Can Ethanol Ablation Achieve Durable Control of Neck Nodal Recurrences in Adults With Stage I Papillary Thyroid Cancer?

Objective: Results of ethanol ablation (EA) for controlling neck nodal metastases (NNM) in adult patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (APTC) beyond 6 months have rarely been reported. We now describe outcome results in controlling 71 NNM in 40 node-positive stage I APTC patients followed for 66 to 269 months. Methods: All 40 patients were managed with bilateral thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy and followed with neck ultrasound (US) for >48 months after EA. Cumulative radioiodine doses ranged from 30 to 550 mCi; pre-EA 27 patients (67%) had 36 additional neck surgeries. Cytologic diagnosis of PTC in 71 NNM selected for EA was confirmed by US-guided biopsy. EA technique and follow-up protocol were as previously described. Results: The 40 patients had 1 to 4 NNM; 67/71 NNM (94%) received 2 to 4 ethanol injections (total median volume 0.8 cc). All ablated 71 NNM shrank (mean volume reduction of 93%); nodal hypervascularity was eliminated. Thirty-eight NNM (54%) with initial volumes of 12-1404 mm3 (median 164) disappeared on neck sonography. Thirty-three hypovascular foci from ablated NNM (pre-EA volume range 31-636 mm3; median 147) were still identifiable with volume reductions of 45% to 97% observed (median 81%). There were no complications and no postprocedure hoarseness. Final results were considered to be ideal or near ideal in 55% and satisfactory in 45%. There was no evidence of tumor regrowth after EA. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I APTC, who do not wish further surgery or radioiodine, and are uncomfortable with active surveillance, EA can achieve durable control of recurrent NNM.

Stable thyroid cancer in a patient with thoracic aortic aneurysm and MYH11 variation.

Summary: We report the case of a male patient with papillary thyroid cancer, familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and a variation in the MYH11 gene. Because of considerable tumor bulk in the neck that was not resectable, the patient underwent partial resection at age 14 years. Since then, the patient has received only suppressive thyroid hormone therapy. He is now 71 years old, which is 57 years after the initial resection. The patient received care at our institution from July 2009 to August 2019, during which we documented the stability of multiple calcified masses in the neck. Follow-up examinations at another institution from September 2019 to April 2023 also confirmed the stability of the masses. The underlying cause of this unusually long indolent course of the disease is unclear. Whether extensive tumor calcifications or the MYH11 sequence variation contributed to the disease course is also uncertain. Learning points: Papillary thyroid cancer with neck metastases may, in some cases, be stable and remain asymptomatic for decades. If locoregional stability of papillary thyroid cancer is documented for many years, observation may be preferable to extensive neck surgery in selected cases. This is the first report of an MYH11 gene alteration and thoracic aortic aneurysm in a patient with papillary thyroid cancer with indolent neck metastases. Future studies of MYH11 gene alterations in thyroid carcinoma are needed.

Long-term Effectiveness of Ethanol Ablation in Controlling Neck Nodal Metastases in Childhood Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Context: Childhood papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC), despite bilateral thyroidectomy, nodal dissection and radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA), recurs within neck nodal metastases (NNM) in 33% within 20 postoperative years. These NNM are usually treated with reoperation or further radioiodine. Ethanol ablation (EA) may be considered when numbers of NNM are limited. Objective: We studied the long-term results of EA in 14 patients presenting with CPTC during 1978 to 2013 and having EA for NNM during 2000 to 2018. Methods: Cytologic diagnoses of 20 NNM (median diameter 9 mm; median volume 203 mm3) were biopsy proven. EA was performed during 2 outpatient sessions under local anesthesia; total volume injected ranged from 0.1 to 2.8 cc (median 0.7). All were followed regularly by sonography and underwent volume recalculation and intranodal Doppler flow measurements. Successful ablation required reduction both in NNM volume and vascularity. Results: Post EA, patients were followed for 5 to 20 years (median 16). There were no complications, including postprocedure hoarseness. All 20 NNM shrank (mean by 87%) and Doppler flow eliminated in 19 of 20. After EA, 11 NNM (55%) disappeared on sonography; 8 of 11 before 20 months. Nine ablated foci were still identifiable after a median of 147 months; only one identifiable 5-mm NNM retained flow. Median serum Tg post EA was 0.6 ng/mL. Only one patient had an increase in Tg attributed to lung metastases. Conclusion: EA of NNM in CPTC is effective and safe. Our results suggest that for CPTC patients who do not wish further surgery and are uncomfortable with active surveillance of NNM, EA represents a minimally invasive outpatient management option.

Intraoperative Biceps/Brachialis Stimulation for Snapping Triceps With Ulnar Neuritis.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Snapping of the triceps muscle occurs when a portion of the medial head dislocates over the medial epicondyle with elbow flexion. Resection or redirection of a portion of the triceps muscle is the main surgical treatment. The extent of triceps resection/redirection is difficult to evaluate. A novel intraoperative technique, stimulating the musculocutaneous nerve, to simulate active elbow flexion is proposed to help ensure that the snapping triceps has been adequately treated. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A patient presented with a several year history of bilateral elbow pain, snapping, and ulnar nerve (UN) paresthesias. Previous staged bilateral subcutaneous UN transpositions were performed at another institution for documented UN dislocation and neuritis. Postoperatively symptoms of painful snapping persisted. Bilateral snapping triceps was diagnosed. The left elbow was reoperated. Intraoperative electrical stimulation of the musculocutaneous nerve was performed to reproduce the snapping triceps. Activation of the biceps/brachialis muscles produced powerful elbow flexion, allowed direct visualization of the forceful snapping triceps, and helped assess the adequacy of muscle resection/redirection. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative biceps/brachialis stimulation can potentially help determine how much triceps muscle should be resected/redirected to treat patients with snapping triceps.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules.

Thyroid nodule treatment has significantly evolved over recent years with attempts to individualize treatment on the basis of the cause of the nodule and patient performance status. The risks and complications associated with surgery and radioactive iodine have promoted interest in additional therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA creates an electrical current through a target tissue (thyroid nodule) with resultant tissue heating causing coagulative necrosis. National and international groups are beginning to recognize the role of RFA as a viable therapeutic option in the treatment of thyroid nodules. Based on numerous guidelines, RFA is indicated in the treatment of symptomatic benign nodules and autonomously functioning nodules when surgery is refused or when the patient would not tolerate surgery. The treatment of thyroid malignancy with RFA is controversial, with some groups advocating for its use in the treatment of small papillary thyroid cancers in specific scenarios. The most important aspect of RFA is the preprocedural workup and adequate patient selection. Procedural technique varies among centers. However, RFA is typically performed as a single-day-admission outpatient procedure. Methods such as hydrodissection and a moving shot technique are employed to ensure adequate coverage of the nodule without overtreating the peripheries and damaging sensitive structures. As a result, the procedure is well tolerated, and major complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and nodule rupture are very rare. In the proper patient cohort, thyroid RFA offers an efficacious and safe option in the management of thyroid nodules. An invited commentary by Filippiadis and Vrachliotis is available online. ©RSNA, 2022.

Long-Term Results of Treating With Ethanol Ablation 15 Adult Patients With cT1aN0 Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Currently acceptable management options for patients with adult papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (APTM) range from immediate surgery, either unilateral lobectomy or bilateral lobar resection, to active surveillance (AS). An alternative minimally invasive approach, originally employed for eliminating neck nodal metastases, may be ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation (EA). Here we present our experience of definitively treating with EA 15 patients with APTM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2010 through 2017, the 15 cT1aN0M0 patients selected for EA were aged 36 to 86 years (median, 45 years). Tumor volumes (n = 17), assessed by sonography, ranged from 25 to 375 mm3 (median, 109 mm3). Fourteen of 15 patients had 2 ethanol injections on successive days; total volume injected ranged from 0.45 to 1.80 cc (median, 1.1 cc). All ablated patients were followed with sonography and underwent recalculation of tumor volume and reassessment of tumor perfusion at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: The ablated patients have now been followed for 10 to 100 months (median, 64 months). There were no complications and no ablated patient developed postprocedure recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction. All 17 ablated tumors shrank (median 93%) and Doppler flow eliminated. Median tumor volume reduction in 9 identifiable avascular foci was 82% (range, 26%-93%). After EA, 8 tumors (47%) disappeared on sonography after a median of 10 months. During follow-up no new PTM foci and no nodal metastases have been identified. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive treatment of APTM by EA is effective, safe, and inexpensive. Our results suggest that, for APTM patients who do not wish neck surgery and are uncomfortable with AS, EA represents a well-tolerated and minimally invasive outpatient management option.

Elimination of Locoregional Recurrences and Skin Metastases in Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Ethanol Ablation and Mohs Surgery.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol ablation procedures for locoregional recurrences in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) can be repeatedly performed over years. Skin metastases (SM) from PTC generally portend a lethal prognosis. Our patient case report demonstrates the innovative use in low-risk PTC (LRPTC) of treatment modalities designed to prevent neck re-explorations and capable of eliminating both locoregional recurrences and SM. In 2004, a 48-year-old man presented with neck nodal metastases due to PTC. He underwent a near-total thyroidectomy and nodal dissection, confirming an 8-mm PTC involving 2 ipsilateral node metastases. Postoperatively, he received 2 doses of radioactive iodine (RAI) for remnant uptake (cumulative dose 338 mCi); posttherapy scanning was unrevealing. In 2007, he underwent right neck dissection for further node metastases. In 2008, a guided biopsy confirmed a level IV node metastasis. He was referred to our institution for ethanol ablation. Two node metastases were ablated and subsequently disappeared. During 2010-2016, he developed an additional 6 node metastases, which were treated with ethanol ablation; all disappeared on high-resolution sonography. FDG-PET-CT scans in 2009 and 2016 were negative for distant spread. In 2016, a SM in his right neck was removed by dermatologic surgery. In 2017-2018, 2 further SM were excised with negative margins, one after Mohs surgery. He has now been disease-free for 20 months. In conclusion, despite 3 neck surgeries and 2 RAI therapies, our patient repeatedly developed both locoregional recurrences and SM. All 11 disease foci were eliminated with minimally invasive procedures which should more often be considered as effective treatment options in LRPTC.

Treatment of lateral neck papillary thyroid carcinoma recurrence after selective lateral neck dissection.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding optimal treatment options and outcomes for recurrent disease after lateral neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent either percutaneous ethanol injection or surgery for first-time ipsilateral recurrences after ipsilateral lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma was performed. RESULTS: Follow-up data were available for 54 patients with recurrences in 57 lateral necks treated by either percutaneous ethanol injection (n = 32) or surgery (n = 25). Tumor burden at the time of lateral neck recurrence differed between the groups including the largest lymph node diameter (mean: 13 mm vs 18 mm, P < .01) and the mean number of metastatic lymph nodes identified on ultrasound (1.3 vs 1.9, P = .04). Each modality alone achieved similar estimated rates of disease control at 36 months (75% for percutaneous ethanol injection and 74% for surgery, P = .8) with similar number of reinterventions (1.8 for percutaneous ethanol injection, 1.6 for surgery, P = .6). CONCLUSIONS: Both ethanol ablation and surgery can achieve disease control in the majority of patients with recurrences after ipsilateral lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Ethanol ablation, when used for treatment of a single small lymph node, can result in outcomes that are similar to reoperative surgery for larger and multiple lymph nodes.

Ethanol Ablation for the Treatment of Cystic and Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) for the treatment of symptomatic cystic thyroid nodules. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with benign cystic thyroid nodules treated with PEI from February 1, 2000, through October 31, 2016. The main outcomes were efficacy, defined as symptom relief or reduction in nodule volume of 50% or more, and safety, defined as no or minor adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty patients had PEI. Mean age at the time of PEI was 50 years, and 13 (65%) were women; all patients were euthyroid. Twelve patients (60%) had complex cystic thyroid nodules (>50% cystic component), with the rest being purely cystic. The median largest diameter of the thyroid cyst was 4.5 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 3.2-5.3 cm; range, 2.3-8.0 cm); the median volume pre-PEI was 19.6 mL (IQR, 10.4-48.5 mL; range, 2.8-118.1 mL). The median amount of cystic fluid drained before PEI was 13.5 mL (IQR, 6.8-32.3 mL), and the median amount of ethanol administered was 3 mL (IQR, 2-5 mL; range, 0.5-20 mL). After median follow-up of 2 years, 17 of 19 patients (89%) were asymptomatic. Of 10 patients with available imaging on follow-up, 7 (70%) had a 50% or greater reduction in nodule volume (median volume decrease, 75.64% [IQR, 41.40%-91.99%]). Adverse effects occurred in 4 patients (20%) and were mild and temporary (slight pain, vagal reaction, and bleeding into the cyst). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous ethanol injection seems to be a safe and effective alternative to surgical resection for patients with purely or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules and compressive symptoms who decline surgery or are not good surgical candidates.

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.

Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Thrombin Injection of Nongroin Arterial Pseudoaneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate success and complication rates of percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of nongroin pseudoaneurysms (PSAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained institutional database yielded 39 cases of arterial PSAs occurring at nongroin sites that were treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection between 2000 and 2016 (average patient age 69.2 y ± 14.0). Of PSAs, 74.4% (29/39) arose in the upper extremities, and 92.3% (36/39) were iatrogenic. The brachial artery was the most commonly affected vessel (51.3% [20/39]), and arterial access was the most common cause (56.4% [22/39]). Average overall PSA size was 2.4 cm (range, 0.5-7.2 cm); average amount of thrombin injected was 320 IU (range, 50-2,000 IU). Technical success was defined as absence of flow within the PSA immediately after thrombin injection. Treatment success was defined as sustained thrombosis on follow-up imaging obtained at 1-3 days after treatment. RESULTS: Technical and treatment success rates of thrombin injections were 100% (39/39) and 84.8% (28/33), respectively. Longer term follow-up imaging (average 71 d; range, 12-201 d) was available for 7 of the treatment successes with 100% (7/7) showing sustained thrombosis. Comparing treatment successes and failures, there was no significant difference in average PSA size (2.3 cm vs 2.0 cm, P = .51) or average amount of thrombin injected (360 IU vs 180 IU, P = .14). There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is a safe, efficacious treatment option for PSAs arising in nongroin locations.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ Upstaged to Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A 5-Year, Single Institution Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Shave biopsy may not be able to accurately distinguish squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) from invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Information on the incidence of biopsy-proven SCCIS upstaged to SCC after a more complete histologic examination is limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and clinical risk factors associated with upstaging the biopsy diagnosis of SCCIS into invasive SCC based on findings during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). METHODS: All MMS cases of SCCIS performed between March 2007 and February 2012 were identified, MMS operative notes were examined, and invasive dermal components were confirmed by the MMS slide review. Upstaged SCCIS was defined as biopsy-diagnosed SCCIS subsequently found to be an invasive SCC during MMS. RESULTS: From 566 cases with the preoperative diagnosis of SCCIS, 92 (16.3%) cases were SCCIS upstaged to SCC. Location of ears, nose, lips, and eyelids, preoperative diameter >10 mm, and biopsy report mentioning a transected base were significant predictors of upstaged SCCIS. CONCLUSION: Considering the possibility that over 16% of SCCIS may be truly invasive SCC, biopsy-proven SCCIS should be treated adequately with margin-assessed treatment modalities such as surgical excision or Mohs surgery when indicated.

Localized cutaneous argyria: Report of two patients and literature review.

BackgroundLocalized cutaneous argyria is a rare skin condition caused by direct contact with silver or silver particles. It presents as asymptomatic gray or blue-gray macules that appear similar to blue nevi. Histologic features include brown-colored or black-colored silver granules in the basement membrane and dermis, most commonly surrounding eccrine glands, elastic fibers, and collagen fibrils. The condition is most frequently observed in individuals who are regularly exposed to small silver particles, such as silversmiths and welders. However, localized cutaneous argyria has also been associated with acupuncture needles, silver earrings, and topical medications containing silver nitrate. Although the condition is benign, patients who are concerned about the cosmetic features of localized cutaneous argyria may benefit from laser therapy.PurposeWe describe the clinical and pathologic findings of two women who developed localized cutaneous argyria. We also review the characteristics of other patients with localized cutaneous argyria and summarize the differential diagnosis and treatment options for this condition.Materials and methodsThe features of two women with localized cutaneous argyria are presented. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: acquired localized argyria, acupuncture, argyria, argyrosis, colloidal silver, cutaneous argyria, and localized cutaneous argyria. In addition, the literature on localized cutaneous argyria is reviewed.ResultsTwo women presented with small, asymptomatic blue-gray macules appearing at sites directly adjacent to ear piercings. A punch biopsy was performed on one woman. Microscopic examination revealed a yellowish-brown colored granular material found adjacent to elastic fibers. Based on correlation of the clinical presentation and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of localized cutaneous argyria was established. The second woman did not undergo a biopsy. However, the clinical presentation was highly suggestive of localized cutaneous argyria. Both women were reassured of the benign nature of the condition and agreed to return for clinical follow-up if they observed any changes in the appearance of the lesions.

Erythema induratum of Bazin presenting as peripheral neuropathy.

Erythema induratum of Bazin (EIB) is a rare tuberculid that typically affects middle-aged women. We report a unique case of EIB in a 57-year-old Hispanic woman who presented with recurrent painful plaques and nodules on the lower extremities, specifically on the pretibial area of the legs and dorsal aspect of the feet, with a severe burning sensation on the feet that resolved after antituberculosis therapy. We review the characteristics of EIB and examine how the unique presentation of peripheral neuropathy may relate to the pathophysiology of this disease.

Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with biologic medications.

Given the absence of significant improvement in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with traditional medical and surgical therapies, biologics have piqued the interest of research investigators. The efficacy of biologics in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis is well-documented. More recently, success with biologics has been demonstrated in atopic dermatitis, another dermatological condition associated with inflammatory states. Researchers have begun to probe the utility of biologic agents in less prevalent conditions that feature inflammation as a key characteristic, namely, hidradenitis suppurativa. Five agents in particular adalimumab, anakinra, etanercept, infliximab, and ustekinumab, have been explored in the setting of HS. Results to date put forward adalimumab and infliximab as biologic treatments that can safely be initiated with some expectant efficacy. Other biologic agents require more rigorous examination before they are worthy of addition to the treatment armamentarium.

Prurigo Pigmentosa: Literature Review.

Prurigo pigmentosa, also referred to as Nagashima's disease, is a rare inflammatory skin condition of unknown etiology. It typically presents as pruritic erythematous papules, papulovesicles, and vesicles appearing in a reticular pattern on the back, chest, or neck. The histological features of prurigo pigmentosa vary according to the stage of the disease. Early-stage disease is characterized by a superficial perivascular infiltrate of neutrophils; spongiosis and necrotic keratinocytes commonly appear in later stages. The etiology of prurigo pigmentosa has yet to be determined. Oral minocycline is usually the first-line therapy for prurigo pigmentosa. However, doxycycline, macrolide antibiotics, and/or dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) may be indicated for some patients. We describe the key features of prurigo pigmentosa, including the epidemiology, clinical and histologic presentation, differential diagnosis, postulated pathogenesis, and treatment options for this condition.