VI Lymph Node Research Articles

Hypoparathyroidism After Total Thyroidectomy: Importance of the Intraoperative Management of the Parathyroid Glands.

Total thyroidectomy is the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of thyroid diseases. Postoperative hypocalcemia/hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy in order to identify potential risk factors and to evaluate the impact of parathyroid autotransplantation. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1018 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at our institution between 2000 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed to analyze patient features, clinical presentation, management and postoperative complications. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed based on the natural scaling of each included variable. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Mean ± SD age was 46.79 ± 15.9years; 112 (11.7%) were males and 844 (88.3%) females. A total of 642 (67.2%) patients underwent surgery for malignant disease. The rate of postoperative hypocalcemia, transient, protracted and permanent hypoparathyroidism was 32.8%, 14.43%, 18.4% and 3.9%, respectively. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was significantly associated with the number of parathyroid glands remaining in situ (4 glands: 2.5%, 3 glands: 3.8%, 1-2 glands: 13.3%; p ˂ 0.0001) [OR for 1-2 glands in situ = 5.32, CI 95% 2.61-10.82]. Other risk factors related to permanent hypoparathyroidism were obesity (OR 3.56, CI 95% 1.79-7.07), concomitant level VI lymph node dissection (OR 3.04, CI 95% 1.46-6.37) and incidental parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (OR 3.6, CI 95% 1.85-7.02). Identification and in situ preservation of at least three parathyroid glands were associated with a lower rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (30.4%) and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism (2.79%).

Shear wave elastography in the evaluation of level VI lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma: combined with gray-scale ultrasound ex vivo

BackgroundThe evaluation of cervical lymph nodes is very important for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Conventional ultrasound is recommended to assess the status of cervical lymph nodes but the diagnostic performance is not satisfying especially in level VI lymph nodes. Recently, shear wave elastography has shown great potential in diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the value of shear wave elastography in ultrasound evaluation for level VI lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Because Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may influence the diagnostic performance, a subgroup was also analysed that included only lymph nodes from PTC without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.MethodsEighty-Seven level VI lymph nodes from 22 consecutive patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma were evaluated by gray-scale ultrasound and SWE in condition of ex vivo before rapid frozen section. Gray-scale ultrasound and shear wave elastography indexes of metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes were evaluated by statistical analysis separately in all patients and in patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Indexes included long diameter, short diameter, short-to-long diameter ratio (S/L ratio), Emean, Emin, Emax and ESD. The rapid frozen section result of each lymph node was used as gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic performance of gray-scale ultrasound and combination method which combined gray-scale ultrasound and SWE.ResultsIn all patients, significant indexes included short diameter (p = 0.009), S/L ratio (p = 0.003), Emax (p = 0.016) and ESD (p = 0.006). In patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, significant indexes included short diameter (p = 0.002), S/L ratio (p = 0.003), Emean (p = 0.030), Emax (p < 0.001) and ESD (p = 0.001). Combining gray-scale ultrasound with SWE, combination method had higher AUC than gray-scale ultrasound both in all patients (0.887 vs 0.841) and patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (0.925 vs 0.866). Gray-scale ultrasound had higher AUC in patients without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis than in all patients (0.866 vs 0.841), which was the same with combination method (0.925 vs 0.887).ConclusionShear wave elastography can provide additional information for ultrasound evaluation of level VI lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma, especially in papillary thyroid carcinoma without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Prognostic Role of Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to elucidate the clinicopathological significances, including the prognostic role, of metastatic lymph node ratio (mLNR) and tumor deposit diameter in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) through a retrospective review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe categorized the cases into high (≥ 0.44) and low mLNR (< 0.44) and investigated the correlations with clinicopathological parameters in 64 PTCs with neck level VI lymph node (LN) metastasis. In addition, meta-analysis of seven eligible studies was used to investigate the correlation between mLNR and survival.ResultsAmong 64 PTCs with neck level VI LN metastasis, high mLNR was found in 34 PTCs (53.1%). High mLNR was significantly correlated with macrometastasis (tumor deposit diameter ≥ 0.2 cm), extracapsular spread, and number of metastatic LNs. Based on linear regression test, mLNR was significantly increased by the largest LN size but not the largest metastatic LN (mLN) size. High mLNR was not correlated with nuclear factor κB or cyclin D1 immunohistochemical expression, Ki-67 labeling index, or other pathological parameters of primary tumor. Based on meta-analysis, high mLNR significantly correlated with worse disease-free survival at the 5-year and 10-year follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 4.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.527 to 6.714 and HR, 5.769; 95% CI, 2.951 to 11.275, respectively).ConclusionsOur data showed that high mLNR significantly correlated with worse survival, macrometastasis, and extracapsular spread of mLNs. Further cumulative studies for more detailed criteria of mLNR are needed before application in daily practice.

Analysis of lymph node metastasis for hypopharyngeal carcinoma based on computed tomography

Objective To explore the pattern of lymph node metastasis and provide guidance for the delineation of clinical target volume for patients diagnosed with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Methods A total of 123 patients who were initially diagnosed with HSCC by electrolaryngoscope and computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck in Shandong Tumor Hospital between 2014 and 2017 were recruited in this study. The lymph node metastasis was evaluated based on the diagnostic criteria of CT scan. The lymphatic metastasis ratio (LMR) at each node level was calculated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and χ2 test were used to analyze the relationship between LMR and primary tumors. Results Among 123 patients, primary tumors were originated from the pyriform sinus (PS) in 101 cases (82.1%), posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) in 15(12.2%) and postcricoid (PC) in 7(5.7%), respectively. The overall LMR was calculated as 84.6%(n=104), in detail, 84.2% for patients with primary tumors originating from PS, 93.3% for those from PPW and 71.4% for patients from PC, respectively. For PS-derived tumors, the ipsilateral neck LMR at the level Ⅰa, Ⅰb, Ⅱa, Ⅱb, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵa, Ⅵb, and Ⅶ was 0, 3.0%, 66.3%, 42.6%, 46.5%, 10.9%, 5.0%, 2.0%, 7.9%, and 11.9%, respectively, and 0, 0, 14.9%, 5.0%, 3.0%, 2.0%, 0, 0, 3.0%, and 2.0% for the contralateral neck. For PPW tumors, the ipsilateral neck LMR at the level Ⅰa, Ⅰb, Ⅱa, Ⅱb, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵa, Ⅵb, and Ⅶ was 6.7%, 6.7%, 66.7%, 46.7%, 46.7%, 20.0%, 0, 13.3%, 33.3%, and 60.0%, respectively, and 6.7%, 6.7%, 33.3%, 26.7%, 20.0%, 20.0%, 0, 0, 13.3%, and 33.3% for the contralateral neck. For PC tumors, the ipsilateral neck LMR at the level Ⅱa, Ⅱb, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ and Ⅵb was 71.4%, 28.6%, 14.3%, 14.0%, 14.0%, and 14.3%, respectively, and the LMR at the level Ⅱa was 14.3% for the contralateral neck. No lymph node metastasis occurred in other lymph node levels. The mean levels of lymph node metastasis for the T1-T4 stage tumors were 2.4, 1.9, 2.2, 3.3 with statistical significance (P=0.023), and 2.2, 4.5 and 1.6 for patients with the tumors originated from PS, PPW and PC (P=0.000). The PPW invasion was significantly correlated with the level Ⅶ metastasis (P=0.000), and PC or esophageal invasion was intimately correlated with the level Ⅵ metastasis (P=0.002 and 0.001). Conclusions The most common lymphatic metastasis includes ipsilateral neck Ⅱa, Ⅲ, and Ⅱb, whereas the level Ⅰ and Ⅴ are rarely observed. For PPW-derived tumors, the LMR at the level Ⅶ is up to 60.0%. The incidence of PC or esophageal invasion enhances the risk of level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis. Key words: Hypopharyngeal carcinoma; Lymph node; Clinical target volume

Central Lymph Node Dissection Improves Lymph Node Clearance in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients with Lateral Neck Metastases, Even after Prior Total Thyroidectomy

The oncologic benefit of a central lymph node dissection (CLND) at the time of modified radical neck dissection (MRND) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer who have previously undergone a total thyroidectomy (TT) has not been studied. Patients with lateral cervical metastases were divided into two treatment groups: the concurrent cohort (TT with CLND and MRND), and the interval cohort (CLND and MRND after prior TT). Primary outcomes were lymph node metastases, skip metastases, level VI cancer recurrence, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Treatment groups consisted of 63 and 16 patients in the concurrent and interval groups, respectively. More central lymph nodes were removed (15.4 ± 8.4 to 10.1 ± 5.2 (P = 0.02)), but similar level VI lymph node metastasis occurred (92.0-93.8% (P = 0.99)) in the concurrent group compared with the interval group, respectively. Skip metastases were identified in only 7.6 per cent of patients. The incidence of level VI recurrence and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was 1.2 per cent. Three patients developed hypoparathyroidism (3.7%). All permanent morbidities occurred in the concurrent group. CLND at the time of MRND for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer frequently identifies level VI metastases and can be done with low operative morbidity by experienced endocrine surgeons, even in patients who have undergone a prior TT.

Independent predictors and lymph node metastasis characteristics of multifocal papillary thyroid cancer.

The multifocal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), with more aggressive and poorer prognosis, is not rare in papillary histotype. Few studies evaluated risk factors and lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC. The aim of this present study focusing on risk factors and lymph node metastasis characteristics in multifocal PTC was excepted to assist clinical decisions regarding surgery.It was a retrospective study. The 1249 consecutive patients with PTC were reviewed. Of these, 570 patients who met the criteria were selected: 285 with solitary papillary thyroid cancer and 285 with multifocal PTC. The risk factors and lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.Multifocal PTC showed a higher positive rate of capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, tumor size >10 mm, pathological T classification, N+ stage, local recurrence, and radioactive iodine ablation (RAI). Capsular invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 1.589; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.352–1.984), advanced pathological T classification (HR, 3.582; 95% CI, 2.184–5.870), and pathological N+ stage (HR, 1.872; 95% CI, 1.278–2.742) were related to increased risk of multifocality and there was a significant increased HR for central neck compartment involvement in male sex (HR, 2.694; 95% CI, 1.740–4.169), advanced pathological T classification (HR, 2.403; 95% CI, 1.479–3.907) and multifocality (HR, 1.988; 95% CI, 1.361–2.906).There is a significant association between capsular invasion, advanced pathological T classification, N+ stage, and multifocal PTC. Total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic bilateral central lymph node dissection should be recommended during surgery due to a stronger predilection for level VI lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC.

Hypocalcaemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism after total/bilateral thyroidectomy in the BAETS Registry.

The UK Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (UKRETS) has been operated by the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS) and Dendrite Clinical Systems Ltd. in a web-based electronic format since 2004. Data on over 90,000 endocrine procedures have been collected to date. Analysis of those cases undergoing bilateral thyroid resections in the interval July 2010 to June 2015 demonstrates that hypocalcaemia remains the commonest complication of thyroid surgery. After first-time total thyroidectomy, 23.6% of patients develop hypocalcaemia, defined as a serum calcium <2.10 mmol/L (or <1.20 mmol/L ionized calcium) on the first post-operative day. Most require treatment with calcium +/- vitamin D supplements, with around 38% of all patients being treated by the time of discharge from the index admission. By 6 months post-operative, 7.3% of patients remain on calcium/vitamin D supplements, reflecting persistent (though not necessarily permanent) hypoparathyroidism. Risk factors for persistent hypocalcaemia are principally concomitant level VI lymph node dissection [odds ratio (OR) =2.73]; re-operative surgery (OR =1.44); and inter-surgeon variation.

Diagnostic value of single-source dual-energy spectral computed tomography for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas.

Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) are common diagnostic imaging methods for detecting and diagnosing papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). However, single-source dual-energy spectral computed tomography (spectral CT) reduces beam hardening artefacts and optimizes contrast, which may add value in detecting PTMC. To investigate values of applying single-source dual-energy spectral CT for diagnosing PTMCs, in comparison with high frequency ultrasound and conventional polychromatic images. Thirty-one patients with suspected PTMC underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy spectral CT. The images were analyzed by two experienced radiologists. Noise and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) were compared between conventional CT and spectral CT. Ultrasonography was also performed by an experienced radiologist with a 7 to 12-MHz linear array transducer. Detection and diagnostic sensitivity were determined and compared. Forty-six pathologically-confirmed PTMC lesions were detected in 31 patients. Spectral CT had lower noise and higher CNR than conventional CT (P < 0.05). US detected more tumors (45/46 [97.8%] than conventional CT images (40/46 [87.0%]) or spectral CT images (44/46 [95.7%]). Among them, 30 (65.2%), 36 (78.3%), and 40 (87.0%) lesions were diagnosed correctly by conventional CT, spectral CT and US, respectively. Spectral CT had higher sensitivity than conventional CT (P = 0.031). However, there was no significant difference between spectral CT and US diagnostic sensitivities (P = 0.125). Single-source dual-energy spectral CT was superior to conventional polychromatic images and similar to high frequency ultrasound in detecting and diagnosing for PTMCs. CT had advantages in detecting level VI and VII lymph nodes. Spectral CT and US provided good results for PTMC, and aid preoperative diagnosis.

Application of carbon nanoparticle in neck Ⅵ lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective:To investigate the application value of carbon nanoparticle lymph tracer in Ⅵ lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid cancer.Method:One hundred and forty-eight patients with papillary thyroid cancer from October 2015 to May 2016 were enrolled into the retrospective analysis. Seventy-five cases with carbon nanoparticle injected in operation were divided into observation group, while the other seventy-three cases without lymph tracer were divided into control group. The number of neck Ⅵ lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes between the two groups were compared, as well as the incidence of parathyroid injury and postoperative hypocalcemia. Result:There were no significant difference in age, gender, tumor size, pathology or type of operation between the two groups(P>0.05). Parathyroid injury incidence in the observation group significantly lower than the control group (5.33% vs 5.33%, P< 0.05). There was significant difference in the number of neck Ⅵ lymph node dissection between the two groups (observation group: 6.51±4.65, control group: 4.42±3.10, P< 0.05).Conclusion:Carbon nanoparticle injected as a lymph tracer in thyroid surgery is helpful, the characteristics of the parathyroid gland negative imaging can effectively decrease the rate of parathyroid gland injury.

Needle-Assisted Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection Through Bilateral Areola Approach for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients

Introduction: Needle-assisted endoscopic lateral neck dissection through the bilateral areola approach is a technique of selective neck dissection for levels IIA, IIB, III, IV, VB, and VI lymph nodes. This technique has a cosmetic effect on patients with N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods/Case Presentation: In January 2016, a 26-year-old female patient was found to have PTC with right lateral cervical lymph node metastasis by fine-needle aspiration. It was found to be clinical stage I cT1bN1bM0. After CT scan and ultrasonography inspection, we decided to perform total thyroidectomy and right lateral neck dissection through the bilateral areola approach. Incisions were made at the bilateral areola with a 5-mm trocar and a 10-mm trocar was inserted into the right breast margin at the 4 o'clock position. Needle-assisted instruments directly approached the surgery region through the neck skin. We built up an operating space by the liquid–gas method with 6 mmHg CO2 and suture suspension to maintain the spaces. Using needle-assisted instruments, the external jugular vein was separated primarily and was protected well. Then we anatomized the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid to show the carotid triangle, including the posterior belly of the digastric muscles, hypoglossal nerve (XII), and accessory nerve (XI), and dissected the levels IIA, IIB, and III lymph nodes at the same time. Furthermore, the level IV lymph node was dissected after exposing the venous angle and ligating the lymphatic duct at the intermuscular approach. For identifying the transverse cervical artery and cervical nerves, we returned to level V to remove the specimen and complete the lateral neck dissection. Finally, the recurrent laryngeal nerves, parathyroids, and other important structures mentioned previously were taken on completely. Three drainage tubes were placed in the neck. This surgery left minimal scars on the neck, and the cervical sensory nerves were properly preserved. Results/Discussion: The patient received treatment after surgery in the hospital for 5 days without postoperative complications. Needle-assisted endoscopic lateral neck dissection through the bilateral areola approach for PTC patients can obtain significant cosmetic results and also minimal invasion for young PTC patients with lateral lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Needle-assisted endoscopic lateral neck dissection through the bilateral areola approach is considered for N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma without mediastinal metastasis. It is an excellent option for young patients that gives better cosmetic effect and minimal invasion. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 8 mins 30 secs

Recurrence factors and prevention of complications of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer

To investigate the factors associated with recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer in children. We combined the clinical and pathological features to guide surgical treatment options, ensure efficacy, and reduce complications. A prospective analysis of clinical data of 43 cases of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer from March 2008 to June 2014 admitted in our department, including 38 cases of papillary cancers and five cases of follicular cancer; 40 cases were Stage I and three cases were Stage II (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] Tumor Node Metastasis classification [TNM] staging). We performed the operations according to the condition of lesions and lymph nodes. Operations included subtotal resection in 36 cases, total resection in seven cases. We applied statistical methods to investigate the risk factors of recurrence and postoperative complications. The pathologic lymph node metastasis rate was 67.44% (29/43): Area VI lymph nodes metastases in 20 cases and Area III/IV or Area II/V lymph nodes metastases in nine cases. Postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were seen in three cases and hoarseness in three cases, for a total rate of 13.95% (6/43). Until December 2015, patients were followed up from 1.5 years to 8.7 years, with a median of 4.9 years. There were three cases of cervical lymph node recurrence, one case of local recurrence, and one case of lung metastasis, for a total recurrence rate of 11.63% (5/43); all patients survived. Log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox stepwise regression analysis showed that lesion number, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph nodes metastases were the risk factors for postoperative recurrence; the relative risk values were, respectively, 3.117, 2.816, and 4.628 (p=0.041, p=0.048, and p=0.031, respectively) and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were, respectively, 1.094∼8.735, 1.046∼7.932, and 1.189∼10.205. However, the lesion excision approach was not a risk factor for postoperative recurrence (p=0.107). The logistic stepwise regression model showed that lesion excision approach was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia and hoarseness; the odds ratio value was 2.537 (p=0.037) and the 95% CI was 1.034∼6.983. Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer has a high metastatic rate to lymph nodes and distant organs, but the total prognosis is good. Application of total resection cannot necessarily reduce the relapse rate of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, but it may increase the postoperative hypocalcemia and hoarseness. The authors propose strictly adhering to various operation indicators, and carrying out various operations with a full understanding of the local lesion and lymph nodes in order to reduce relapse and postoperative complications.

Routine central lymph node dissection with total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer potentially minimizes level VI recurrence

Treatment strategies for papillary thyroid cancer remain controversial due to the lack of large, randomized controlled trials. The purpose of this study was to review the benefit of routine bilateral central lymph node dissection (CLND) by analyzing local recurrence and complication rates from a single institution over a 15-year period. A retrospective, institutional review board-approved review of the Baylor Scott & White Tumor Registry was performed on all patients who underwent operation for papillary thyroid cancer between 2000 and 2015. Patients were evaluated by age, sex, tumor size, operation performed, pathologic findings, adjuvant therapy, and date of recurrence. Primary outcomes were cancer recurrence, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and hypoparathyroidism. Total thyroidectomy with CLND was performed in 266 patients. Metastases to level VI lymph nodes were present in 106/266 (39.8%) patients. Average follow-up after thyroidectomy was 46months (range 1-125months). Papillary thyroid cancer recurred in 4 patients after thyroidectomy with CLND for primary tumors with mean size of 1.6cm (range 1.0-2.0cm). Two patients with T4 tumors had local recurrence in the paratracheal soft tissues, and 2 patients presented with recurrence in the lateral neck. Temporary nerve injuries occurred in 9/266 (3.4%) and permanent nerve injuries in 1/266 (0.4%) of CLND. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4/266 (1.5%) patients. Total thyroidectomy with CLND can safely be performed routinely for treatment of papillary thyroid cancer in the hands of experienced endocrine surgeons. Dissection of level VI lymph nodes does not increase the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury when performed routinely. Bilateral CLND with total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer potentially minimizes recurrence in the level VI compartment.

Preoperative Lymph Node Staging by FDG PET/CT With Contrast Enhancement for Thyroid Cancer: A Multicenter Study and Comparison With Neck CT.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare lymph node (LN) staging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with contrast-enhancement (CE) PET/CT and contrast-enhanced neck CT (neck CT) in patients with thyroid cancer with level-by-level comparison with various factors.MethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study. A total of 85 patients were enrolled. Patients who underwent a preoperative evaluation by CE PET/CT and neck CT for thyroid cancer were enrolled. The gold standard for LN was the combination of surgical pathology and clinical follow-up. We compared CE PET/CT with neck CT using a level-by-level method. Factors, including age, sex, camera, arm position, tumor size, extra-thyroidal extension, tumor location, number of primary tumors, primary tumor maximum standardized uptake value, and the interval from scan to operation were also analyzed.ResultsOverall accuracy was 81.2% for CE PET/CT and 68.2% for neck CT. CE PET/CT was more sensitive than neck CT (65.8% vs. 44.7%). Also, CE PET/CT showed higher negative predictive value (77.2% vs. 66.1%). CE PET/CT showed good agreement with the gold standard (weighted kappa [κ], 0.7) for differentiating N0, N1a, and N1b, whereas neck CT showed moderate agreement (weighted κ, 0.5). CE PET/CT showed better agreement for the number of levels involved with the gold standard (weighted κ, 0.7) than that of neck CT with the gold standard (weighted κ, 0.5). The accuracies for differentiating N0, N1a, and N1b were 81.2% for CE PET/CT and 68.2% for neck CT. Level-by-level analysis showed that CE PET/CT was more sensitive and has higher negative predictive value for detecting ipsilateral level IV and level VI LNs than neck CT. Other analyzed factors were not related to accuracies of both modalities.ConclusionCE PET/CT was more sensitive and reliable than neck CT for preoperative LN staging in patients with thyroid cancer.

Risk factors of level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective:To study the risk factors related to level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in clinical N0 (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Method:A total of 107 cases with cN0 PTC treated in the same group were analyzed retrospectively. The frequency and risk factors for level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis in these patients were analyzed. Result:Level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis existed in 51.40% (55/107) cases. In univariate analysis, level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis was associated with age (χ²＝9.090,P<0.01), gender (χ²＝5.061,P<0.05), tumor maximum diameter (χ²＝8.772,P<0.01), tumor multifocality (χ²＝8.120,P<0.01), capsular invasion (χ²＝4.960,P<0.05), and surrounding tissue invasion (χ²＝3.858,P<0.05), but not with nodular goiter or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that age,tumor maximum diameter, multifocal tumors and surrounding tissue invasion were independent risk factors for level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis. Conclusion:A high risk level Ⅵ lymph node metastasis exists in DTC with clinical N0. Prophylactic level Ⅵ neck dissection is strongly recommended in patients with PTC who are younger, tumor size more than 2 cm, multifocal tumor and surrounding tissue invasion.

Pattern of lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and indications for level VI lymph node dissection.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic significance of level VI lymph node metastases from hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A retrospective review of 68 previously untreated patients with hypopharyngeal SCC who underwent level VI node dissection was performed. Level VI lymph node metastases occurred in 27.9% of patients. The occult metastasis rate of level VI node was 14.3%. Patients with level VI metastasis had significantly lower disease-specific (55.1% vs 26.3%) and overall survival rates (73.5% vs 31.6%). Level VI lymph node metastasis was significantly correlated with regional recurrence (83.7% vs 63.2%) and distant metastasis (67.3% vs 47.4%). Multivariate analysis revealed that pyriform sinus apex invasion (odds ratio [OR] = 5.106) was an independent factor for level VI nodal metastasis. Level VI lymph nodes should be removed in patients with pyriform sinus apex invasion, especially in those with advanced nodal disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1969-E1973, 2016.

The impact of different surgical method and different doses of euthyrox on bone mineral density

Objective To investigate the impact of different surgical methods and different doses of euthyrox on bone mineral density. Methods A sample of 40 patients received thyroid cancer operation(excised affected side leaf, aisthmus, most of offside and neck VI lymph node dissection)and 40 patients received nodular goiter operation (excised affected side leaf)were collected, the dose of euthyrox taken in was 85.2μg in thyroid cancer patients and 36.2μg in nodular goiter patients daily, the bone mineral density 6 month and 1 year after operation was detected. Results There was no difference of BMD between the two group 6 month after operation(P>0.05),but BMD of the observation group was(0.64±0.28)g/m2, which was lower than that of control group(t=2.235,P=0.03). Compared with pre-operation,BMD of control group had no change and the observation group appeared drop 1 year after operation. Conclusion Patients received thyroid cancer taking in euthyrox may show BMD reduced, especial 1year after operation, doctors should be on the alert and supplement calcium appropriately. Key words: Thyroid surgical method; Euthyrox; Bone mineral density

Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Cancer Increases the Risk of Central Lymph Node Metastasis.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy, with a strong predilection for lymph node metastasis, most commonly to the central neck compartment (level VI). Few studies have evaluated lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC, and the role of level VI dissection in the management of PTC remains controversial. This retrospective analysis evaluated the rate of level VI lymph node positivity in multifocal PTC, as compared with unifocal disease, in order to inform surgical decision making better. Patients with PTC who underwent total or hemi-thyroidectomy plus level VI lymph node dissection at the authors' institution between January 2008 and June 2014 were included (N=227). The number and laterality of PTC foci, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), and positive/total number of level VI lymph nodes were recorded. Fisher's exact test was used to determine univariate associations, and multivariate analysis was done by logistical regression. There was an association between the number of PTC foci and level VI node positivity (p<0.001), with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.355 in patients with three or more tumor foci (p=0.026). The OR for central neck metastasis was 1.088 with each additional focus of PTC (p=0.018). The risk of level VI node positivity in the presence of one or two foci was only 19%, with no appreciable difference between one and two foci. This risk increased in the presence of between three and nine foci (38%), and 10 or more foci (88%). Level VI node positivity was associated with ETE (p<0.001), LVI (p<0.001), and size of the largest focus (p<0.001). There was no association between level VI lymph node positivity and male sex (p=0.089), bilaterality (p=0.276), or age (p=0.076). There is a significant association between multifocal PTC and level VI lymph node positivity, increasing proportionally with the number of foci. These findings recognize multifocality as a sign of tumor aggressiveness, as evidenced by a higher propensity for lymph node metastasis.

Prophylactic Level VII Nodal Dissection as a Prognostic Factor in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: a Pilot Study of 27 Patients.

Prognostic value of prophylactic level VII nodal dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma has been highlighted. A total of 27 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with N0 neck underwent total thyroidectomy with level VI and VII nodal dissection through same collar neck incision. Multicentricity, bilaterality, extrathyroidal extension, level VI and VII lymph nodes were studied as separate and independent prognostic factors for DFS at 24 months. 21 females and 6 males with a mean age of 34.6 years old, tumor size was 5-24 mm. (mean 12.4 mm.), multicentricity in 11 patients 2-4 foci (mean 2.7), bilaterality in 8 patients and extrathyroidal extension in 8 patients. Dissected level VI LNs 2-8 (mean 5 LNs) and level VII LNs 1-4 (mean 1.9). Metastatic level VI LNs 0-3 (mean 1) and level VII LNs 0-2 (mean 0.5). Follow-up from 6-51 months (mean 25.6) with 7 patients showed recurrence (3 local and 4 distant). Cumulative DFS at 24 months was 87.8% and was significantly affected in relation to bilaterality (p-value<0.001), extrathyroidal extension (p-value<0.001), level VI positive ((p-value<0.001) and level VII positive ((p-value<0.001) LNs. No recurrences were detected during the follow-up period in the absence of level VI and level VII nodal involvement. Level VII prophylactic nodal dissection is an important and integral prognostic factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma. A larger multicenter study is crucial to reach a satisfactory conclusion about the necessity and safety of this approach.

Meta analysis of lymph node metastasis pattern of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective Based on the published articles, this paper aims to study the pattern and proba-bility of lymph nodes metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and establish a radiotherapy standard for selecting and delineation of clinical target volume of neck lymphatics for NPC patients with N0 or N1. Methods Clinical trials about NPC by MRI as the main or only diagnostic imaging way were collected and extracted from database, such as WanFang, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata software, version 12.0. Results Twenty-one clinical trials from 963 original articles were included in this analysis. The most commonly involved regions included retropharyngeal (67%) and level Ⅱ lymph nodes (71%). The overall probability of levels Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴnodal involvement were 37%, 14% and 21%, respectively. Low-risk node groups included levels ⅠA, ⅠB, Ⅵ nodes, and the rates of lymph node metastasis were 0, 2%, 2% and 1%, respectively. Nodal metastases followed an orderly pattern of top-down, and the probability of skip metastasis between levels varied between 0.5%~7.9%. Conclusion Lymph node metastasis in NPC follows a predictable and orderly pattern. The rarity of metastasis in certain nodal groups and skip metastasis suggest that reduced treatment volume is feasible in conformal radiotherapy for NPC patients with N0 or N1. Key words: Nasopharyngeal neoplasms; Lymphatic metastasis; Meta-analysis

Characteristics of neck level VI lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma: correlation between nodal characteristics and primary tumor.

Little is known about the pathological characteristics of metastatic and nonmetastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The aim of this study was to elucidate the pathological characteristics of neck level VI nodes and correlations with clinicopathological parameters. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 124 classical PTCs and characteristics of 850 dissected neck level VI LNs. Immunohistochemistry for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Ki-67 was performed on primary tumors, and correlations with nodal characteristics were investigated. Nodal metastasis at neck level VI was identified in 68 of 124 PTCs (54.8 %) and was significantly correlated with tumor size, tumor multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and tumor stage. LN metastasis was significantly correlated with larger mean LN size (P < 0.001), larger size of the largest LN (P < 0.001), and more LNs (P < 0.001). The mean size of metastatic LNs (n = 233) was significantly larger than nonmetastatic LNs (n = 617) (P < 0.001). Primary tumor diameter significantly correlated with the largest LN size (P = 0.014, R (2) = 0.049), but not mean size or number of LNs by linear regression analysis. NF-κB and Ki-67 proliferation indexes were not significantly correlated with larger nodal size. These results suggested that characteristics of nodes and primary tumor would be useful criteria for making decisions about preoperative surveillance of nodal metastasis.