Clinician feedback using a shared decision-making tool for the evaluation of patients with thyroid nodules-an observational study.

BACKGROUND: We pilot-tested an encounter conversation aid to support shared decision making (SDM) between patients with thyroid nodules and their clinicians. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the clinician feedback after providing care to patients with thyroid nodules using a tool to promote SDM conversations during the clinical encounter, and evaluate how clinicians used the tool during the visit. METHODS: Mixed method study in two academic centers in the U.S., including adult patients presenting for evaluation of thyroid nodules and their clinicians. We thematically analyzed interviews with clinicians after they used the SDM tool in at least three visits to characterize their feedback. Additionally, investigators evaluated visits recordings to determine the extent to which clinicians engaged patients in the decision-making process (OPTION score, scale 0 to 100, higher levels indicating higher involvement), the tool's components used (fidelity), and encounter duration. Using a post-visit survey, we evaluated the extent to which clinicians felt the tool was easy to use, helpful, and supportive of the patient-clinician collaboration. RESULTS: Thirteen clinicians participated in the study and used the SDM tool in the care of 53 patients. Clinicians thought the tool was well-organized and beneficial to patients and clinicians. Clinicians noticed a change in their routine with the use of the conversation aid and suggested it needed to be more flexible to better support varying conversations. The median OPTION score was 34, the fidelity of use 75%, and the median visit duration 17 min. In most encounters, clinicians agreed or strongly agreed the tool was easy to use (86%), helpful (65%), and supported collaboration (62%). CONCLUSION: Clinicians were able to use a SDM tool in the care of patients with thyroid nodules. Although they wished it were more flexible, they found on the whole that its use in the clinical encounter was beneficial to patients and clinicians.

Patient feedback receiving care using a shared decision making tool for thyroid nodule evaluation-an observational study.

PURPOSE: To characterize the feedback of patients with thyroid nodules receiving care using a shared decision making (SDM) tool designed to improve conversations with their clinicians related to diagnostic options (e.g. thyroid biopsy, ultrasound surveillance). METHODS: Investigators qualitatively analyzed post-encounter interviews with patients to characterize their feedback of a SDM tool used during their clinical visits. Additionally, investigators counted instances of diagnostic choice awareness and of patients' expression of a diagnostic management preference in recordings of clinical encounters of adult patients presenting for evaluation of thyroid nodules in which the SDM tool was used. RESULTS: In total, 53 patients (42 (79%) women); median age 62 years were enrolled and had consultations supported by the SDM tool. Patients were favorable about the design of the SDM tool and its ability to convey information about options and support patient-clinician interactions. Patients identified opportunities to improve the tool through adding more content and improve its use in practice through training of clinicians in its use. There was evidence of diagnostic choice awareness in 52 (98%) of these visits and patients expressed a diagnostic management preference in 40 (76%). CONCLUSION: User centered design including feedback from patients and real life observation supports the use of the SDM tool to facilitate collaboration between patients and clinicians.

Truncal Ataxia and Prolonged Coma in an Exploratory Pediatric Perampanel Ingestion.

INTRODUCTION: Several overdoses of the antiepileptic drug perampanel have been reported in adults, but very few have been reported in children. We report the case of an observed exploratory ingestion of perampanel in a 2-year-old child that resulted in ataxia and prolonged coma. CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 2-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department (ED) 30 minutes after the witnessed ingestion of 30 mg of perampanel (2 mg/kg). Within minutes of ingestion, she displayed ataxia and inability to walk. Upon ED presentation, she had normal vital signs but was minimally responsive with physical stimulation. Naloxone was given without response. She was intubated because of profound central nervous system depression and transferred to a pediatric tertiary care facility. She remained intubated with no pharmacological sedation. Physical exam showed a horizontal nystagmus. Detailed neurologic examination of ataxia and coordination was not possible, and she did not demonstrate hyperreflexia, clonus, or rigidity. Her mental status gradually improved, and she was extubated approximately 72 hours after exposure. After extubation, the patient still exhibited truncal ataxia and did not return to baseline until 96 hours post ingestion. Serum drawn approximately 16 hours after exposure showed 870 ng/mL perampanel (ref < 20 ng/mL). She remained hemodynamically stable throughout her hospital course, despite protracted depressed mental status. DISCUSSION: Given the severity of our patient's presentation, pediatric patients showing symptoms of perampanel overdose should be triaged to the ED for evaluation in anticipation of a prolonged clinical course with decreased consciousness and hypoventilation.

Pediatric Cannabis Single-Substance Exposures Reported to the Michigan Poison Center From 2008-2019 After Medical Marijuana Legalization.

BACKGROUND: Legalization of medical and recreational cannabis is a major contributor to pediatric cannabis exposures. The trends and magnitude of pediatric cannabis exposures in Michigan after medical cannabis legalization in 2008 have not been assessed. OBJECTIVE: To describe the temporal trends of pediatric cannabis exposures reported to the Michigan Poison Center (MiPC) after medical cannabis was legalized in 2008 and 1 year after legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018. METHODS: Retrospective electronic chart review of pediatric (<18 years old) single-substance cannabis exposures reported to the MiPC from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2019. Routes of cannabis exposure were reported as ingestion, inhalation, and unknown. Types of ingested cannabis products were also documented. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2019, 426 pediatric cannabis single exposures were reported. The median patient age was 6.0 years (interquartile range 2-15 years). Age distribution was bimodal. A total of 327 (76.8%) exposures were from cannabis ingestion, 79 (18.5%) from inhalation, 2 (0.5%) from both ingestion and inhalation, and 18 (4.2%) from unknown route. The doubling time for number of cases was 2.1 years, and the total number of annual reported cases increased after 2016. Teenagers (13-17 years) had the highest number of inhalational exposures, whereas young children (0-5 years) had the highest number of ingestions. CONCLUSION: Single-substance pediatric cannabis exposures reported to the Michigan Poison Center increased after medical cannabis was legalized in 2008 through recreational legalization in 2018.

Stimulant storm - state health department psychostimulant age-adjusted mortality rate correlates with psychostimulant-based Michigan Poison Center case exposures over time.

BACKGROUND: Deaths attributable to psychostimulants with abuse potential have increased in the United States (US) in recent years. Methamphetamine use, in particular, has risen sharply. We evaluated the correlation between amphetamine- and methamphetamine-related case exposures reported to the Michigan Poison Center (MiPC) coinciding with psychostimulant age-adjusted mortality rates from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). METHODS: We compared amphetamine and methamphetamine exposures reported to the MiPC from 2012 to 2018, queried from ToxSentry® database, to MDHHS reports on resident death certificates with attributed death due to "overdose, regardless of intent" and related cause of death attributed to psychostimulants with abuse potential. Linear regression assessed goodness-of-fit. Slope with standard error and adjusted R2 were reported. Psychostimulants included methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), dextroamphetamine, levoamphetamine, and methylphenidate. RESULTS: Psychostimulant deaths reported by MDHHS increased from 17 to 165 between 2012 and 2018. The average age-adjusted rate of psychostimulant-involved overdose deaths per 100,000 state residents rose from 0.2 to 1.8. Linear regression of MiPC amphetamine exposure rates with state health department-reported age-adjusted psychostimulant mortality rates yielded a slope of 1.93, SE 0.5, p value 0.035, and adjusted R2 0.55. Linear regression of MiPC methamphetamine exposure rates with state health department-reported age-adjusted psychostimulant mortality rates yielded a slope of 0.78, SE 0.27, p value 0.012, and adjusted R2 0.70 suggesting a strong correlation. CONCLUSION: Psychostimulant use and associated deaths in the US are increasing, representing an evolving public health threat. Michigan demonstrates consistency with national trends and data from the MiPC correlates strongly with state-reported age-adjusted psychostimulant mortality rates. Strengthening collaboration between poison centers and state health departments is critical for detection and mitigation efforts and can thereby inform resource allocation.

A Pilot Trial of Topical Capsaicin Cream for Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) present frequently to the emergency department. Previous case studies suggest dramatic symptomatic improvement with topical capsaicin treatment. This exploratory study examined the potential effectiveness of topical capsaicin in patients with nausea and vomiting due to a suspected CHS exacerbation. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial. Adults who presented with vomiting suspected to be from CHS were eligible for enrollment. We excluded pregnant women and those with resolution of symptoms. Following randomization, topical 0.1% capsaicin or placebo cream was applied to the anterior abdomen in a uniform manner. The primary outcome was the severity of nausea on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0 to 10 cm assessed at 30 minutes. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, occurrence of posttreatment vomiting, nausea by VAS at 60 minutes, and hospital admission. RESULTS: This pilot trial enrolled 30 patients, 17 in the capsaicin arm and 13 in the placebo arm. One patient in the capsaicin arm did not tolerate treatment due to skin irritation. Mean ± SD nausea severity at 30 minutes was 4.1 ± 2.3 cm in the capsaicin arm and 6.1 ± 3.3 cm in the placebo arm (difference = -2.0 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2 to -4.2 cm). At 60 minutes, mean ± SD nausea severity was 3.2 ± 3.2 cm versus 6.4 ± 2.8 cm (difference = -3.2 cm, 95% CI = -0.9 to -5.4 cm). The percent reduction in nausea at 60 minutes from baseline was 46.0% in the capsaicin arm and 24.9% in the placebo arm (difference = 21.1%, 95% CI = -5.6% to 47.9%). A higher proportion of capsaicin group patients (29.4% vs. 0%) had complete resolution of nausea (relative risk = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6 to 7.1). CONCLUSION: In this pilot trial, the application of topical capsaicin cream was associated with a significant reduction in nausea at 60 minutes but not at 30 minutes and provided more complete relief of nausea.

Assessment of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.

OBJECTIVES: Long-term follow-up is important for determining performance characteristics of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA). METHODS: Histologic or 3 or more years of clinical follow-up was used to calculate performance characteristics of thyroid FNA before and after implementation of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). The impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) classification was also investigated. RESULTS: Follow-up was obtained for 1,277/1,134 and 1,616/1,393 aspirates/patients (median clinical follow-up, 9.9 and 4.4 years, pre- and post-TBSRTC, respectively). Nondiagnostic, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, and suspicious for malignancy (SFM) diagnoses decreased and benign diagnoses increased post-TBSRTC, while atypical rate remained less than 1%. Negative predictive value for benign nodules and positive predictive value (PPV) for SFM increased significantly. Eleven nodules were reclassified as NIFTP, slightly decreasing PPV/risk of malignancy (ROM). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate ROM for thyroid FNA can be achieved through application of TBSRTC terminology with minimal use of atypical category.

Clinical, Biochemical, and Radiological Characteristics of a Single-Center Retrospective Cohort of 705 Large Adrenal Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize large adrenal tumors (≥4 cm in diameter) and to identify features associated with malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the clinical, biochemical, and imaging characteristics in a large retrospective single-center cohort of patients with adrenal tumors of 4 cm or more in diameter during the period of January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2014. RESULTS: Of 4085 patients with adrenal tumors, 705 (17%) had adrenal masses measuring 4 cm or more in diameter; of these, 373 (53%) were women, with a median age of 59 years (range, 18-91 years) and median tumor size of 5.2 cm (range, 4.0-24.4 cm). Underlying diagnoses were adrenocortical adenomas (n=216 [31%]), pheochromocytomas (n=158 [22%]), other benign adrenal tumors (n=116 [16%]), adrenocortical carcinomas (n=88 [13%]), and other malignant tumors (n=127 [18%]). Compared with benign tumors, malignant tumors were less frequently diagnosed incidentally (45.5% vs 86.7%), were larger (7 cm [range, 4-24.4 cm] vs 5 cm [range, 4-20 cm]), and had higher unenhanced computed tomographic (CT) attenuation (34.5 Hounsfield units [HU] [range, 14.1-75.5 HU] vs 11.5 HU [range, -110 to 71.3 HU]; P<.001). On multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis, male sex, nonincidental mode of discovery, larger tumor size, and higher unenhanced CT attenuation were all found to be statistically significant predictors of malignancy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malignancy in patients with adrenal tumors of 4 cm or more in diameter was 31%. Older age, male sex, nonincidental mode of discovery, larger tumor size, and higher unenhanced CT attenuation were associated with an increased risk for malignancy. Clinical context should guide management in patients with adrenal tumors of 4 cm or more in diameter.

Patients' knowledge about the outcomes of thyroid biopsy: a patient survey.

PURPOSE: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid is an increasingly common outpatient procedure. Patients are counseled about the indications and risks of this procedure and informed consent is obtained. We aimed to assess the extent to which patients acquired necessary knowledge during this process. METHODS: Survey study conducted in a thyroid nodule clinic at a referral center. Adult patients who had just undergone a thyroid biopsy were asked to complete a survey, including eight questions regarding the indications and potential outcomes of thyroid biopsy. The main outcome of the study was to assess the patients' knowledge based on the response to each individual survey question. RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety-seven patients were eligible, of which 196 (66%) completed the survey: most were women (76%), had adequate reading health literacy (95%) and a mean age of 58 years. Although 86% of patients correctly identified evaluation for thyroid cancer as the main indication for their biopsy, 56% were not aware of the likelihood of this diagnosis. Almost all (>90%) of respondents knew that results could be benign or malignant; fewer were aware of non-diagnostic (71%) or indeterminate (68%) outcomes, or of the need for additional diagnostic testing after the biopsy (33%). CONCLUSIONS: After undergoing thyroid biopsy, a high proportion of well-educated patients remained unaware of their risk for thyroid cancer, potential outcomes, and downstream consequences of their biopsy. This quality gap raises the possibility that informed consent procedures that meet legal standards may leave patients undergoing thyroid biopsy paradoxically uninformed.

Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy for Large Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Mayo Clinic Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness, tolerability, and complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with benign large thyroid nodules (TNs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 14 patients with predominantly solid TNs treated with RFA at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from December 1, 2013, through October 30, 2016. All the patients declined surgery or were poor surgical candidates. The TNs were benign on fine-needle aspiration, enlarging or causing compressive symptoms, and 3 cm or larger in largest diameter. We evaluated TN volume, compressive symptoms, cosmetic concerns, and thyroid function. RESULTS: Median TN volume reduction induced by RFA was 44.6% (interquartile range [IQR], 42.1%-59.3%), from 24.2 mL (IQR, 17.7-42.5 mL) to 14.4 mL (IQR, 7.1-19.2 mL) (P<.001). Median follow-up was 8.6 months (IQR, 3.9-13.9 months). Maximum results were achieved by 6 months. Radiofrequency ablation did not affect thyroid function. In 1 patient with subclinical hyperthyroidism due to toxic adenoma, thyroid function normalized 4 months after ablation of the toxic nodule. Compressive symptoms resolved in 8 of 12 patients (67%) and improved in the other 4 (33%). Cosmetic concerns improved in all 8 patients. The procedure had no sustained complications. CONCLUSION: In this population, RFA of benign large TNs performed similarly to the reports from Europe and Asia. It induces a substantial volume reduction of predominantly solid TNs, improves compressive symptoms and cosmetic concerns, and does not affect normal thyroid function. Radiofrequency ablation has an acceptable safety profile and should be considered as a low-risk alternative to conventional treatment of symptomatic benign TNs.

Risk of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules with Non-Diagnostic Fine-Needle Aspiration: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules is commonly performed, and despite the use of ultrasound (US) guidance, the rate of non-diagnostic FNAs is still significant. The risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules with a non-diagnostic FNA is not clearly defined. However, most studies exclude the majority of patients without a repeat biopsy or surgery, thus increasing the likelihood of selection bias. The aims of this study were to determine the malignancy risk in nodules with an initial non-diagnostic FNA, and to identify the factors associated with malignancy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with thyroid nodules who underwent US-guided FNA between 2004 and 2010 and had a non-diagnostic result. Patients were followed until confirmatory diagnosis of the nature of the nodule was made. The outcome of malignant or benign disease was based on one of the following: (i) final surgical pathology following thyroidectomy; (ii) repeat biopsy; (iii) clinically, based on repeat ultrasound performed at least three years following biopsy; or (iv) report of thyroid status for patients without follow-up visits contacted by mail. RESULTS: There were 699 nodules from 665 patients included. The mean age was 59 ± 15 years, and 71.7% were women. There was complete follow-up of 495 nodules. After a median follow-up of 2.7 years, thyroid cancer was found in 15 nodules. The prevalence of malignancy was 3% (15/495). The presence of nodular calcifications was the strongest predictor of thyroid malignancy (odds ratio 5.03 [confidence interval 1.8-14.7]). Initial nodule size was inversely associated with malignancy (odds ratio 0.55 [confidence interval 0.28-0.93]). However, the 193 patients without follow-up had smaller nodules compared with those included in the analysis. None of the patients with repeatedly non-diagnostic results were diagnosed with thyroid cancer at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thyroid cancer in nodules with non-diagnostic results is lower than the malignancy rate in thyroid nodules in general, but not negligible. They should be followed as per guidelines with heightened suspicion for nodules containing calcifications. Nodules with repeatedly non-diagnostic FNA results especially in the absence of calcifications have a low risk of malignancy and may be observed.

LINGUAL THYROID: 35-YEAR EXPERIENCE AT A TERTIARY CARE REFERRAL CENTER.

OBJECTIVE: Lingual thyroid (LT) results from a developmental abnormality due to failure of the thyroid gland to descend to its pretracheal position. Given the low incidence of this disease, standardized management recommendations are lacking. We aimed to describe our institution's experience in LT management and to suggest a practice algorithm. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of LT diagnosed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between 1976 and 2010. Demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory data, treatment received, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: We identified 29 patients with LT. Eighty-three percent were female; age at diagnosis ranged from 2 weeks to 68 years. Almost one-third of patients were symptomatic, with the most common symptoms being cough and hoarseness. The diagnosis of LT was incidental in 9 patients (31%). Seventy-two percent of patients developed hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine was the treatment of choice, followed by thyroidectomy. Two asymptomatic euthyroid patients were followed without any intervention. CONCLUSION: Management of patients with LT should be individualized and guided by the patient's symptoms and thyroid hormone status.

Development and Pilot Testing of an Encounter Tool for Shared Decision Making About the Treatment of Graves' Disease.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment option for patients with Graves' disease (GD) depends on each person's situation and how the differences between the treatment options matter to them in bringing resolution to their illness. The objective of this study was to develop and test an encounter decision tool (GD Choice) for patients and clinicians to engage in shared decision making about the treatment of GD. METHODS: GD Choice was developed using an iterative process based on the principles of interaction design and participatory action research. To evaluate the impact of the tool, a controlled before-after study was conducted, assessing the use of GD Choice versus usual care (UC). RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled, 37 to UC and 31 to GD Choice. At baseline, the groups were similar. Treatment discussion length was similar in both arms. After their visit, patients in both groups had similar knowledge about the options, except for GD Choice patients knowing significantly more about the complications of treatment (correctly answered by 83% vs. 55%; p = 0.04). Compared with UC, patients in the GD Choice arm had greater involvement in decision making observed on video recordings of clinical encounters (mean OPTION scale score, 35% vs. 30%; p = 0.02), but reported similar levels of decisional comfort and participation in shared decision making. CONCLUSIONS: GD Choice increases engagement in the decision-making process and knowledge regarding intervention complications without increasing the length of consultation. These promising results support the conduct of a randomized trial of GD Choice versus UC in a large multicenter trial.

Survey of current approaches to non-diagnostic fine-needle aspiration from solid thyroid nodules.

The exact frequency of non-diagnostic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (USFNA) is unknown. Clinical guidelines suggest repeating USFNA of these nodules. However, there is no specific recommendation or evidence on how and when this re-aspiration should be done. We aim to describe the approaches considered by endocrinologists to yield the highest likelihood of a satisfactory sample in solid thyroid nodules. A cross-sectional survey of The Endocrine Society (TES) and the American Thyroid Association members was conducted between October and December 2012. A total of 694 surveys were returned, 648 (93.4 %) from TES. The responders were equally divided between private and academic settings and had a high degree of expertise. Thirty-nine percent of respondents estimated the frequency of non-diagnostic USFNA to be above 10 %. For its management, 311 (46 %) recommended repeating USFNA in 1-3 months. For a second non-diagnostic USFNA, 216 (31 %) recommend surgery. The most common approaches to increase the diagnostic yield were (1) use of suction with USFNA, 18 % and (2) changing the targeted area of biopsy within the nodule, 18 %. Few considered the patients' preferences as an important driver for the management of non-diagnostic USFNA. Finally, a molecular test for bypassing non-diagnostic USFNA was regarded as the most needed strategy for future research. Variability exists in the management of non-diagnostic USFNA and strategies to increase the diagnostic yield. Testing the suggested strategies in clinical trials and understanding patient's preferences should be supported by guideline panels and funding agencies.

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules in patients taking novel oral anticoagulants.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (USGFNAB) is the most accurate form of evaluation for thyroid nodules. Many patients with thyroid nodules who present for USGFNAB are on anticoagulant agents, including the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation or venous thrombosis prophylaxis. SUMMARY: There has been at least one retrospective study describing neck USGFNAB bleeding risks in patients on antithrombotic and/or anticoagulant agents. This study concluded that there was no major bleeding risk or increase in hematoma formation in patients on antithrombotic or anticoagulant agents while undergoing USGFNAB, and there was no need to discontinue these agents prior to the procedure. With the emergence of NOACs, further recommendations should be made for patients on these agents who will be undergoing USGFNAB for thyroid nodules. Currently, there are no published studies regarding patients on NOACs who undergo USGFNAB. CONCLUSIONS: It has previously been established that patients on historical anticoagulant agents do not need to discontinue therapy prior to minor procedures such as needle aspirations or dental procedures. Therefore, in patients currently taking dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban, it is concluded that it is reasonable and safe to continue the novel oral anticoagulant agents prior to USGFNAB of thyroid nodules without major risk of bleeding. This conclusion is based not only on the fact that minor procedures are considered safe in patients on NOACs, but also because patients on historical anticoagulant agents do not need to discontinue therapy prior to minor procedures.

Fundus autofluorescence imaging: Fundamentals and clinical relevance.

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), a relatively new imaging modality, focuses on the fluorescent properties of pigments in the retina to generate images that help us view various disease processes from a different perspective. It aids us in the understanding of the pathophysiology of different retinal disorders. Recently, FAF imaging is being used commonly to help us in the diagnosis, prognosis as well as in determining the treatment response of various retinal disorders. It generates an image based on the distribution pattern of a fluorescent pigment called lipofuscin. Knowing the distribution pattern of lipofuscin in the normal retina is key to understanding an FAF image representing a retinal pathology. Like most other imaging modalities, FAF comes with its own limitations, taking steps to overcome these limitations will be of utmost importance in using this imaging modality to its fullest potential.

Three cases of dermatomyositis associated with papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Dermatomyositis (DM) is considered a paraneoplastic phenomenon and cancer may precede or follow the development of clinical features by several years. Despite the prevalence of thyroid cancer, reports of an association are rare. We report 3 cases of dermatomyositis and thyroid cancer, focusing on the clinical course of the rheumatologic condition following thyroidectomy. We also performed a comprehensive review of the current literature. METHODS: We performed a chart review between 1960 and 2012 to identify patients with DM and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) seen in Mayo Clinic, Rochester, in Minnesota, a tertiary referral center. Only 3 patients were identified using the above criteria. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the course of the dermatological condition after definitive treatment for thyroid cancer (i.e. thyroidectomy) in one of our patients. The risk of a first malignancy is highest at the time the diagnosis of dermatomyositis is made and remains significantly higher in the first two years following diagnosis. A comprehensive literature review identified only two patients with PTC and dermatomyositis (both in Taiwan) across 4 international population cohorts. In addition, several cases have been reported from patients in the Far East, a geographical predilection that is unexplained. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series highlights the uncommon association between thyroid cancer and dermatomyositis while illustrating prevailing knowledge about the temporal relationship between dermatomyositis and thyroid cancer. Increased vigilance for and treatment of thyroid cancer in patients with dermatomyositis may assist in the successful management of this difficult rheumatologic condition.