Surgical treatment of thyroid follicular neoplasms: results of a retrospective analysis of a large clinical series

The most appropriate surgical management of "follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm" lesions (FN), considering their low definitive malignancy rate and the limited predictive power of preoperative clinic-diagnostic factors, is still controversial. On behalf of the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (U.E.C. CLUB), we collected and analyzed the experience of 26 endocrine centers by computerized questionnaire. 1379 patients, surgically treated after a FN diagnosis from January 2012 and December 2103, were evaluated. Histological features, surgical complications, and medium-term outcomes were reported. Total thyroidectomy (TT) was performed in 1055/1379 patients (76.5 %), while hemithyroidectomy (HT) was carried out in 324/1379 cases (23.5 %). Malignancy rate was higher in TT than in HT groups (36.4 vs. 26.2 %), whereas the rates of transient and definitive hypoparathyroidism following TT were higher than after HT. Consensual thyroiditis (16.8 vs. 9.9 %) and patient age (50.9 vs. 47.9 %) also differed between groups. A cytological FN diagnosis was associated to a not negligible malignancy rate (469/1379 patients; 34 %), that was higher in TT than in HT groups. However, a lower morbidity rate was observed in HT, which should be considered the standard of care in solitary lesions in absence of specific risk factors. Malignancy could not be preoperatively assessed and clinical decision-making is still controversial. Further efforts should be spent to more accurately preoperatively classify FN thyroid nodules.

Wound complications after kidney transplantation in nondiabetic patients

INTRODUCTION

Impaired wound healing represents a common operative complication after kidney transplantation. This problem seems to be affected by factors related to surgical technique, drugs, and patient/graft peculiarities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2007, 350 consecutive kidney transplantations were performed in a population of nondiabetic patients. We evaluated the influence of various factors on impaired wound healing.

RESULTS

Among 350 kidney transplantation patients, we observed 54 cases (15.43%) of impaired healing of the surgical incision: 36 (10.29%) with first level and 18 (5.14%) with second level wound complications. Factors related to complications were overweight and delayed graft function. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus had similar effects. However, all patients developing second level complications showed more risk factors. In our experience, postoperative lymphocele did not occur as an unique factor but became a significant risk factor when associated with another one. Patients who did not have reconstruction of the muscle layers showed a greater incidence of incisional complications.

CONCLUSION

Impaired healing of the surgical incision more or less seriously influenced outcomes of transplanted patients. This complication was common and usually related to the presence of more than one risk factor.

Thyroid nodules treated with percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RTA) was reported as an effective tool for the management of thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RTA and to establish whether they were treatment-related by comparison with a matched, untreated control group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study population included 40 patients with compressive TNs: 22 had nontoxic TNs, and 18 had toxic TNs and were treated with methimazole. In all patients, a fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed to exclude a thyroid malignancy.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty patients were treated with RTA (group A), and 20 others did not receive any treatment (group B). At baseline, age, gender, and TN features did not differ significantly between groups. All patients were clinically, biochemically, and morphologically evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

TN volume significantly decreased in group A (1.8 ± 0.3 ml at 12 months vs. 13.3 ± 1.8 ml at baseline; P < 0.0001) and remained stable in group B [11.7 ± 1.5 ml at 12 months vs. 11.2 ± 1.5 ml at baseline; P = not significant (NS)]. At 3-, 6-, and 12-month evaluations, TN volume was significantly lower in group A than in group B (P < 0.005). At the end of the follow-up, pressure symptoms were improved in all patients in group A but persisted unchanged in group B. In group A, hyperthyroidism completely recovered in 40% and improved in 40% of patients with toxic TNs, whereas it persisted in all patients with toxic TNs in group B. RTA was safe and well tolerated in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RTA induced a marked TN volume shrinkage resulting in parallel improvement of pressure symptoms. In most patients with toxic TNs, hyperthyroidism significantly improved as well. RTA may represent a valid therapeutic approach in patients with TNs not receiving conventional treatments.

Ischemic steal syndrome in a hemodialysis patient: The roles of Doppler ultrasonography and dynamic Doppler studies in diagnosis and treatment selection

Ischemic steal syndrome (ISS) is a complication that can occur after the construction of a vascular access for hemodialysis. It is characterized by ischemia of the hand caused by marked reduction or reversal of flow through the arterial segment distal to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The diagnosis of hand ischemia is based on physical examination, but imaging studies are very useful for detecting the true cause of ischemia and for selecting an appropriate therapeutic strategy. In this report, we describe an uncommon cause of ISS in a patient on hemodialysis. The ischemia was caused by the presence of undetected flow through an older AVF on the same arm as the AVF used for dialysis. The unsuspected "steal" was disclosed by color Doppler examination of the vascular bed of the patient's left arm. Dynamic Doppler studies then played a fundamental role in the decision to ligate the distal radio-cephalic AVF. The procedure led to the complete relief of ischemic symptoms.

Thyroid nodules and related symptoms are stably controlled two years after radiofrequency thermal ablation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation (RTA) is a promising new therapeutic approach to manage thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effectiveness of RTA in inducing shrinkage of TNs as well as in controlling compressive symptoms and thyroid hyperfunction in a large series of elderly subjects with solid or mainly solid benign TNs.

METHODS

Ninety-four elderly patients with cytologically benign compressive TNs were prospectively enrolled in the study; 66 of them had nontoxic goiter and 28 had toxic or pretoxic goiter. RTA was performed by using a RITA StarBurst Talon hook-umbrella needle inserted in every single TN under ultrasonographic real-time guidance. TN volume, TN-related compressive symptoms and thyroid function were evaluated at baseline and 12 to 24 months after RTA.

RESULTS

All TNs significantly decreased in size after RTA. The mean decrease in TN volume 12 months after RTA was from 24.5 +/- 2.1 to 7.5 +/- 1.2 mL (p < 0.001), with a mean percent decrease of 78.6 +/- 2.0%. Two years after RTA, a 79.4 +/- 2.5% decrease of TNs size was observed. Compressive symptoms improved in all patients and completely disappeared in 83 of 94 (88%) patients. Hyperthyroidism resolved in most patients allowing methimazole therapy to be completely withdrawn in 79% of patients with pretoxic and toxic TNs (100% with pretoxic TNs and 53% with toxic TNs). The treatment was well tolerated by all patients. No patient needed hospitalization after RTA and no major complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

RTA is an effective and simple procedure for obtaining lasting shrinkage of TNs, controlling compressive symptoms, and treating thyroid hyperfunction. When performed in experienced medical centers, RTA may be a valid alternative to conventional treatments for nontoxic and pretoxic TNs. It is particularly attractive for elderly people for whom surgery and radioiodine therapy are often contraindicated or ineffective.

Growth hormone treatment on atherosclerosis: results of a 5-year open, prospective, controlled study in male patients with severe growth hormone deficiency

BACKGROUND

Severe GH deficiency (GHD) is associated with, increased cardiovascular risk and intima-media thickness (IMT) at major arteries.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the 5-yr effects of GH replacement on common carotid IMT and insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) (at least two of the following: triglycerides levels > or = 1.7 mmol/liter, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels < or = 1.0 mmol/liter, blood pressure above 130/85 mm Hg, fasting glucose 6.1-7 or 2 hr after glucose 7.7-11.1 mmol/liter).

DESIGN

This was an interventional, open, prospective, controlled study.

PATIENTS

Patients included 35 men with severe GHD and 35 age-matched healthy men as controls.

INTERVENTION

All patients received standard replacement therapy; GH replacement was added in 22 patients (group A) and refused by 13 others (group B).

MEASUREMENTS

Five-year changes in IMT and IRS prevalence were measured.

RESULTS

At baseline, IMT was higher in the patients with (P < 0.001) and without IRS (P = 0.004) than in controls. Eighteen patients (51.4%) and two controls (5.7%; P < 0.0001) had IRS. At study end, use of lipid-lowering drugs (92.3, vs. 13.6 and 34.3%, P < 0.0001), glucose-lowering drugs (69.2 vs. 31.4 and 22.7%; P = 0.016), and antihypertensive drugs (61.5 vs. 20.0 and 4.5%; P < 0.0001) was higher in group B patients than controls and group A patients. IGF-I levels normalized in all group A patients and remained lower than -1 sd score in 77% of group B patients. IMT significantly decreased only in group A and significantly increased in controls and nonsignificantly in group B patients. IRS prevalence significantly reduced only in group A patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Severely hypopituitary GHD men have more frequently increased IMT at common carotid arteries and IRS than controls. After 5 years, only in GH replaced patients, IMT and prevalence of IRS decreased.

US-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation for the treatment of solid benign hyperfunctioning or compressive thyroid nodules

The aim of the study was to define the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation in the treatment of compressive solid benign thyroid nodules. Thirty-one patients not eligible for surgery or radioiodine (131I) treatment underwent RF ablation for benign nodules; a total of 33 nodules were treated (2 patients had 2 nodules treated in the same session): 10 cold nodules and 23 hyperfunctioning. Fourteen patients complained of compressive symptoms. Nodule volume, thyroid function and compressive symptoms were evaluated before treatment and at 1, 3 and 6 mo. Ultrasound-guided RF ablation was performed using a Starbust RITA needle, with nine expandable prongs; total exposure time was 6 to 10 min at 95 degrees C in one area or more of the nodule. Baseline volume (measured at the time of RF ablation) was 27.7 +/- 21.5 mL (mean +/- SD), but significantly decreased during follow-up: 19.2 +/- 16.2 at 1 mo (-32.7%; p < 0.001), 15.9 +/- 14.1 mL at 3 mo (-46.4 %; p < 0.001) and 14.6 +/- 12.6 mL at 6 mo (-50.7%; p < 0.001). After treatment, all patients with cold nodules remained euthyroid: five patients with hot nodules normalized thyroid function, and the remaining sixteen showed a partial remission of hyperthyroidism. Besides a sensation of heat and mild swelling of the neck, no major complications were observed. Improvement in compressive symptoms was reported by 13 patients, with a reduction on severity scale from 6.1 +/- 1.4 to 2.2 +/- 1.9 (p < 0.0001). Radiofrequency was effective and safe in reducing volume by about 50% and compressive symptoms in large benign nodules. Hyperfunction was fully controlled in 24% of patients and partially reduced in the others.

Healing of surgical incision in kidney transplantation: a single transplant center's experience

INTRODUCTION

Impaired healing of the surgical incision represents a common complication after kidney transplantation. We led a retrospective study seeking to understand the factors linked to these complications and reasons for their reduction during the last year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to April 2004, 170 consecutive kidney transplantations were performed in a homogenous patient population. We evaluated the influence of following factors to determine impaired healing of the incision: antirejection drugs, overweight/obesity, age, delayed graft function (DGF), diabetes, and abdominal wall reconstruction technique.

RESULTS

Among 165 patients we observed 26 (15.76%) cases of impaired healing of the surgical incision: 17 (65,38%) with first-level and nine with second-level wound complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired healing of the surgical incision influences the outcome of kidney transplant patients. In our study we observed that cyclosporine and tacrolimus similary affected the incision's healing. It was not possible to evaluate the role of basiliximab. A univariate analysis of the factors related to complications revealed overweight and DGF. However, all patients developing second-level complications showed more risk factors. Patients who had not had reconstruction of the muscle layers showed a greater incidence of surgical complications, whereas patients who had skin sutured with an intradermic technique did not show an increased risk.

Transplantation and young surgeons in Italy

The relation between young surgeons and transplantation has always been a "love and hate" one. Until a few years ago this branch of surgery was seen as pioneering, with extreme and and extensive training, and was reserved to few elected members. Nowadays things are different. In this article we try to understand the true reasons that young Italian surgeons avoid transplantation surgery.

Effects of Efficiency and Length of Acetate-Free Biofiltration Session on Postdialysis Solute Rebound

BACKGROUND

Postdialytic rebound (PDR) of plasma solutes is a relevant drawback of intermittent hemodialysis, but its pathophysiological process remains undefined. We assessed the independent effects of efficiency and length of dialytic session on PDR of urea, phosphate, and potassium.

METHODS

Uremic patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of dialysis and after 180 minutes in 2 randomized crossover studies. In study 1, we compared the effect of standard versus higher efficiency acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) while maintaining the same duration of 4 hours. In study 2, we compared the effect of 3- versus 5-hour AFB sessions while maintaining similar efficiency.

RESULTS

In study 1, greater Kt/V (1.49 +/- 0.20 versus 1.22 +/- 0.15; P < 0.0001) was coupled with significant increases in both absolute removal and PDR of urea and phosphate (PDR of urea, +45% versus +29%; PDR of phosphate, +79% versus +52%), but not of potassium. Similarly, in study 2, shortening the AFB session while maintaining similar absolute removal and Kt/V (1.28 +/- 0.09 versus 1.31 +/- 0.09) significantly increased PDR of urea and phosphate (PDR of urea, +32% versus +19%; PDR of phosphate, +63% versus +36%), but not of potassium. In both studies, greater PDRs of urea and phosphate were associated with estimated greater removal of these solutes per hour.

CONCLUSION

The rate of removal of phosphate and urea is a critical determinant of their PDR; conversely, potassium is not influenced by removal rate, likely because of its marked cell compartmentalization.

The natural history of partial growth hormone deficiency in adults: a prospective study on the cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Partial GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is poorly studied.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the natural history and clinical implications of partial GHD.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an analytical, observational, prospective, case-control study.

PATIENTS

Twenty-seven hypopituitary patients (15 women, ages 20-60 yr) and 27 controls participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures included GH peak after GHRH plus arginine [(GHRH+ARG), measured by immunoradiometric assay]; IGF-I (measured after ethanol extraction) z-sd score (SDS); glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; and common carotid arteries intima-media thickness (IMT) measured periodically.

RESULTS

At study entry, partial GHD patients had significantly lower IGF-I and HDL-cholesterol levels and homeostasis model assessment index than controls. During the 60 months of median follow-up, 11 patients had severe GHD (40.7%), seven normalized their GH response (25.9%), and nine showed persistently partial GHD (33.3%). Patients with developed severe GHD at baseline had similar age and body mass index and lower GH peak (11.5 +/- 1.8 vs. 14.3 +/- 1.5 and 12.8 +/- 1.1 microg/liter, P = 0.008) and IGF-I SDS (-0.88 +/- 0.48 vs. 0.15 +/- 0.58 and -0.42 +/- 0.78; P = 0.01) than the patients with normal GH secretion or partial GHD. Severe GHD was accompanied by decreased IGF-I SDS and increased total to HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, homeostasis model assessment index, and carotid intima-media thickness; normalization of GH secretion was accompanied by increased IGF-I SDS. By receiving-operator characteristic analysis, predictors of severe GHD were a baseline GH peak after GHRH+ARG of 11.5 microg/liter (sensitivity 64%, specificity 94%) and a baseline IGF-I SDS of -0.28 (sensitivity 91%, specificity 63%).

CONCLUSIONS

Of 27 patients with partial GHD after pituitary surgery, 40.7% developed severe GHD and 25.9% normalized their GH response. With the assay used, changes in the GH peak response to GHRH+ARG were accompanied by changes in the IGF-I SDS, metabolic profile, and carotid IMT. A peak GH of 11.5 microg/liter or less and IGF-I SDS -0.28 or less were highly predictive of delayed deterioration of GH secretion.

Does a gender-related effect of growth hormone (GH) replacement exist on cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac morphology, and performance and atherosclerosis? Results of a two-year open, prospective study in young adult men and women with severe GH deficiency

CONTEXT

GH secretion and response to GH replacement are gender-related.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of GH deficiency (GHD) and replacement on the cardiovascular system according to gender.

DESIGN

The design was open and prospective.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a university hospital.

SUBJECTS

Subjects included 36 severe adult-onset GHD patients (18 men, 20 women, aged < 45 yr); 36 gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched healthy subjects served as controls.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects received GH replacement at a median dose of 6.5 microg/kg.d in men and 7.7 microg/kg.d in women for 2 yr.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Homeostasis model assessment index, total to HDL cholesterol ratio, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels, left ventricular mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, diastolic filling, and systolic function at rest and at peak exercise and intima-media thickness (IMT) at common carotid arteries were measured.

RESULTS

Basal prevalence and/or degree of insulin resistance, lipid alterations, compromised cardiac function, and IMT were similar in women and men. Diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent in men (61 vs. 25%, P = 0.036). After GH replacement, IGF-I levels normalized in all patients. Lipid profile, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein levels normalized in all cases. The total to HDL ratio (P = 0.04) was higher in women than men. The homeostasis model assessment index persisted higher in GHD patients than controls and decreased only in GHD men (P = 0.017). Left ventricular mass index normalized during treatment in both women and men, abnormal diastolic function persisted in three women (P = 0.031), and abnormal systolic performance persisted in six women and one man (P = 0.13). IMT decreased similarly in women and men, persisting higher than in controls. Exercise performance normalized in all.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-year GH replacement has similar beneficial effects on cardiac and exercise performance and atherosclerosis in women and men with severe GHD.

Circulating insulin-like growth factor-I levels are correlated with the atherosclerotic profile in healthy subjects independently of age

To investigate the relationships between the GH-IGF-I axis and the atherosclerotic profile, we designed this open, observational, prospective study. Peak GH after GHRH+arginine (ARG) test, serum IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), lipid profile, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and intima-media thickness (IMT) at common carotid arteries were measured in 174 healthy individuals (92 women, 82 men, aged 18-80 yr). Exclusion criteria for this study were: 1) body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m2; 2) personal history of cardiovascular diseases; 3) previous or current treatments of diabetes or hypertension; 4) previous corticosteroids treatment for longer than 2 weeks or estrogens for longer than 3 months; 5) smoking of more than 15 cigarettes/day and alcohol abuse. Subjects were divided according to age in decade groups from < 20 to > 70 yr. BMI increased with age, as did systolic and diastolic blood pressures, although they remained in the normal range. The GH peak after GHRH+ARG test was significantly higher in the subjects aged < 20 yr than in all the other groups (p < 0.01), but was similar in the remaining groups. An inverse correlation was found between the IGF-I z-score and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p = 0.02) and mean IMT (p = 0.0009); IGFBP-3 z-score and mean IMT (p = 0.043); IGF: IGFBP-3 molar ratio and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p < 0.0001) and mean IMT (p < 0.0001). Atherosclerotic plaques were found in 7 out of 12 subjects (53.8%) with a z-IGF-I score from < or = -2 to -1, in 4 out of 63 (6.3%) with a z-IGF-I score from -0.99 to 0.1 out of 66 (1.5%) with a z-IGF-I score from 0.1 to 1 and none of the 33 subjects with an IGF-I z-score >1 (p = 0.006). At multi-step regression analysis, age was the best predictor of HDL-cholesterol levels and mean IMT, IGF-I level was the best predictor of total cholesterol and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 molar ratio was the best predictor of triglycerides levels. The z-scores of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were the second best predictors of mean IMT after age. In conclusion, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were negatively correlated with common cardiovascular risk factors, studied as total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and/or early atherosclerosis, studied as IMT at common carotid arteries. The prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, though not hemodinamically significant, was higher in the subjects having a z-score of IGF-I of < or = -2 to -1. Our results support a role of the IGF/IGFBP-3 axis in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Common carotid intima-media thickness in growth hormone (GH)-deficient adolescents: a prospective study after GH withdrawal and restarting GH replacement

We prospectively investigated the risk of early atherosclerosis, by classical cardiovascular risk factors and intima-media thickness (IMT) at the common carotid arteries, in 23 adolescents diagnosed as GH deficient (GHD) during childhood and in 23 healthy sex-, age-, and BMI-matched controls. Measurements were performed in all subjects before stopping GH replacement. Because the diagnosis of GHD had been confirmed in 15 of the 23 adolescents, the protocol changed according to the diagnosis as follows: measurements were repeated after 6 months of GH withdrawal and 6 months of GH reinstitution in the 15 with GHD, and after 6 and 12 months of GH withdrawal, measurements were also taken in the eight non-GHD subjects. Serum IGF-I levels were in the normal range for age in all patients before GH withdrawal. When compared with controls, before GH withdrawal, GHD adolescents had reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increased total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose levels; non-GHD adolescents had increased glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment score. IMT at the common carotid arteries was similar in GHD and controls (0.52 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.55 +/- 0.06 mm; P = 0.23) and was higher in non-GHD than in controls (0.62 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.54 +/- 0.06 mm; P = 0.01). In GHD adolescents, 6 months of GH treatment withdrawal and 6 months of GH treatment reinstitution modified IGF-I levels, lipid profile, and insulin resistance but not IMT or systolic and diastolic peak velocities at the common carotid arteries. In non-GHD subjects, 12 months of GH treatment withdrawal significantly decreased IGF-I levels, IMT (to 0.54 +/- 0.06 mm; P < 0.001 vs. baseline), systolic and diastolic peak velocities, and improved insulin resistance. In conclusion, the discontinuation of GH in confirmed GHD adolescents is not followed by significant alterations of the common carotid arteries, despite the profound negative alterations of the lipid profile. In adolescents who were not confirmed to have GHD, IMT was increased while on GH therapy and normalized when they were taken off of GH.

Short-term effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment or deprivation on cardiovascular risk parameters and intima-media thickness at carotid arteries in patients with severe GH deficiency

To explore early effects of GH treatment or deprivation on cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), we designed this randomized, cross-over study in 34 adult patients with severe GH deficiency. At study entry, the patients were randomized into two groups (A and B); group A (n = 17) received appropriate replacement therapy including GH at standard doses for 6 months and then were withdrawn from GH for the subsequent 6 months; group B (n = 17) received appropriate replacement therapy excluding GH for 6 months with the addition of GH in the subsequent 6 months. After the first 6 months, we observed a significant increase in IGF-I levels and of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol together with a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure, the total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and C-reactive protein in the patients in group A, whereas vascular parameters did not significantly change. In the patients in group B, none of the parameters studied significantly changed. After 6 months of GH withdrawal in the patients in group A, a significant decrease in IGF-I levels, a significant increase in the total/HDL-cholesterol ratio and C-reactive protein, and a trend toward an impairment of carotid IMT and peak velocities were observed. In the patients in group B, the addition of GH to the standard replacement induced a significant increase in IGF-I levels together with a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and total/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and C-reactive protein, and an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels with a trend toward an improvement of vascular parameters. At the end of the study, mean IMT was significantly lower than at baseline both in group A (from 0.88 +/- 0.28 to 0.85 +/- 0.27 mm, P = 0.0003) and in group B (from 0.83 +/- 0.21 to 0.80 +/- 0.20 mm, P = 0.003). In conclusion, 6 months of GH replacement has beneficial effects whereas 6 months of GH deprivation has detrimental effects on cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. These findings support the indication for GH replacement in severe GH deficiency adult patients.

Thyroid Tissue: US-guided Percutaneous Laser Thermal Ablation

PURPOSE

To evaluate in vivo the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous laser thermal ablation (LTA) in the debulking of thyroid lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five adult patients at poor surgical risk with cold nodules (n = 8), autonomously hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules (n = 16), or anaplastic carcinoma (n = 1) underwent LTA. One to four 21-gauge spinal needles were inserted with ultrasonographic (US) guidance into the thyroid lesions. A 300-microm-diameter quartz optical fiber was advanced through the sheath of the needle. Nd:YAG laser was used with output power of 3-5 W. Side effects, complications, and clinical and hormonal changes were evaluated at the end of LTA and during follow-up. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation between energy delivered and reduction in nodule volume. Volume of induced necrosis and reduction in nodule volume were assessed with US or computed tomography.

RESULTS

LTA was performed without difficulties in 76 LTA sessions. After treatment with 5 W, two patients experienced mild dysphonia, which resolved after 48 hours and 2 months. Improvement of local compression symptoms was experienced by 12 of 14 (86%) patients. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was detectable in five of 16 (31%) patients with hyperfunctioning nodules at 6 months after LTA. Volume of induced necrosis ranged from 0.8 to 3.9 mL per session. Anaplastic carcinoma treated with four fibers yielded 32.0 mL of necrosis. Echo structure and baseline volume did not influence response. Energy load and reduction in nodule volume were significantly correlated (r(2) =.75, P <.001). Mean nodule volume reduction at 6 months in hyperfunctioning nodules was 3.3 mL +/- 2.8 (62% +/- 21.4 [SD]) and in cold nodules was 7.7 mL +/- 7.5 (63% +/- 13.8).

CONCLUSION

LTA may be a therapeutic tool for highly selected problems in the treatment of thyroid lesions.

Prolactin and prostate hypertrophy: a pilot observational, prospective, case-control study in men with prolactinoma

In experimental models, prolactin (PRL) displays independent hypertrophic effects on the prostate. To investigate whether hyperprolactinemia is associated with prostate enlargement in humans, we designed this open, prospective, case-control study enrolling 20 men with prolactinoma (aged 34 +/- 10 yr) and 20 age-matched healthy men. The endocrine profile and prostate transrectal ultrasonography were performed before and after 12 and 24 months of cabergoline treatment in the patients and at study entry and after 24 months in the controls. The patients had lower serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and IGF-I levels and prostate volume (15.4 +/- 3.5 vs. 19.6 +/- 5.1 ml; P < 0.001) and higher PRL levels and prostate-specific antigen density than controls. There was no difference in prostate and transitional zone volumes between patients with normoandrogenemia (n = 8) or hypoandrogenemia (n = 12). After 12 and 24 months of treatment, PRL, testosterone, and DHT levels were normal in all cases, as were IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 levels. After 24 months, prostate volume was comparable to that in controls (21.7 +/- 4.5 vs. 22.5 +/- 4.7 ml). There were no changes in prostate structure throughout the study period in either the patients or the controls. In conclusion, in young men with prolactinoma PRL excess is unlikely to have effects on the prostate per se, because it is accompanied by low testosterone and DHT levels that produce the major effects.

Ultrasound-guided laser thermal ablation in the treatment of autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules and compressive nontoxic nodular goiter

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous laser thermal ablation (LTA) has been applied in several tumors. In this study we evaluated the safety and long-term efficacy of LTA in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Seven patients with autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule (group A) and five patients with compressive nodular goiter (group B) were treated with LTA. Up to three needles were positioned centrally in the thyroid nodule and laser fiber was placed in the lumen of the needle. Laser illumination was performed reaching a maximal energy deposition of 1800 J per fiber.

MEASUREMENTS

Thyroid nodule volume, endocrinologic, and clinical evaluation were performed at baseline, 3, and 12 months after the treatment. Scintigraphy was performed at diagnosis and 12 months after the first session in group A.

RESULTS

In group A, mean thyroid volume decreased from 3.15 +/- 1.26 mL to 0.83 +/- 0.49 mL (p < 0.001) after 12 months. The treatment induced disappearance of clinical signs and symptoms related to hyperthyroidism; normalization of free triiodothyronine (FT(3)), free thyroxine (FT(4)), and thyrotropin (TSH) serum levels and recovery of extranodular uptake at scintiscan. In group B, mean thyroid volume decreased from 11.14 +/- 4.99 mL to 3.73 +/- 1.47 mL (p < 0.01) after 12 months. Pressure symptoms in the neck, difficulty in swallowing and tracheal displacement improved in all patients. The treatment was well tolerated in both groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LTA appears to be a valid and safe alternative approach in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.

Cardiovascular risk factors and common carotid artery caliber and stiffness in patients with Cushing's disease during active disease and 1 year after disease remission

Cardiovascular accidents represent the most important cause of death in patients with Cushing's syndrome. This prospective study aims at evaluating carotid arteries by echo-Doppler ultrasonography and clinical and metabolic markers of atherosclerosis in 25 patients with Cushing's disease (CD) before and after 1 yr of remission. Thirty-two sex- and age-matched subjects (control-1) and 32 body mass index-matched subjects (control-2) served as controls. At diagnosis, CD patients had higher body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), total, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, glucose and insulin, as well as lower HDL-cholesterol than control-1; they had higher WHR and total/HDL ratio and lower HDL-cholesterol than control-2. They also had higher intima-media thickness (IMT), and lower systolic lumen diameter and distensibility coefficient (DC) than either control group. Atherosclerotic plaques were detected in 31.2% of patients, 0 control-1, and 6.2% of control-2 subjects. One year after remission, WHR, LDL-cholesterol, and IMT significantly decreased, whereas systolic lumen diameter and DC significantly increased. However, all of the above parameters were still abnormal compared with control-1, but not control-2. A significant correlation was found between WHR, glucose and insulin levels, and right and left carotid IMT. WHR was the best predictor of left IMT and left DC in active, but not in cured, patients. The duration of hypercortisolism was the best predictor of right DC in active but not in cured patients. In conclusion, patients with CD have severe atherosclerotic damage. The persistence of a metabolic syndrome, vascular damage, and atherosclerotic plaques after cortisol level normalization makes these subjects still at high cardiovascular risk despite disease remission.