Non-invasive follicular neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features: a challenging and infrequent entity in Argentina.

PURPOSE: Non-invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer was reclassified as non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). These neoplasms have an extremely low malignant potential. The aim of this study was (1) to assess the prevalence of NIFTP in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, (2) to evaluate their outcomes, and (3) to determine their molecular profile. METHODS: Multicenter, descriptive, retrospective study. Patients with papillary thyroid cancer diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2016 from 11 referral centers were included. Diagnosis of NIFTP was based on criteria described by Nikiforov et al. in 2018. At least two pathologists agreed on the diagnosis. Two thousand six hundred and seventy-seven papillary thyroid cancer patients were included; 456 (17%) of them were follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer, and 30 (1.12%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for NIFTP. RESULTS: Each of the 30 included patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, and 50% were treated with radioiodine (median dose 100 mCi). After a median follow-up of 37 months, 84% of patients had an excellent response, 3% had an indeterminate response and data was missing in the remaining 13%. No metastatic lymph nodes, distant metastases or recurrences were found. RAS mutations were detected in 4 patients (13%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NIFTP in our series is amongst the lowest reported. Excellent outcomes of patients underscore their low malignant potential. Molecular findings differ from other series, probably related to environmental or ethnic features of our population and the meticulous criteria for diagnosing NIFTP.

COVID-19 y tiroxicosis / COVID-19 and thyrotoxicosis. Case report

La epidemia por COVID-19, causada por el nuevo coronavirus-2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS-CoV-2) ha enfrentado al equipo de salud a un abanico de presentaciones clínicas y alteraciones de las funciones órganicas a las que diagnosticar y tratar. Dentro de estas se encuentra la disfunción tiroidea.En este reporte se presenta el caso de una paciente con taquicardia persistente luego de pasado el cuadro de COVID-19, que derivó en múltiples consultas hasta que se arribó al diagnóstico de tirotoxicosis de etiología autoinmune.La tirotoxicosis asociada a COVID-19 es infrecuente, pero agrega morbilidad a la convalecencia de los pacientes, por lo que su sospecha clínica y diagnóstico rápido serían beneficiosos

The infection by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged the health care system with a new spectrum of clinical manifestations and organ disfuntions, that require proper diagnosis and treatment.In this case we report a patient with persistent tachycardia after COVID-19 acute illness. This finding led to multiple medical visits until final diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis of autoimmune etiology.Thyrotoxicosis is an unusual complication of COVID-19, that results in higher morbility in patients during the convalescent phase of the disease. Opportune clinical suspicion and early diagnosis seems to be beneficial in terms of clinical outcome

Role of the Mechanisms of Detection in the Increased Risk of Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study in an HMO in Buenos Aires.

BACKGROUND: Two hypotheses attempt to explain the increase of thyroid cancer (TC) incidence: overdetection by excessive diagnostic scrutiny and a true increase in new cases brought about by environmental factors. Changes in the mechanism of detection and the risk of incidentally diagnosed TC could result in an increase of TC incidence. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We identified incident cases of TC from the pathological reports of patients in a HMO and review of clinical records. The results were analyzed in two periods: 2003-2007 and 2008-2012. Incidence rates expressed per 100,000 person-years (with 95% CI) and relative risk of incidence rates of incidental and nonincidental TC were estimated. RESULTS: The relative risk of incidentally detecting a thyroid cancer in 2008-2012 compared to 2003-2007 was 6.06 (95%CI 1.84-20.04). Clinical evaluations detected 31 (75.6%) cancers in the period 2003-2007 and 70 (51.8%) cancers in the period 2008-2012 (p<0.007). Although tumor median size was significantly lower in the period 2008-2012 (10 vs. 14 mm, p<0.03), tumors greater than 40 mm (4.3%) were only present in 2008-2012. The female/male ratio decreased between analyzed periods from 8 (3-21) to 4 (3-7). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings partially support the hypothesis of increased incidence due to overdetection but do not explain the changes in the increase of larger tumors and decrease in the female/male ratio, which could be secondary to the influence of unidentified environmental factors.

Outcomes of patients with bone metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer.

Objective Bone metastases (BM) from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are associated with poor survival rates. Due to the low frequency of this entity, we performed a multicentric retrospective study that aimed to evaluate the presentation, outcome and causes of death in this population. Subjects and methods We reviewed file records from 10 databases. BM were diagnosed by: i) biopsy and/or ii) radioiodine (RAI) bone uptake + elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and/or c) bone uptake of 18-FDG in the PET-CT scan + elevated Tg levels. Results Fifty-two patients with DTC were included (44% male, mean age 54 years); 58% had papillary histology. BM were synchronous with DTC diagnosis in 46% of the participating cases. BM were symptomatic in 65% of the cases. Multiple BM were present in 65% of patients, while simultaneous metastatic disease in additional sites was found in 69%. Ninety-eight percent of patients received treatment for the BM, which included RAI therapy in 42 patients; 30 of them received cumulative RAI doses that were larger than 600 mCi 131I. The mean follow-up after a BM diagnosis was 34 months. The 2- and 5-year survival rates after diagnosis of the first BM were 64% and 38%, respectively. The status on the last evaluation was DTC-related death in 52% of the patients; 26% of them died from direct complications of BM or their treatments. Conclusion BM are usually radioiodine-refractory and are associated with a short overall survival, although most of the patients died of causes not directly related to the BM.

Outcomes of patients with bone metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer

ABSTRACT Objective Bone metastases (BM) from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are associated with poor survival rates. Due to the low frequency of this entity, we performed a multicentric retrospective study that aimed to evaluate the presentation, outcome and causes of death in this population. Subjects and methods We reviewed file records from 10 databases. BM were diagnosed by: i) biopsy and/or ii) radioiodine (RAI) bone uptake + elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and/or c) bone uptake of 18-FDG in the PET-CT scan + elevated Tg levels. Results Fifty-two patients with DTC were included (44% male, mean age 54 years); 58% had papillary histology. BM were synchronous with DTC diagnosis in 46% of the participating cases. BM were symptomatic in 65% of the cases. Multiple BM were present in 65% of patients, while simultaneous metastatic disease in additional sites was found in 69%. Ninety-eight percent of patients received treatment for the BM, which included RAI therapy in 42 patients; 30 of them received cumulative RAI doses that were larger than 600 mCi 131I. The mean follow-up after a BM diagnosis was 34 months. The 2- and 5-year survival rates after diagnosis of the first BM were 64% and 38%, respectively. The status on the last evaluation was DTC-related death in 52% of the patients; 26% of them died from direct complications of BM or their treatments. Conclusion BM are usually radioiodine-refractory and are associated with a short overall survival, although most of the patients died of causes not directly related to the BM.

Evolution of differentiated thyroid cancer during pregnancy in a community University Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presentation, follow-up and evolution of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) detected during pregnancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty nine women with DTC detected during pregnancy were analyzed. Group I (n = 13) was seen during pregnancy and DTC was diagnosed during gestation; detection of the nodule occurred during pregnancy (first trimester). Group II (n = 16) was seen after delivery; detection of the nodule occurred during pregnancy (second or third trimester). Complete thyroidectomy, ablative dose of radioactive iodine, and treatment with levothyroxine were performed. FOLLOW-UP: neck ultrasound; TSH, free T4, thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies with and without treatment with levothyroxine; and 131I whole body scans. Histological diagnosis, lymph node metastases, tumor size and stage, complications from pregnancy, and DTC evolution were evaluated. RESULTS: 100% of the patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma. Lymph node metastases were detected in 13 (44.8%), and invasion of adjacent extrathyroid tissue in 2 patients. Tumor size was larger in Group II: 22.1 ± 10.9 versus 13.9 ± 3.5 mm; p = 0.03. No differences were found in the tumor stages between groups. All patients had full-term pregnancies and healthy newborns. FOLLOW-UP: 5.7 ± 4.3 years; one patient had persistent disease. CONCLUSIONS: DTC detected during pregnancy had a favorable evolution. Surgery may be postponed to the post-delivery period, unless there are risk factors that justify it during pregnancy.

Evolution of differentiated thyroid cancer during pregnancy in a community University Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina / Evolução do câncer diferenciado de tiroide durante a gestação em um Hospital Universitário de Buenos Aires, Argentina

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presentation, follow-up and evolution of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) detected during pregnancy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty nine women with DTC detected during pregnancy were analyzed. Group I (n = 13) was seen during pregnancy and DTC was diagnosed during gestation; detection of the nodule occurred during pregnancy (first trimester). Group II (n = 16) was seen after delivery; detection of the nodule occurred during pregnancy (second or third trimester). Complete thyroidectomy, ablative dose of radioactive iodine, and treatment with levothyroxine were performed. Follow-up: neck ultrasound; TSH, free T4, thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies with and without treatment with levothyroxine; and 131I whole body scans. Histological diagnosis, lymph node metastases, tumor size and stage, complications from pregnancy, and DTC evolution were evaluated. RESULTS: 100% of the patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma. Lymph node metastases were detected in 13 (44.8%), and invasion of adjacent extrathyroid tissue in 2 patients. Tumor size was larger in Group II: 22.1 ± 10.9 versus 13.9 ± 3.5 mm; p = 0.03. No differences were found in the tumor stages between groups. All patients had full-term pregnancies and healthy newborns. Follow-up: 5.7 ± 4.3 years; one patient had persistent disease. CONCLUSIONS: DTC detected during pregnancy had a favorable evolution. Surgery may be postponed to the post-delivery period, unless there are risk factors that justify it during pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a apresentação, o seguimento e a evolução do câncer diferenciado da tiroide (CDT) durante a gestação. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Vinte e nove mulheres com CDT detectado durante a gestação foram analisadas. O Grupo I (n = 13) foi atendido durante a gestação e o CDT foi diagnosticado durante a gravidez; a detecção do nódulo aconteceu durante a gestação (primeiro trimestre). O Grupo II (n = 16) foi atendido depois do parto; a detecção do nódulo aconteceu durante a gestação (segundo ou terceiro trimestre). Foram feitos a tiroidectomia, dose de iodo radioativo e tratamento com levotiroxina. Acompanhamento: ultrassom de pescoço; TSH, T4 livre, tiroglobulina, e anticorpos antitiroglobulina com ou sem tratamento com levotiroxina e imagens de corpo inteiro com 131I. Foram analisados o diagnóstico histológico, as metástases em linfonodos, estágio e tamanho do tumor e complicações da gestação e a evolução do CDT. RESULTADOS: Cem por cento das pacientes apresentaram carcinoma papilar da tiroide. Foram detectadas metástases em linfonodos em 13 (44,8%) pacientes e invasão de tecidos extratiroidianos adjacentes em duas pacientes. O tumor foi maior no Grupo II: 22,1 ± 10,9 versus 13,9 ± 3,5 mm; p = 0,03. Não foram observadas diferenças nos estágios dos tumores entre os grupos. Não houve partos prematuros e todos os recém-nascidos estavam saudáveis. Acompanhamento: 5,7 ± 4,3 anos; uma paciente apresentou doença persistente. CONCLUSÕES: O CDT detectado durante a gestação tem evolução favorável. A cirurgia pode ser adiada até o momento pós-parto, a não ser que haja fatores de risco que justifiquem a intervenção durante a gestação.

[Vacuum assisted closure therapy in dehiscence of abdominal wound after cesarean section treated in a hospital-at-home]. / Dehiscencia de una herida abdominal tras una cesárea tratada con terapia de cierre al vacío en el domicilio.

The Hospital at Home is a range of hospital care provided to patients in the comfort of their own homes, so patient and family can actively participate in the process. Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that requires a short hospital stay. However if complications arise during the process, such as a dehiscence of surgical wound, the hospital stay is prolonged, delaying mother-child bonding, which is very important for the growth of the child. Nursing care in wound healing by secondary intention is a priority for the patient's recovery. VAC therapy (vacuum assisted closure) promotes a rapid recovery, although it requires dressings and active medical surveillance, as well as training by the nursing staff for carrying it out at home. We describe the outcome and the process of the healing of a surgical wound after cesarean section, not only because of a complex wound, but the previously mentioned factors that make us consider the Hospital at Home as the best alternative care.

Dehiscencia de una herida abdominal tras una cesárea tratada con terapia de cierre al vacío en el domicilio / Vacuum assisted closure therapy in dehiscence of abdominal wound after cesarean section treated in a hospital-at-home

Resumen La hospitalización a domicilio es una asistencia de rango hospitalario que se proporciona a los pacientes en su propio domicilio de manera que paciente y familia se hacen partícipes activamente del proceso. La cesárea es una intervención quirúrgica que requiere una corta estancia hospitalaria. Sin embargo, si aparecen complicaciones en dicho proceso, como es el caso de la dehiscencia de la herida quirúrgica, el ingreso se prolonga en el tiempo impidiendo la unión materno-infantil que es de suma importancia para el desarrollo del bebé. Los cuidados de enfermería en el cierre de las heridas por segunda intención son prioritarios para su curación. La terapia VAC ayuda a una pronta recuperación, requiriendo curas de ámbito hospitalario y vigilancia activa, así como un adiestramiento por parte del personal de enfermería para su manejo en el domicilio. Describimos el caso de una dehiscencia quirúrgica y la evolución en las curas con la terapia VAC no solo por el interés intrínseco de una cura complicada, sino por los factores asociados de la realización de este procedimiento en su domicilio ya que consideramos la hospitalización a domicilio como la mejor alternativa asistencial en este caso (AU)

Abstract The Hospital at Home is a range of hospital care provided to patients in the comfort of their own homes, so patient and family can actively participate in the process. Cesarean section is a surgical procedure that requires a short hospital stay. However if complications arise during the process, such as a dehiscence of surgical wound, the hospital stay is prolonged, delaying mother-child bonding, which is very important for the growth of the child. Nursing care in wound healing by secondary intention is a priority for the patient's recovery. VAC therapy (vacuum assisted closure) promotes a rapid recovery, although it requires dressings and active medical surveillance, as well as training by the nursing staff for carrying it out at home. We describe the outcome and the process of the healing of a surgical wound after caesarean section, not only because of a complex wound, but the previously mentioned factors that make us consider the Hospital at Home as the best alternative care (AU)

Avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores de la glándula suprarrenal / Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal gland tumors

Antecedentes: La cirugía de la glándula suprarrenal ha sido tradicionalmente acompañada de una elevada mortalidad, pero nuevas técnicas permiten realizarla en forma más segura. Objetivos: Analizar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores suprarrenales. Lugar de Aplicación: Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Privado de Comunidad. Diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Población y Métodos: Hemos revisado en forma retrospectiva una serie de 53 pacientes (56 procedimientos quirúrgicos) sometidos a resecciones de tumores de glándula seprarrenal. En total se realizaron 57 seprarrenalectomías (5 bilaterales). Resultados y conclusiones: El tumor más frecuente fue el feocromocitoma. En 13 pacientes hallamos adenomas corticoles, de los cuales 8 fueron Sindromes de Conn. La edad promedio fue de 42 años y 31 fueron mujeres. El 60 por ciento de los enfermos pudieron ser seguidos entre 2 y 180 meses. La suma de RMN, TC y ecografía permitió localizar las lesiones en el 98 por ciento de los casos. La mortalidad de esta serie fue 0 por ciento y la morbilidad fue 9.4 por ciento. En 33 oportunidades se utilizó la vía anterior, en 16 cirugía mininvasiva (laparoscópica) y en 8 la vía lumbar posterior. La vía laparoscópica resulta más costo eficiente en días de internación comparada con las otras (P < 0.01) (AU)

Avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores de la glándula suprarrenal / Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal gland tumors

Antecedentes: La cirugía de la glándula suprarrenal ha sido tradicionalmente acompañada de una elevada mortalidad, pero nuevas técnicas permiten realizarla en forma más segura. Objetivos: Analizar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores suprarrenales. Lugar de Aplicación: Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Privado de Comunidad. Diseño: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Población y Métodos: Hemos revisado en forma retrospectiva una serie de 53 pacientes (56 procedimientos quirúrgicos) sometidos a resecciones de tumores de glándula seprarrenal. En total se realizaron 57 seprarrenalectomías (5 bilaterales). Resultados y conclusiones: El tumor más frecuente fue el feocromocitoma. En 13 pacientes hallamos adenomas corticoles, de los cuales 8 fueron Sindromes de Conn. La edad promedio fue de 42 años y 31 fueron mujeres. El 60 por ciento de los enfermos pudieron ser seguidos entre 2 y 180 meses. La suma de RMN, TC y ecografía permitió localizar las lesiones en el 98 por ciento de los casos. La mortalidad de esta serie fue 0 por ciento y la morbilidad fue 9.4 por ciento. En 33 oportunidades se utilizó la vía anterior, en 16 cirugía mininvasiva (laparoscópica) y en 8 la vía lumbar posterior. La vía laparoscópica resulta más costo eficiente en días de internación comparada con las otras (P < 0.01)

Acción del propranolol sobre la función ventricular izquierda en el hipertiroidismo / Effect of propranolol on the left ventricular function in hyperthyroidism

Para valorar la función cardíaca en hipertiroidismo y su modificación con betabloqueadores estudianos 9 pacientes hipertiroideos con ventriculograma radioisotópico, midiendo fracción de eyección de reposo (FER) y esfuerzo (FEE) antes y después de la administración de propranolol. La FER fue significativamente mayor que en controles normales. La FEE aumentó normalmente en 4 pacients (Grupo A) y no se elevó en 5 (Grupo B). No hubo diferencia significativa de FER pre y post propranolol, si bien 5/9 pacientes mostraron descenso de la misma después de dicha medicación. La FEE tampoco mostró diferencia significativa pre post batabloqueo. Si bien señalamos que la diferencia entre los grupos A y B no se mantuvo post propranolol ya que 4/5 pacientes del grupo B aumentaron la FEE después del mismo, destacamos que los que presentaron FEE anormal antes y después del betabloqueo partían de valores de FER elevados. Estos hallazgos pueden interpretarse como superponibles a los que de una población normal , ya que la falta de crecimiento de FEE post propranolol en 4/5 pacientes del grupo B podría se mediado por dicha droga, que modificaría la respuesta hemodinámica. Nuestros hallazgos cuestionan la hipótesis de la existencia de daño miocárdico en el hipertiroidismo (AU)

Acción del propranolol sobre la función ventricular izquierda en el hipertiroidismo / Effect of propranolol on the left ventricular function in hyperthyroidism

Para valorar la función cardíaca en hipertiroidismo y su modificación con betabloqueadores estudianos 9 pacientes hipertiroideos con ventriculograma radioisotópico, midiendo fracción de eyección de reposo (FER) y esfuerzo (FEE) antes y después de la administración de propranolol. La FER fue significativamente mayor que en controles normales. La FEE aumentó normalmente en 4 pacients (Grupo A) y no se elevó en 5 (Grupo B). No hubo diferencia significativa de FER pre y post propranolol, si bien 5/9 pacientes mostraron descenso de la misma después de dicha medicación. La FEE tampoco mostró diferencia significativa pre post batabloqueo. Si bien señalamos que la diferencia entre los grupos A y B no se mantuvo post propranolol ya que 4/5 pacientes del grupo B aumentaron la FEE después del mismo, destacamos que los que presentaron FEE anormal antes y después del betabloqueo partían de valores de FER elevados. Estos hallazgos pueden interpretarse como superponibles a los que de una población normal , ya que la falta de crecimiento de FEE post propranolol en 4/5 pacientes del grupo B podría se mediado por dicha droga, que modificaría la respuesta hemodinámica. Nuestros hallazgos cuestionan la hipótesis de la existencia de daño miocárdico en el hipertiroidismo