Clinical characteristics of a large familial cohort with Medullary thyroid cancer and germline Cys618Arg RET mutation in an Israeli multicenter study.

Objective: To determine genealogical, clinical and pathological characteristics of a cohort with Cys618Arg mutation from an Israeli multicenter MTC study. Methods: Retrospective database analysis examining RET mutations and comparing Cys618Arg and Cys634Arg/Thr/Tyr subgroups. Results: Genetic testing was performed in 131/275 MTC patients (47.6%). RET mutations were found in 50/131 (38.2%), including Cys618Arg (28/50 cases,56%), and Cys634Arg/Thr/Tyr (15/50,30%). Through genealogical study, 31 MTC patients were found descendants of one family of Jewish Moroccan descent, accounting for 27/28 patients with documented Cys618Arg mutation and 4 patients without available genetic testing. Familial Cys618Arg cases (n=31) and Cys634Arg/Thr/Tyr cases (n=15, from 6 families) were compared. Although surgical age was similar (25.7 vs 31.3 years, p=0.19), the Cys618Arg group had smaller tumors (8.9mm vs 18.5mm, p=0.004) and lower calcitonin levels (33.9 vs 84.5 X/ULN, p=0.03). Youngest ages at MTC diagnosis were 8 and 3 years in Cys618Arg and Cys634Arg/Thr/Tyr cohorts, respectively. Long-term outcome was similar between groups. The Cys618Arg cohort had lower rates of pheochromocytoma (6.5% vs 53.3%, p=0.001) and primary hyperparathyroidism (3.2% vs 33.3%, p=0.01). Conclusion: This is the first description of RET mutation distribution in Israel. Of 131 tested MTC patients, Cys618Arg was the predominant mutation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort of Cys618Arg mutation described. For Cys618Arg and Cys634Arg/Thr/Tyr cohorts, MTC was diagnosed earlier than expected, likely due to familial genetic screening, and MTC outcomes were similar between groups. International studies are necessary to further characterize the clinical features of Cys618 mutations due to their relative rarity.

Short- and long-term outcomes of patients with hyper or hypothyroidism following COVID vaccine.

Since the beginning of the wide-scale anti-Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program, sporadic cases of thyroid disease following vaccination have been reported. We describe 19 consecutive cases of COVID vaccine-related thyroid disease. Medical records were reviewed for 9 patients with Graves' disease (GD) and 10 with Thyroiditis, all of whom were diagnosed following COVID-19 vaccination. In the GD group, the median age was 45.5 years, female/male(F/M) ratio 5:4, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins were elevated in seven patients. The median time from vaccination to diagnosis was 3 months. Methimazole treatment was given to all but one patient. At a median follow-up of 8.5 months from vaccination, three patients were still on methimazole, five went into remission (data were missing for one). In the Thyroiditis group, the median age was 47 years, the F/M ratio 7:3. Thyroiditis was diagnosed after the first, second, and third doses in one, two, and seven patients, respectively. The median time from vaccination to diagnosis was 2 months. TPO antibodies were positive in three patients. All patients were euthyroid off medication at the last visit. Six patients were diagnosed in the hypothyroid phase at 2.5 months from vaccination. Four resolved spontaneously at 3, 6, 4, and 8 months; the other two were treated with thyroxine at 1.5 and 2 months from vaccination and remained on treatment at their last visit, at 11.5 and 8.5 months, respectively. Thyroid disease should be included among possible complications of COVID-19 vaccine and either a late onset or delayed diagnosis should be considered.

A Comparison of Outcomes in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients With and Without a Preoperative Diagnosis: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Cytological limitations pose a challenge to preoperative diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and therefore, a significant subset of patients is only diagnosed postoperatively. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of knowledge of a preoperative MTC diagnosis on disease management and outcomes. Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study of MTC patients treated in Israel from January 2000 to June 2021. We compared cohorts of patients according to the presence or absence of a preoperative MTC diagnosis. Results: Ninety-four patients with histologically confirmed MTC were included (mean age 56.2 ± 14.3 years, 43% males). Fifty-three patients (56%) had a preoperative MTC diagnosis (preop-Dx group), and 41 (44%) were confirmed only postoperatively (no-Dx group). The extent of surgical resection, including completion procedures, was as follows: total thyroidectomy in 83% versus 100% (p = 0.002), central lymph node dissection (LND) in 46% versus 98% (p < 0.001), ipsilateral lateral LND in 36% versus 79% (p < 0.001), and contralateral lateral LND in 17% versus 28% (NS), in the no-Dx versus the preop-Dx group, respectively. Pathology confirmed a smaller median tumor size of 16 ± 17.4 mm versus 23 ± 14.0 mm (p = 0.09), a higher proportion of micro-MTC (size ≤10 mm) 32% versus 15% (p = 0.03), and a higher rate of co-occurrence of follicular cell-derived carcinoma 24% versus 4% (p = 0.003), in the no-Dx compared to the preop-Dx group, respectively. The rates of extrathyroidal and extranodal tumor extension were not significantly different between the groups. At the last follow-up, the biochemical cure was attained in 55% [CI 0.38-0.71] compared to 64% [CI 0.50-0.77] of the no-Dx and the preop-Dx group, respectively (p = 0.41). After the exclusion of patients with micro-MTC, biochemical cure was more commonly achieved in the preop-Dx group (33% [CI 0.14-0.52] vs. 62% [CI 0.46-0.77], p = 0.04). Preop-Dx patients had improved overall survival compared to the no-Dx group (log-rank p = 0.04) over a median follow-up of 82 months (interquartile range [IQR] 30-153). Conclusions: Preoperatively, the diagnosis of MTC is often missed. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of MTC may enable guideline-concordant surgical treatment and ultimately contribute to an overall survival benefit in MTC patients.

Can Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency during Pregnancy Alter Thyroid Function? Lessons from a Mother-Newborn Cohort.

Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy has substantial hormonal consequences, such as fetal brain damage. Data on the potential effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency on the thyroid function of pregnant women and their newborns are scarce and divergent. We investigated the association between iodine intake in pregnancy and maternal and neonatal thyroid function in a region with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. Pregnant women's iodine status was evaluated using an iodine food frequency questionnaire, serum thyroglobulin (Tg), and urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Neonatal thyrotropin (nTSH) values were measured after birth. Obstetrics and anthropometric data were also collected. Among the 178 women (median age 31 years) included in the study, median (interquartile range) estimated dietary iodine intake, Tg and UIC were 179 (94−268) µg/day, 18 (11−33) µg/L, and 60 (41−95) µg/L, respectively. There was a significant inverse association of iodine intake with Tg values among the study population (ß = −0.2, F = 7.5, p < 0.01). Women with high free triiodothyronine (FT3) values were more likely to exhibit an estimated iodine intake below the estimated average requirement (160 µg/day, odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1−6.4; p = 0.04) and less likely to consume iodine-containing supplements (OR = 0.3, 95% CI, 0.1−0.8; p = 0.01). It is possible that thyroid function may be affected by iodine insufficiency during pregnancy in regions with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. The relatively small sample size of the studied population warrants further investigation.

Maternal iodine deficiency: a newborns' overweight risk factor? A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity and iodine deficiency are global public health concerns. Whether maternal iodine status mediates overweight in infancy has yet to be explored. We aimed to assess the relationship between maternal iodine status and infant birth weight, including small and large for gestational age (SGA and LGA, respectively). METHODS: A prospective study was carried out among 134 mother-infant pairs from Israel. Maternal iodine intake and status were estimated via questionnaire and serum thyroglobulin (Tg), respectively. Estimated iodine intake below the Recommended Daily Allowance for iodine sufficiency in pregnancy (220 µg/d) considered Inadequate. Maternal and neonatal thyroid function and anthropometric measurements, as well as maternal thyroid antibodies were also tested. RESULTS: After screening, 118 participants met the inclusion criteria (distributed trimesters I, II and III: n = 3, n = 21, and n = 94, respectively). There was a negative association of iodine intake with Tg values among the study population. Maternal median Tg value was higher than the sufficiency cutoff (16.5 vs 13 µg/L), indicating insufficient iodine status. No SGA cases were found. Inadequate iodine intake was associated with maternal isolated hypothyroxinemia (OR = 3.4; 95% CI 1.2, 9.9) and higher birthweight (including macrosomia and LGA) rates. A suggestive association of elevated Tg with a greater risk of LGA was observed. Offsprings' birth weight percentiles were associated with Tg values in pregnant women with suggestive sufficient iodine status (n = 62, R2 = 0.11, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Iodine status during pregnancy can be associated with newborn anthropometric index. Maternal inadequate iodine intake may alter fetal growth and might increase the risk of LGA among newborns. These initial findings support the need to further study the impact of iodine deficiency on newborns overweight in Israel and elsewhere.

Ovarian adrenal rest tumor in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Is medical treatment the first line option?

SUMMARY Ovarian adrenal rest tumors (OARTs) are very rare. We describe a case of a young woman with uncontrolled classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH), presenting with bilateral OARTs, successfully treated with steroid replacement. A 20-year-old woman, known to have 21OH-CCAH, presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. As a result of poor compliance, 6 months before her admission hirsutism worsened and amenorrhea, hyperpigmentation, and weakness developed. ACTH levels were 278 < pmol/L and 17OHP 91.3 nmol/L. She was admitted for parenteral antibiotics and high-dose hydrocortisone treatment. CT revealed bilateral juxta-ovarian masses (6.2 x 3.6 x 7.4 cm left and 5 x 2.2 x 3.2 cm right) that on MRI were iso-intense in T1 and hypointense in T2, with early enhancement and rapid washout. One week of high-dose hydrocortisone resulted in significant clinical and laboratory improvement and the patient was discharged with 2 mg dexamethasone/day. One month later US revealed shrinkage of the masses and dexamethasone dose was decreased. At three months from discharge, she has resumed regular menses, and a repeated MRI revealed the para-ovarian masses have shrunk. One year after the diagnosis, the para-ovarian masses have shrunk more to 2.8 x 1.9 x 4.3 on the left and 2.1 x 0.9 x 1.2 on the right with less contrast enhancement in comparison to previous test possibly due to fibrotic changes of the tissue. OARTs are rare tumors with a poorly known natural history, and surgery has been the first option in the few reported cases. We demonstrate that medical treatment is a good alternative, leading to significant tumor shrinkage over a short period.

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with Biochemical Incomplete Response: Clinico-Pathological Characteristics and Long Term Disease Outcomes.

Although most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and biochemical incomplete response (BIR) follow a good clinical outcome, progression to structural disease may occur in 8-17% of patients. We aimed to identify factors that could predict the long-term outcomes of BIR patients. To this end, we conducted a retrospective review study of 1049 charts from our Differential Thyroid Cancer registry of patients who were initially treated with total thyroidectomy between 1962 and 2019. BIR was defined as suppressed thyroglobulin (Tg) > 1 ng/mL, stimulated Tg > 10 ng/mL or rising anti-Tg antibodies, who did not have structural evidence of disease, and who were assessed 12-24 months after initial treatment. We found 83 patients (7.9%) matching the definition of BIR. During a mean follow-up of 12 ± 6.6 years, 49 (59%) patients remained in a state of BIR or reverted to no evidence of disease, while 34 (41%) progressed to structural disease. At the last follow-up, three cases (3.6%) were recorded as disease-related death. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) Initial Risk Stratification system and/or AJCC/TNM (8th ed.) staging system at diagnosis predicted the shift from BIR to structural disease, irrespective of their postoperative Tg levels. We conclude that albeit 41% of BIR patients may shift to structural disease, and most have a rather indolent disease. Specific new individual data enable the Response to Therapy reclassification to become a dynamic system to allow for the better management of BIR patients in the long term.

Ovarian adrenal rest tumor in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Is medical treatment the first line option?

Ovarian adrenal rest tumors (OARTs) are very rare. We describe a case of a young woman with uncontrolled classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH), presenting with bilateral OARTs, successfully treated with steroid replacement. A 20-year-old woman, known to have 21OH-CCAH, presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. As a result of poor compliance, 6 months before her admission hirsutism worsened and amenorrhea, hyperpigmentation, and weakness developed. ACTH levels were 278 < pmol/L and 17OHP 91.3 nmol/L. She was admitted for parenteral antibiotics and high-dose hydrocortisone treatment. CT revealed bilateral juxta-ovarian masses (6.2 × 3.6 × 7.4 cm left and 5 × 2.2 × 3.2 cm right) that on MRI were iso-intense in T1 and hypointense in T2, with early enhancement and rapid washout. One week of high-dose hydrocortisone resulted in significant clinical and laboratory improvement and the patient was discharged with 2 mg dexamethasone/day. One month later US revealed shrinkage of the masses and dexamethasone dose was decreased. At three months from discharge, she has resumed regular menses, and a repeated MRI revealed the para-ovarian masses have shrunk. One year after the diagnosis, the para-ovarian masses have shrunk more to 2.8 × 1.9 × 4.3 on the left and 2.1 × 0.9 × 1.2 on the right with less contrast enhancement in comparison to previous test possibly due to fibrotic changes of the tissue. OARTs are rare tumors with a poorly known natural history, and surgery has been the first option in the few reported cases. We demonstrate that medical treatment is a good alternative, leading to significant tumor shrinkage over a short period.

Adherence to Active Surveillance and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules Not Referred for Thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Outcomes of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules not referred for thyroidectomy have hardly been investigated. We previously reported outcomes of 322 patients with thyroid nodules classified according to the Bethesda System of Reporting Thyroid Cytology (BSRTC) as indeterminate (B3/B4), of whom 123 (38.2%) underwent thyroidectomy. In the present extension study, we investigated adherence and outcomes in the remaining unoperated 199 patients. METHODS: We conducted a file review of 189/199 patients with thyroid nodules cytologically diagnosed as B3 (n = 174) or B4 (n = 15) in 2011-2012 who were conservatively followed at our institution until 2019. RESULTS: Among 174 patients with B3 nodules, 140 (80.4%) underwent repeated ultrasound. Nodular growth was detected in 23 (16.4%), and findings remained stable in 105 (75%). Fine-needle aspiration was repeated in 88/174 patients (50.6%), with B2 results in 62 (70.4%) and B3/B4/B5 in 20 (22.7%). Thyroidectomy was performed in 14/174 patients (8%) in the B3 and 5/15 patients (33%) in the B4 group at a median of 5 years' follow-up; thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 4/14 patients (28.5%) and 3/5 patients (60%), respectively. For B3 patients who remained unoperated, none had evidence of thyroid cancer at last follow-up. A reason for avoiding surgery was documented in 6/10 unoperated B4 patients (1 thyroid lymphoma, 3 died of unrelated causes, 2 were considered inoperable due to advanced age). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with initially unoperated B3/B4 nodules adhere, at least partially, to active surveillance. For B3 nodules, subsequent thyroidectomy and thyroid cancer detection are rare events, and patients may be safely managed without using molecular markers. Thyroid cancer is diagnosed in most B4 patients who undergo thyroidectomy in our institution.

Is Familial Nonmedullary Thyroid Cancer A More Aggressive Type of Thyroid Cancer?

OBJECTIVES: Familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is a distinct entity, increasingly diagnosed. By lacking an accurate genetic diagnostic test, its diagnosis is currently clinically based, with an ongoing debate over whether it has a more aggressive clinical behavior than sporadic non-medullary thyroid cancer (SNMTC). We seek to compare in this study, the clinicopathological variables, and the outcome of FNMTC versus SNMTC patients. METHODS: We retrospectively searched a database of 465 patients that underwent thyroidectomy at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center (91.4% between 1990 and 2019) for demographics, risk factors, medical history, diagnostic workup, primary treatment, follow-up, and disease outcome data. We compared 47 FNMTC versus 321 SNMTC patients, and FNMTC patients with ≥2 (n = 34) versus ≥3 (n = 13) first-relative affected members. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics, histopathology, TNM stage, treatment, and disease outcome between the FNMTC and SNMTC groups. The T2 and T4 tumor stage in the ≥3-member group were 25% and 8.3% compared to 0% and 0% in the two-member group (P = .02 and P = ns, respectively). Also, LN involvement was significantly higher in the ≥3-member group (61.6% vs. 24.2%, respectively; P = .036). CONCLUSION: FNMTC is not a more aggressive disease than SNMTC, but this may not apply for the ≥3-affected-relatives group. A large multicenter study including only families with three or more affected relatives is needed. Until then, a family history of NMTC should not be overlooked. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3/5 Laryngoscope, 131:E677-E681, 2021.

The prognostic value of lymph node ratio in Medullary thyroid carcinoma: A multi-center study.

INTRODUCTION: The lymph node ratio (LNR), which represents the proportion of metastatic lymph nodes resected, has been found to be a prognostic variable in several cancers, but data for Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are sparse. The aim of this study was to determine the value of the LNR in predicting outcome in patients with MTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study design of 107 patients with MTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with neck dissection between 1984 and 2016. The association of LNR with patient and tumor characteristics and prognostic factors was evaluated. RESULTS: Study population consisted of 53.3% female, mean age at diagnosis was 50.3 ± 18.4 years; 16.8% had inherited MTC. LNR was positively correlated with tumor size (p = 0.018) and inversely correlated with age at diagnosis (p = 0.024). A higher LNR was associated with extrathyroidal extension (p < 0.001), multifocality (p = 0.001), bilateral tumor (p = 0.002), distant metastases (p < 0.001), and tumor recurrence (OR = 14.7, p < 0.001). LNR was also correlated to postoperative calcitonin levels (p < 0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (p = 0.011). LNR >0.1 was associated with shorter disease-specific survival in patients at risk: tumor larger than 20 mm at diagnosis (p = 0.013), sporadic MTC (p = 0.01), and age above 40 years at diagnosis (p = 0.004). Cox multivariate survival analysis revealed LNR as the only significant independent factor for disease free survival (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that LNR correlates well with patient and tumor characteristics and prognostic variables. We suggest that LNR should be considered an important parameter for predicting outcome in MTC.

The Risk of Bone Fractures in Post-Poliomyelitis Patients Transitioning to Middle Adulthood.

ObjectiveWhile osteoporotic fractures are reported in up to 40% of adults with post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), clinical guidelines regarding bone mineral density (BMD) and indications for treatment are scarce. We investigated the characteristics of PPS patients, focusing on fractures and osteoporosis as the primary outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective data analysis from medical records of 204 PPS patients regarding their clinical characteristics and long-term outcome, with emphasis on bone metabolism status. RESULTS: Our cohort included 53% women; mean age was 65 years at study entry and 1.7 years at the diagnosis of acute poliomyelitis. The lower limb was involved in 97.5% of patients, and the BMD in the affected limb tended to be lower than the unaffected, with a mean T-score of -1.64 vs. -1.19, respectively (P = .06). Recurrent falls were documented in 39.2% of patients, and osteoporosis in 20.6%, being more frequent in women (P = .003) and patients with fractures (P = .002). At least one fracture occurred in 52.2% of patients, and more than one in 40.3%. The median age for the first fracture was 57.5 years (range, 30 to 83 years), and most fractures occurred in the affected limb (73.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Underdiagnosis and delayed treatment of osteoporosis in late-adulthood post-poliomyelitis patients underlie the need for comprehensive clinical guidelines to manage these patients, including recommendations on bone health assessment, medical treatment, and their inclusion as a high-risk group for bone fractures.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation: A New Therapeutic Approach for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

CONTEXT: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is rapidly emerging as feasible therapy for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) in selected cases, as a result of its favorable safety profile. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EUS-RFA in a cohort of patients with functional and nonfunctional pNETs (NF-pNETs). DESIGN: Data on pNET patients treated with EUS-RFA between March 2017 and October 2018 at two tertiary centers was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The cohort included 18 adults (eight women, 10 men), aged 60.4 ± 14.4 years (mean ± SD), seven insulinoma patients, and 11 patients with NF-pNETs. Twenty-seven lesions with a mean diameter of 14.3 ± 7.3 mm (range 4.5 to 30) were treated. Technical success defined as typical postablative changes on a surveillance imaging was achieved in 26 out of 27 lesions. Clinical response with normalization of glucose levels was observed in all (seven of seven) insulinoma cases within 24 hours of treatment. Overall, there were no major complications 48 hours postprocedure. No clinically significant recurrences were observed during mean follow-up of 8.7 ± 4.6 months (range 2 to 21 months). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided RFA of pNETs is a minimally invasive, safe, and technically feasible procedure for selected patients.

Clinico-pathologic and dynamic prognostic factors in sporadic and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma: an Israeli multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple clinical, pathological and biochemical variables, including the response to initial treatment, are associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) prognosis. Studies that include separate analyses of familial and sporadic MTC patients followed for long period are scarce. This study evaluated the association between baseline clinico-pathologic variables and response to initial treatment and short- and long-term disease outcomes in sporadic and familial MTC. METHODS: Patients treated for MTC at four tertiary medical centers were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and pathological data were collected. The outcomes measured included disease persistence 1 year after diagnosis, disease persistence at last follow-up, disease-related mortality (DRM) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The study enrolled 193 patients (mean age: 48.9 ± 18.7, 44.7% males), of whom 18.1% were familial cases. The mean follow-up period was 10.1 ± 9.4 years (8.5 ± 8.1 in sporadic and 16.9 ± 11.6 in familial MTC). Disease persistence 1-year after diagnosis and at last follow-up was detected in 56.1 and 60.4% patients, respectively. All-cause and DRM were 28.5 and 12.6%, respectively. Extra-thyroidal extension (ETE) and distant metastases (DM) were associated with disease persistence at last follow-up. ETE and DM were also significantly associated with DRM. Complete remission 1 year after diagnosis had high correlation with no evidence of disease at last follow-up (Cramer's V measure of association 0.884, P < 0.001) and with 100% disease-specific survival (Cramer's V measure of association 0.38, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from clinico-pathologic parameters, close correlation was found between 1-year status and long-term prognosis. These results underscore the importance of combining classical and dynamic factors for both sporadic and familial MTC prognostication and treatment decision making.

Bone-Marrow Suppression in Elderly Patients Following Empiric Radioiodine Therapy: Real-Life Data.

Background: Elderly patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) tend to have more advanced disease at presentation, for which high activities of radioiodine (RAI) are often recommended. However, the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend that empirically administered activities of RAI >150 mCi should be avoided in patients >70 years of age, based on calculated bone-marrow exposure according to two dosimetry-based studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RAI treatment on bone-marrow function in elderly DTC patients. Methods: DTC patients ≥70 years of age who received RAI treatment and on whom a complete blood count was performed before and after treatment were included. Blood counts within one year before RAI and one year following treatment were compared in order to assess for marrow suppression. The impact of demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables on complete blood count were assessed. Results: One hundred fifty-three treatments in 122 patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean patient age of 76 ± 4.3 years, and 75% were women. High-risk features at presentation included T4 disease in 17%, lymph node metastases in 34%, and distant metastases in 14%. Mean RAI activity was 136.8 ± 48 mCi (82% ≥ 100 mCi, 66% ≥ 150 mCi). Of 153 RAI treatments analyzed, 114 (74%) were first treatments, 28 (18%) second treatments, seven (5%) third treatments, and four (3%) fourth treatments. At 0-3 months after RAI treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in platelets (238 ± 66 vs. 216 ± 69 × 109/L, 10% decrease; p < 0.001), white blood cells (WBC; 6.9 ± 2 vs. 6.1 ± 1.9 × 109/L, 13% decrease; p < 0.001), and hemoglobin (Hb) in women (12.8 ± 1.1 vs. 12.4 ± 1.1 g/dL, 3% decrease; p = 0.01). Mean platelets, WBC, Hb in women, and lymphocytes remained decreased (but within the reference range) one year after treatment. Subgroup analysis demonstrated platelet suppression only with activities ≥100 mCi, and WBC and Hb suppression only with activities ≥150 mCi, with mean values within the reference ranges. There were no clinically significant cytopenia events during follow-up. Conclusions: Empiric RAI treatment in elderly patients causes mild bone-marrow suppression, with little clinical significance. Activities of 150-200 mCi can be safely used when indicated.

Multifocality Is not an Independent Prognostic Factor in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Despite its low mortality rate, the disease has a recurrence rate of up to 30%. The mainstay of treatment for PTC is surgery, followed by radioiodine ablation and thyroxine therapy in appropriately selected patients. PTC can appear as a unifocal solitary tumor, but also as two or more anatomically separate foci. A great deal of controversy surrounds the significance of multifocality as a prognostic factor, and it is considered a poor prognostic factor that prompts more aggressive treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of tumor multifocality on disease recurrence and mortality in PTC patients. METHODS: Data of 1039 consecutive PTC patients from two tertiary medical centers were reviewed. The baseline characteristics and short- and long-term outcome were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic significance of multifocal disease. The application of two different propensity score models followed multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 10.1 years, and 534 (51.4%) patients had multifocal disease and 505 (48.6%) unifocal disease. Patients with the multifocal disease were significantly older, were more frequently male, had more extrathyroidal extension, more lymph node metastases, more advanced disease (stage III/IV), and a higher American Thyroid Association recurrence risk. Multifocal PTC patients had more persistence at one year (26.6% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001), more recurrence during follow-up (12.7% vs. 6.6%; p = 0.002), and a higher overall mortality rate (15.5% vs. 9.7%; p = 0.002). However, there were no significant differences in recurrence, last-visit persistency, and mortality rates when adjusting for confounding variables by using propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: This propensity score-matching study provides the best available data to support the assertion that multifocality in PTC patients is a marker of more extensive disease at presentation, but not an independent prognostic factor for long-term outcomes.

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CARCINOMA AND BONE METASTASES.

Objective: This institutional study sought to retrospectively evaluate disease progression and survival of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and bone metastases (BM) and to investigate variables predictive of better long-term outcomes. Methods: The Rabin Medical Center Thyroid Cancer Registry was searched for patients with bone-metastatic DTC. Variables including a patient's gender and age, pathology of the thyroid tumor, and characteristics of BM were retrieved and analyzed in association with disease progression and mortality. Results: The cohort included 64 patients (48.4% female). Mean age at diagnosis was 62.1 ± 14.3 years; mean primary tumor size was 41 ± 30 mm. Overall, 60.4% had stage T3/T4 disease; 46.3% had extrathyroidal extension; 40% had lymph-node metastases. Histopathology yielded papillary and follicular DTC in 40.6% and 32.8% of patients, respectively, and poorly/intermediately differentiated carcinoma in 26.6%. BM were synchronous in 50%. Mean follow-up was 11 ± 9.6 years from DTC detection. The common first sites of BM detection were spine (46.9% of patients), pelvis (37.5%) and ribs (21.9%). Nineteen patients (29.7%) presented with multiple-site BM, of whom 15 (78.9%) had spinal metastases. After initial treatment, 62/64 patients had structural persistence, and at last follow-up, 57.8% had progressive disease. Overall, 54.7% of patients died, 71.4% of DTC. Improved long-term outcomes were associated with younger age, lower tumor stage, no extrathyroidal extension, bone-only metastases, and non-spinal BM. Younger age and non-spinal BM were the only independent predictors for improved survival. Conclusions: Selected patients with bone-metastatic DTC may achieve fair long-term outcomes. Spinal metastases are associated with disseminated skeletal spread and increased mortality. Abbreviations: BM = bone metastases; COX = multivariate analyses; DM = distant metastases; DSM = disease-specific mortality; DSS = disease-specific survival; DTC = differentiated thyroid carcinoma; ETE = extrathyroidal extension; LNM = lymph node metastases; OM = overall mortality; OS = overall survival; PTCFV = papillary thyroid carcinoma; RAI = radioactive iodine; SM = spinal metastases; SRE = skeletal-related event; txWBS = whole-body scan after RAI therapy.

A 2017 SURVEY OF THE CLINICAL PRACTICE PATTERNS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RELAPSING GRAVES DISEASE.

OBJECTIVE: Previous surveys from different world regions have demonstrated variations in the clinical management of Graves disease (GD). We aimed to investigate the clinical approach to GD relapse among endocrinologists. METHODS: Electronic questionnaires were e-mailed to all members of the Israeli Endocrine Society. Questionnaires included demographic data and different scenarios regarding treatment and follow-up of patients with GD relapse. RESULTS: The response rate was 49.4% (98/198). For a young male with GD relapse, 68% would restart antithyroid drug (ATD) (98% methimazole), while 32% would refer to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Endocrinologists who treat >10 thyroid patients a week tended to choose ATDs over RAI ( P = .04). In the case of GD relapse with ophthalmopathy, 50% would continue ATDs, whereas 22.4% would recommend RAI treatment and 27.6% surgery. Most endocrinologists (56%) would continue ATDs for 12 to 24 months. Seventy-five percent would monitor complete blood count and liver function (39% for the first month and 36% for 6 months), and 44% would recommend a routine neck ultrasound. In a case of thyrotoxicosis due to a 3-cm hot nodule, most endocrinologists (70%) would refer to RAI ablation, 46.4% without and 23.7% with a previous fine-needle aspiration. No significant differences were found regarding gender, year of board certification, or work environment. CONCLUSION: Our survey demonstrates diverging patterns in the diagnosis and management of GD relapse that correlate well with previous surveys from other countries on GD-naïve patients and a less than optimal adherence to recently published clinical guidelines. ABBREVIATIONS: ATA = American Thyroid Association; ATD = antithyroid drug; CBC = complete blood count; GD = Graves disease; GO = Graves ophthalmopathy; LFT = liver function test; MMI = methimazole; PTU = propylthiouracil; RAI = radioactive iodine; TSI = thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin.

Long-Term Outcome after Hemithyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Comparative Study and Review of the Literature.

Background: The extent of surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains a controversial issue. Since a less aggressive approach is becoming more predominant, we aim here to study the short- and long-term outcomes of DTC patients after hemithyroidectomy. Methods: From a total of 1252 consecutive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients, 109 treated with hemithyroidectomy and 50 with total thyroidectomy but no I131 were included. Persistent or recurrent disease was defined based on histopathology, imaging studies, and thyroglobulin levels. Results: Our hemithyroidectomy cohort included females (84.4%), microcarcinomas (81.9%), TNM stage I (95.4%), and a low American Thyroid Association (ATA) recurrence risk (94.5%). At one-year post-treatment, 3.7% had persistent disease (all female, median age 55 years, tumor size 7.5 mm). Recurrent disease was detected in 7.5% of those with excellent response at 1-year. With a follow-up of 8.6 years (1⁻48), all 109 patients were disease free at last visit, including the 11 patients (10.1%) who received additional treatment. Also, when comparing the hemi- and total thyroidectomy groups no significant differences were found in the rate of persistent and recurrent disease, overall mortality, and disease status at last visit. Conclusions: For properly selected low-risk PTC patients, hemithyroidectomy is a safe treatment option with a favorable long-term outcome.