Non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear feature: clinical, pathological, and molecular update 5 years after the nomenclature revision.

The term non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) was proposed in 2016 and incorporated as a new entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of endocrine organs in 2017. Since then, there has been debate regarding the histological criteria for the diagnosis, the need for molecular studies or the risk of lymph node metastasis or recurrence associated with this entity. Over the years, the concept of NIFTP evolved, now including both small (<1 cm) and large (>4 cm) tumours and oncocytic lesions. On the other hand, recent data on NIFTP in the setting of thyroid follicular nodular disease or frequent coexistence of malignant tumours raised concerns regarding the follow-up of these patients. Today, both pathologists and clinicians still face several challenges in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with NIFTP.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in Portugal: Novel GCK, HNFA1 and HNFA4 Mutations.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a frequently misdiagnosed type of diabetes, which is characterized by early onset, autosomal dominant inheritance, and absence of insulin dependence. The most frequent subtypes are due to mutations of the GCK (MODY 2), HNF1A (MODY 3), and HNF4A (MODY 1) genes. We undertook the first multicenter genetic study of MODY in the Portuguese population. The GCK, HNF1A, and HNF4A genes were sequenced in 46 unrelated patients that had at least two of the three classical clinical criteria for MODY (age at diagnosis, family history, and clinical presentation). The functional consequences of the mutations were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Mutations were identified in 23 (50%) families. Twelve families had mutations in the GCK gene, eight in the HNF1A gene, and three in the HNF4A gene. These included seven novel mutations (GCK c.494T>C, GCK c.563C>G, HNF1A c.1623G>A, HNF1A c.1729C>G, HNF4A c.68delG, HNF4A c.422G>C, HNF4A c.602A>C). Mutation-positive patients were younger at the time of diagnosis when compared to mutation-negative patients (14.3 vs. 23.0 years, p = 0.011). This study further expands the spectrum of known mutations associated with MODY, and may contribute to a better understanding of this type of diabetes and a more personalized clinical management of affected individuals.

Outcome and long-term follow-up of adrenal lesions in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome of adrenal lesions in long-term follow-up of Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients. Subjects and methods We retrospectively studied sixteen patients from six families of individuals with MEN1. Adrenal involvement was evaluated using clinical, biochemical and imaging data. Results Adrenal lesions were identified in nine of sixteen (56.3%) patients: seven women and two men (mean age: 52.2 years). Adrenal involvement was detected at MEN1 diagnosis in more than half of the patients. Eighteen adrenal nodules were founded (median of two nodules per patient) with mean adrenal lesion diameter of 17.4 mm. Three patients had unilateral adrenal involvement. Hormonal hypersecretion (autonomous cortisol secretion) was found in two patients. None of the patients was submitted to adrenalectomy, presented an aldosterone-secreting lesion, a pheochromocytoma, an adrenal carcinoma or metastatic disease during the follow-up. A predominance of stable adrenal disease, in terms of size and hormonal secretion, was observed. Adrenal lesions were evenly distributed between the germline mutations. Conclusion Adrenal tumours are a common feature of MEN1 that can affect more than half of the patients. Most of the tumours are bilateral non-functional lesions, but hormonal secretion may occur and should be promptly identified to reduce the morbidity/mortality of the syndrome. Periodic surveillance of these patients should be performed.

Outcome and long-term follow-up of adrenal lesions in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome of adrenal lesions in long-term follow-up of Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied sixteen patients from six families of individuals with MEN1. Adrenal involvement was evaluated using clinical, biochemical and imaging data. RESULTS: Adrenal lesions were identified in nine of sixteen (56.3%) patients: seven women and two men (mean age: 52.2 years). Adrenal involvement was detected at MEN1 diagnosis in more than half of the patients. Eighteen adrenal nodules were founded (median of two nodules per patient) with mean adrenal lesion diameter of 17.4 mm. Three patients had unilateral adrenal involvement. Hormonal hypersecretion (autonomous cortisol secretion) was found in two patients. None of the patients was submitted to adrenalectomy, presented an aldosterone-secreting lesion, a pheochromocytoma, an adrenal carcinoma or metastatic disease during the follow-up. A predominance of stable adrenal disease, in terms of size and hormonal secretion, was observed. Adrenal lesions were evenly distributed between the germline mutations. CONCLUSION: Adrenal tumours are a common feature of MEN1 that can affect more than half of the patients. Most of the tumours are bilateral non-functional lesions, but hormonal secretion may occur and should be promptly identified to reduce the morbidity/mortality of the syndrome. Periodic surveillance of these patients should be performed.

The spectrum of pediatric adrenal insufficiency: insights from 34 years of experience.

Background Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening disease characterized by deficient production of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. It is caused by primary or secondary/tertiary adrenal failure. Prompt diagnosis and management are essential and may even be life-saving. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory and radiological data from AI patients observed over 34 years (1984-2017) in a pediatric endocrinology department of a tertiary care hospital. Results Seventy AI patients were identified: 59% with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) and 41% with central adrenal insufficiency (CAI). PAI patients were diagnosed at 1.5 ± 4.4 years and followed for 11.6 ± 6.2 years; 85% had classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and 7% had autoimmune PAI. At presentation, 73% had hyponatremia and more than half had mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, asthenia, anorexia, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. All the patients were treated with hydrocortisone and 90% were also on fludrocortisone. Regarding CAI patients, they were diagnosed at 5.4 ± 5.0 years and they were followed for 9.6 ± 6.4 years; craniopharyngioma was present in 31% of the cases and 14% had pituitary hypoplasia. Besides corticotropin, thyrotropin (93%), growth hormone (63%) and antidiuretic hormone (52%) were the most common hormone insufficiencies. The most frequent manifestations were hypoglycemia (34.5%), nausea/vomiting (27.6%) and infectious diseases (27.6%); all the patients were treated with hydrocortisone. Conclusions Despite medical advances, the diagnosis and management of AI remains a challenge, particularly in the pediatric population. Raising awareness and knowledge in medical teams and population about the disease is of crucial importance to improve clinical outcomes and to reduce disease morbidity/mortality.

RISK OF MALIGNANCY IN THYROID CYTOLOGY: THE IMPACT OF THE RECLASSIFICATION OF NONINVASIVE FOLLICULAR THYROID NEOPLASM WITH PAPILLARY-LIKE NUCLEAR FEATURES (NIFTP).

Objective: Noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC) was recently reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). We aimed to compare the risk of malignancy (ROM) of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), before and after the reclassification, in a large cohort of patients. Methods: We analyzed 5,625 consecutive FNAC samples performed in 2012-2014 and selected category III (atypia of undetermined significance [AUS]/follicular lesion of undetermined significance [FLUS]), IV (follicular neoplasm [FN]/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm [SFN]), V (suspicious for malignancy [SFM]), and VI (malignant) of the BSRTC. We reviewed the histology of operated patients and compared ROM before and after the introduction of the NIFTP category. Results: A total of 772 patients were identified and 45% underwent surgery (n = 348). There were 180 cases of AUS/FLUS (10 NIFTP), 114 cases of FN/SFN (2 NIFTP), 29 cases of SFM (3 NIFTP), and 25 cases of BSRTC VI (no NIFTP). Exclusion of NIFTP from malignant lesions resulted in a relative and absolute decrease in the ROM in AUS/FLUS (15.2% and 5.5%, respectively), FN/SFN (7.6% and 1.8%, respectively) and SFM (14.2% and 10.3%, respectively) categories. Among the NIFTP patients, 93% underwent total thyroidectomy and 20% received radioiodine. Conclusion: Reclassification of noninvasive EFVPTC as NIFTP resulted in a decrease in overall ROM, and the BSRTC categories most affected were III and V. Abbreviations: AUS = atypia of undetermined significance; BSRTC = Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology; EFVPTC = encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma; FLUS = follicular lesion of undetermined significance; FN = follicular neoplasm; FNAC = fine-needle aspiration cytology; FVPTC = follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma; NIFTP = noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features; PTC = papillary thyroid carcinoma; ROM = risk of malignancy; SFM = suspicious for malignancy; SFN = suspicious for a follicular neoplasm.

Bifocal germinoma in a patient with 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome.

Intracranial germinomas are rare tumors affecting mostly patients at young age. Therefore, molecular data on its etiopathogenesis are scarce. We present a clinical case of a male patient of 25 years with an intracranial germinoma and a 16p11.2 microdeletion. His initial complaints were related to obesity, loss of facial hair and polydipsia. He also had a history of social-interaction difficulties during childhood. His blood tests were consistent with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency, and he had been previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He also presented with polyuria and polydipsia and the water deprivation test confirmed the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. His sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two lesions: one located in the pineal gland and other in the suprasellar region, both with characteristics suggestive of germinoma. Chromosomal microarray analysis was performed due to the association of obesity with social disability, and the result identified a 604 kb 16p11.2 microdeletion. The surgical biopsy confirmed the histological diagnosis of a germinoma. Pharmacological treatment with testosterone, hydrocortisone and desmopressin was started, and the patient underwent radiotherapy (40 Gy divided in 25 fractions). Three months after radiotherapy, a significant decrease in suprasellar and pineal lesions without improvement in pituitary hormonal deficiencies was observed. The patient is currently under follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, we describe the first germinoma in a patient with a 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, raising the question about the impact of this genetic alteration on tumorigenesis and highlighting the need of molecular analysis of germ cell tumors as only little is known about their genetic background. Learning points: Central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNSGTs) are rare intracranial tumors that affect mainly young male patients. They are typically located in the pineal and suprasellar regions and patients frequently present with symptoms of hypopituitarism. The molecular pathology of CNSGTs is unknown, but it has been associated with gain of function of the KIT gene, isochromosome 12p amplification and a low DNA methylation. Germinoma is a radiosensitive tumor whose diagnosis depends on imaging, tumor marker detection, surgical biopsy and cerebrospinal fluid cytology. 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome is phenotypically characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Seminoma, cholesteatoma, desmoid tumor, leiomyoma and Wilms tumor have been described in a few patients with 16p11.2 deletion. Bifocal germinoma was identified in this patient with a 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome, which represents a putative new association not previously reported in the literature.

Addison's disease in antiphospholipid syndrome: a rare complication.

Addison's disease (AD) is the most common endocrine manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), but it remains a very rare complication of the syndrome. It is caused by adrenal venous thrombosis and consequent hemorrhagic infarction or by spontaneous (without thrombosis) adrenal hemorrhage, usually occurring after surgery or anticoagulant therapy. We present a clinical case of a 36-year-old female patient with a previous diagnosis of APS. She presented with multiple thrombotic events, including spontaneous abortions. During evaluation by the third episode of abortion, a CT imaging revealed an adrenal hematoma, but the patient was discharged without further investigation. A few weeks later, she presented in the emergency department with manifestations suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Based on that assumption, she started therapy with glucocorticoids, with significant clinical improvement. After stabilization, additional investigation confirmed AD and excluded other etiologies; she also started mineralocorticoid replacement. This case illustrates a rare complication of APS that, if misdiagnosed, may be life threatening. A high index of suspicion is necessary for its diagnosis, and prompt treatment is crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality potentially associated. Learning points: AD is a rare but life-threatening complication of APS. It is important to look for AD in patients with APS and a suggestive clinical scenario. APS must be excluded in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency and adrenal imaging revealing thrombosis/hemorrhage. Glucocorticoid therapy should be promptly initiated when AD is suspected. Mineralocorticoid replacement must be started when there is confirmed aldosterone deficiency. Hypertension is a common feature of APS; in patients with APS and AD, replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids may jeopardize hypertension management.

Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment.

Introduction. Selenium is a micronutrient embedded in several proteins. In adults, the thyroid is the organ with the highest amount of selenium per gram of tissue. Selenium levels in the body depend on the characteristics of the population and its diet, geographic area, and soil composition. In the thyroid, selenium is required for the antioxidant function and for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Methods. We performed a review of the literature on selenium's role in thyroid function using PubMed/MEDLINE. Results. Regarding thyroid pathology, selenium intake has been particularly associated with autoimmune disorders. The literature suggests that selenium supplementation of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis is associated with a reduction in antithyroperoxidase antibody levels, improved thyroid ultrasound features, and improved quality of life. Selenium supplementation in Graves' orbitopathy is associated with an improvement of quality of life and eye involvement, as well as delayed progression of ocular disorders. The organic form of selenium seems to be the preferable formulation for supplementation or treatment. Conclusion. Maintaining a physiological concentration of selenium is a prerequisite to prevent thyroid disease and preserve overall health. Supplementation with the organic form is more effective, and patients with autoimmune thyroiditis seem to have benefits in immunological mechanisms. Selenium supplementation proved to be clinically beneficial in patients with mild to moderate Graves' orbitopathy.

The role of ablative treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer management.

INTRODUCTION: The role of ablative treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer management has been evolving over the years. After its introduction in clinical practice, the use of postsurgical radioiodine treatment was generalized to almost every patient with differentiated thyroid cancer, with the exception of unifocal microcarcinomas. However, in the last decade several studies questioned its benefit in low- and intermediate-risk patients. Areas covered: In this review we discuss the role of postsurgical radioiodine treatment at the present time. Expert commentary: Although there is general consensus about the recommendation for very low-risk (microcarcinomas) and high-risk patients - no indication for routine postoperative radioiodine and clear indication for radioiodine treatment, respectively, the recommendation for low- and intermediate-risk patients is still under debate. The most recent guidelines from the American Thyroid Association make a statement against routine postoperative radioiodine in both low- and intermediate-risk cases, recommending an individualized approach that takes into consideration the risk of disease persistence or recurrence after surgery. We consider that these recommendations are in accordance with the best evidence available today, and we would like to emphasize that radioiodine is generally favored for most intermediate-risk patients, especially in the presence of extensive lymph node disease or older age.