The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of the coexistence of primary hyperparathyroidism and non-medullary thyroid carcinoma

Update in imaging tests used for the localization of parathyroid pathology

Preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology, generally a parathyroid adenoma, can be difficult in some cases due to the anatomical variants that these glands present. The objective of this review is to analyse the different imaging techniques used for preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology (scintigraphy, ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET). There is great variability between the different tests for the preoperative localization of parathyroid pathology. The importance of knowing the different diagnostic options lies in the need to choose the most suitable test at each moment and for each patient for an adequate management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with surgical criteria.

The Nexus of Hyperparathyroidism and Thyroid Carcinoma: Insights into Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Challenges-A Narrative Review

This review investigates the intricate relationship between hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and thyroid carcinoma (TC), aiming to elucidate their coexistence, potential pathogenetic mechanisms, and clinical implications. A systematic search strategy, employing the MeSH terms 'Hyperparathyroidism' and 'Thyroid Carcinoma', spanned publications from 2013 to 2023 across the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Fifteen selected articles were analyzed. Studies unanimously confirm the notable association between primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and thyroid nodules/cancer, with incidences ranging from 2.8% to 47.1%. Key findings reveal a predilection for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in this association, showcasing varying tumor characteristics and gender disparities. Lower preoperative serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are a potential risk factor for thyroid cancer in PHPT patients. Diverse surgical approaches and tumor characteristics between PHPT and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) cases were noted. Moreover, this review underscores the scarcity of definitive guidelines in managing concurrent PHPT and thyroid conditions, advocating for comprehensive assessments to enhance diagnostic accuracy and refine therapeutic interventions. Rare coincidental associations, as highlighted by case reports, shed light on unique clinical scenarios. In essence, this review amalgamates evidence to deepen the understanding of the interplay between HPT and TC, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and guide clinical management.

Increased thyroid malignancy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have reported the increased incidence of thyroid cancer in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, the underlying risk factors of concomitant thyroid cancer in patients with PHPT remain unknown. The primary aim of this study was to examine the records of patients with PHPT to identify characteristics that correlated with the presence of coexisting thyroid nodules, and which may have an implication for the prediction of thyroid cancer.

METHODS

Medical records of consecutive patients with PHPT (n = 318) were reviewed from January 2010 to September 2020 in two tertiary medical centers in China. Patient clinicopathological and biological data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 318 patients with PHPT, 105 (33.0%) patients had thyroid nodules and 26 (8.2%) patients were concomitant with thyroid cancer. A total of 38 thyroid nodules taken from 26 patients were pathologically assessed to be well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), with 81% being papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). In 79% (30/38) of these cancers, thyroid nodules were considered suspicious following preoperative ultrasound. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender was associated with increased risk of thyroid nodules (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.13-3.99, P = 0.019), while lower log-transformed parathyroid hormone levels were an independent predictor of thyroid cancer in patients with PHPT (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.93, P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we observed a relatively high prevalence of thyroid cancer in our cohort of Chinese patients with PHPT. Evaluation of thyroid nodules by preoperative ultrasound may be advisable in patients with PHPT, particularly for females and patients with modestly elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels.