e comparadas. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 5,2 anos (0,6-10). O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 31,3 kg/m2 (17-72); o índice de massa corpórea de 31-40 kg/m2 foi predominante (89 pacientes, 42,6%), seguido por 26-30 kg/m2, observado em 58 pacientes (27,8%). Observaram-se 18 recidivas locorregionais (8,6%) e 12 metástases distantes (5,7%). As taxas de sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global de 10 anos foram de 83,1% e 58,0%, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado impacto significativo do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global ou sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,081). Da mesma forma, a análise multivariada mostrou que o índice de massa corpórea não foi um fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Conclusão Embora o índice de massa corpórea possa aumentar o risco de câncer de tireoide, ele não tem impacto no resultado do tratamento; contudo, outros estudos são necessários.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Median follow up period was 5.2years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p=0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. CONCLUSION: Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

[Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid and diffuse toxic goiter. Case report]. / Cancer folicular de tiroides y bocio tóxico difuso. Reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid cancer rarely manifests itself as a distant metastatic lesion. We report a case of a male with follicular thyroid cancer that presented as a distant metastatic lesion and diffuse toxic goiter. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old man was evaluated because of a soft, painless, pulsating sternal mass of 6 x 6 cm. An incisional biopsy of the soft tissue showed metastatic thyroid follicular neoplasm. History and general examination revealed a weight loss of 10 kg, palpebral retraction and thyrotoxicosis, serum concentration of free thyroxine was elevated and TSH undetectable. A thyroid scan revealed uptake of (131)I in all thyroid areas of 36%. Clinical improvement was observed after methimazole (30 mg/day). Total thyroidectomy was performed: right lobe (5 x 4 x 2 cm), left lobe (4 x 3 x 1 cm), without nodules or lymphadenopathy. During the postoperative period, serum thyroglobulin level was 350 ng/ml, radioiodine treatment (100 mCi) was given, and there was a 75% reduction in the sternal mass. CT of the thorax showed bone destruction in the sternum and soft tissue. Clinical and radiological examination revealed no other metastases. Three months later, thyroid scan was negative and thyroglobulin was 17 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: We report this case of follicular thyroid cancer because of its uncommon initial sternal presentation and soft tissue metastasis with diffuse toxic goiter.

Carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide: avaliação inicial e acompanhamento / Differentiated thyroid carcinoma: initial evaluation and follow-up

O câncer de tireóide é responsável por cerca de 1 por cento dos novos casos de doença maligna diagnosticados. A maioria destes tumores são carcinomas papilares e foliculares, também denominados de carcinomas diferenciados de tireóide (CDT). Estes carcinomas têm uma taxa de cura de aproximadamente 80 por cento, enquanto 20 por cento apresentarão recorrência local e 5 a 10 por cento desenvolverão metástases à distância. Porém, alguns pacientes apresentam uma doença mais agressiva. A identificação de tais pacientes tem grande impacto no manejo clínico do CDT. Várias classificações de estádio clínico e fatores prognósticos são apresentados, bem como os principais exames para seguimento dos pacientes com CDT.

[Differentiated thyroid carcinoma: initial evaluation and follow-up]. / Carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide: avaliação inicial e acompanhamento.

Thyroid carcinoma accounts for roughly 1% of all new malignant diseases. Of these, at least 94% are differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), either papillary thyroid carcinoma or follicular thyroid carcinoma. Patients with DTC are usually considered as having a good prognosis, 80% of patients are cured, 20% will develop loco-regional recurrence and 5-10% distant metastasis. However, the disease may have an aggressive course in some patients. The identification of these patients has a major impact in the clinical management of DTC. Several prognostic factors and classification will be addressed, as well the most useful tests for patients follow-up.

Mandibular metastasis of follicular thyroid carcinoma. Case report.

Thyroid carcinoma mandibular metastasis are not very frequent and the cases described in literature are few. Due to its bloodstream dissemination, most of them are a consequence of the follicular variant of thyroid carcinomas. A case is presented and a review of the clinicopathologic characteristics of the lesion is made, so the oral and maxilofacial surgeon can recognize it, make a correct differential diagnosis with other mandibular radioluciencies and in consequence, carry out an adequate treatment.

[Cranial metastasis of thyroid follicular carcinoma. Report of a case]. / Metástasis craneal de un carcinoma folicular del tiroides. Reporte de un caso.

Thyroid follicular carcinoma is able to produce metastatic lesions before the vanishing of the primary lesion. We present a case of a woman with a lytic, solitary, asymptomatic parietal bone lesion of 2 years of evolution. Autopsy revealed a thyroid gland with two small cystic areas and renal metastasis. Thyroid carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of lytic bone lesions with long evolution in patients 60 years of age or older.

Whole-body Tc-99m sestamibi scintigraphy in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the potential of Tc-99m sestamibi whole-body scan (WBMIBI) as an alternative to whole-body I-131 scan (WBI) for the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 99 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who had total or nearly total thyroidectomy followed by an ablative dose of I-131 (86 women, 13 men; mean age, 44 +/- 12 years). WBMIBI was performed and serum thyroglobulin (TG) levels were obtained at least 6 months after I-131 treatment. All persons were receiving levothyroxine therapy. RESULTS: From the total of 110 studies performed, WBMIBI and TG were in agreement in 96% and discordant in 4%. From the 27 crossed studies (WBMIBI x TG) with at least one abnormal result, 16 were compared with WBI. In four cases, the WBI did not reveal functioning thyroid tissue when both TG and WBMIBI indicated tumoral activity. In one case of pulmonary metastasis confirmed by chest radiographs, with a normal TG value, the results of both WBMIBI and WBI were positive. CONCLUSIONS: WBMIBI should be considered as a scintigraphic method in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. This technique can show the sites of tumoral activity with optimal image resolution, particularly in those with abnormal TG and negative WBI results, and it is a potentially valuable tool in patients with anti-TG antibodies. The WBI in patients having ablation should be reserved only for therapy planning.