Bilateral Central Lymph Node Dissection Research Articles

The role of parathyroid autotransplantation for hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection.

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication for patients who undergo total thyroidectomy (TT) with bilateral central lymph node dissection (BCLND). The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship between parathyroid autotransplantation (PA) and postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Four hundred and sixty-five patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent TT with BCLND (including prophylactic and therapeutic BCLND) by the same surgeon were enrolled in this retrospective study. They were divided into five groups based on the number of PAs. Group 0 was defined as no PA, while Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were considered as 1, 2, 3, and 4 PAs during TT with BCLND, respectively. Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 83 (17.8%) and 2 (0.4%) patients who underwent TT and BCLND, respectively. The incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism increased gradually with an increase in the number of PAs. Compared with the previous group, Groups 2 and 3 had significantly more cases of transient hypoparathyroidism (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). All cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in the patients without PA. Compared with Group 0, there were more removed central lymph nodes (RCLNs) in patients with one PA. Furthermore, Group 2 had more metastatic central lymph nodes(MCLNs) and RCLNs than Group 1.The number of PAs was the only identified risk factor for transient hypoparathyroidism after the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The median parathyroid hormone level recovered to the normal range within 1 month after surgery. With an increasing number of PAs, the possibility of transient hypoparathyroidism also increases in patients with PTC who undergo TT and BCLND. Considering the rapid recovery of transient hypoparathyroidism in 1 month, two PAs during TT and BCLND could be a good choice, leading to an increase in the central lymph node yield and no permanent hypoparathyroidism. However, this conclusion should be validated in future multicenter prospective studies.

P-71 Track recurrence of follicular thyroid carcinoma after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach

Abstract Introduction While track recurrence of thyroid cancer following endoscopic and robotic transaxillary surgeries has been reported previously, no such cases have been reported for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Clinical Case This case report describes the first documented case of recurrence of thyroid cancer along the surgical track after TOETVA. The patient underwent TOETVA to perform a right thyroidectomy for a 4 cm follicular thyroid carcinoma that was initially diagnosed as a benign follicular nodule on preoperative gun biopsy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography conducted 27 months after surgery revealed suspected track recurrence. A re-operation was done in two stages to perform a completion thyroidectomy, bilateral central lymph node dissection, and excision of recurrent nodules, which were pathologically confirmed as metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent two treatments of radioactive iodine therapy for remnant thyroid tissues, and post-therapeutic whole-body scintigraphy showed no iodine uptake after the second treatment. Follow-up computed tomography conducted one year after re-operation showed no recurrences. Careful monitoring after TOETVA is essential due to the rare but potential risk of track recurrence. Surgeons should be aware of this atypical complication and be prepared to recommend surgical and/or medical strategies to manage any local seeding of thyroid tissue that may occur.Figure 1.Track recurrence after TOETVA

Individualization of treatment in sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancer

Routine preoperative assessment of the tumor marker calcitonin for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and the generally improved diagnostics with high-resolution ultrasound, elastography and Doppler function as well as functional imaging, enable the earlier detection of organ-limited, non-metastasized MTC. Thereby, anew treatment option arises for surgical de-escalation in sporadic MTC, moving from routine thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection towards unilateral thyroidectomy with ipsilateral central lymph node dissection. A search was carried out in PubMed for surgical approaches and selection of publications with results from limited resection in sporadic MTC. In selected patient cohorts limited resection surgery can achieve adequate oncological results but requires long-term follow-up. When sporadic unifocal primary tumors are identified and intraoperative frozen section pathological investigation is consistently employed for assessing the grade of desmoplasia and breach of the tumor capsule, the extent of resection can be intraoperatively adapted. Pivotal prerequisites for this personalized concept include consideration of preoperative clinical criteria and intraoperative surgical assessment in conjunction with the intraoperative frozen section examination in order to achieve an adequate oncological tumor resection and a biochemical cure.

SAT555 Utility of 18F-DOPA PET/CT in the Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer in a Patient with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B

Abstract Disclosure: D.G. Varghese: None. S. Akshintala: None. A. Jha: None. S. Gubbi: None. A. Reno: None. J. Klubo-Gwiezdzinska: None. K. Pacak: None. J. Glod: None. J. Del Rivero: None. Background: MEN2B is a cancer predisposition syndrome caused by an activating mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. It is characterized by medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and extra endocrine features. U/S, CT, MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), 18F-fluorodihyroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA), 68Ga-DOTA-(0)-Tyr(3)-octreotate (68Ga-DOTATATE) PET/CT scans have been used for the diagnosis and follow up of MTC. However, there is increasing evidence of 18F-FDOPA PET as more specific imaging modality in the diagnosis of MTC since L-type amino acid transporters have shown to be present in MTC cells.Clinical Case: 26-year-old female presented with HTN at the age of 17. The patient developed episodes of nausea/vomiting, intermittent headaches with systolic BP in the 190’s. Further work-up revealed bilateral adrenal nodules with elevated plasma metanephrines. The patient underwent left adrenalectomy and a year later, right adrenal nodule resection confirming PHEO. On follow up, calcitonin was elevated, and the patient underwent a total thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection. At age 19 she was diagnosed with MEN2B (RET mutation, p.Met918Thr). With rising calcitonin, she was referred to our institution for further evaluation. Her serum calcitonin was 31986(<7.6 pg/ml), CEA 631 (0.8-3.4 ng/ml), fractionated plasma normetanephrine 565 (18-112 pg/ml), and metanephrine 304 (12-61 pg/mL). MRI of the abdomen showed enlarging adrenal masses. 18F-FDG PET/CT scan showed a focus of uptake (SUVmax of 8.5) in posterior right thyroid bed, uptake in the liver (SUVmax of 7.5) and uptake in the right adrenal gland and left adrenal bed; 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scan showed a faint uptake in the right thyroid lobe (SUVmax of 2.7) and an 18F-FDOPA PET/CT scan showed intense uptake in both lobe of the thyroid, multiple lesions in the liver and suspicious focus in the right adrenal bed. The patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy for recurrent PHEO and her plasma metanephrines normalized. Conclusion: This case adds to the mounting evidence in the usage of 18F-FDOPA PET/CT scan as a useful imaging modality for MTC especially in the setting of MEN2B syndrome. A head-to-head comparison in 18 patients, both per patient and per lesion sensitivity by 18F-FDOPA PET/CT (72%, 85%) was found to be statistically superior compared to 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (33%, 20%), and 18F-FDG PET/CT (17%, 28%). A meta-analysis conducted in MTC consisting of 306 patients from 14 studies, 18F-FDOPA compared to 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTATATE showed the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value in both patient and lesion-based analyses irrespective of serum calcitonin/CEA values or calcitonin doubling time. The potential for use of 18F-FDOPA as a diagnostic agent and the potential to provide insight into possible therapeutic targets are unknown and should be further studied. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Right gasless transaxillary endoscopic total thyroidectomy (RGTETT) with video: our experience with the posterior approach: Lei's seven-sinking method.

Our video demonstrates a modified gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroid surgery with the posterior approach for bilateral low-risk thyroid cancer. In this paper, we provided a detailed introduction to the right gasless transaxillary endoscopic total thyroidectomy surgical procedure for bilateral low-risk thyroid cancer, and briefly summarized the Lei's seven-sinking method: sinking the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (CHSCM); sinking the cervical vascular sheath; sinking the right wall of the esophagus; sinking the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN); sinking the trachea; sinking the left RLN and sinking the thyroid. A 5-cm incision was made starting from the anterior axillary line along the natural fold at the axilla. A trocar was placed in the axillary incision approximately 3-5 cm away from the side of the breast and slightly below the anterior axillary line. Using blunt dissection and electrocautery, a working space was created by elevating a subcutaneous flap above the pectoralis major muscle. The thyroid bed was accessed through the two heads of the SCM, and then the thyroid was separated from the strap muscles. Thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection were fully endoscopically performed with the posterior approach using conventional endoscopic instruments. Through the posterior approach and the operation steps of the seven-sinking method, total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection can be achieved relatively easily.

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Currently, the common approaches to thyroid surgery include conventional thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast, axillary, retroauricular, and oral vestibule approaches. Essentially, various approaches to thyroid surgery only move the traditional surgical incision to a more concealed position but still leave scars on the body surface. Among them, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach can obtain the best cosmetic outcome through the shortest natural cavity. However, in the early time, thyroid surgery via the oral vestibule approach usually requires three incisions in the mouth and one axillary incision. We have introduced a robotic surgical system into thyroidectomy via the oral vestibule approach and successfully completed total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph node dissection. During the operation, only three incisions were made at the oral vestibule without an axillary incision. This article aims to present the unique three-port method of robotic thyroidectomy via oral vestibule for the treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

Isthmusectomy for papillarythyroid carcinoma in the isthmus: The less the better

BackgroundAppropriate surgical treatments of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) located in the isthmus (PTCI) remains controversial. This study evaluated the outcomes from isthmusectomy in single PTCI and compared it with those for patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. Material and methodsThis study enrolled 89 PTCI patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or isthmusectomy plus bilateral central lymph node dissection (BCLND). Patients were divided into Group A (n = 48) with total thyroidectomy plus BCLND and Group B (n = 41) with isthmusectomy plus BCLND. We compared the effects of different surgical modalities and clinicopathological characteristics on the prognosis of PTCI, and conducted a multivariate analysis to assess risk factors for bilateral central node metastasis for PTCI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) between Group A and Group B (P = 0.574). Temporary hypocalcemia occurred more in Group A than Group B (χ2 = 4.608, P = 0.032). There was no significant difference in metastatic lymph nodes between the 2 groups. However, there are 8 patients occurred bilateral central node metastasis in group A, and 6 in Group B (16.7% vs. 14.6%, respectively, P = 0.793). Multiple logistic analysis suggested that tumor size greater than 1.0 cm (OR = 9.72, 95% CI: 2.06–56.59, P < 0.001), and tumor located in the center of isthmus (OR = 5.19, 95% CI: 1.04–2.58,P < 0.001) were risk factors for bilateral central node metastasis. ConclusionsOur results reveal that isthmusectomy plus BCLND may be a simple but feasible approach for selected PTCI patients, resulting in a better quality of life than total thyroidectomy plus BCLND.

Effect of intraoperative active exploration of parathyroid glands to reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and risk factors of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy: a single-center study.

The risk factors for hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery have not been fully identified. This study analyzes the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism before and after total thyroidectomy. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 289 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at the Thyroid Surgery Center of Lishui Central Hospital from June 2018 to June 2020. For the anatomy and protection of parathyroid glands during the operation, one group of patients used the parathyroid avoidance method, and the other group used the active exploration method. Various risk factors affecting parathyroid dysfunction were studied using logistic regression models. A total of 289 patients were included in this study. The average age of patients was 47.21 ± 11.78 years, including 57 males (19.7%) and 232 females (80.3%). There were 149 (51.6%) patients with transient hypoparathyroidism and 21 (7.3%) with permanent hypoparathyroidism. The main risk factors of hypoparathyroidism were parathyroid avoidance method (P = 0.005), parathyroid autotransplantation (P = 0.011), bilateral central neck lymph node dissection (CND) (P = 0.001), lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.039), and parathyroid in the specimen (P = 0.029). The main risk factors associated with permanent hypoparathyroidism were bilateral CND (P = 0.038), lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.047), parathyroid hormone (PTH) < 1.2 pg/ml within three days after surgery (P = 0.006). Hypoparathyroidism is common but mostly transient after bilateral total thyroidectomy. Compared with parathyroid avoidance method, the active exploration method during operation may reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. PTH <1.2 pg/ml within three days after surgery was predictive in patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Scope of prophylactic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. Recommendations of the AFCE (Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne) with the SFE (Société française d’endocrinologie) and the SFMN (Société française de médecine nucléaire)

Prophylactic lymph node dissection is considered only for papillary cancers. It is not indicated for vesicular cancers or oncocytic cancers, nor should it entail a secondary surgical intervention in the event of an incidental discovery of papillary cancer on a thyroidectomy specimen. Prophylactic lymph node dissection means a cervical lymph node dissection in the absence of any pre- or intraoperative evidence (biological, cytological, histological, clinical or ultrasound) of lymph node metastases. There is currently no evidence in the literature that prophylactic central dissection improves overall survival, which is similar for N0 and NX patients. Yet although prophylactic lymph node dissection is not justified by overall survival, it does seem to reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence in the case of micro-N1, and it allows occult metastases to be detected and a tumour to be reclassified. This enables patients at risk of recurrence to be more surely identified and therapeutic strategy and follow-up adapted accordingly. Prophylactic homolateral central lymph node dissection is warranted for papillary cancers with largest ultrasound diameter 4cm and above and/or with intraoperative macroscopic evidence of perithyroid tissue invasion. The benefits and risks of lymph node dissection must be assessed and discussed on a case-by-case basis. Only a central lymph node dissection homolateral to the tumour is recommended, except for bilateral or isthmic cancers, for which a prophylactic bilateral central lymph node dissection may be considered. This bilateral lymph node dissection incurs an increased risk of complications (parathyroids, recurrent laryngeal nerve). Prophylactic lateral lymph node dissection is not recommended.

Single inferior parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundManagement of the inferior parathyroid gland using total thyroidectomy (TT) with central lymph node dissection (CLND) is still controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of single inferior parathyroid autotransplantation.MethodsThe clinical data of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent TT with bilateral CLND from January 2018 to December 2020 were collected. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and THYCA-QOL. The patients were divided into an autotransplantation group and a preservation group according to whether a single inferior parathyroid gland was transplanted. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism, the number of resected central lymph nodes (CLNs), the rate of recurrence reoperation, the rate of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, and the QoL score were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 296 patients were included in the study; there were 99 patients in the autotransplantation group and 197 in the preservation group. The incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 3.0% (3/99) and 4.6% (9/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.532). The median number of resected CLNs was 12 (8–17) and 10 (6–14) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.015). No reoperations were performed for patients with CLN recurrence, and the rates of lateral lymph node (LLN) recurrence reoperation were 2.0% (2/99) and 3.6% (7/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.473). The RAI treatment rates were 12.1% (12/99) and 22.3% (44/197) in the autotransplantation and preservation groups, respectively (P = 0.034). A total of 276 questionnaires were recovered, including 84 in the autotransplantation group and 192 in the preservation group. The QoL of the two groups of patients is similar (P > 0.05).ConclusionSingle inferior parathyroid autotransplantation during thyroidectomy can be used to prevent permanent hypoparathyroidism and can enable more extensive CLND.

Nomogram for predicting skip metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid cancer patients at increased risk of lymph node metastasis.

Skip lymph node metastasis (SLNM) refers to lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) without involving central lymph node (CLN). Some microscopic nodal positivity may be difficult to detect before surgery due to atypical imaging characteristics. These patients are misdiagnosed as having clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) even after central lymph node dissection, leading to a high risk of developing LNM after surgery. Current prediction models have limited clinical utility, as they are only applicable to predict SLNM from clinically node-positive (cN+) PTC, not cN0 PTC, and this has little impact on treatment strategies. This study aimed to establish a nomogram for preoperatively assessing the likelihood of SLNM in cN0 PTC patients with increased risk of LNM, thus optimizing their therapeutic options. The records of 780 PTC patients undergoing thyroidectomy along with bilateral central lymph node dissection were retrospectively reviewed. The cN0 patients with postoperative LLNM (occult SLNM) and cN+ patients without central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) (typical SLNM) were included in the SLNM group (n = 82). The CLNM-negative cN0 patients without postoperative LLNM were assigned to the non-SLNM group (n = 698). The independent correlates of SLNM constituted the nomogram for determining the likelihood of SLNM in high-risk cN0 PTC patients. The independent correlates of SLNM were age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.016), tumor location (HR = 1.801), tumor size (HR = 1.528), and capsular invasion (HR = 2.941). They served as components in the development of the nomogram. This model was verified to present acceptable discrimination. It showed good calibration and a decent net benefit when the predicted probability was <60%. We developed a nomogram incorporating preoperative clinical data to predict the probability of SLNM development in high-risk cN0 PTC patients, which contributed to their optimized treatment options.

Delayed tracheal perforation post total thyroidectomy

Delayed tracheal perforation is a rare occurrence post thyroidectomy. We present a 72 year-old female patient that underwent elective total thyroidectomy and right upper parathyroidectomy, with bilateral central lymph node dissection and modified radical neck dissection. The post-operative period was complicated by high-risk pre-morbid status and multiple failed extubations, in addition to ischaemic tracheal areas visualised on the bronchoscopy on post-operative day (POD) 8, with subsequent computerised tomography (CT) scan showing anterior neck collections and perforation. A tracheal perforation involving the anterolateral wall (2nd and 3rd rings) was repaired surgically, followed by a tracheostomy. Suspicion of tracheal injuries should always be considered if patient fail to liberate from the mechanical ventilation post-operatively, warranting prompt conservative and/or surgical management. Potential devascularisation, secondary to diathermy-induced injury and pressure exerted by endotracheal tube cuff onto already weakened/friable trachea, should be considered as probable aetiological factors.

Defying expectations: follicular carcinoma thyroid with lung metastasis and elevated CA 125: images

Background: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is a type of thyroid cancer that arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. It accounts for about 10%-15% of all thyroid cancers. CA 125 is a protein that is often used as a tumor marker for ovarian cancer, but it can also be elevated in other types of cancers, including thyroid cancer. The significance of raised CA 125 levels in FTC is not clear, but it indicates a more advanced or aggressive form of the disease [1,2]. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male presented with a painless neck mass (Figure 1) for 8 years. Ultrasonography revealed a solid nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the nodule showed features of follicular neoplasm. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen and blood routine ruled out other causes of raised CA 125. Chest X ray and CECT neck (Figure 2) and thorax showed lung (Figure 3) and thoracic vertebra metastasis (Figure 5). Total thyroidectomy with bilateral central compartment lymph node dissection was performed. Histopathology confirmed FTC (Figure 4) with capsular invasion, and lymphovascular and perineural invasion and lymph node-positive. The tumor was classified as T3bN1a according to the tumor, nodes, and metastasis staging system. I131 scan post-surgery showed uptake in lung metastasis sites which confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: The role of serum tumor markers, such as CA 125, in predicting the prognosis of FTC is not well established. However, elevated CA 125 levels have been reported in some cases of thyroid carcinoma with metastasis, and may reflect the presence of peritoneal or pleural involvement [3,4]. This case highlights the aggressive nature of FTC with metastasis and the limited treatment options available for patients with advanced disease. CA 125 as a prognostic marker in FTC warrants further investigation [5].

Evaluation of the role of prophylactic bilateral central neck lymph node dissection in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case controlled study.

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy in the endocrine system. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common differentiated thyroid cancer. There are considerable discrepancies regarding the role and extent of prophylactic central lymph node dissection (PCLND) for patients with PTC. Our primary goal was the evaluation of CLN involvement based on the tumor features and staging on the eight version of the American Joint Committee on Cancer and also the TNM method. Our secondary aim was to evaluate the features of the CLNs with tumoral features and also features associated with the development of transient hypoparathyroidism. This prospective case-controlled study was performed among PTC patients. Total thyroidectomy and bilateral dissection of the CLNs of the central compartment of the neck was performed, and samples were sent for pathological evaluation. CLN involvement, tumoral features and transient hypoparathyroidism were cross-evaluated and analyzed with SPSS version 26.0. In this study, out of 61 patients, 11 (18%) were male, the average age was 37.3 ± 13.7years, based on AJCC staging, 53 (86.9%) were stage I and 8 (13.1%) were stage II, and based on TNM staging, 39 patients (66.1%) were T1, including 13 (22.0%) T1a and 26 (44.1%) T1b, 15 patients (25.4%) were T2, and five patients (8.5%) were T3. Based on permanent pathology evaluation, the majority of patients (n = 48; 78.7%) had CLN involvement. None of the preoperative and tumor features had a significant association with CLN involvement. 75% of stage I and 100% of stage two cases, while 76.9% of T1, 86.7% of T2, and 80.0% of T3 cases had CLN involvement. There was no significant association between the involvement of CLN and the AJCC staging (P = 0.184) or TNM staging (P = 0.875). The involved to dissected CLN ratio was significantly higher in stage II patients compared to stage I (72.5 vs. 34.8%; P = 0.006), and also with higher T staging (0.009). There was a statistically significant association between the larger CLN size and older patients' age, higher postoperative thyroglobulin levels, and smaller tumor size. Higher postoperative thyroglobulin level was significantly associated with larger tumors size and thyroid capsule invasion. Also, 26 (44.8%) of patients developed transient hypoparathyroidism, which was significantly associated with vascular invasion (P = 0.048), bilateral location of tumor (P = 0.048) or on the right side (0.005), and larger size of the tumor (P = 0.016). Tumor features and staging were not associated with CLN involvement features. Therefore, full extent PCLND should be carried out to avoid reoperation or metastasis in PTC patients.

A Case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Concurrent Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Purpose: To report a biopsy-proven case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) who visited for red eye and discomfort. We detected papillary thyroid cancer by a whole-body scan.Case summary: A 56-year-old female presented to our clinic with hyperemia and discomfort in the right eye for the past 1 month. The visual acuity was 0.9 in the right eye. Congestion and chemosis of the right conjunctiva were observed by slit-lamp microscopy. There was a firm, erythematous, tender mass near the right nasolacrimal duct. Impairment of adduction and infraduction and proptosis were observed. Radiologically, a 3.6 × 2.6 × 1.2 cm right orbital mass was seen in the intraorbital extraconal space, invading the right nasolacrimal duct and nasal cavity. Pathologic and supplementary investigations showed granulomatous, c-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-positive inflammation in the mass. The patient was diagnosed with GPA. Whole-body computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed multiple lesions in the right orbit, nasal cavity, mediastinum, retropubic area, and left thyroid gland. Thyroid ultrasonography and biopsy led to a diagnosis of papillary carcinoma with lymph node metastasis. Topical and systemic steroids and rituximab injection were administered, and total thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection was performed. This led to improvements in proptosis and limitation of extraocular movement.Conclusions: GPA is a rare disease that may initially present with ocular symptoms. It can be associated with malignancies even in the absence of immunosuppression. Patients with ocular problems suspected of having GPA should undergo autoimmune antibody testing, including ANCA and tissue biopsy.

A retrospective study of factors affecting contralateral central-neck lymph node metastasis in unilateral papillary thyroid carcinoma

BackgroundIn 30–40% of papillary thyroid cancer patients, central neck lymph node metastasis occurs. As a result, prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection is performed. The extent of lymph node dissection and prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection is still debatable. The incidence of central neck lymph node metastasis and related factors were investigated in this study, and also the necessity of both central neck lymph node dissections. MethodsBetween December 2017 and December 2019, 482 patients had thyroidectomy at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. A retrospective study of 186 patients who had a thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck lymph node dissection for unilateral thyroid carcinoma was done. ResultsIpsilateral and contralateral central neck lymph node metastasis were identified in 40.9% (76/186) and 19.3% (36/186), respectively. Male (p < 0.001), tumor size >1 cm (p = 0.047), extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.002), central neck lymph node metastases >5 (p < 0.001), lateral neck lymph node metastasis (p = 0.012), and ipsilateral central neck lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) were associated with the contralateral central neck lymph node metastasis in univariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, extrathyroidal extension (OR, 3.664), more than 5 central neck lymph node metastases (OR, 29.667), ipsilateral central neck lymph node metastasis (OR, 3.911), and male (OR, 5.890) were related to contralateral central neck lymph node metastasis. ConclusionMale, extrathyroidal extension, and ipsilateral central neck lymph node metastasis may be considered for contralateral prophylactic central neck lymph node dissection. In the future, it is thought that more research on the recurrence rate will be required.

Impact of Lymph Node Dissection on Postoperative Complications of Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Thyroid Carcinoma.

Lymph node dissection (LND) in primary treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is controversial. The aim of our retrospective study was to analyse the risk factors of post-thyroidectomy complications and to assess the morbidity of lymph node dissection, especially in the central neck compartment, since prophylactic central lymph node dissection has not been proven to bring an overall survival benefit. We performed a retrospective analysis of postoperative complications from 1547 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma in an academic department of endocrine surgery over a period of 10 years. A total of 535 patients underwent lymph node dissection, whereas the other 1012 did not. The rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism was higher in patients with LND (17.6% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.001). No significant difference in the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism (2.4% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.096) was observed between these two groups. A multivariate analysis was performed. Female gender, ipsilateral and bilateral central LND (CLND), parathyroid autotransplantation, and the presence of the parathyroid gland on the resected thyroid were associated with transient hypoparathyroidism. Bilateral CLND and the presence of the parathyroid gland on specimen were associated with permanent hypoparathyroidism. The rate of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (15.3% vs. 5.4%, p &lt; 0.001) and permanent RLN injury (6.5% vs. 0.9%, p &lt; 0.001) were higher in the LND group. In multivariate analysis, ipsilateral and bilateral lateral LND (LLND) were the main predictive factors of transient and permanent RLN injury. Bilateral RLN injury (2.6% vs. 0.4%, p &lt; 0.001), chyle leakage (2.4% vs. 0%, p &lt; 0.001), other nerve injuries (2.2% vs. 0%, p &lt; 0.001), and abscess (2.4% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.001) were higher in the patients with LND. The surgical technique and the extent of lymph node dissection during surgery for thyroid carcinoma increase postoperative morbidity. A wider knowledge of lymph-node-dissection-related complications associated with thyroid surgery could help surgeons to carefully evaluate the surgical and medical therapeutic options.

Unilateral Surgery for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Seeking for Clinical Practice Guidelines

Optimized preoperative diagnostic tools with calcitonin tests, ultrasound features, functional imaging modalities, and genetic testing to detect hereditary forms have led to an increased rate of earlier diagnosis and surgery for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). This helps to adapt the primary surgery to the tumor stage and avoid surgical overtreatment for localized tumor growth, i.e., deviating from the regularly recommended thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection in favor of a limited unilateral approach. To limit primary surgical therapy, it is crucial that the MTC is clinically unifocal, sporadic, and confined to the thyroid, and that calcitonin levels indicate biochemical recovery after surgery. The main requirement for such a limited approach is the availability of frozen section studies that reliably indicate (i) R0 resection of the MTC, (ii) absence of infiltration of the organ capsule, (iii) lack of desmoplasia (i.e., evidence of the metastatic potential of the MTC), (iiii) absence of contralateral disease or precancerous lesions. Informed consent is mandatory from the patient, who has been fully informed of the advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks of not undergoing the “classic” surgical procedure. The aim of this article is to review the guidelines for the management of early-stage MTC.

Combined Use of Autofluorescence and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in the Identification and Evaluation of Parathyroid Glands During Total Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectivesAccurate identification and evaluation of the parathyroid glands (PGs) intraoperatively is critical to reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIFI), including the autofluorescence (AF) and indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) imaging, is a promising technique to protect PGs. This study aimed to assess whether the combined use of AF and ICGF could reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and improve the identification and evaluation of PGs during total thyroidectomy.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled 180 patients who were randomized into two groups and underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection. In the control group, the PGs were identified and evaluated by the naked eye. In the NIFI group, AF was used to identify the PGs and ICGF was applied to assess the blood perfusion of the PGs in situ. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The secondary outcomes included the number of identified PGs, autotransplanted PGs, and known preserved PGs in situ.ResultsThe incidence of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the NIFI group than in the control group (27.8% vs. 43.3%, P = 0.029). More PGs were identified in the NIFI group than in the control group (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4, P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in the number of autotransplanted PGs between the two groups (P = 0.134). Compared with the control group, a greater number of known PGs were preserved in situ in the NIFI group (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001). In the NIFI group, only 4.5% of the patients with at least one well-perfused PG (ICG score of 2) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (34.6%, P < 0.001).ConclusionCombined use of AF and ICGF during total thyroidectomy reduces the risk of transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism, enhances the ability to identify and preserve PGs, and improves the accuracy of evaluating the perfusion of PGs during surgery.Clinical Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Register (www.chictr.org.cn), identifier ChiCTR2100045320. Registered on April 12, 2021.

Establishing a predictive model of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection for postoperative calcium supplementation selectively.

BackgroundThe core goal of this article is to find some meaningful risk factors that can affect the postoperative hypoparathyroidism of thyroid cancer, create an effective prediction model on this basis, and use it to selectively implement routine prophylactic calcium supplementation for patients after thyroid carcinoma surgery.MethodsThe clinicopathological characteristics of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent conventional bilateral total thyroidectomy (TT) + bilateral central lymph node dissection from January 2020 to August 2021 in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were retrospectively analyzed. Firstly, this study analyzed the relationship between postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Then, we included many potential risk factors such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) and so on and also performed univariate and multivariate analysis of the independent risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism in patients, and established a predictive scoring model.ResultsAmong the 401 patients with PTC, 50.1% developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism. There was significant difference in serum calcium concentration between normal parathyroid group and hypoparathyroidism group after thyroid carcinoma surgery. BMI <24 kg/m2, lateral lymph node dissection, multifocality, and extrathyroidal extension (ETE) were all identified as independent risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Based on these independent risk factors, a nine-point risk scoring model was created to firstly assess the postoperative parathyroid function status of patients and then to determine whether routine prophylactic calcium supplementation is needed. Importantly, the area under the curve (AUC) of the risk scoring model is equal to 0.979.ConclusionsAt present, prophylactic calcium supplementation after thyroid carcinoma surgery is a controversial postoperative treatment. It should be selectively implemented for high-risk patients with hypoparathyroidism after surgery. Routine prophylactic calcium supplementation is recommended for PTC patients with a score greater than or equal to 5, although there are no clinical symptoms of postoperative hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism. However, prophylactic calcium supplementation is not recommended for patients with PTC with a score of less than 5; if the patient develops hypocalcemia at the later stage, therapeutic calcium supplementation can then be implemented.