Hypercalcemic Crisis Due to a Giant Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma, with Postsurgical Severe Hypocalcemia and Hungry Bone Syndrome: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid adenoma is the most common cause of hypercalcemia and rarely leads to a hypercalcemic crisis, which is an unusual endocrine emergency that requires timely surgical excision.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old male was admitted to the ER of the Euroclinic Hospital, Athens, Greece, because of elevated calcium levels and a palpable right-sided neck mass, which were accompanied by symptoms of nausea, drowsiness, and weakness for six months that increased prior to our evaluation. A gradual creatinine elevation and decreasing mental state were observed as well. The initial laboratory investigation identified severely elevated serum calcium (3.6 mmol/L) levels consistent with a hypercalcemic crisis (HC) and parathyroid hormone PTH (47.6 pmol/L) due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Neck ultrasonography (USG) identified a large, well-shaped cystic mass in the right thyroid lobe. With a serum calcium concentration of 19.5 mg/dL and a PTH of 225.3 pmol/L, the patient underwent partial parathyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy, which decreased serum calcium and PTH to 2.5 mmol/L and 1.93 pmol/L, respectively. Histology revealed a giant intrathyroidal cystic parathyroid adenoma, which was responsible for the hypercalcemic crisis. Postoperatively, the patient developed severe biochemical and clinical hypocalcemia, with calcium concentrations as low as 1.65 mmol/L, consistent with hungry bone syndrome (HBS), which was treated with high doses of intravenous calcium gluconate and oral alfacalcidol, and a slow recovery of serum calcium. After discharge, parathyroid function recovered, and symptomatology resolved entirely in more than one month.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS

We present a case involving an exceptionally large intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma that is characterized by clinical manifestations that mimic malignancy. The identification and treatment of such tumors is challenging and requires careful preoperative evaluation and postoperative care for the risk of hungry bone syndrome.

Intense Testing and Use of Vitamin D Supplements Leads to Slow Improvement in Vitamin D Adequacy Rates: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Real-World Data

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D testing (VDT) and supplement use (VDS) are on the rise, but most patients remain deficient (<30 ng/mL-VDD). We designed the present real-world study to assess this paradox.

METHODS

We reviewed data from all patients visiting our clinics between 2014 and 2022. We estimated the rate of patients with vitamin D adequacy (≥30 ng/mL) (VDA) by year and month of testing, the dose of VDS (low (≤1200 IU/day), medium (1201-3000 I/day) and high dose (>3000 IU/day)), intake duration (short-term (<12 months) and long-term use (≥12 months)), and timing of use (current use, former use, no use).

RESULTS

We enrolled n = 6912 subjects with vitamin D measurements: n = 5195 females (75.2%), age 44.0 ± 16.8 years, BMI 27.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2; never users: n = 5553 (80.3%), former users: n = 533 (7.7%), current users: n = 826 (12.0%). Current use of VDS was higher in females. VDT rose from 42.1% in 2014 to 92.7% in 2022, and VDA rose from 14.8% to 25.5% for the same time. VDA was found overall in n = 1511 (21.9%); Never users: n = 864 (15.6%), Former users: n = 123 (23.2%); and Current users: n = 370 (44.8%). The maximal VDA (67.9%) was found in subjects using high-dose VDS in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the significant rise in VDT and VDS use, VDA was found in a minority of patients. Prolonged use of high-dose supplements produces modest improvements in VDA.

Elevated Preoperative TPO Ab Titers Decrease Risk for DTC in a Linear Fashion: A Retrospective Analysis of 1635 Cases

CONTEXT

For some, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis) is an important risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Surgical cohort studies even suggested a potential role for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Abs) on that risk.

OBJECTIVE

Our clinical observations argued against that possibility. We designed the present study to evaluate the relationship of TPO-Abs and DTC in a large patient population.

METHODS

We recruited individuals who underwent thyroidectomies at 4 different clinical sites (USA: 1 clinic, 2000-2013, and Greece: 3 clinics, 2007-2021). We gathered data on TPO-Abs titers measured with commercially available chemiluminescence immunoassays, and reviewed patients' data including surgical pathology. TPO-Abs of 34 IU/mL or greater was deemed positive (TPO+) and TPO-Abs less than 34 IU/mL was deemed negative (TPO-). Odds ratios (OR) for DTC were calculated with the Fisher exact test and P less than .05 was deemed significant.

RESULTS

We reviewed data from 8461 consecutive thyroid surgery cases. TPO-Abs titers were available for 1635 individuals: DTC n = 716 (43.8%), benign pathology n = 919 (56.2%), TPO+ n = 540 (33.0%), and TPO- n = 1095 (67.0%). DTC was found at a lower frequency in TPO+ (198/540, 36.7%) compared to TPO- (518/1095, 47.3%) patients, OR 0.64 (0.52-0.80; P < .0001). Rising TPO-Abs titers conferred protection against DTC in a linear fashion: TPO-Abs less than 10 IU/mL: 59.3%, TPO-Abs less than 34 IU/mL: 47.4%, TPO-Abs 34 to 100 IU/mL: 42.6%, TPO-Abs 100 to 500 IU/mL: 32.0%, TPO-Abs greater than 1000 IU/mL: 19.4%; P less than .0001.

CONCLUSION

Higher TPO-Ab titers appear protective against DTC in our large multicenter cohort of patients who underwent thyroidectomies. Rising preoperative TPO-Abs titers conferred linearly increasing protection against DTC.

De novo purely prostatic large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with thyroid and adrenal metastases

Summary

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare neuroendocrine prostatic malignancy. It usually arises after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), while de novo cases are even more infrequent, with only six cases described. The patient was a 78-year-old man with no history of ADT who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic approaches included PET/CT, MRI, CT scans, ultrasonography, biopsies, and cytological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Results showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma in the thyroid gland accompanied by cervical lymph node enlargement. Thyroid surgery revealed LCNEC metastasis to the thyroid gland. Additional metastases were identified in both the adrenal glands. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient died of the disease. De novo LCNEC of the prostate is a rare, highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. It is resistant to most therapeutic agents, has a high metastatic potential, and is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Further studies are required to characterize this tumor.

Learning points

De novo LCNECs of the prostate gland can metastasize almost anywhere in the body, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. LCNECs of the prostate are usually associated with androgen-depriving therapy, but de novo cases are also notable and should be accounted for. Further studies are required to fully understand and treat LCNECs more effectively.

PSAT381 Rising Preoperative TPO Titers Decrease the Risk for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in a Linear Fashion: A Retrospective Analysis of 1620 Consecutive Thyroid Surgeries

Introduction

Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is an important risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in surgical series, but the role of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) seems less clear in that regard. We designed the present study to evaluate that effect in our large patient population.

Methods

We recruited subjects operated with total thyroidectomy in 4 sites (USA: 1, Greece: 3) during a period of 14 consecutive years. We gathered data on TPO antibodies titers measured with commercially available radioimmunoassays, and reviewed data on surgical pathology. TPO≥34IU/ml was deemed high (TPO+). Odds ratios (OR) for DTC were calculated with Fischer's exact test. p<0.05 was deemed significant.

Results

We reviewed data on 8,425 thyroid surgeries, and TPO titers were available for 1,620 subjects: DTC n=702 (43.3%), benign pathology (BEN) n=918 (56.7%), TPO+ n=524 (32.3%) and TPO- (<34IU/ml) n=1096 (67.7%). DTC was found with a lower frequency in TPO+ (183/524, 34.9%) compared to TPO- (519/1096, 47.4%) subjects, OR 0.60 (0.48-0.74, p<0.0001). Subjects with the lowest TPO titers had the highest rate of DTC: TPO< 10IU/ml n=338/635 (49.3%), TPO 34-100IU/ml n=69/162 (42.6%), TPO 100-500IU/ml n=70/168 (41.7%), TPO 500-1000IU/ml n=16/50 (32.0%), TPO >1000IU/ml n=28/144 (19.4%), p<0.0001.

Conclusions

High TPO Antibodies appear protective against DTC in our large multicentre cohort of patients operated with a total thyroidectomy. Rising preoperative TPO titers confer linearly increasing protection against DTC in the surgical specimen. More research is needed to fully understand the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the genesis of DTC.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

RF07 | PSAT233 The First Case Report of a de-novo Purely Prostatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Thyroid and Adrenal Metastases

Background

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (LCNEC) is the rarest neuroendocrine prostatic malignancy. It usually arises after androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), while de novo cases are even more infrequent with only 6 cases described to date.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old man with no history of ADT presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic approach included PET/CT, MRI, and CT scans, U/S, biopsies, cytological and immunohistochemical evaluations. CT revealed a non-enriching region on the right lobe of the thyroid gland. An 18F-FDG PET-CT found increased uptake in the thyroid gland and both adrenal glands. Neck ultrasound identified a right thyroid lobe nodule. A fine needle aspiration of the nodule was performed and cytology was consistent with poorly differentiated carcinoma. A total thyroidectomy with central and bilateral lymph node dissection was performed and the pathology report diagnosed a LCNEC metastatic to the thyroid gland. Additional metastases were identified in both adrenal glands. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient succumbed to his disease.

Summary

We report the first patient with a de novo purely prostatic LCNEC, metastasizing to the thyroid and the adrenal glands.

Conclusions

De novo LCNECs of the prostate are very rare, highly aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. They are resistant to most therapeutic agents, have high metastatic potential and are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Further studies are needed to characterize these tumors.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:24 p.m. - 1:29 p.m.

RF11 | PSAT368 The role of thyroid peroxidase antibodies on the risk of thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical cohort studies

Introduction

Hashimoto's thyroiditis raises the risk for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in surgical series, but the role of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) remains controversial in that regard. We designed the present study to evaluate the effect of preoperative TPO titers in the risk of DTC.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus databases in November 2021 for the terms "thyroid cancer" and "TPO" or "peroxidase antibodies". We characterized the differential risk found in patients with high titers of TPO (TPO+), as compared to those with low or undetectable titers (TPO-) with regard to DTC. Data are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

We retrieved and reviewed 408 records; 21 retrospective cohort studies (2006-2022) from 7 countries and n=30,5536 subjects, fulfilled the eligibility criteria: 15 studies in East Asia with n=25,125 subjects (82.2%) and 6 studies in the Western world with n=5,428 subjects (17.8%)]. These comprised n=17,684 subjects with benign disease (57.9%) and n=12,869 with DTC (42.1%). The reference used for TPO+ was 23.6±18.8 (Range 5.1-60.0 IU/ml); n=6,307 patients were TPO+ (20.6%) and n=24,246 were TPO- (79.4%). DTC was present in n=2,960 TPO+ patients (46.9%) and n=9,909 TPO- patients (40.9), OR 1.28, (95%CI 1.21-1.35), p&lt;0.001.

A high titer of TPO was associated with increased risk for DTC in both Asian cohorts, [OR 1.36 (1.28-1.45, p&lt;0.001)] and Western world alike, [OR 1.15 (1.02-1.31), p=0.025]. That risk was statistically significantly higher in the Asian world cohorts as compared to the Western World cohorts, p&lt;0.001.

Conclusions

Thyroid peroxidase antibodies are an integral part of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is a well characterized risk factor for thyroid cancer and seem to increase that risk as well. That effect seems significantly higher in East Asia as compared to the Western World region. Further studies are needed to characterize the effects of the immune response, with regard to thyroid cancer risk.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:24 p.m. - 1:29 p.m.

PSAT386 Thyroglossal Duct Carcinomas: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 550 Cases Reported in the Literature

Introduction

Thyroglossal duct (TGD) carcinoma is an uncommon entity, located in the TGD remnant, and is diagnosed in patients undergoing evaluation of the neck for midline swelling, or incidentally after removal of a TGD cyst. Despite the presence of multiple publications on the topic, no systematic characterization of these tumors has been performed to date. The present study aims to characterize the tumors found patients diagnosed with TGD remnant malignancies.

Methods

We performed a systematic search for the term "Thyroglossal duct" in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases on December 1, 2021 and retrieved 1229 records. We included all manuscripts containing cohorts, case reports or case series, when the manuscript or its abstract was available in English, Italian, French or Spanish language. We reviewed the demographics, the histological report of the thyroglossal duct and the thyroidectomy specimen (when this was performed) and the features of tumor aggressiveness, when these were available.

Results

We incorporated data from 366 manuscripts, comprising 1202 patients operated for TGD disease. Out of these, n=550 cancers were identified, consisting of n=475 (86.4%) Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC), n=8 Follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) (1.5%), n=5 Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCC) (0.9%), n=27 Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (4.9%), n=2 poorly differentiated/anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATC) (0.4%), n=1 Adeno-SCC (0.18%), n=1 Adenocarcinoma (0.18%), n=12 synchronous PTC/FTC (2.2%), n=1 synchronous PTC/SCC (0.18%) and n=18 of unclear histological diagnosis (4.75%). N=173/446 (38.8%) patients were males and n=273/446 (61.2%) were females; gender was not available in n=104 cases. Mean cancer size was 1.4±1.4cm (range 0.01-7.0cm); n=88/173 (50.9%) were microcarcinomas (<1cm). Distant metastasis was present in n=7 patients (1.3%). Lymph node involvement was reported in n=76/286 cases (26.6%); extrathyroidal extension was present in n=75/234 cases (32.1%); capsular invasion was present in 72/142 cases (50.7%). Adjuvant therapy with I-131 was used in n=131/550 cases (23.8%).

Conclusions

TGD remnant cancers include various tumors, with histology and features of aggressive behavior similar to what we see in thyroid cancer cases. More research is needed to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and malignant behavior of these infrequently identified tumors.

Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Large, Slowly Growing, Benign Thyroid Nodules Frequently Coexist With Synchronous Thyroid Cancers

CONTEXT

Thyroid nodules' size should not be the sole criterion for thyroidectomy; however, many patients undergo surgery for large or slowly growing nodules.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated risk for clinically significant thyroid cancer in patients with large or slowly growing nodules.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 2 prospectively collected databases of patients undergoing thyroidectomies in tertiary referral centers in the USA and Greece over 14 consecutive years. We collected data on the preoperative surgical indication, FNA cytology, and surgical pathology. We included subjects operated solely for large or growing thyroid nodules, without any known or presumed thyroid cancer or high risk for malignancy, family history of thyroid cancer, or prior radiation exposure.

RESULTS

We reviewed 5523 consecutive cases (USA: 2711; Greece: 2812). After excluding 3059 subjects, we included 2464 subjects in the present analysis. Overall, 533 thyroid cancers were identified (21.3%): 372 (69.8%) microcarcinomas (<1 cm) and 161 (30.2%) macrocarcinomas (≥1 cm). The histology was consistent with papillary cancer (n = 503), follicular cancer (n = 12), Hürthle cell cancer (n = 9), medullary cancer (n = 5), and mixed histology cancers n = 4. Only 47 (1.9%) of our subjects had any form of thyroid cancer in the nodule that originally led to surgery. The cancers were multifocal in 165 subjects; had extrathyroidal extension in 61, capsular invasion in 80, lymph node involvement in 35, and bone metastasis in 2 subjects.

CONCLUSION

The risk of synchronous, clinically important thyroid cancers is small, but not null in patients with large or slow growing thyroid nodules. Therefore, more precise preoperative evaluation is needed to separate the patients who would clearly benefit from thyroid surgery from the vast majority of those who do not need to be operated.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma micro-deposits in cervical lymph nodes without intra-thyroid malignancy: A comment in consideration of the latest American Thyroid Association guidelines

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) represents the vast majority of all thyroid cancers, with the papillary variant being the most common. According to the previous 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC; ≤1 cm in diameter) exhibiting cervical lymph node metastasis corresponded to an intermediate-risk group for recurrence or metastasis. However, the latest 2015 ATA guidelines advocate that a patient with PTMC is low-risk if there are ≤5 regional node micrometastases. This means that therapeutic radioactive iodine (RAI) is not required. The current study reports a rare case of a patient who underwent total thyroidectomy due to multi-nodular goiter where the pathologic specimen exhibited two PTMC foci in regional lymph nodes, but no primary cancer was identified in the thyroid despite thorough examination of the thyroid parenchyma. The etiology of such results is unknown and it was hypothesized that it may be the consequence of insufficient pathologic examination or due to the regression of a primary PTMC in the thyroid. Moreover, the risk-stratification of cases with intra-lymph node PTMC without any evidence of primary cancer in the thyroid is not considered in the ATA recommendations. The aim of the current report was to elucidate the risk-stratification of this rare occurrence and to reconsider the possible etiologies. By extrapolating the latest ATA recommendations concerning a patient with a known primary PTMC and ≤5 metastatic micro-foci (thus the only difference between cases being the absence of a primary tumor), it was concluded that the patient should be considered low-risk. As a consequence, RAI therapy should be deemed as unnecessary despite the presence of lymph node microfoci. Moreover, it was proposed that cervical lymph node PTMC with no evidence of a primary tumor in the thyroid could be the consequence of normal thyroid tissue micro-deposit progression to cancer within the lymph node, which is a rare benign entity.

The diagnostic and predictive accuracy of thyroglobulin to TSH ratio and TSH to thyroglobulin ratio in detecting differentiated thyroid carcinoma in normothyroid patients with thyroid nodules: A retrospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature

The purpose of the present study is to examine the diagnostic and predictive accuracy of the thyroglobulin (Tg) to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and TSH/Tg ratios in normothyroid patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the serum Tg/TSH and TSH/Tg ratios in normothyroid patients with thyroid nodules. We also systematically searched the international literature using the Medline, Cochrane's CENTRAL, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases for evidence concerning the diagnostic and predictive accuracy of these ratios. Overall, 374 patients were identified in our cohort study of whom 240 were treated for benign disease and 134 were treated for DTC. Significant differences were noted in the Tg/TSH and TSH/Tg values among cases with malignant and benign disease (P=0.020). However, the diagnostic ROC curve did not confirm these results (Tg/TSH=0.572 and TSH/Tg=0.428). After searching the international literature, we identified 8 studies. The majority of the included data reported significant differences among patients with benign/malignant disease and those with successful iodine therapy compared to those with disease relapse. However, the clinical relevance was clearer among studies that investigated the usefulness of these ratios in predicting recurrent disease. The findings of our study support that the Tg/TSH ratio increases in patients with DTC and can, thus, become useful in the future as a predictive marker of ablative ¹³¹I therapy success. However, given the significant variability of Tg its diagnostic accuracy remains to date minimal; thus, the actual cut-off value that can be used to discriminate cancer cases from benign disease has not been determined yet.

Higher TSH Is Not Associated With Thyroid Cancer Risk in the Presence of Thyroid Autoimmunity

BACKGROUND

Higher-but-within-normal thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) is associated with higher risk for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in surgical series. Our recent clinical observations suggest that this is not the case in the presence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). We designed the present study to clarify this controversy.

METHODS

We analyzed our prospectively collected database of patients referred for thyroid surgery at 2 tertiary care referral centers in Greece and the United States. We collected data for preoperative TSH, postoperative pathology, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies titers. Subjects were subdivided into 2 groups, those with AITD (i.e., lymphocytic thyroiditis) and non-AITD. We excluded subjects with Graves disease, abnormal TSH (< 0.40 or > 4.50 mIU/mL), or recent use of levothyroxine. We compared the serum TSH among different groups using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

A total of 3973 subjects were screened; 1357 met exclusion criteria. After all exclusions, data from 1731 non-AITD subjects and 329 AITD subjects were included in the analysis. AITD subjects had higher TSH than non-AITD subjects (2.09 vs 1.48; P < 0.0001). TSH values were higher in DTC compared with benign histology only in non-AITD subjects (1.65 vs 1.40; P < 0.0001). Progressively higher TSH was associated with higher incidence of DTC only in non-AITD subjects (P < 0.0001). In AITD subjects, TSH was similar between groups with or without DTC (2.02 vs 2.14; P = 0.21).

CONCLUSIONS

TSH concentrations are not associated with the risk of developing DTC in the presence of thyroid autoimmunity, even though this seems to be the case for all other patients.

MON-377 Fracture Site in High-Energy Trauma Is Associated with Osteoporosis Risk

Background: In our recent studies, we noted that patients with history of high energy fractures commonly have underlying endocrine abnormalities and low bone mineral density (BMD). In this expanded patient population, we aimed to investigate whether the fracture site can better predict the risk of abnormal BMD.

Methods:We prospectively enrolled adult patients of both genders, with any history of high energy fracture. We measured serum PTH, vitamin-D and calcium and we performed BMD measurements with a DEXA scan. We split our subjects’ BMD, based on the lowest T- or Z-score in “Normal” (≥-0.9), “low bone mass” (LBM) (-1.0 to -2.4) and “Osteoporosis” (OST) (≤-2.5). We classified our patients according to fracture site, in vertebral, humeral, hip, tibial, malleolar-carpal, radial-ulnar and others, including rib fractures. Ratios were compared with χ 2 test, and continuous variables with one-way ANOVA.

Results: We enrolled 444 consecutive subjects with 543 fractures. n=315 (71.0%) subjects had low BMD: OST 25.9% and LBM 45.1%. Among subjects &lt;50 years of age, 43.1% had LBM and 9.2% OST, while in those &gt;50, 46.3% had LBM and 36.6% OST (p&lt;0.0001). The cohort’s mean lowest T/Z score was -1.6±1.2. Subjects with &gt;1 fracture had more frequently low T/Z score (p=0.015). History of vertebral fractures provided the lowest mean T/Z score overall (-2.4±1.1), in females (-2.5±0.9) and subjects &gt;50 (-2.5±1.1). The same holds true for hip fractures in males (-1.9±1.2) and subjects &lt;50 (-2.1±1.4). Subjects with vertebral fractures had the lowest Hip (-1.7±1.2) and Spine (-2.3±1.2) T/Z scores, while those with tibial fractures had the lowest Radius T/Z score (-1.8±1.3). History of vertebral fractures was associated with the highest rate of OST (65.9%) in our overall population, males (50%), females (67.5%), subjects &gt;50 (70.0%), while subjects with history of tibial fractures had the highest rate of normal BMD (46.2%), in males (80%) and females (50.4%), and those &lt;50 (75.0%). Vitamin-D deficiency was present in 81.4% of all subjects. PTH was significantly higher in patients with OST compared to LBM or normal BMD (p=0.0006).

Discussion: Patients with history of high energy fractures need to be screened with DEXA scan early, as they have high likelihood to suffer from osteoporosis.

MON-510 Patients with Large Multinodular Goiters Operated for Presumed Benign - Large or Growing Thyroid Nodules, Have a High Likelihood of Significant Synchronous Thyroid Cancers

Introduction: Despite the current state of evidence suggesting that thyroid nodules’ size should not be the sole criterion for the decision to undergo thyroidectomy, many patients are still operated for large, or growing nodules. In order to ascertain whether this is a justifiable approach, we performed the present study.

Methods/ Subjects: We reviewed the data from two prospectively collected databases of patients undergoing thyroid surgery in two tertiary referral centers, one in the USA (A) and the other one in Greece (B) over 14 consecutive years. We collected data on the preoperative surgical indication, FNA cytology and surgical pathology. We included subjects with multinodular goiters, operated solely for large or growing thyroid nodules, who did not have any known or presumed thyroid cancer, or indications of high risk for malignancy (FNA suspicious for thyroid cancer, follicular neoplasm, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, FLUS/AUS, cellular specimen), family history of thyroid cancer or prior neck radiation exposure.

Results: We reviewed 5523 consecutive cases of thyroid surgery (A:2711, B:2812). After excluding n=3059 subjects, we included n=2464 subjects in the present analysis. Overall 535 thyroid cancers were identified (21.7%): 349 (65.2%) were microcarcinomas (<1cm), 161 (30.0%) were macrocarcinomas (≥1cm) and 25 of undetermined size. The histology was consistent with papillary cancer (PTC) n=500, follicular cancer (FTC) n=14, Hurthle cell cancer (HCC) n=9, medullary cancer (MTC) n=4, thyroid lymphoma n=1 and mixed histology cancers n=4. In n=68 (2.75%) cases, a thyroid cancer was found in the large or growing thyroid nodule, which was the original indication for surgery. The cancers were multifocal in n=165 subjects; there was extrathyroidal extension in n=61, capsular invasion was present in n=80, lymph node involvement in n=35 and bone metastasis in n=2 subjects.

Conclusions: Although the likelihood of identifying a clinically relevant thyroid cancer in a large or growing nodule, in the absence of risk enhancing features, is low; the risk of synchronous, clinically important, thyroid cancers is high in patients with large multinodular goiters. Therefore, more precise screening strategies are urgently needed to identify the patients, who would clearly benefit from thyroid surgery and protect those who do not need to be operated on.

MON-489 Comorbidity of Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Papillary Thyroid Cancer. A Single Center Outcomes

Introduction Concurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with thyroid disease has been previously reported by several studies. However, comorbidity between primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been sparsely described by previous, mostly case-series studies, and is considered rare. Since pathophysiological mechanisms behind the two diseases are supposed to be different, any link between these diseases has not been explained as yet. Hypothesis: Aim of the study was to investigate the possible concurrence for the two diseases in people who underwent thyroidectomy for suspected thyroid nodules. Methodology Retrospective observational study that included 2913 patients (24% men with mean age 49.82 yrs, 76% women mean aged 47.73 yrs), who underwent total thyroidectomy during the last 13 years (2005-2018) at the Department of Endocrine Surgery, Euroclinic Hospital, in Greece. The patient-groups were categorised according to histopathology criteria of the thyroid and/ or parathyroid glands (in case of comorbidity of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) diagnosed prior to surgery). Results: Statistical analysis revealed benign histopathology findings in 1945 patients (64%), while papillary cancer was found in 978 (32%). Among patients with non-malignancy, 16 (11 women/5 men) had PHPT, but in those with papillary cancer, PHPT was diagnosed in 38 (33 women/5 men) individuals. The relative risk for the concurrence of PHPT and PTC was 2.033 (95%CI 1.69 to 2.43, P<0.0001). Age groups between 30 and 60 yrs were associated with the highest relative frequency of comorbidity (82%). A significant positive correlation was observed between less aggressive PTC histopathology findings and PHPT concurrence (P<0.0001). Interestingly, no patient with PTC and PHPT had either capsular invasion or regional/distant metastases. Moreover, most patients with comorbidity (92%) had a tumour diameter smaller (mean 6.3 mm) than those with PTC alone (mean 18 mm). Conclusions: Our study found that the comorbidity between primary hyperparathyroidism and PTC may be considered as possible. Endocrinologist’s diagnostic approach may add serum calcium and parathormone levels in patients who undergo evaluation for suspected thyroid nodules. Patients with PHPT and PTC had mostly microcarcinomas, and histopathology findings showed a less aggressive PTC pattern. Further large cohorts as well as genetic studies, are needed to duplicate our results and further highlight possible common pathogenetic pathways behind PHPT and PTC concurrence.

Incidentally Discovered Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas Are More Frequently Found in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis Than with Multinodular Goiter or Graves' Disease

Background: Incidental finding of differentiated thyroid microcarcinomas (DTMc) in patients undergoing thyroid surgery for benign indications has become increasingly common. Even though carcinogenesis might relate to the background disease of the gland, the incidence of DTMc in the setting of various thyroid disorders remains unclear. We designed the present study to address this question. Materials and Methods: We reviewed data from two prospectively collected databases of consecutive patients undergoing thyroid surgery in two high-volume tertiary care referral centers, one in the United States (A) and the other one in Greece (B) over 18 years. We collected data on the preoperative surgical indication, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, and surgical pathology. We excluded subjects operated for thyroid cancer or with high risk for malignancy (FNA suspicious for thyroid cancer, follicular neoplasm, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance, or preoperative features of malignancy) and those with postsurgical pathology consistent with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) ≥1 cm in largest diameter. We divided our subjects based on pathology data into those with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT), Graves' disease (GD), or multinodular goiter (MNG). Results: We reviewed 6096 cases of thyroid surgery (A: 2711, B: 3385). We included 3909 subjects in the analysis. Overall, 569 (14.6%) PTC subjects were identified (A: 221/2003 [11%], B: 348/1906 [18.3%], odds ratios [OR] = 0.56, p < 0.0001). CLT was present in 617 subjects; PTC sonographic was present in 143 subjects (23.2%) (A: 79/404 [19.6%], B: 64/213 [30%], OR = 0.56, p = 0.003). GD was present in 359 subjects; PTC was present in 37 subjects (10.3%) (A: 12/197 [6.1%], B: 25/162 [15.4%], OR = 0.36, p = 0.004). MNG was present in 2933 subjects; PTC was present in 389 subjects (13.3%) (A: 130/1402 [9.3%], B: 259/1531 [16.9%], OR = 0.50, p < 0.0001). The incidence of PTC was significantly higher in CLT compared with MNG (OR = 1.75, p < 0.0001) or GD (OR = 2.25, p < 0.0001) but not in MNG compared with GD (OR = 1.29, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Incidentally discovered PTC are more commonly identified in surgical specimens from subjects with CLT compared with patients with MNG, while patients with GD present with a lower incidence compared with both groups. These data support previously published findings that euthyroid Hashimoto thyroiditis favors carcinogenesis, while GD may have a protective role.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma of the Thyroid Gland: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type of the thyroid gland is a rare indolent malignant disease encountered in approximately 0.5% of patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT). The purpose of the present systematic review was to accumulate the current evidence in the field.

STUDY DESIGN

We searched the Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL databases from inception to May 2018. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22.0.

RESULTS

Fourteen case series and 20 case reports were finally included in the present systematic review. Analysis of the patient data included in the published case reports suggested that the age at diagnosis of MALT lymphoma does no differ among males and females (64 [52.5-73] vs. 67 [60.5-72] years, p = 0.442). HT was detected in 60% of patients, whereas coexisting carcinoma was evident in 17% of cases. The incidence of HT and thyroid cancer was comparable among males and females (p = 0.474 and p > 0.999, respectively). Among all patients included in the present systematic review there were two disease relapses and two deaths attributed to the disease.

CONCLUSION

MALT lymphoma of the thyroid gland is a rare malignancy with an indolent course. The scarce data available in the literature preclude safe conclusions concerning the mode of treatment and follow-up of these patients. However, the combination of minimally invasive surgery and adjuvant therapy seems feasible. Moreover, an extended follow-up period is recommended.

Multiscale-patient-specific artery and atherogenesis models

In this work, we present a platform for the development of multiscale patient-specific artery and atherogenesis models. The platform, called ARTool, integrates technologies of 3-D image reconstruction from various image modalities, blood flow and biological models of mass transfer, plaque characterization, and plaque growth. Patient images are acquired for the development of the 3-D model of the patient specific arteries. Then, blood flow is modeled within the arterial models for the calculation of the wall shear stress distribution (WSS). WSS is combined with other patient-specific parameters for the development of the plaque progression models. Real-time simulation can be performed for same cases in grid environment. The platform is evaluated using both animal and human data.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary malignancies: the effect of bile colonization on the postoperative outcome

OBJECTIVES

The presence of bacteria in the bile of patients undergoing biliary tract surgery has been proposed as associated to an increased incidence of postoperative complications. The present study was designed to determine whether colonization of the bile has an adverse effect in terms of postoperative infectious or noninfectious complications and mortality in a homogenous population of patients suffering from periampullary region malignancies, who all underwent resectional (curative) procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1997 and December 2002, 115 patients (n = 115) suffering from periampullary region malignancies underwent resectional procedures. Fifty-two of the above patients were referred having undergone preoperative internal biliary drainage. During the operation, bile was routinely isolated from the common bile duct and was sent for culture and sensitivity. Based on the bile culture results, the patients were divided in sterile and colonized group and were retrospectively compared in terms of postoperative outcome and mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 115 bile cultures, 67 were colonized with bacteria and 48 were sterile. Postoperatively, 40 patients developed 35 noninfectious and 21 infectious complications. Univariate analysis did not disclose statistically significant differences in overall, noninfectious or infectious morbidity and mortality between the two groups of patients. Although not statistically significant, a higher incidence (22 vs 10%) of postoperative leaks in the colonized group of patients was noticed. Multiple regression analysis disclosed that colonized bile was independently related to the advanced age, preoperative biliary drainage presence, elevated preoperative serum bilirubin levels and low preoperative serum albumin levels but did not predispose to an increased postoperative morbidity, mortality, or reoperation rate.

CONCLUSION

The present study did not conclude in any statistically significant differences in the postoperative infectious and noninfectious morbidity as well as mortality, between colonized and sterile groups of patients who underwent resectional procedures for malignancies of the periampullary region. Although internal biliary drainage introduces microorganisms into the biliary tree, this colonization does not increase the risk of either infectious or noninfectious complications or postoperative death. Thus, the likelihood of bacterobilia should not contraindicate the procedure in selected cases.

Docetaxel and capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer

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Background: Capecitabine (C) and Docetaxel (D) have demonstrated synergy in both preclinical and clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity and tolerability of the combination of CD as a first -line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Thirty- five patients have been enrolled in the study. Median age was 54 years (range 35–73). ECOG PS was of 0–2 (PS 0: 6 patients, PS 1: 5 patients, PS 2: 14 patients), All patients were Her-2 neu negative. Patients received Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1, with routine pre and post-medication with steroids, and Capecitabine 950 mg/m2 p.o. bid on days 1–14, every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: A total of 233 cycles were given with a median of 7 (2–12). Of the 35 evaluable patients, 17 patients (48%) achieved partial response (PR) and 6 patients (17%) attained stable disease (SD). The median duration of response was 12 weeks and the median duration of SD was 20 weeks. The median time to progression (TTP) was 28 weeks. The median overall survival was 90 weeks. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicity was mainly hematological with G3 or 4 neutropenia in 7 patients (20%). Febrile neutropenia was not encountered. There was not significant GI toxicity. Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy with Capecitabine and Docetaxel shows promising efficacy as first- line therapy in advanced breast cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Why does laparoscopic common bile duct exploration fail?

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for choledocholithiasis carries an overall ductal clearance rate of between 85% and 95%. We present our single institute experience with LCBDE. Between July 1999 and July 2003, 60 patients (42 females, 18 males; median age, 59.5 years) with proven choledocholithiasis underwent LCBDE for common bile duct (CBD) clearance. The method failed to clear the CBD in six patients, resulting in a 90% overall success rate. Conversion to a conventional open approach (n = 1), hand-assisted LCBDE (n = 1), T-tube placement followed by multiple postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; n = 2), and endobiliary stent placement followed by single successful postoperative ERCP in each case (n = 2) were chosen as treatment options when the laparoscopic method failed to clear the CBD. LCBDE is a feasible and safe method of managing CBD stones. Impacted stones at the lower end of the CBD or in the ampulla of Vater represent the most likely factors leading to failure of LCBDE. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement followed by postoperative ERCP represents the most attractive alternative in these difficult cases of impacted stones.

Early versus delayed single-stage laparoscopic eradication for both gallstones and common bile duct stones in mild acute biliary pancreatitis

Several studies addressed that preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for common bile duct (CBD) clearance, followed by interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy (two-stage approach), constitutes the most common practice in cases of uncomplicated mild acute biliary pancreatitis. Between June 1998 and December 2002, 44 patients (35 females and 9 males with a median age of 62 years) suffering from uncomplicated mild acute biliary pancreatitis were treated in our unit. All patients were electively submitted to surgery after subsidence of the acute symptoms, and for definitive treatment we favored the single-stage laparoscopic management, avoiding preoperative ERCP. All patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC). If filling defect(s) were detected in the IOC, a finding suggestive of concomitant choledocholithiasis, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) was added in the same sitting. Twenty patients were operated upon within 2 weeks since the attack of the acute symptoms and constitute the early group (n=20), whereas 24 patients underwent an operation later on and constitute the delay group (n=24). We retrospectively compare the safety, effectiveness, and outcome after the single-stage laparoscopic management between the two groups of patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone constituted the definitive treatment in 38 patients, while an additional LCBDE was performed in the remaining 6 patients (14%), and all operations were achieved laparoscopically. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of operative time, incidence of concomitant choledocholithiasis, morbidity rate, and postoperative hospital stay. During the follow-up, none of the patients experienced recurrent pancreatitis. In uncomplicated mild acute biliary pancreatitis cases, a single-stage definitive laparoscopic management, avoiding preoperative ERCP, can be safely performed during the same admission, after the improvement of symptoms and local inflammation. Postoperative ERCP should be selectively used in patients in whom the single-stage method failed to resolve the problem.

Limitations of fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography in cases suggestive of choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

Fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) has been proposed as a safe and accurate screening method for choledocholithiasis, with a sensitivity and specificity of nearly 100% in selected cases. In the present study we retrospectively reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of IOC in cases highly suggestive of choledocholithiasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1999 and December 2002, 103 patients underwent IOC as an imaging method for common bile duct (CBD) stone detection. We did not routinely perform IOC in all patients who were submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, reserving the method for patients with a high probability of choledocholithiasis, namely patients with a history or the presence of painful obstructive jaundice at the time of referral, patients with a history of mild acute pancreatitis of biliary origin, and patients with abnormalities in their liver biochemistry profile as measured by liver function tests (LFT).

RESULTS

The mean rates of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for IOC were 98%, 94%, 94.5%, and 98% for the whole series, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 100% in patients with a history of obstructive jaundice or liver biochemical derangement, but was less in patients with a history of biliary pancreatitis. There were 3 false positive cases and 1 case of false negative results, all of which occurred in the subgroup of patients with a history of pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

Selective fluoroscopic IOC is generally feasible and safe, as well as highly accurate (100%) for CBD stone detection in patients with obstructive jaundice or abnormal LFT. The PPV of the method decreases in patients with a history of pancreatitis (75%), while a negative result is highly suggestive of the absence of CBD stones (NPV = 98%). The present study concluded in a higher incidence of false results in patients with a normal size CBD, suggesting that the diagnostic accuracy of IOC is probably related to the size of the CBD rather than the indication for its performance.

Cost-effective method for laparoscopic choledochotomy

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have noted that postoperative complications following open or laparoscopic choledochotomy for common bile duct (CBD) exploration are mainly related to the T-tube presence, and that there has been no trend of decrease in the laparoscopic era. Laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement with primary closure of the CBD has been proposed as a safe and effective alternative to T-tube placement.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and January 2003, 53 consecutive patients suffering from proven choledocholithiasis underwent laparoscopic common bile exploration (LCBDE) via choledochotomy. In the early period, a T-tube was placed at the end of the procedure (group A, n = 32) while, from June 2001 onwards, laparoscopic biliary stent placement and primary CBD closure were chosen as the drainage method (group B, n = 21).

RESULTS

Six patients developed T-tube-related complications postoperatively. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative hospital stay for the stent group. Although not statistically significant, a median saving of 780 UK pounds per patient was observed in the stent group.

CONCLUSION

Biliary endoprosthesis placement following laparoscopic choledochotomy avoids the well-known complications of a T-tube, leading to a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The method is safe and effective and it should also be considered as cost-effective compared to T-tube placement. Further studies are required in order to document cost-effectiveness of the method.

Advantages of laparoscopic stented choledochorrhaphy over T-tube placement

Background

Postoperative complications after laparoscopic choledochotomy are mainly related to the T tube. Both laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement with primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) and primary closure of the CBD without drainage have been proposed as safe and effective alternatives to T-tube placement.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on 53 consecutive patients suffering from proven choledocholithiasis who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration through a choledochotomy between January 1999 and January 2003. In the early period a T-tube was placed at the end of the procedure (n = 32). Biliary stent placement and primary CBD closure was performed from June 2001 (n = 21).

Results

There were no significant differences in epidemiological characteristics, preoperative factors or intraoperative findings between the groups. Seven patients developed complications, six in the T-tube group and one in the stent group. Univariate analysis revealed a significantly lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative hospital stay in the stent group.

Conclusion

Placement of a biliary endoprosthesis after laparoscopic choledochotomy achieves biliary decompression, and avoids the complications of a T tube, leading to a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The method is a safe and effective alternative method of CBD drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy.

Diffuse oesophageal spasm masking achalasia

Several reports have suggested that esophageal motility disorders may progress from one type to another. A 41-year-old female patient underwent thoracoscopic esophagomyotomy for diffuse esophageal spasm (DOS) with normal resting pressure and complete relaxation of the LOS; findings were confirmed in two preoperative esophageal manometries. Postoperatively, she developed severe dysphagia, and a new esophageal manometry concluded achalasia. She underwent a laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and a posterior (180 degrees) Toupet's fundoplication. Since the second operation, she remains asymptomatic and does not experience any difficulty in swallowing. We concluded that DOS and achalasia might coexist in this case. Through multiple synapses and several nervous roots in the esophageal wall, the inhibitory neurons at the level of LOS were effective before esophagomyotomy and did not show symptoms and manometric findings suggestive for achalasia. Esophagomyotomy, causing disruption of these synapses and lost of inhibitory innervation, finally resulted in symptoms and manometric findings of achalasia.

Bile duct varices in the absence of portal hypertension signs

Previous reports have shown that unrecognized or incidental bile duct varices have been reported as being related to hazardous complications and difficulties during surgery or other interventional procedures. A 32-year-old Indian female patient with no previous symptoms and signs suggestive of portal hypertension was admitted for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary colic. Bile duct varices were incidentally recognized during the operation. For the sake of safety, the surgery was converted to a conventional approach. Postoperatively, a detailed history revealed catheterization of the umbilical vein during the newborn period. Subsequently, contrast-enhanced computer tomography scanning showed extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis and cavernous transformation, while an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy did not reveal any evidence of esophageal varices. Bile duct varices should be excluded in patients with symptoms and signs suggestive for portal hypertension. Moreover, the present case addresses the fact that bile duct varices should also be suspected in asymptomatic patients with a history suggestive for extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Intraoperative recognition of bile duct varices requires a careful anatomical approach to the hepatoduodenal ligament to avoid hazardous complications.

Resection of renal metastases to the pancreas: a surgical challenge

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the pancreas from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is distinctly uncommon. Most cases are detected at an advanced stage of the disease and are thus unsuitable for resection. A solitary RCC metastasis to the head of pancreas is rarely encountered and, although it is potentially amenable to surgical resection, surgeons may be hesitant to perform pancreatoduodenectomy.

CASES OUTLINES

Two patients with a solitary RCC metastasis to the head of pancreas were treated by pancreatoduodenectomy, while a third with multiple RCC metastases declined any treatment. Two of the patients were asymptomatic, and one presented with anaemia and mild abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography were used to exclude other metastases and to assess resectability of the pancreatic tumour. All three patients are still alive, those with resectable disease at 2 years and 9 years and the one with irresectable disease at 4 years.

DISCUSSION

Isolated RCC metastasis to the pancreas is a rare event. Patients present either on follow-up imaging or with symptoms such as mild abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, anaemia or gastrointestinal bleeding (whether occult or overt). Dynamic spiral CT can visualise the tumour and exclude distant metastasis. Angiography often reveals a highly vascularised tumour and will help to assess resectability. In the absence of widespread disease, pancreatic resection can provide long-term survival in metastatic RCC, although few cases have been reported with lengthy follow-up. The prognosis is better than for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.