Total Thyroidectomy In Patients Research Articles

Adequate Dose of Levothyroxine for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Suppression after Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

The adequate dose of levothyroxine (LT4) for patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy (TT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is uncertain. We evaluated the LT4 dose required to achieve mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in DTC patients after TT. The electronic medical records of patients who underwent TT for DTC and received mild TSH suppression therapy were reviewed. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between LT4 dose (μg/kg) and an ordinal group divided by body mass index (BMI). We also evaluated the trend in LT4 doses among groups divided by BMI and age. In total, 123 patients achieved mild TSH suppression (0.1 to 0.5 mIU/L). The BMI variable was divided into three categories: <23 kg/m2 (n=46), ≥23 and <25 kg/m2 (n=30), and ≥25 kg/m2 (n=47). In the linear regression analysis, BMI was negatively associated with the LT4 dose after adjusting for age and sex (P<0.001). The LT4 doses required to achieve mild TSH suppression based on the BMI categories were 1.86, 1.71, and 1.71 μg/kg, respectively (P for trend <0.001). Further analysis with groups divided by age and BMI revealed that a higher BMI was related to a lower LT4 dose, especially in younger patients aged 20 to 39 (P for trend=0.011). The study results suggest an appropriate LT4 dose for mild TSH suppression after TT based on body weight in patients with DTC. Considering body weight, BMI, and age in estimating LT4 doses might help to achieve the target TSH level promptly.

Reoperation Rates after Initial Thyroid Lobectomy for Patients with Thyroid Cancer: A National Cohort Study.

Introduction The 2015 ATA guidelines recommended thyroid lobectomy (TL) as an alternative to total thyroidectomy (TT) for the surgical treatment of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. Increasing use of TL has since been reported despite concerns for an increased risk of disease recurrence and need for reoperation. This study sought to compare reoperation rates among patients who underwent initial TL or TT for malignancy, characterize trends at centers based on operative volume, and examine factors associated with reoperation. Methods We queried the Vizient Clinical Data Base for TL and TT performed pre-guideline change (pre-GC=2013-2015) and post-guideline change (post-GC=2016-2021). Reoperations included reoperative thyroid surgery (RTS) and neck dissection (ND); timing was defined as early (180 days), thought to indicate inadequacy of initial operative choice, or late (>180 days), suggesting disease recurrence. Results Of 65,627 patients, 31.8% underwent initial TL and 68.2% underwent initial TT; TL increased from 21.4% of total cases pre-GC to 37.0% post-GC (p<0.001). Among TL patients, early RTS declined from 33.9%-14.2% and ND declined from 0.8%-0.4% (p<0.001). Among TT patients, early RTS remained 0.2%, while ND increased from 0.4%-0.7% (p<0.001). TL-associated late RTS declined from 2.0%-1.7%, while ND increased from 0.6%-0.8% (p=0.17). In TT patients, both late RTS and ND increased, from 0.2%-0.3% (p=0.04) and 1.7%-2.1% (p<0.01), respectively. There was no difference in the late reoperation rate for TL compared to TT post-GC (+0.2%, p=0.18). TL volume grew annually by 12.5% [8.9%-16.2%] at high-volume centers and 8.3% [5.6%-11.1%] at low-volume centers. TL-associated reoperations at high-volume centers declined annually by 12.6% [5.6%-19.0%] and 10.8% [2.7%-18.1%] at low-volume centers. Uninsured status and more recent initial operation were associated with an increased risk of late reoperation (HR=1.84 [1.06-3.20] and HR=1.30 [1.24-1.36], respectively). The type of index operation performed, however, was not predictive of late reoperation. Conclusions The rate of early reoperations declined for thyroid lobectomy after the 2015 ATA guideline release but late reoperations remained unchanged despite a significant shift in practice patterns towards performing initial lobectomy. Patients appear to be receiving less aggressive, guideline-concordant care without a significant increase in the late reoperation rate for thyroid lobectomy compared to total thyroidectomy.

Predictors of response to Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Intermediate and high risk patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma

BackgroundRadioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is the standard treatment approach after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We aimed to identify predictive factors of response to the treatment in intermediate and high-risk patients with PTC. In addition, the impact of multiple RAI treatments was explored.MethodsIn a 3-year retrospective study, data from intermediate and high-risk patients with PTC who received RAI therapy following total thyroidectomy, were analyzed by the end of year-one and year-three. Demographic data, tumor size, capsular/vascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, local or distant metastasis, initial dose and cumulative dose of RAI, serum thyroglobulin(Tg), antithyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and imaging findings were investigated. Patients with an excellent response to a single dose of RAI treatment, after three years of follow-up were classified as the “Responder group”. Excellent response was defined as stimulated serum Tg less than 1 ng/ml, or unstimulated serum Tg less than 0.2 ng/ml in TgAb-negative patients with negative imaging scans.Results333 patient records with a complete data set were analyzed in this study. After three years of initial treatment, 271 patients were non-responders (NR) and 62 were responders (R). At baseline, the median pre-ablation serum Tg level was 5.7 ng/ml in the NR group, and 1.25 ng/ml in the R group (P < 0.001). TSH-Stimulated serum Tg greater than 15.7 ng/ml, was associated with response failure even after multiple RAI therapy, AUC: 0.717(0.660–0.774), sensitivity: 52.5%, specificity: 89.47%, P < 0.001. On the other hand, multiple RAI therapy was associated with excellent response in 16.2% of the patients. The chance of ER was decreased by 74% if initial post-operation ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of locoregional involvement, OR 0.26, (95% CI: 0.12–0.55), P < 0.001.ConclusionStimulated serum Tg and locoregional involvement after total thyroidectomy are predictive factors of non-response to RAI therapy in intermediate and high-risk patients with PTC. In addition, a minority of patients achieve excellent response after multiple RAI therapy.

Changes in Clinical Practice in Adherence to the 2014 American Thyroid Association Guidelines on Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Referral Center.

Thyroidectomy, a pivotal treatment for various thyroid disorders, has seen its indications evolve, particularly with the 2014 American Thyroid Association (ATA) Guidelines advocating for conservative surgical approaches like lobectomy. This retrospective study analyzes thyroidectomy practices at a high-volume center from January 2014 to December 2023, focusing on patients potentially eligible for lobectomy per ATA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were tumors < 4 cm, indeterminate thyroid nodules, or differentiated thyroid carcinoma with clinically uninvolved lymph nodes (cN0). This study analyzed the proportion of patients undergoing lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy (TT) and the oncological outcomes. Of 357 patients, 243 underwent TT and 114 underwent lobectomy. The prevalence of lobectomies rose markedly, comprising 73.9% of surgeries in 2023. TT patients were predominantly female (83.5%) and had higher rates of autoimmune thyroiditis (67.5%) and malignancy (89.7%). Lobectomy patients had larger nodules and more indeterminate cytology. Among 301 malignant cases, TT was associated with higher lymph node metastasis, but similar recurrence rates, compared to lobectomy. This study underscores a shift towards lobectomy, reflecting adherence to ATA guidelines and suggesting conservative surgery is feasible without compromising outcomes. Further research on long-term outcomes and refined patient selection criteria is needed to optimize surgical approaches.

The impact of using near-infrared autofluorescence on parathyroid gland parameters and clinical outcomes during total thyroidectomy: a meta-analytic study of randomized controlled trials.

The added benefit of using near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) during total thyroidectomy (TT) remains controversial. This study investigated whether or not NIRAF results in improved patient outcomes postoperatively. We analyzed 1711 TT patients, reported in nine randomized controlled trials, following a systematic search of five databases. NIRAF was compared to the standard of care (naked eye with/without white light). Outcomes included parathyroid gland (PG) and calcium parameters and other clinical outcomes. For dichotomous outcomes, the log odds ratio (logOR) was calculated, and for continuous outcomes, the crude mean difference (MD) was measured. Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was significant. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. Compared to the standard of care, the use of NIRAF was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative hypoparathyroidism [logOR=-0.31; 95% CI: -0.57: -0.05], inadvertent PG removal [logOR=-0.93; 95% CI: -1.60: -0.26], and postoperative hypocalcemia [logOR=-0.43mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.77: -0.09]. It was also associated with significantly higher postoperative PTH levels [MD=4.78pg/mL; 95% CI: 2.13: 7.43], PG identification rate [logOR=1.02; 95% CI: 0.31: 1.72], postoperative serum calcium [MD=0.05; 95% CI: 0.00: 0.09], and operative time [MD=9.38 minutes; 95% CI: 6.68: 12.09]. No difference was seen regarding PG autotransplantation, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization due to hypocalcemia. Seven trials had low risk and the remainder had some concerns. NIRAF is superior to the naked eye in identifying all four parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy. The reduced risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia reflected this preservation value. However, it was not associated with a change in the length of hospital stay. Although rare, the readmission rate due to hypocalcemia was similar across both methods.

Outcomes of Immediate Total Thyroidectomy in First-Side Loss of Neuromonitoring Signal

Use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy can nearly eliminate the risk of postoperative bilateral vocal cord palsy (VCP) by indicating staged surgery in cases of loss of signal (LOS) on the first side of planned total thyroidectomy. However, aborting planned total thyroidectomy may lead to persistence of symptoms, delay in adjuvant treatment, and patient inconvenience and distress. There are few data to guide a selective approach to total thyroidectomy in patients with first-side LOS. To investigate outcomes of immediate bilateral surgery in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with first-side LOS. This cohort study was a retrospective review of outcomes for patients undergoing thyroidectomy between January 2016 and July 2023 at an academic tertiary referral center for thyroid surgery. Consecutive patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy using IONM were included. Exclusion criteria were preoperative VCP, deliberate sacrifice of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), inadvertent RLN resection, and surgery performed without IONM. Total thyroidectomy performed using IONM. Vocal mobility on first postoperative day as assessed by flexible laryngoscopy; secondary outcome measures included subjective voice assessment, other postoperative complications, and long-term vocal mobility. Among 400 patients undergoing planned total thyroidectomy (mean age, 50.5 years [range, 4-88 years]; 318 female [79.5%]), 51 (12.8%) had first-side LOS, of whom 37 (9.3%) had persistent LOS. Twenty-nine patients (56% of procedures with first-side LOS, including 18 with persistent LOS) proceeded to immediate total thyroidectomy. Postoperatively, 16 patients (55% of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy following first-side LOS, including 14 of 18 with persistent LOS) had impaired vocal mobility. One patient had bilateral VCP that did not require tracheostomy, and 2 had postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Of those whose surgery was aborted after first-side LOS, 8 of 22 (36%) underwent completion thyroidectomy at a later stage. In those undergoing completion thyroidectomy, 2 of 8 (25%) had temporary VCP after the second surgery, 2 (25%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism, and 1 (12.5%) developed inoperable cancer. Postoperative VCP was fully reversible in all but 1 patient. Among patients planned for total thyroidectomy who develop first-side LOS, immediate total thyroidectomy may be considered among those who have pressing reasons for same, and where surgical difficulties might be anticipated in a secondary surgery.

A prospective cross-sectional study on hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy in patients with Graves' disease: insights on secondary hyperparathyroidism.

To investigate the parathyroid function and calcium (Ca) levels in the secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) state in patients with Graves' disease. We examined 31 consecutive patients with Graves' disease without chronic kidney disease, who were treated with total thyroidectomy. The patients were divided into a normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) group (NPTH group; n = 19) with a PTH level ≤ 65pg/mL, and a secondary hyperparathyroidism group (SHPT group; n = 12), with a PTH level > 65pg/mL. The PTH and Ca-related parameters were examined and the risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia were analyzed. The preoperative Ca level was significantly lower (2.24 ± 0.06 vs. 2.31 ± 0.07mmol/L, p < 0.05) in the SHPT group than in the NPTH group. The reduction in PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and Ca levels from the preoperative day to the next morning was significantly greater in the SHPT group than in the NPTH group (p < 0.05). When intraoperative factors were included, the decrease in the PTH level alone was significant. SHPT was a significant factor in determining the extent of PTH reduction. Hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in the SHPT state were more susceptible to postoperative PTH reduction, which, combined with low preoperative Ca levels, increased the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with Graves' disease.

Optimizing Levothyroxine Replacement: A Precision Dosage Model for Post-Thyroidectomy Patients.

Thyroidectomy is commonly performed for benign or malignant thyroid tumors, often resulting in hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation is crucial to maintain hormone levels within the normal range and suppress TSH for cancer control. However, determining the optimal dosage remains challenging, leading to uncertain outcomes and potential side effects. We analyzed clinical examination data from 510 total thyroidectomy patients, including demographic information, blood tests, and thyroid function. Using R, we applied data preprocessing techniques and identified 274 samples with 98 variables. Principal Component Analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with optimal LT4 dosage. The analysis revealed that only eight variables significantly influenced the final satisfactory dosage of LT4 in tablets: Benign0/Malignant1 (benign or malignant), BQB (electrophoretic albumin ratio), TP (total protein), FDP (fibrin degradation products), TRAB_1 (thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody), PT (prothrombin time), MONO# (monocyte count), and HCV0C (hepatitis C antibody). The resulting predictive model was: . Parameters such as benign/malignant status, TRAB_1, and BQB ratio during medication can serve as observational indicators for postoperative LT4 dosage. The calculated linear model can predict the LT4 dosage for patients after thyroidectomy, leading to improved treatment effectiveness and conserving medical resources.

A Study of Incidence and Management of Postoperative Hypocalcemia in Patients Undergoing Near-Total and Total Thyroidectomy.

To study the incidence and management of postoperative hypocalcemia in participants undergoing near-total (NTT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) at a tertiary health care center. This is an observational prospective study. Patients posted for NTT and TT in our institute and meeting the inclusion criteria were included. A total of 45 participants were enrolled. The serum calcium was measured on postoperative day 2, at the time of discharge and on 3months follow-up. A combination of injectable and oral calcium supplements with or without vitamin D sachet was used for the treatment of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia was observed in 49% cases. Women were observed to develop hypocalcemia at a higher rate than men. Incidence of hypocalcemia was more in TT patients than NTT patients. Cases with malignant pathology were more susceptible to develop hypocalcemia than those with benign pathology. Operated TT with concomitant neck dissection were at higher risk for development of hypocalcemia. There was no significant association between age and incidence of hypocalcemia. Serum calcium measured on postoperative day 2 was a reliable indicator of risk of hypocalcemia. The early measurement of serum calcium level is a reliable indicator of the risk of hypocalcemia. Standardized treatment of hypocalcemic patients with calcium and vitamin D supplements can reduce the incidence and morbidity associated with postoperative hypocalcemia.

SAT574 Thyroglossal Duct Papillary Thyroid Cancer With Normal Eutopic Thyroid Gland: A Management Dilemma

Abstract Disclosure: H. Belal: None. J.T. Batch: None. G.Y. Gandhi: None. Background: The incidence of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinomas is less than 1%, the majority being papillary thyroid cancer. One-third arise de novo from the thyroglossal duct. The rest are direct metastasis of eutopic papillary thyroid cancer. Management in the setting of a normal eutopic thyroid gland is challenging. Clinical Case: A 35-year-old female presented with transient right facial paresthesia. CT angiogram revealed an incidental 2.3 cm thyroglossal duct cyst with internal ectopic thyroidal tissue and micro-calcifications. She denied any compressive symptoms, radiation exposure, or family history of thyroid cancer and was euthyroid. Ultrasound noted a normal thyroid gland and complex solid-cystic mass measuring 2.3 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm superior to the isthmus. Satisfactory fine needle aspiration of the mass revealed benign-appearing epithelial cells, macrophage, and colloid-like material. Due to new anterior neck pain, a Sistrunk Procedure (SP) was performed. Pathology revealed a 1.2 cm papillary thyroid carcinoma, conventional type (confirmed by TTF-1 and thyroglobulin stains), arising within the thyroglossal duct cyst. Surgical margins were free of cancer, and there was no lymphovascular invasion. A thyroid ultrasound seven months after the procedure revealed heterogenous thyroid tissue, no thyroid nodules, and several small benign-appearing reniform-shaped cervical lymph nodes in zones 1 and 2. The patient was offered yearly thyroid ultrasound surveillance versus prophylactic thyroidectomy. She elected to proceed with thyroidectomy due to concerns about disease recurrence. Final pathology results revealed right lobe 2 mm papillary microcarcinoma limited to the thyroid. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration of thyroglossal duct cysts can have a high false negative rate, as in our patient. There is currently no consensus on treatment of thyroid carcinomas arising from thyroglossal duct cysts. There are four possible surgical strategies: 1) SP alone 2) SP with concurrent thyroid lobectomy or pyramidal lobe resection 3) SP with total or near total thyroidectomy in all patients and 4) SP and selective addition of total or near total thyroidectomy in high-risk patients. The role of radio-iodine ablation and levothyroxine suppression after SP is also unclear. Management recommendations are Grade C, relying on case reports, case series, and expert opinion. Whether or not to proceed with total thyroidectomy, especially in the setting of a normal thyroid gland, remains highly controversial. Some experts even argue for an early aggressive surgical approach with SP, total thyroidectomy, and level I lymph node sampling in all patients to provide accurate staging and allow for the use of thyroglobulin and whole-body scintigraphy in surveillance. Multisite comparative data on the long-term outcomes of patients who receive early aggressive versus conservative management is needed. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Evaluation of Thyroidectomy Results Performed at a Tertiary Academic Center.

The aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze the patients who underwent thyroidectomy at a tertiary academic center regarding their surgical indications, histopathological diagnosis, and surgical complications. The study included a total of 739 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy, total thyroidectomy, or completion thyroidectomy performed under intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Dokuz Eylül University between January 2009 and December 2019. Demographic data of the patients, preoperative clinicopathological characteristics, postoperative complications, characteristics of surgery and histopathological results were evaluated. There were 619 patients in the primary surgery and 120 patients in the revision surgery groups. Indications for surgery were suspicion of malignancy in 486, multinodular goiter in 214, and hyperthyroidism in 39 patients. Final histopathological evaluation of specimens revealed malignancy in a total of 507 (68.6%) patients. Rates of transient and permanent hypocalcemia were 7.3% (54/739) and 2.2% (16/739) in the whole group, while this was 6.6% (41/619) and 1.5% (9/619), respectively, among primary total thyroidectomy patients. There were 61 (8.3%) patients with transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis (unilateral in 60 patients, bilateral in one patient) and five (0.7%) patients with permanent unilateral RLN paralysis as postoperative complications. Rates for postoperative hematoma, seroma, wound infection and chylous fistula were 2.2%, 3.7%, 0.1%, and 0.5%, respectively. Our results support the safety of thyroid surgery performed under IONM in tertiary academic centers. Every institution should document and share its own results to properly inform its patients preoperatively.

Physical activity and reduced risk of fracture in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy - a nationwide cohort study.

Levothyroxine suppressive therapy following thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer patients is considered as a risk factor for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. We evaluated the association of regular exercise and exercise habit change with fracture risk in adults older than 40 years who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. We enrolled the patients who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer older than 40 years between 2010 and 2016 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service data, and they were followed through 2019. Based on the questionnaire of health examination within 2 years before and after surgery, whether regular exercise once a week was evaluated. The reference group for the statistical analysis was the continuing lack of physical activity group that did not exercise before or after surgery. For fractures newly diagnosed during the follow-up period, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for risk evaluation. We evaluated 74,774 subjects, of whom 2,924 (3.9%) experienced any fractures during a median follow-up of 4.5 years. Compared with the group consistently lack of physical activity, the group that exercised before and after surgery showed a significant decrease in the risk of any fracture, vertebral fracture, and hip fracture: adjusted hazard ratio 0.848 (95% Confidence Interval 0.771-0.932), 0.703 (0.591-0.836), and 0.405 (0.224-0.732), respectively. For vertebral fracture, a significant reduction in fracture risk was confirmed even in patients who started their regular exercise after surgery: adjusted hazard ratio 0.779 (0.648-0.936). The risk reduction for vertebral fractures upon the initiation of exercise was found to be significant in the high-risk groups of patients: women and total thyroidectomy patients. We suggest that maintaining or starting regular exercise after surgery may help prevent fractures in thyroid cancer patients older than 40 years who have undergone thyroidectomy.

Impact of Clinico Pathological and Surgical Related Risk Factor in Post Operative Hypoparathyroidism in Total Thyroidectomy Patients

Impact of Clinico Pathological and Surgical Related Risk Factor in Post Operative Hypoparathyroidism in Total Thyroidectomy Patients

Is lobectomy sufficient for multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma?

ImportanceMultifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has been associated with a higher incidence of lymph node involvement, bilateral involvement, and extrathyroidal extension compared to unifocal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and determinants of survival for patients with multifocal PTMC using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. Design, setting, participantsThe SEER registry was utilized to calculate survival trends for patients with PTMC between 2010 and 2015. Patient data was then analyzed with respect to age, sex, race, multifocality, and types of surgery rendered. Main outcomes and measuresOverall Survival (OS) and Disease Specific Survival (DSS). Results22,283 cases of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (T1a N0 M0) were identified. The cohort was composed of 82.6 % females, and about 82 % of patients were of white race. The mean age at diagnosis was 51.9 years. Multifocal PTMC was present in 32.2 % of the tumors (n = 7186). 73.9 % of patients underwent total thyroidectomy and 23.0 % received lobectomy. OS at 2 and 5 years was 98 % and 95 %, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, sex, and multifocality were determinants of OS. Only age was a determinant of DSS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that multifocal PTMC had similar mean OS between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy patients (69.59 months versus 69.82 months). Conclusions and relevancePTMC has a good prognosis. Our analysis revealed that age was a determinant of OS and DSS; sex and multifocality were also prognosticators for OS. The type of surgery, whether lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, was not a determinant of survival in multifocal PTMC.

A Comprehensive Study on the Diagnosis and Management of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features.

Background: Since the noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTPs) was introduced in 2016, most retrospective studies have included cases diagnosed as encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. We investigate a cohort diagnosed with NIFTP at resection. Methods: Retrospective institutional cohort of NIFTP from 2016 to 2022, including clinical, cytological, and molecular data for 319 cases (6.6% of thyroid surgeries, 183 cases as NIFTP-only). Results: The patient cohort had unifocal or multifocal thyroid nodules. Female:male ratio was 2.7:1, mean age was 52 years and median NIFTP size was 2.1 cm. NIFTP was associated with multiple nodules in 23% patients (n = 73) and 12% of NIFTP were multifocal (n = 39). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of NIFTP (n = 255) were designated as nondiagnostic = 5%, benign = 13%, atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) = 49%, follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) = 17%, suspicious for malignancy = 12%, or malignant = 4%. Molecular alterations were identified in 93% (n = 114), RAS or RAS-like. Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) score 4 was recorded in 50% of NIFTP, followed by scores 3 and 5 (26% and 20%, respectively). We also investigated the factors associated with extent of surgery. In our NIFTP-only group (n = 183), 66% were identified after hemithyroidectomy (HT) and 34% after total thyroidectomy (TT). On univariate analysis, TT patients demonstrated higher Bethesda category by FNA, more often had aberrant preoperative thyroid function, and/or underwent an FNA of additional nodule(s). With multivariable regression, Bethesda V NIFTP, in the presence of other nodules being evaluated by FNA and aberrant preoperative thyroid function, independently predicts TT. Bethesda II NIFTP correlated significantly with HT. Fifty-two patients (28%) with NIFTP-only had at least one postoperative surveillance ultrasound. In the NIFTP-only cohort, no HT patients had completion thyroidectomy or received postoperative radioactive iodine. No recurrence or metastases were recorded with median follow-up of 35 months (6-76 months; n = 120). Conclusions: Given this large cohort of NIFTP, including a large subset of isolated NIFTP-only, some with >6 years of follow-up and no tumor recurrences, consensus practical guidelines are needed for adequate postoperative management. Given the American Thyroid Association (ATA) provides guidelines for management of low-risk malignancies, guidance regarding that for borderline/biologically uncertain tumors, including NIFTP, is a reasonable next step.

The impact of radioactive iodine treatment on subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients treated for differentiated thyroid cancer: assessing the predictive value of presystolic wave

Objectives: Despite strong evidence regarding the impact of radioactive iodine (RAI) on the hematopoietic, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems, its role in the cardiovascular system needs to be clarified. We hypothesized that the presence of a presystolic wave could be predictive for cardiovascular dysfunction in subjects receiving RAI. Thus, we investigated presystolic wave presence in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with and without RAI therapy after undergoing total thyroidectomy. Methods: Patients were included in the study within 1-5 years after thyroidectomy or thyroidectomy and RAI treatment. Participants were divided into three groups as follows: the first group included patients with DTC who received RAI following total thyroidectomy (Group 1; n = 33), the second group included patients with DTC who did not receive RAI following total thyroidectomy (Group 2; n = 34). The third group of age-matched subjects who underwent total thyroidectomy with suspicion of DTC and resulted in benign pathologies was also selected (Group 3; n = 37). All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The presence of a presystolic wave was assessed with Doppler imaging of the left ventricular outflow tract. Results: Presystolic wave was more common in subjects receiving RAI (Group 1) compared to Group 2 (those without RAI) (90.9% vs. 61.8% respectively, p = 0.003), and its prevalence in Group 3 was 54.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that receiving RAI (OR: 4.922, 95% CI: 1.640 – 20.022, p = 0.004) was independently associated with a 5-fold higher risk for the presence of a presystolic wave. Conclusions: RAI following total thyroidectomy in patients with DTC is associated with a five-fold increase in the presence of the presystolic wave, as a proxy marker for subclinical left ventricular dysfunction.

Correlation Between Pre-Operative Vitamin D Deficiency and Incidence of Hypocalcemia Following Total Thyroidectomy in Hyperthyroid Patients

Objective: This study was designed to determine whether or not "hypocalcemia following complete thyroidectomy in hyperthyroid patients was associated with preoperative vitamin D insufficiency." Methodology: This research was carried out in the West Surgical Ward of Mayo Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Total 60 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided in two groups i.e. Vit-D deficient group “with vitamin D deficiency” and Vit-D sufficient group “without vitamin D deficiency”. All the patients underwent total thyroidectomy preserving parathyroid glands performed by the same team of surgeons. Patients were assessed for signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia. Serum calcium was measured at day of surgery, post-operative day-1 and at the end of 2 weeks on follow up after surgery. Results: The mean of age in the Vit-D deficient group was 38.87±9.31 and in Vit-D sufficient group was 37.70±8.56. Majority of patients in the Vit-D deficient group were females (70.0%). In Vit-D deficient group, 13(43.3%) had hypocalcemia, while 5(16.7%) in Vit-D sufficient group (p-value 0.024). Conclusion: Pre-operative VDD “vitamin D deficiency” is linked with postoperative hypocalcemia increased occurrence after total thyroidectomy. There is a “positive correlation of preoperative vitamin D deficiency on postoperative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy in patients of hyperthyroidism”. Keywords: Hyperthyroid, Total Thyroidectomy, Hypocalcemia, Vitamin D deficiency

Prognostic Indicators of EIF1AX-Mutated Thyroid Tumor Malignancy and Cancer Aggressiveness.

The risk of malignancy (ROM) of EIF1AX-mutated thyroid nodules has been theorized to be contingent on the position of the mutation within the gene and the presence of co-existing mutations. However, due to EIF1AX's low mutation frequency, sample sizes currently reported in the literature are too diminutive to appraise the clinical utility of molecular diagnostic testing. The objective of this study was to elucidate prognostic indicators of EIF1AX-mutated thyroid tumors and cancer aggressiveness by examining a large cohort of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (CITNs) that underwent molecular testing and subsequent surgical resection. This is a multicenter study involving 764 subtotal and total thyroidectomy patients that underwent preoperative molecular testing at two quaternary care hospitals. A five-year retrospective review was performed on the 42 charts of patients that opted for surgery following a positive EIF1AX mutation on ThyroseqV3 results from January 2018 to May 2022. Patient demographics, cytopathology results, molecular testing results, and postoperative histopathology were reviewed. Of the 42 surgically resected nodules that harbored an EIF1AX mutation, 16 (38.1%) were benign, six (14.3%) were non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTPs) or well-differentiated thyroid neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential (WDT-UMPs), and 20 (47.6%) were malignant. An isolated EIF1AX mutation conferred a ROM of 47.6%, whereas the ROM for nodules with at least one additional molecular alteration was 72.7%. The ROM increased to 100% for nodules with at least one additional molecular alteration and the A113_splice site mutation. Six malignant nodules were aggressive, with five having variegated components of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). EIF1AX-mutated thyroid nodules are more susceptible to malignancy in the presence of the A113_splice site mutation and when co-mutated with RAS and/or TP53. This deleterious amalgam is associated with aggressive disease and renders these nodules PDTC. A preoperative molecular test finding of an EIF1AX mutation can be a useful tool for thyroid specialists to optimize clinical management.

Short-Term Complications After Total Thyroidectomy in Children

IntroductionTotal thyroidectomy for benign disease is becoming more common among children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 30-day outcomes in children undergoing total thyroidectomy and determine if the short-term outcomes are different in those with a malignant versus benign indication for surgery. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-Pediatric) to identify all children who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2015 to 2019. Fisher's exact test was used to compare postoperative outcomes between benign and malignant indications for thyroidectomy. ResultsAmong 1595 total thyroidectomy patients, 1091 (68.4%) had a benign indication and 504 (31.6%) had a malignant indication. There were 1234 (77.4%) females, and the median age was 14.9 y (interquartile range [IQR] 12.5, 16.6). Average length of stay (LOS) was similar between cohorts (1.7 d for benign and 1.9 d for malignant, P = 0.30). Parathyroid auto-transplantation was performed in 71 (6.5%) patients in the benign cohort and 43 (8.6%) in the malignant cohort (P = 0.15). The most common complications were readmissions (23 [2.1%] benign and 15 [3.0%] malignant, P = 0.29) and reoperations (7 [0.6%] benign and 5 [1.0%] malignant, P = 0.54). Complication profiles were similar between benign and malignant cohorts (2.8% and 4.6%, respectively [P = 0.10]). ConclusionsChildren undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign and malignant indications have low rates of 30-d postoperative complications, suggesting that total thyroidectomy is a safe option for children with benign disease. Evaluation of long-term outcomes is needed.

Higher Complication Rates for Total versus Partial Thyroidectomy in the Pediatric Population

IntroductionThis study aims to analyze the relative risks for total thyroidectomies by comparing complication rates for total versus partial thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. MethodsWe queried the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) 1997-2012 for all cases of total (n = 3253) or partial (n = 2380) thyroidectomy. We then designed a propensity score matching model and compared total versus partial thyroidectomy based on surgical complications and outcomes. ResultsIn our cohort, the median age was 16 years and 79% were females. Those treated at a specialty pediatric hospital or pediatric unit in a general hospital comprised 73% of all patients. The most common indications for surgery were malignancy (46%) and goiter (42%). The most common complications were hypocalcemia and nerve injury with an unweighted incidence of 9% (n = 174) and 3% (n = 57) respectively. When compared to partial thyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy was associated with increased rates of postoperative complications. Additionally, the median length of stay was significantly higher for total thyroidectomy patients. ConclusionsThis is the largest analysis to date comparing outcomes for total versus partial thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. Surgeons should consider the increased rates of hypocalcemia and nerve injury complications when selecting total compared to partial thyroidectomy in children.