Concomitant Thyroid Nodules Research Articles

C-Cell Hyperplasia and Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with Type 1B Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Hypercalcitoninaemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Hypercalcitoninaemia has been described in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type 1A and 1B. Elevated calcitonin levels are thought to result from impaired Gsα receptor signaling, leading to multiple hormone resistance. Evidence on the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia in PHP patients with hypercalcitoninaemia is lacking. A 43-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our endocrinology clinic for chronic hypocalcemia associated with elevated serum parathormone levels and a single cystic thyroid nodule. The patient did not show skeletal deformities, and screening for concomitant hormone resistances was negative, except for the presence of elevated serum calcitonin levels. The workup led to a molecular diagnosis of sporadic PHP1B. Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule was not diagnostic. The calcium stimulation test yielded an abnormal calcitonin response. Given the scarcity of data on the risk of thyroid malignancy in PHP and calcium stimulation test results, total thyroidectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed cystic papillary thyroid cancer in a background of diffuse C-cell hyperplasia. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe a rare form of thyroid cancer combined with C-cell hyperplasia in a patient with PHP and hypercalcitoninaemia. In the present case, a mere receptor resistance might not fully explain the elevated calcitonin levels, suggesting that hypercalcitoninaemia should be carefully evaluated in PHP patients, especially in the case of concomitant thyroid nodules. Further studies on larger cohorts are needed to elucidate this topic.

Tissue Parathyroid Hormone Washout: A Reliable Method for the Localization and Exclusion of Parathyroid Adenomas.

Background and objective Accurate identification of parathyroid adenoma (PA) is essential for minimally invasive treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay in aspirates of suspicious neck lesions and to clarify its reliability in determining whether the lesion is of parathyroid origin. Methods A total of 134 lesions (104 imaging-suspected PA and 30 concomitant thyroid nodules as a control group) of 101 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with positive, negative, or never scintigraphy were included in our study. Ultrasound (US) was performed again and US-guided tissue fine needle aspiration with PTH washout (PTH-WO) was performed from suspicious lesions. A PTH-WO level higher than the patient's serum PTH levels is proposed for a positive test, and a PTH-WO level lower than the upper limit of the laboratory PTH level is proposed for a negative test. A definitive diagnosis was made postoperatively histopathologically. Results PTH-WO levels (median (IQR)) were significantly higher in the positive group (n = 93, 5000 (1600) ng/L) compared to the negative group (n = 11, 17 (13.1) ng/L) and thyroid nodule aspirate group (n = 30, 14 (4.3) ng/L) (p < 0.001). Among 93 PTH-WO-positive lesions, 42 lesions (45.1%) were not identified by parathyroid scintigraphy (PS), 20 (21.5%) lesions were suspiciously PS, and 33 lesions (35.4%) were negative or suspicious byfirst US findings. Of the 93 patients localized with PTH-WO, two were cystic PAsablated by aspiration. The final pathology result of 91 operated patients proved PA. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the PTH-WO were observed as 1.00, 0.82, 0.09, and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion Comprehensive repeated US and PTH-WO from the lesion increase the accurate localization of PAs. PTH-WO is a highly reliable method for differentiating parathyroid lesions from other cervical lesions.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma prevalence and its predictors in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Aim: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are among the most common endocrine diseases. Although it has been shown that hyperparathyroidism may be associated with various cancers, the question of whether there is an association between hyperparathyroidism and PTC remains controversial. To evaluate the incidence of concomitant PTC among patients with PHPT and to identify possible risk factors for the development of PTC in these patients.&#x0D; Material and Method: The data of 543 patients who had been operated on due to PHPT in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent thyroid surgery in conjunction with parathyroidectomy and patients whose diagnosis of PTC was confirmed histopathologically were compared in terms of their clinical, biochemical, and histopathological features. The prevalence of PTC found in patients with PHPT was compared with national rates to estimate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).&#x0D; Results: Of the 456 PHPT patients enrolled in the study, 281 (61.6%) had concomitant thyroid nodules on thyroid ultrasonography, and PTC was detected in 53 (11.6%) patients during their thyroid surgeries. Compared to the general population, the incidence of papillary thyroid cancer was increased in both women and men with PHPT (SIR: 272.2, 95% CI: 201.6-360.0, p

AB120. SOH21AS182. Evaluation of the relationship between primary hyperparathyroidism and concomitant thyroid nodules at a specialist endocrine surgery centre

Background: While it known that thyroid disease is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), it is yet to be determined whether the concomitant presentation of PHPT and thyroid cancer is coincidental, causal, or due to their intimate anatomical relationship. It is known that routine screening of the parathyroid glands simultaneously incorporates evaluation of the thyroid gland and that preoperative diagnostic imaging for localizing parathyroid adenomas can also detect thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of thyroid cancer in patients with PHPT based on the detection of thyroid nodules from non-invasive imaging.

4D-CT facilitates focused parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism by maintaining a high negative-predictive value for uninvolved quadrants.

Improved preoperative localization facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy for removal of parathyroid lesions therefore preventing an invasive bilateral neck exploration. As 4D-CT has emerged, its high specificity has helped with preoperative parathyroid lesion localization. A high negative predictive value (NPV) would serve to further confirm parathyroid lesion localization and limit unnecessary surgical exploration. This study's objective was to determine the NPV of preoperative 4D-CT and its facilitation of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. A retrospective review was compiled for patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism with a preoperative 4D-CT. Included patients were sorted into various groups for comparison: those with 4D-CT localizing to a single lesion, localizing to multiple lesions, and those with nonlocalizing findings; multiple hypercellular parathyroid gland versus single gland findings; extent of surgical exploration; lesion location; and patients with concomitant thyroid nodules. Negative predictive value was calculated and used to quantify the ability for 4D-CT to rule out biochemically significant parathyroid lesions. In our review of 68 patients: sensitivity was 81.3%, specificity was 95.5%, positive predictive value was 87.1%, and negative predictive value was 93.3%. 86% had a single localizing 4D-CT, 7% had a non-localizing 4D-CT, and 7% had a multiple quadrant localizing 4D-CT. NPV for single and multi-localizing 4D-CT were 96.8% and 88.9%, respectively. Preoperative 4D-CT has a high negative predictive value (93.3%), suggesting in the majority of cases, a quadrant with no 4D-CT radiographic findings suspicious for parathyroid is unlikely to harbor biochemically significant parathyroid lesions.

Primary hyperparathyroidism and non-medullary thyroid cancer- A review

Background:&#x0D; The association of thyroid disease and primary hyperparathyroidism is well described, with thyroid carcinoma being reported in 2-15% of cases. The most commonly associated carcinoma is non-medullary thyroid cancer. While the association of PHPT and medullary thyroid cancer (MCT) is well known, that of NMTC, despite its increasing incidence, is still not established. Our study is a review of incidence and underlying mechanisms of non-medullary thyroid cancer associated with PHPT. Also, best imaging tools for concomitant diagnosis is reviewed to ensure an adequate plan of care.&#x0D; Methods &amp; findings:&#x0D; A search was done using two databases: Medline &amp; Embase. The search conducted from the period of 2008 until April 2018 yielded a total of 142 studies. After an adequate screening, 26 studies were reviewed. &#x0D; Incidence of DTC in association with PHPT in the literature ranged between 0.91% and 17.6%. The main histological thyroid malignancy found is micropapillary carcinoma. Despite its less aggressive presentation, these microcarcinomas may grow or develop nodal metastases on follow up. Although bilateral neck exploration with hemi/total thyroidectomy carries the risk of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism, permanent complications are rare especially when compared to re-do neck surgery. Recently, parathyroid surgeries are going towards minimal invasive procedures, requiring an adequate imaging tool to ensure diagnosis of both diseases. Multiple risk factors for concomitant diseases were hypothesized, the more robust are the common embryologic origin and activation of angiogenic growth factors.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; NMTC is frequently associated with PHPT especially in endemic goiter areas. With the high prevalence of micropapillary carcinoma and its risks, a partial/total thyroidectomy in addition to parathyroidectomy may be warranted. With the recent need of adequate diagnostic tools, combining both Technetium Sestamibi scintigraphy and thyroid ultrasound improved sensitivities and accuracy of diagnosis, but dual-isotope scintigraphy (I-123 sodium iodide/ 99mTc-sestamibi) seems an attractive modality in hyperparathyroid patients with concomitant suspicious thyroid nodules. However, further studies for validation may be needed.

Management of Graves Disease: A Review.

Graves disease is the most common cause of persistent hyperthyroidism in adults. Approximately 3% of women and 0.5% of men will develop Graves disease during their lifetime. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane database for English-language studies published from June 2000 through October 5, 2015. Thirteen randomized clinical trials, 5 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and 52 observational studies were included in this review. Patients with Graves disease may be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (RAI), or surgery (near-total thyroidectomy). The optimal approach depends on patient preference, geography, and clinical factors. A 12- to 18-month course of antithyroid drugs may lead to a remission in approximately 50% of patients but can cause potentially significant (albeit rare) adverse reactions, including agranulocytosis and hepatotoxicity. Adverse reactions typically occur within the first 90 days of therapy. Treating Graves disease with RAI and surgery result in gland destruction or removal, necessitating life-long levothyroxine replacement. Use of RAI has also been associated with the development or worsening of thyroid eye disease in approximately 15% to 20% of patients. Surgery is favored in patients with concomitant suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules, coexisting hyperparathyroidism, and in patients with large goiters or moderate to severe thyroid eye disease who cannot be treated using antithyroid drugs. However, surgery is associated with potential complications such as hypoparathyroidism and vocal cord paralysis in a small proportion of patients. In pregnancy, antithyroid drugs are the primary therapy, but some women with Graves disease opt to receive definitive therapy with RAI or surgery prior to becoming pregnant to avoid potential teratogenic effects of antithyroid drugs during pregnancy. Management of Graves disease includes treatment with antithyroid drugs, RAI, or thyroidectomy. The optimal approach depends on patient preference and specific patient clinical features such as age, history of arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease, size of goiter, and severity of thyrotoxicosis. Physicians should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of each therapy to best counsel their patients.

Concomitant thyroid nodules in primary hyperparathyroidism

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

C-11-Methionin-PET/CT zur Lokalisation von Nebenschilddrüsenadenomen

In primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas enables focussed unilateral parathyroidectomy. Ultrasound and sestamibi scintigraphy are the recommended standard procedures for primary diagnostics of pHPT and C-11 methionine positron emission tomography computed tomography (Met-PET/CT) is the latest technique for localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands. This review presents the results of Met-PET/CT on the basis of a selective literature search using the keywords "primary hyperparathyroidism and methionine", "primary hyperparathyroidism and PET", "parathyroid adenomas and methionine" and "parathyroid adenomas and PET". Localization of single gland adenomas can be achieved with Met-PET/CT in 79-91 % of cases. The advantages of this procedure are a high sensitivity even in operations for recurrencies or concomitant thyroid nodules and an accurate detection even with atypical localizations. In multiglandular disease a localization of more than one hyperfunctioning gland remains difficult. Potential limitations of the method include the restricted availability and the relatively high costs of Met-PET/CT. Using Met-PET/CT hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands can be exactly localized in most patients with pHPT. Indications for this procedure are mostly when preoperative standard tests are negative and in parathyroid surgery for recurrencies.

Sonoelastography in de Quervain Thyroiditis

Sonoelastography is a novel technique, providing an objective estimation of tissue elasticity by measuring the degree of distortion under the application of an external force (1). Recent studies demonstrated exceptional utility of sonoelastography in preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules because neoplastic transformation is often associated with decreased elasticity of a lesion (1– 4). However, a sonoelastographic picture of de Quervain thyroiditis (dQT) has not yet been described. Herewithin we report cases of dQT in two women, ages 36 and 42 yr, presenting with malaise, pain in the neck, and temperature up to 38 C. Conventional ultrasonography revealed a picture typical for dQT in the first patient, but only minimal changes in the second patient, whereas sonoelastography in both demonstrated markedly decreased elasticity of the affected area (Figs. 1 and 2). Patients were euthyroid (TSH was 0.29 and 0.57 IU/ml, respectively) and had an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (48 and 61 mm/h, respectively). The cytological diagnosis of the specimen obtained by fine-needle biopsy was consistent with dQT. Patients were treated with ibuprofen and prednisone, which resulted in total remission. To conclude, obtained results suggest that inflammatory infiltration of thyroid parenchyma in dQT causes decreased thyroid tissue elasticity. Sonoelastography might be useful in diagnosing dQT, selecting regions for biopsy in patients with minimal changes on conventional ultrasonography, as well as in differential diagnosis with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, the coexistence of dQT may affect interpretation of elasticity of concomitant thyroid nodules. Studies on larger groups are required to further assess the usefulness of elastographic evaluation in dQT.

C-11 Methionine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Localizes Parathyroid Adenomas in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), positive preoperative localization studies enable to perform a minimally invasive approach for parathyroid surgery. However, current imaging techniques are not always successful. We therefore conducted a study to determine the sensitivity of C-11 methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Met-PET/CT) in localizing parathyroid adenomas in pHPT. Met-PET/CT scans of the neck and mediastinum of 33 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary HPT were compared with intraoperative and histological findings. Primary HPT was caused by a single gland adenoma in 30 patients, while another 3 patients had multiglandular disease. Met-PET/CT scan correctly located a single gland adenoma in 25 out of 30 (83%) patients with pHPT, among them 2 patients with persistent disease, 7 patients with prior neck surgery, and 8 patients with concomitant thyroid nodules. In 3 patients with multiglandular disease, Met-PET/CT showed only one enlarged parathyroid gland in two individuals and was negative in the third patient. Statistical analysis found a significant correlation between true-positive results and the weight (2.42+/-4.05 g) and diameter (2.0+/-1.18 cm) of parathyroid adenomas while the subgroup with false negative findings had significantly smaller (0.98+/-0.54 cm) and lighter (0.5+/-0.38 g) glands. Sensitivity was 83% for single gland adenomas and 67% for multiglandular disease. Met-PET/CT correctly localized 83% of single gland parathyroid adenomas in patients with pHPT. However, preoperative localization of multiglandular disease due to double adenomas or parathyroid hyperplasia remained difficult.

The characteristics of concomitant thyroid nodules cause false-positive ultrasonography results in primary hyperparathyroidism

Background Concomitant thyroid nodules are the most common reason for false-positive ultrasonography (US) results in primary hyperparathyroidism. The aims of this prospective clinical study were to evaluate false-positive US results according to the characteristics of concomitant thyroid nodules and to determine which characteristics of thyroid nodules are important. Study design This prospective study included 120 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to preoperative US results. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients with false-positive US results and group 2 consisted of 88 patients with true-positive US results. Results The risk for false-positive US result was increased 25-fold for patients with parathyroid adenoma weight of more than 500 mg (odds ratio [OR], 25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.6–74.5), 75-fold for more than 1 posteriorly located thyroid (OR, 75; 95% CI, 19.3–293.4), 358-fold for the presence of exophytic thyroid nodules (OR, 358; 95% CI, 42.3–3036), and 423-fold for the presence of posteriorly located thyroid nodules (OR, 423; 95% CI, 49–3662). Conclusion Although there was no particular characteristic of concomitant thyroid nodules that contributes to false-positive US results, the posteriorly located thyroid nodules were the strongest correlate for the false-positive US results to other features.

Evaluation for concomitant thyroid nodules and primary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy or thyroidectomy

Previous investigators have reported the incidence of thyroid nodules in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism; others have noted the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in patients who underwent thyroidectomy. It is well known that both of these entities coexist. In this article, we present a single-center experience with the incidence of concomitant thyroid nodular disease and primary hyperparathyroidism in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy or thyroidectomy. From May 2006 to December 2007, 526 patients underwent thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or both. Operations were performed by surgeons in the Johns Hopkins Endocrine Surgery Section after screening preoperatively for concomitant thyroid nodular disease or primary hyperparathyroidism. Among the 200 patients who underwent a parathyroidectomy, 102 (51.0%) were found to have thyroid nodular disease. Six percent of these 200 patients also had a thyroid malignancy. Of the 326 patients who were primarily seen for thyroid disease, the incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism was 3.1%. By implementing a comprehensive approach to patients who present with thyroid disease or primary hyperparathyroidism, concomitant pathology may be elucidated preoperatively. This approach will facilitate the detection of otherwise unsuspected thyroid cancer and hyperparathyroidism as well as prevent unnecessary reoperative surgery.

Use of preoperative parathyroid fine-needle aspiration and parathormone assay in the primary hyperparathyroidism with concomitant thyroid nodules

Background Although the sensitivity of imaging studies is high in solitary parathyroid adenomas, negative results are inevitable. The aims of this prospective clinical study are to evaluate the impact of the presence of thyroid disease on the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of ultrasonography (US), sestamibi (MIBI), and parathyroid fine needle aspiration and parathormone assay (PTH-FNA). Patients The patients were divided into 4 groups according to preoperative imaging studies: group A (n = 62) with US, group B (n = 62) with MIBI, group C (n = 62) with US + MIBI, and group D (n = 62) with PTH-FNA. These 4 groups were subdivided according to the presence (group 1) or absence (group 2) of thyroid nodule. Results In the overall patients, the sensitivity and PPV of PTH-FNA to localize parathyroid adenoma was higher compared with US, MIBI, and US + MIBI (100% and 100% versus 96% and 91% versus 92% and 87% versus 95% and 94%, respectively, P < .05). The sensitivity and PPV of US, MIBI, and US + MIBI in the patients without thyroid nodule was higher compared with the patients with thyroid nodule (100% and 100%, 100% and 96%, 100% and 100% versus 93% and 84%, 85% and 80%, 96% and 86%, respectively, P < .05). The sensitivity and PPV of the PTH-FNA was 100% in the patients with and without a thyroid nodule. Conclusion PTH-FNA can be performed safely for the confirmation of parathyroid adenoma localized by preoperative imaging studies. In patients with a concomitant thyroid nodule, PTH-FNA was more accurate to detect the parathyroid adenoma than the other imaging studies.

Minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy on a group of 452 primary hyperparathyroid patients

of this study was to investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy (MIRP) in primary hyperparathyroid (PHPT) patients. 452 consecutive PHPT patients were evaluated. Inclusion criteria for MIRP were (a) evidence at scintigraphy of a solitary parathyroid adenoma (PA); (b) a clear sestamibi uptake in the PA; (c) the absence of concomitant thyroid nodules; (d) no history of familial HPT or MEN; (e) no history of previous neck irradiation. Intra-operative protocol consisted of the injection of a low 37 MBq sestamibi dose in the operating suite 10 min before surgery. A hand held 11-mm collimated gamma probe was used. Quick PTH (QPTH) was routinely measured. 344 out of the 452 patients met the inclusion criteria, and MIRP was successfully performed in 321 of them (93.3%). No major intra-operative complication was recorded. MIRP required a mean operative time of 32 min, and a mean hospital stay of 1.2 d. The parathyroid to background ratio (P/B) calculated by the probe was well correlated with the P/B calculated by sestamibi SPECT (r = 0.91; p < 0.01), while no significant correlation was found between the probe-calculated P/B and the P/B calculated at planar sestamibi scan. In our experience: a) an accurate preoperative localising imaging protocol based on planar and SPECT sestamibi scan, and neck US is effective in selecting PHPT patients for MIRP, b) the P/B calculated by sestamibi SPECT seems able to predict the probe-calculated P/B more accurately than the P/B calculated at planar scan, c) the low 37 MBq sestamibi dose protocol proved to be a safe and effective approach to perform MIRP.

Surgeon‐Performed Ultrasound for Preoperative Localization of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The introduction of portable ultrasound equipment enables surgeons to perform ultrasound examinations in a clinic setting. This study was undertaken to evaluate surgeon-performed ultrasound (SP-US) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Between July 2003 and March 2004, 65 patients with PHPT were evaluated with SP-US and 48 of these patients underwent parathyroid surgery. Among this group of 48 evaluable patients, 47 had preoperative imaging with technetium-99m sestamibi scanning (MIBI), and 12 had an additional ultrasound examination at an external radiology department (RP-US). All patients were cured of PHPT and the operative findings were used to determine the true status of the parathyroid glands of each patient. Twenty-four (50%) patients had concomitant thyroid nodules which were identified by SP-US, and 4 (8.3%) patients had simultaneous thyroid operations, 2 of which were for thyroid cancer. Considering data for all patients, SP-US had significantly higher sensitivity than MIBI or RP-US (60% vs. 46%, P = 0.013, and 60% vs. 11%, P = 0.004 respectively). Among the patients with a single adenoma, SP-US, MIBI, and RP-US had sensitivities of 83%, 63%, and 13% respectively. The specificities of all three imaging techniques were uniformly high and were not significantly different from each other. Surgeon-performed ultrasound is an accurate modality for localizing abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with PHPT, with results that compare favorably with other parathyroid imaging modalities.

Impact of Gland Morphology and Concomitant Thyroid Nodules on Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a common endocrine disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the presence of thyroid nodules, adenoma weight, and ectopic localization on the sensitivity of different imaging studies in patients with hyperparathyroidism. A series of 125 patients with pHPT who underwent low-frequency ultrasonography, high-frequency ultrasonography, Thallium-Technetium scintigraphy, sestamibi scintigraphy, and combined technique was reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided in two groups depending on the presence or absence of thyroid nodules. The overall sensitivity of low-frequency ultrasonography, high-frequency ultrasonography, Thallium-Technetium scintigraphy, sestamibi scintigraphy, and combined technique was 69%, 89%, 71%, 86%, and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity of these imaging studies was 94%, 100%, 94%, 96%, and 100%, respectively, in our patients with no thyroid nodules but decreased to 54%, 84%, 54%, 81%, and 79%, respectively, in the presence of thyroid nodules. The parathyroid adenoma weight in true-positive imaging studies was significantly higher than those in false-positive and false-negative imaging studies. The numbers of ectopic parathyroid adenomas were found to be higher in the group of parathyroid adenomas undetected with ultrasonography when compared with ultrasonographically detected adenomas. In patients with parathyroid adenoma, the sensitivity of imaging studies correlates with the presence of thyroid nodules, adenoma weight, and ectopic localization.

Thyroid Evaluation in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

We evaluated the efficacy of preoperative high-resolution ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing possible concomitant thyroid disease which affects the surgical management in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). One hundred and nine patients with sporadic pHPT underwent US with or without ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB). Diagnosis of concomitant thyroid nodules by US and US-FNAB were compared with the histopathological findings. Of the 109 patients, 19 (17.4%) had malignant thyroid nodules, 26 (23.9%) had benign thyroid nodules alone, and 12 (11.0%) had diffuse goiter. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosing 72 thyroid nodules were 91.3%, 91.8%, and 91.7% for US, 57.9%, 94.3%, and 81.5% for US-FNAB, and 95.7%, 91.8%, and 93.1% for combined US and US-FNAB, respectively. True positive/false negative ratio of US-FNAB diagnosis was significantly lower in nodules of 5-9 mm than nodules of 10 mm or more. Four unexpected thyroid cancers existed at a different site in 3 of the 39 patients with palpable thyroid disease. Five thyroid cancers were histopathologically confirmed in 5 (7.1%) of 70 patients without palpable thyroid disease. Eight (88.9%) of the 9 non-palpable thyroid cancers were accurately diagnosed by combined US and US-FNAB. Preoperative US is useful for evaluation of possible concomitant thyroid disease, especially for prediction of malignancy.

Operationsverfahren bei primärem Hyperparathyreodismus – Einfluss präoperativer Befunde auf die Operationsplanung: minimal invasive oder konventionelle Parathyreoidektomie

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive operative procedures to cure primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are challenging the conventional bilateral exploration in localized single-gland disease. However, concomitant thyroid nodules can hamper the limited approaches. It was the aim of this study to establish and evaluate a standardized diagnostic algorithm, applicable in an endemic goiter region, directing pHPT patients to an individually adapted surgical approach. METHODS: 40 consecutive patients with pHPT were enrolled in a prospective study. According to a standardized diagnostic protocol, patients were selected for either open minimally invasive parathyroid exploration (OMIP), unilateral parathyroid exploration (UP) followed by thyroid surgery or bilateral cervical exploration (BE). PTH was monitored intraoperatively, follow-up was 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 21 patients (52.5%) were selected for OMIP. 2 out of 21 (9.5%) procedures had to be converted to the conventional bilateral approach. 12 patients (30%) were correctly scheduled for UP and additional thyroid resection, and in 7 patients (17.5%) primary BE was necessary. All patients were normocalcemic at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: 95% of patients could be scheduled for the appropriate surgical approach by the applied pre-therapeutic algorithm. This makes parathyroidectomy a predictable operative procedure in the routine clinical setup even in an endemic goiter region.

Comparison of Planar Scintiscanning and Pinhole Subtraction Spect in Preoperative Imaging of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in an Endemic Goiter Area

A unilateral surgical approach in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) requires a reliable preoperative parathyroid localization procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the approved planar scintiscanning by means of 99mTcO4−201Tl subtraction or 99mTc-sestamibi with 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT. Fifty patients with primary HPTH and preoperative localization diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-three of them underwent preoperative planar scintiscanning with 99mTcO4−201Tl subtraction or 99mTc-sestamibi, 17 had 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT. Planar scintiscanning had an overall accuracy of 81.8%, 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT of 81.3%. In patients with solitary parathyroid adenomas the planar scintiscanning provided correct results in 86.7%, whereas 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT had an accuracy of 93.3% in these patients. Concomitant thyroid nodules diminished the accuracy of planar scanning to 78.6%. The accuracy of 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT was not diminished by multinodular goiter, all patients with solitary parathyroid adenomas and multinodular thyroid disease were accurately localized. The sensitivity of 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT is statistically not significantly different compared with planar 99mTcO4−201Tl subtraction or 99mTc-sestamibi scintiscanning in patients with HPTH and solitary adenomas. Therefore, it is concluded that both imaging procedures are comparable in their diagnostic value for preoperative localization for successful unilateral parathyroidectomy. Although the results are not significantly different because of the number of patients, it is concluded 99mTcO4−201Tl pinhole subtraction SPECT to be superior to planar scintiscanning in patients with underlying multinodular thyroid pathology.