Prognostic Performance of Alternative Lymph Node Classification Systems for Patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Single Center Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Lymph node ratio (LNR) and the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) have been proposed as alternative lymph node (LN) classification schemes. Various cut-off values have been defined for each system, with the question of the most appropriate for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) still remaining open. We aimed to retrospectively compare the predictive impact of different LN classification systems and to define the most appropriate set of cut-off values regarding accurate evaluation of overall survival (OS) in patients with MTC.

METHODS

182 patients with MTC who were operated on between 1985 and 2018 were extracted from our medical database. Cox proportional hazards regression models and C-statistics were performed to assess the discriminative power of 28 LNR and 28 LODDS classifications and compare them with the N category according to the 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM classification in terms of discriminative power. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, T category, focality, and genetic predisposition.

RESULTS

High LNR and LODDS are associated with advanced T categories, distant metastasis, sporadic disease, and male gender. In addition, among 56 alternative LN classifications, only one LNR and one LODDS classification were independently associated with OS, regardless of the presence of metastatic disease. The C-statistic demonstrated comparable results for all classification systems showing no clear superiority over the N category.

CONCLUSION

Two distinct alternative LN classification systems demonstrated a better prognostic performance in MTC patients than the N category. However, larger scale studies are needed to further verify our findings.

Lokalisation von Nebenschilddrüsenadenomen mit planarer 99mTc-Sestamibi-Szintigraphie

Ziel: Im Rahmen der präoperativen Lokalisationsdiagnostik beim primären Hyperparathyreoidismus (pHPT) wurden die Subtraktions- und die 2-Phasen-Technik der 99mTc-Sestamibi- Szintigraphie untereinander und mit den Operationsergebnissen verglichen. Patienten, Methoden: Prospektiv wurden 126 Patienten mit pHPT präoperativ untersucht. Die Darstellung der Schilddrüse (99mTc-Pertechnetat) wurde von dem Perfusionsbild (99mTc-Sestamibi) subtrahiert, eine weitere Aufnahme 2 h p. i. diente zur Feststellung einer Aktivitätsretention. Die zeitnahe Befunderstellung erfolgte unter Berücksichtigung beider Techniken. Retrospektiv wurden die Auswertungen getrennt vier erfahrenen Fachärzten vorgelegt. Ergebnisse: In der klinischen Routine wurden bei 109 Patienten präoperativ korrekte Befunde erhoben (87%). Von 129 resezierten Nebenschilddrüsenadenomen wurden 118 richtig lokalisiert (Sensitivität 91%, pos. Vorhersagewert 94%). Bei der retrospektiven Analyse führten in 75% der Fälle beide Techniken zum richtigen Ergebnis, bei 14% war nur die 2-Phasen-Technik zielführend, bei 7% nur die Subtraktionstechnik. Mit der 2-Phasen-Technik wurden signifikant mehr Untersuchungen richtig beurteilt als mit der Subtraktionstechnik (88,7 ± 3,2% versus 81,6 ± 1,2%, p <0,01, zweiseitiger t-Test). Schlussfolgerung: Die präoperative szintigraphische Lokalisationsdiagnostik hyperaktiver Nebenschilddrüsen bei pHPT unterstützt das minimal-invasive operative Vorgehen durch eine hohe Rate an richtigen Befunden. Die 2-Phasen- erscheint sensitiver als die Subtraktionstechnik. In einigen Fällen kann die richtige Lokalisation nur mit Hilfe der Subtraktionstechnik angegeben werden. Für eine optimale Vorbereitung der Operation empfiehlt sich die vorgestellte Kombination beider Techniken.

Global DNA Methylation Analysis Identifies Two Discrete clusters of Pheochromocytoma with Distinct Genomic and Genetic Alterations

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare and frequently heritable neural-crest derived tumours arising from the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal chromaffin cells respectively. The majority of PPGL tumours are benign and do not recur with distant metastases. However, a sizeable fraction of these tumours secrete vasoactive catecholamines into the circulation causing a variety of symptoms including hypertension, palpitations and diaphoresis. The genetic landscape of PPGL has been well characterized and more than a dozen genes have been described as recurrently mutated. Recent studies of DNA-methylation have revealed distinct clusters of PPGL that share DNA methylation patterns and driver mutations, as well as identified potential biomarkers for malignancy. However, these findings have not been adequately validated in independent cohorts. In this study we use an array-based genome-wide approach to study the methylome of 39 PPGL and 4 normal adrenal medullae. We identified two distinct clusters of tumours characterized by different methylation patterns and different driver mutations. Moreover, we identify genes that are differentially methylated between tumour subcategories, and between tumours and normal tissue.

Early postoperative tissue harmonic sonography of the thyroid gland

Purpose: Fundamental gray-scale imaging (FGI) is known to be unuseful for thyroid imaging in the early postoperative setting. Thus, we evaluated the feasability of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) early after thyroid resection.

Material and Methods: FGI and THI of the neck were perfomed in 48 consecutive patients 4 days after surgery. The examiner was blinded to patient diagnoses and types of surgery. FGI and THI examinations were stored on videotape and reviewed offline by two different readers who rated the quality of delineation of the organ borders and presence or absence of focal lesions. The results were compared to neck US performed 12 weeks after surgery.

Results: Delineation of the thyroid remnants in THI/FGI was rated to be excellent in 22/2, good in 11/9, poor in 3/16 and not visible at all in 4/13 patients. The correlation between THI-volumetry and control-volumetry was very high (r=0.81; p&lt;0.0001). THI but not FGI depicted presence or absence of solid thyroid nodules with 100% accuracy.

Conclusion: THI is a feasible method for thyroid US in the early postoperative setting. It permits volumetry of the residual thyroid tissue and accurately depicts nodules within the thyroid remnant.

Survivin and XIAP: two valuable biomarkers in medullary thyroid carcinoma

Background:

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for ∼5% of all thyroid malignancies. To date, surgery is the first-line therapy with curative intention. However, for advanced MTC, conventional chemotherapeutic agents do not provide convincing results. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers that can be antagonised by small-molecule therapeutics may lead to novel encouraging treatment options.

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients with surgically resected and histologically confirmed MTC were included in this study. Tissue microarrays were constructed to assess the relationship between inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) survivin or XIAP expression levels and clinicopathological variables as well as overall survival.

Results:

High survivin or XIAP expression was associated with an advanced T-stage and metastatic disease. Whereas tissue expression levels of survivin correlated with serum calcitonin levels, XIAP was overexpressed in the subgroup of patients with sporadic MTC. Both IAPs were negatively associated with patient survival in the multivariate Cox regressions analysis (survivin: hazard ratio (HR) 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–2.16; P=0.001; XIAP: HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.16–2.72; P=0.008).

Conclusions:

Survivin and XIAP demonstrate distinct expression patterns in MTCs, which are associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. We thus provide first evidence that both IAPs might serve as viable targets in patients with MTC.

Activating mutations in CTNNB1 in aldosterone producing adenomas

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension with a prevalence of 5–10% in unreferred hypertensive patients. Aldosterone producing adenomas (APAs) constitute a large proportion of PA cases and represent a surgically correctable form of the disease. The WNT signaling pathway is activated in APAs. In other tumors, a frequent cause of aberrant WNT signaling is mutation in the CTNNB1 gene coding for β-catenin. Our objective was to screen for CTNNB1 mutations in a well-characterized cohort of 198 APAs. Somatic CTNNB1 mutations were detected in 5.1% of the tumors, occurring mutually exclusive from mutations in KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3 and CACNA1D. All of the observed mutations altered serine/threonine residues in the GSK3β binding domain in exon 3. The mutations were associated with stabilized β-catenin and increased AXIN2 expression, suggesting activation of WNT signaling. By CYP11B2 mRNA expression, CYP11B2 protein expression, and direct measurement of aldosterone in tumor tissue, we confirmed the ability for aldosterone production. This report provides compelling evidence that aberrant WNT signaling caused by mutations in CTNNB1 occur in APAs. This also suggests that other mechanisms that constitutively activate the WNT pathway may be important in APA formation.

Novel somatic mutations and distinct molecular signature in aldosterone-producing adenomas

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are found in 1.5-3.0% of hypertensive patients in primary care and can be cured by surgery. Elucidation of genetic events may improve our understanding of these tumors and ultimately improve patient care. Approximately 40% of APAs harbor a missense mutation in the KCNJ5 gene. More recently, somatic mutations in CACNA1D, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3, also important for membrane potential/intracellular Ca(2) (+) regulation, were observed in APAs. In this study, we analyzed 165 APAs for mutations in selected regions of these genes. We then correlated mutational findings with clinical and molecular phenotype using transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative PCR. Somatic mutations in CACNA1D in 3.0% (one novel mutation), ATP1A1 in 6.1% (six novel mutations) and ATP2B3 in 3.0% (two novel mutations) were detected. All observed mutations were located in previously described hotspot regions. Patients with tumors harboring mutations in CACNA1D, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 were operated at an older age, were more often male and had tumors that were smaller than those in patients with KCNJ5 mutated tumors. Microarray transcriptome analysis segregated KCNJ5 mutated tumors from ATP1A1/ATP2B3 mutated tumors and those without mutation. We observed significant transcription upregulation of CYP11B2, as well as the previously described glomerulosa-specific gene NPNT, in ATP1A1/ATP2B3 mutated tumors compared to KCNJ5 mutated tumors. In summary, we describe novel somatic mutations in proteins regulating the membrane potential/intracellular Ca(2) (+) levels, and also a distinct mRNA and clinical signature, dependent on genetic alteration.

Encapsulation status of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas is associated with the risk of lymph node metastases and tumor multifocality

The management of papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) of the thyroid is controversial, especially after partial thyroid resection for benign thyroid disease. In order to detect prognostic factors for PMC, we analyzed 116 patients with PMC for encapsulation status and lymph node metastases. Between 10/1992 and 12/2010, 116 patients with PMC have been operated in our department (87 females, 29 males, median age 49 years). Eighty per cent of PMCs were diagnosed postoperatively. Seventy-six patients (66%) received a more extended resection with either thyroidectomy, near total thyroidectomy, or Dunhill operation either primarily or after completion operation, whereas 40 patients (34%) had only partial resection. Fifty patients (43%) received radioiodine (RIA) ablation. Lymph node metastases were found in 21 patients (18%). Univariate analysis showed four risk factors to be significantly associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis (p<0.05): male gender, younger age, age group<50 years and nonencapsulation of the tumor. Multivariate analysis demonstrated statistical significance for gender and tumor capsulation status. The tumor capsulation status also correlated with tumor multifocality. Our data show that the risk of lymph node metastases is significantly higher in partially or nonencapsulated PMC than in encapsulated specimens. We therefore suggest that the WHO classification should be extended to a compulsory notification of the encapsulation status in PMC.

Secondary malignancy in patients with sporadic neuroendocrine neoplasia

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasias (NENs), especially of the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP), system relatively increased over the past decades, as a result of advanced diagnostic tools, a better clinical awareness, and distinguished pathological diagnostic recognition. Previous reports hypothesized an increased risk for secondary malignancies in patients with NEN especially in GEP-NENs. The present study was designed to investigate the coincidence of NENs and secondary malignancies in a large patient collective. A retrospective analysis was performed on 161 patients (85 female and 76 male) with NEN of various origins. Clinical data of these patients, different classification systems (TNM/WHO), proliferations-based grading, and clinical follow-up were collected and analyzed. Out of 143 patients with a sporadic NEN, 15 (10.49 %) patients were identified with secondary malignant tumors. Median age at the time of the primary operation for NEN was 65 years, whereas the median age of initial diagnosis of associated tumors was 59 years. Mean follow-up time was 61 months. The risk of developing a secondary malignancy was most elevated for patients with an NEN of the lung, the stomach, and the ileum (60, 50 and 20 %, respectively). The spectrum of secondary malignancies included various types of cancer. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis shows a difference suggesting that patients with a secondary malignancy demonstrate a worse survival compared to patients without a secondary tumor; no significance was detected (p = 0.349). Our data suggest that secondary malignancies in patients with NEN's especially in GEP-NENs are found more frequently than in general population. Therefore, patients with NEN need a continuous and detailed follow-up. The reason for the increased incidence of secondary malignancies in patients with NENs remains to be elucidated.

Coincidence of primary hyperparathyroidism and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma

The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) combined with nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (NMTC) has been reported between 2-13%. To date, it remains controversial whether these 2 pathologies occur coincidental or are caused by specific risk factors or genetic changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histological characteristics of NMTC associated with pHPT. We reviewed prospective database records of 1 464 unselected, consecutive patients who were treated for pHPT in our institution between 1986 and 2012 and identified 41 NMTC (2.8%). The collective consisted of 35 papillary (PTC) and 6 follicular (FTC) thyroid carcinomas. Our collective of 41 NMTC including 34 single adenomas and 7 multiglandular diseases consisted of 33 females and 8 males. Patients with FTC demonstrated significant lower preoperative PTH levels compared to PTC. Interestingly, NMTC were predominantly located on the right side. FTC had significant larger tumors as well as demonstrated increased extrathyroidal growth and lymph node metastases. In 71% pHPT and NMTC were diagnosed synchronously. The comorbidity of pHPT and NMTC occurs in about 3%. As pHPT is often operated by a focal minimally invasive approach, we advocate a mandatory preoperative thyroid ultrasound for all patients with pHPT to be able to identify synchronous thyroid disease.

Is minimal residual lymph node disease in papillary thyroid cancer of prognostic impact? An analysis of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM in lymph nodes of 40 pN0 patients

This study was aimed to assess the extend of nodal microdissemination in patients with pN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using immunohistochemical analysis. In early stage PTC both, systematic lymphadenectomy as well as radio iodine treatment, aimed to eliminate occult nodal tumor involvement, are under controversial debate, since little is known about the extend of lymphatic microdissemination in these patients. Formalin embedded samples of the resected lymph nodes were systematically screened for the presence of disseminated tumor cells using immunohistochemistry (monoclonal antibody Ber-EP4). Clinical and histopathological parameters as well as the post-operative course were recorded. Survival data were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test. Overall 321 lymph nodes of 40 patients were screened immunohistochemically. In 12.5% of the patients disseminated occult tumor cells were diagnosed. In addition to tumor resection 90% of the patients underwent adjuvant radio-iodine treatment. The mean observation period in our collective was 72 months. The detection of disseminated tumor cells did not correlate with clinicopathologic risk parameters and did not have significant influence on the prognosis of these patients. Immunohistochemical analysis enables the detection of disseminated tumor cells in patients with pN0 PTC. This finding seems to support the application of adjuvant radio iodine, even in early tumor stages.

Notch 1 tumor expression is lacking in highly proliferative pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

To date, very little is known about the development of benign organic hyperinsulinism and its metastatic potential. Typical morphologic, biochemical, or genetic differentiations for benign or malign tumor course of insulinomas do not exist. As signaling pathways may affect pancreatic cancer development and the maintenance of the neoplastic phenotype, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of Notch1 expression in organic hyperinsulinism. We examined 32 well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine tumors (wd PET); 11 wd PET of unknown behavior (wd PET ub); and 15 wd pancreatic endocrine cancer (wd PEC) for Notch1 expression by immunohistochemistry. Demographic data, clinical data, and follow-up of all patients were analyzed. Islets of the Langerhans show the strongest Notch1 staining in nearly 90 %. Positive Notch1 staining was absent in the acinar of the pancreas. In patients with a wd PET more than every second tumor (56.3 %/n = 18/32) demonstrated a negative Notch1 staining. The other 14 patients were positive for Notch1. Tumors of unknown behavior (wd PET ub) and malignant insulinomas had no signs of Notch expression in contrast to benign insulinomas. Considering the clinical and histomorphological tumor behavior, no correlation between Notch1 expression and clinical data was found. The missing Notch expression in the malignant tumor course might be used as a potential predictive marker, but further studies are needed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism.

Comprehensive re-sequencing of adrenal aldosterone producing lesions reveal three somatic mutations near the KCNJ5 potassium channel selectivity filter

Background

Aldosterone producing lesions are a common cause of hypertension, but genetic alterations for tumorigenesis have been unclear. Recently, either of two recurrent somatic missense mutations (G151R or L168R) was found in the potassium channel KCNJ5 gene in aldosterone producing adenomas. These mutations alter the channel selectivity filter and result in Na⁺ conductance and cell depolarization, stimulating aldosterone production and cell proliferation. Because a similar mutation occurs in a Mendelian form of primary aldosteronism, these mutations appear to be sufficient for cell proliferation and aldosterone production. The prevalence and spectrum of KCNJ5 mutations in different entities of adrenocortical lesions remain to be defined.

Materials and Methods

The coding region and flanking intronic segments of KCNJ5 were subjected to Sanger DNA sequencing in 351 aldosterone producing lesions, from patients with primary aldosteronism and 130 other adrenocortical lesions. The specimens had been collected from 10 different worldwide referral centers.

Results

G151R or L168R somatic mutations were identified in 47% of aldosterone producing adenomas, each with similar frequency. A previously unreported somatic mutation near the selectivity filter, E145Q, was observed twice. Somatic G151R or L168R mutations were also found in 40% of aldosterone producing adenomas associated with marked hyperplasia, but not in specimens with merely unilateral hyperplasia. Mutations were absent in 130 non-aldosterone secreting lesions.

KCNJ5 mutations were overrepresented in aldosterone producing adenomas from female compared to male patients (63 vs. 24%). Males with KCNJ5 mutations were significantly younger than those without (45 vs. 54, respectively; p<0.005) and their APAs with KCNJ5 mutations were larger than those without (27.1 mm vs. 17.1 mm; p<0.005).

Discussion

Either of two somatic KCNJ5 mutations are highly prevalent and specific for aldosterone producing lesions. These findings provide new insight into the pathogenesis of primary aldosteronism.

Approach to the management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and primary hyperparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Worldwide, only nine cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) have been reported.

CASE ILLUSTRATION

This is a report on adolescent subjects with SCFE associated with PHP exhibiting the leading pathogenesis and clinical course.

METHODS

Here, we reviewed all known cases and developed an effective approach to the management of SCFE and PHP.

RESULTS

In cases of emergency, SCFE fixation is primarily done regardless of any preexistent hypercalcemia due to PHP and is followed by parathyroidectomy as soon as possible. In cases of mild and moderate hypercalcemia, whether SCFE fixation is followed by parathyroidectomy and vice versa or resolved during a single operating session depends on the side effects of hypercalcemia. Severely hypercalcemic patients should undergo urgent parathyroidectomy followed by immediate orthopedic surgery or even as a simultaneous procedure. This is to avoid onset of hypercalcemic side effects or worsening of preexisting side manifestations resulting from hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSION

Our report demonstrates that SCFE patients presenting with hypercalcemia, signs of low bone density, or with non-typical age of onset deserve further workup for secondary causes. In addition, the newly developed systematic approach toward achieving an effective, efficient management should help in improving the patients' long-term outcome.

Approach to the management of slipped capital femoral epiphysis and primary hyperparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Worldwide, only nine cases of revealing slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) have been reported.

CASE ILLUSTRATION

This study included adolescent subjects with the described association, the clinical course, and exhibiting the leading pathogeneses.

METHODS

Here, we reviewed all known cases and developed an effective approach to the management of SCFE and PHP.

RESULTS

In cases of emergency, SCFE fixation is primarily done regardless of any preexistent hypercalcemia due to PHP and followed by parathyroidectomy as soon as possible. In cases of mild and moderate hypercalcemia, whether SCFE fixation is followed by parathyroidectomy and vice versa or resolved during a single operating session depends on manifest side effects due to hyercalcemia. Patients with severe hypercalcema should undergo urgent parathyroidectomy, followed by immediate orthopedic surgery, even as a simultaneous procedure. This is to avoid onset of hypercalcemic side effects or worsening of preexisting side manifestations resulting from hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSION

Our report demonstrates that SCFE presenting with hypercalcemia, with signs of low bone density, or in atypical age deserves further workup for secondary causes. In addition, the newly developed systematic approach toward achieving an effective, efficient management should help to improve the patients' long-term outcome.

Loss of PTEN expression in neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors

PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10) is a well established tumor suppressor gene, which was cloned to chromosome 10q23. PTEN plays an important role in controlling cell growth, apoptosis, cell adhesion, and cell migration. In various studies, a genetic change as well as loss of PTEN expression by different carcinomas has been described. To date, the role of PTEN as a differentiation marker for neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and for the loss of PTEN expression is still unknown. It is assumed that loss of PTEN expression is important for tumor progression of NETs. We hypothesize that PTEN might be used as a new prognostic marker. We report 38 patients with a NET of the pancreas. Tumor tissues were surgically resected, fixed in formalin, and embedded in paraffin. PTEN expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and was correlated with several clinical and pathological parameters of each individual tumor. After evaluation of our immunohistochemistry data using a modified Remmele Score, a widely accepted method for categorizing staining results for reports and statistical evaluation, staining results of PTEN expression were correlated with the clinical and pathological parameters of each individual tumor. Our data demonstrates a significant difference in survival with existence of lymph node or distant metastases. Negative patients show a significant better survival compared with positive patients. Furthermore, we show a significant difference between PTEN expression and WHO or TNM classification. Taken together, our data shows a positive correlation between WHO classification and the new TNM classification of NETs, and loss of PTEN expression as well as survival. These results strongly implicate that PTEN might be helpful as a new prognostic factor.

Coincidence of mature cystic teratoma and serotonin-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum

Mature cystic teratomas are often found in gonadal sites, but are very rarely located extragonadally, for example, in retroperitoneum, mediastinum, central nervous system, lung, or liver. In the literature, only 10 cases of cystic teratoma originating from the diaphragm have been reported. Here, we report for the first time a metachronous occurrence of a benign mature cystic teratoma in the left diaphragm together with a serotonin-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum. The 51-year-old, female patient received a partial resection of the ileum due to a neuroendocrine tumor (pT3N1M0) 4 years ago. Furthermore, she was operated for a benign cystadenoma of the right ovary 3 years ago. In her past medical history, she had an appendectomy in her childhood and a subtotal thyroidectomy 10 years ago. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the metachronous occurrence of benign mature cystic teratoma in the diaphragm and a highly differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the ileum. The possible coincidence of both diseases is discussed.

Increased numbers of tumor-lysing monocytes in cancer patients

Lymphatic infiltration is a well known phenomenon in different tumors including endocrine malignancies. However, little is known about the role of antigen-presenting cells and T cell activation in this context. The aim of our study was to investigate the quantity and function of CD14+/CD56+ monocytes in tumor patients including endocrine malignancies. First, these cells were characterized in peripheral blood of endocrine and non-endocrine cancer patients as well as in tumor tissue samples. Cancer patients had in mean 3.7 times more CD14+/CD56+ monocytes in the peripheral blood compared to healthy controls (p≤0.0001), while the highest frequencies were seen in patients with heavy tumor load. Importantly, these cells additionally expressed several NK cell markers. A proof of CD14+/CD56+ infiltrations into papillary thyroid carcinoma was shown by immunohistochemical analyses. Functional analyses revealed an apoptosis inducing capacity in vitro after IFN-α re-stimulation. Our data indicate the importance of tumor-lysing monocytes in antitumor immunity.

Systematic comparison of sporadic and syndromic pancreatic islet cell tumors

Pancreatic islet cell tumors (ICTs) occur as sporadic neoplasias or as a manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). Molecular classification of ICTs is mandatory for timely diagnosis and surveillance. Systematic comparison of VHL-ICTs and sporadic ICTs has been lacking. Our registry-based approaches used the German NET-Registry with 259 patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), who were primarily diagnosed with NETs, and the German VHL-Registry with 485 molecular genetically confirmed patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of the abdomen. All patients provided blood DNA for testing of the MEN1 and VHL genes for intragenic mutations and large deletions. In the NET-Registry, 9/101 patients (8.9%) with ICTs had germline mutations, 8 in MEN1 and 1 in VHL. In the VHL-Registry, prevalence of NETs was 52/487 (10.6%), and all were ICTs. Interestingly, of those with VHL p.R167W, 47% developed ICTs, compared to 2% of those with p.Y98H. In total, there were 92 truly sporadic, i.e. mutation-negative ICT patients. Comparing these with the 53 VHL-ICT patients, the statistically significant differences were predominance of female gender (P=0.01), multifocal ICTs (P=0.0029), and lower malignancy rate (P<0.001) in VHL-ICTs compared to sporadic cases. VHL was prevalent in <0.5% of NETs, while NETs occur in ∼10% of VHL, virtually exclusively as ICTs, which are rarely the first presentation. Patients with NETs should not be subjected to genetic testing of the VHL gene, unless they have multifocal ICTs, other VHL-associated tumors, and/or a family history for VHL.

Increased EpCAM expression in malignant insulinoma: potential clinical implications

OBJECTIVE

EpCAM (CD326) is overexpressed in progenitor cells of endocrine pancreatic islands of Langerhans during fetal development and was suggested to act as a morphoregulatory molecule in pancreatic island ontogeny. We tested whether EpCAM overexpression is reactivated in insulinomas, endocrine tumors arising in the pancreas.

DESIGN/METHOD

We used monoclonal anti-EpCAM antibody Ber-Ep4 for immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumor material. We analyzed 53 insulinomas: 40 benign (disease stage<IIa) and 13 malignant tumors (disease stage IIIb/IV). Disease stage disposition followed new TNM classification of the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) for foregut neuroendocrine tumors (2006). Additionally, ten insulinoma metastases were analyzed. Clinical follow-up was available for overall survival analysis from 49 patients. The EpCAM expression of the islands of Langerhans was classified as 2+ in healthy pancreatic tissue.

RESULTS

In 38% of the benign insulinomas (disease stage<IIa), we found strong (3+) EpCAM expression. In contrast, malignant insulinomas (disease stage IIIb/IV) and their metastases exhibited a strong (3+) EpCAM expression with 78 and 80% respectively, significantly more frequent (P<0.01). The malignant tissue was characterized by a significantly lower number of unstained cells and significantly higher number of 3+ stained cells. Quantitative PCR for EpCAM mRNA validated strong EpCAM expression in malignant insulinoma. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated survival disadvantage for EpCAM 3+ insulinomas, but this was not statistically significant (log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

This first EpCAM expression study in benign/malignant insulinomas indicates that strong EpCAM expression could help to identify patients at risk for malignant disease and might be used as a therapeutic target for antibody-based therapies in patients with metastatic insulinoma.

The membrane-bound bile acid receptor TGR5 is localized in the epithelium of human gallbladders

TGR5 (Gpbar-1) is a plasma membrane-bound, G protein-coupled receptor for bile acids. TGR5 messenger RNA (mRNA) has been detected in many tissues, including rat cholangiocytes and mouse gallbladder. A role for TGR5 in gallstone formation has been suggested, because TGR5 knockout mice did not develop gallstones when fed a lithogenic diet. In this study, expression and localization of TGR5 was studied in human gallbladders. TGR5 mRNA and protein were detected in all 19 gallbladders. Although TGR5 mRNA was significantly elevated in the presence of gallstones, no such relation was found for TGR5 protein levels. In order to study the localization of TGR5 in human gallbladders, a novel antibody was generated. The receptor was localized in the apical membrane and the rab11-positive recycling endosome of gallbladder epithelial cells. Furthermore, the TGR5 staining colocalized with the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the apical sodium-dependent bile salt uptake transporter, suggesting a functional coupling of TGR5 to bile acid uptake and chloride secretion. Stimulation with bile acids significantly increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration in human gallbladder tissue. Incubation of gallbladder epithelial cells with a TGR5 agonist led to a rise of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (MQAE)-fluorescence, suggestive of a decrease in intracellular chloride concentration. The TGR5 agonist-dependent increase in MQAE-fluorescence was absent in TGR5 knockout mice or in the presence of a CFTR inhibitor, indicating that TGR5 mediates chloride secretion via activation of CFTR. The presence of the receptor in both the plasma membrane and the recycling endosome indicate that TGR5 can be regulated by translocation.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest a role for TGR5 in bile acid-induced fluid secretion in biliary epithelial cells.

Stathmin as a marker for malignancy in pheochromocytomas

Pheochromocytomas of the adrenal medulla may be life-threatening catecholamine-producing tumors which are malignant in about 10% of cases. Differential diagnosis between malignant and benign tumors is dependent on the development of metastasis or extensive local invasion. A number of genetic aberrations have been described in pheochromocytomas, but no marker associated to malignancy has been reported. We applied an expression microarray containing 7770 cDNA clones and analysed the expression profiles in eleven tumors compared to normal adrenal medulla. Stathmin (STMN1, Op18) was most conspiciously overexpressed among the differentially expressed genes. RT-PCR analysis further confirmed mRNA overexpression, 6 to 8-fold for benign and malignant tumors, and 16-fold for metastases. Stathmin protein overexpression was observed by immunohistochemistry, and distinct differential protein expression between benign and malignant/metastasis specimens was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The results introduce stathmin as a possible diagnostic marker for malignant pheochromocytomas, and further evaluations are warranted.

Nestin as a marker in the classification of adrenocortical tumors

Expression of the intermediate filament, nestin, was long believed to be restricted to neuroectodermal stem cells. However, nestin expression has recently been detected in several tumors. Since adrenocortical carcinoma, a tumor entity still very difficult to classify, may gain the ability to aberrantly express neuroectodermal proteins including chromogranin A and synaptophysin, we asked the question whether nestin might also be detected in adrenocortical carcinomas, and if so, whether it might serve as a tool for clinical pathology. Therefore, we studied the expression of nestin in normal adrenal glands, adrenocortical adenomas, and adrenocortical cancers using specific immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining was nestin-positive in 1 out of 9 normal adrenal glands (11%), 2 out of 20 adrenocortical adenomas (10%), and 13 out of 16 adrenocortical carcinomas (81%). Expression of nestin mRNA could be detected in all microdissected tissues, independently of their grade of dedifferentiation. We conclude that our findings provide further evidence that nestin, as a marker, is not restricted to neuronal stem cells and nestin expression is worth to be studied in adrenocortical tumors.

The serum sodium to urinary sodium to (serum potassium)2 to urinary potassium (SUSPPUP) ratio in patients with primary aldosteronism

BACKGROUND

The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is an established diagnostic tool in the screening for primary aldosteronism (PA). However, hormonal determinations are time consuming and expensive. Therefore, we studied the effectiveness of the serum sodium to urinary sodium to (serum potassium)(2) to urinary potassium (SUSPPUP) ratio in the diagnosis of PA.

DESIGN

This study included 35 patients with PA, 71 patients with essential hypertension to whom this diagnosis could be excluded, 23 normal subjects without hypertension, and 22 patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. We compared the SUSPPUP ratios with the ARR in these patient groups.

RESULTS

We show that the ARR distinguished PA from essential hypertension with a sensitivity of 94.2% and a specificity of 92.1% at a cutoff of 33 (ng L(-1): ng L(-1)). It correlated well with the SUSPPUP ratio. The sensitivity and specificity of SUSPPUP was 88.6% and 85.9% at a cutoff of 5.3 (mmol L(-1))(-1), respectively, and thus not as good as the ARR.

CONCLUSIONS

The ARR is a good parameter in the screening for PA. The SUSPPUP ratio is a cheap and rapid tool to assess the extent of mineralocorticoid excess and, therefore, can be offered to more patients. In addition, the application of the SUSPPUP ratio can be extended to patients who suffer from other forms of mineralocorticoid hypertension (e.g. with low aldosterone levels).

Multiple giant scalp metastases of a follicular thyroid carcinoma

Background

The occurrence of skin metastases are rare events in the course of a follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and usually indicate advanced tumor stages. The scalp is the most affected area of these metastases.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 76 year old Woman with multiple giant scalp metastases of a follicular carcinoma. These metastases had been resected and wounds had been closed with mesh graft. The 14-months follow up is presented.

Conclusion

We demonstrate another case with multicentric form. Because of its location and size a primary wound closure was not possible. A healing could be reached using vacuum therapy and mesh graft transplantation.

Comparison of M22-based ELISA and human-TSH-receptor-based luminescence assay for the measurement of thyrotropin receptor antibodies in patients with thyroid diseases

Previously, a new procedure for measuring serum TSH receptor autoantibodies (TRAb) was reported in which the autoantibodies inhibit binding of a human monoclonal thyroid stimulating antibody M22 to TSHR-coated ELISA plate wells (TRAb ELISA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical performance of this assay in comparison to the second generation TRAb assay (TRAb LIA) based on the recombinant human TSH-receptor and chemiluminescence technology (TRAb LIA). Among the 158 patients, 84 patients suffered from Graves' disease (GD), 34 patients had Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and 40 patients had euthyroid nodular thyroid disease (NTD) without signs of autoimmunity. TRAb measurements were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Out of 84 GD patients, 80 (95.2%) were TRAb positive as detected by the TRAb LIA. One GD patient had TRAb values within the grey zone (1.0-1.5 IU/l). All patients with HT and NTD were negative except in 6 (8.1%) cases whose TRAb values were within the grey zone. On the basis of the recommended cutoff value (TRAb 1.0 IU/l), the TRAb ELISA found 78 of 84 (92.9%) GD patients to be TRAb positive. None of the patients with HT, but two cases (5.0%) with NTD were TRAb positive. The diagnostic sensitivity of the TRAb LIA and TRAb ELISA assays was 95.2 and 92.9%, while the specificity was 100% and 97.3%, respectively. There was a close correlation (r=0.968, p<0.0001) between both assays in 84 patients with GD. Additionally, the between-run imprecision close to the cutoff limit was assessed. The calculated between-run coefficient of variation (CV) of the TRAb ELISA was 28.2% at the recommended cutoff value of 1.0 IU/l. Due to the evaluated imprecision data we propose a higher cutoff value correlating with a between-run CV of 20% (functional assay sensitivity). Our results indicate that due to a worse imprecision the TRAb ELISA has a slightly lower sensitivity and specificity compared to the TRAb LIA assay. These findings suggest that the M22 monoclonal antibody-based TRAb ELISA is not as reliable as other second generation TRAb assays in the diagnosis of Graves' diseases.

[Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2a: late manifestation of a newly-discovered mutation]

HISTORY

A 55-year-old patient presented with a painless right-sided cervical swelling, which had been present for four months and seemed to get larger. The patient denied dyspnea, dysphagia, "a lump in the throat" or thyroid disease. Two of his paternal aunts had thyroid carcinoma and an adrenal tumor.

INVESTIGATIONS

Ultrasonography revealed an enlarged lymphoid nodule and a large lesion in the right thyroid lobe, the latter with deficient technetium uptake on scintigraphy.

THERAPY AND COURSE

A total thyroidectomy with bilateral centrocervical and lateral neck dissection was performed. Histology revealed a bilateral medullary thyroid carcinoma [MTC: pT3, pN1b (9/34), pM0 (UICC 2002)] and the genetic screening showed a double mutation in codon 611 (TGC>TAT; p.Cys611Tyr; C611Y), and exon 10 of the RET proto-oncogene, which has not been described before. Pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism were excluded. Genetic screening of all close family members was initiated and showed that four of them were gene carriers. Three of them have been operated and a MTC found.

CONCLUSION

The described newly discovered mutation is associated with MTC and pheochromocytoma. This case underlines the need of genetic screening in all patients who present with a MTC only, no matter what the person's age of manifestation, even in the absence of any other MEN-related disease.

Dendritic cell vaccination induces tumor epitope-specific Th1 immune response in medullary thyroid carcinoma

The existence of inherited aggressive forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and their resistance to classical therapies make it a prime candidate for adoptive immunotherapy. Highly potent antigen-presenting cells, namely dendritic cells (DCs), may serve as an interesting tool for anticancer vaccination. Here we report on the IN VITRO findings of a vaccination trial in five MTC patients, who were treated with a new DC generation protocol consisting of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interferon-alpha (IFN-DCs). These cells were pulsed with tumor-specific calcitonin and administered twice. In two patients who responded to therapy we found a large increase (in mean 2.9+/-1.9%) of antigen-specific IFN-gamma-secreting CD4+ cells as well as an increase of granzyme B positive CD8+ cells (mean 2.2+/-0.2%) in the peripheral blood. In parallel, a decrease of CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ regulatory T cells was seen. Importantly, IN VITRO stimulation of PBMC with 10 different 15mer calcitonin peptides resulted in the identification of two HLA class II epitope regions within the central part of full-length calcitonin. These data were in accordance with the results drawn from the computer-based algorithm epitope prediction software SYFPEITHI. Measurement of different pro- and anti-angiogenic factors did not allow for a distinct outcome of prediction of the treated patients. In summary, we have demonstrated that immunization with IFN-DCs leads to a tumor epitope-specific immune response in MTC patients and may, therefore, represent a promising tool for future vaccination trials.

Laparotomy enables retrograde dilatation and stent placement for malignant esophago-respiratory fistula

Background

Malignant esophageal stenosis with complete obstruction and esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) is difficult to treat with standard endoscopic techniques.

Case presentation

We report a patient in whom with local recurrence of esophageal carcinoma an esophagotracheal fistula occurred. Initially the patient had undergone esophageal resection with interposition of a gastric tube. Due to complete obstruction of the lumen by recurrent tumor conventional transoral stent placement failed. For retrograde dilatation a laparotomy was performed. Via a duodenal incision endoscopic access to the gastric tube was achieved. Using a guidewire the esophageal obstruction was traversed and dilated. Then it was possible to place an esophageal stent via an antegrade approach.

Conclusion

Open surgery enables a safe access for retrograde endoscopic therapy in patients who had undergone esophageal resection with gastric interposition.

Identification of occult metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma by pentagastrin-stimulated intravenous calcitonin sampling followed by targeted surgery

BACKGROUND

High calcitonin (CT) serum levels suggest metastatic spread in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) after thyroidectomy. In limited disease stages, however, morphological investigations including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) may often fail to identify exact tumour sites.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to establish an improved strategy to identify small cervical tumours by combining pentagastrin stimulation with bilateral cervical intravenous CT sampling followed by high-resolution ultrasound.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Six MTC patients were examined, of whom five patients already had bilateral neck dissection. Five patients had sporadic MTC, and one patient suffered from MEN2a.

RESULTS

Retrospective analysis of all patients revealed a highly sensitive positive correlation between an early calcitonin peak (20-40 s after pentagastrin injection) and site of cervical tumour affection. Postinterventional ultrasound examination of the affected regions of the neck revealed suspicious presence; in some cases small lymph nodes of less than 1 cm in size were then surgically excised. On histology, small tumours could be identified in four patients. Postsurgical examination revealed a clear decline of basal serum calcitonin levels in four patients (between -41% and -100%). In two patients CT normalized to baseline levels (< 10 pg/ml) and in another two patients CT rendered to near normal (14 and 17 pg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Pentagastrin stimulation-based intravenous catheter sampling may be beneficial in the diagnostic work-up of MTC after thyroidectomy. Our data show that an early calcitonin peak (20-40 s after administration of pentagastrin) helps to identify tumour-affected regions.

Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Changes after Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

INTRODUCTION

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment are mental manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The aim of our study was to determine if surgical treatment results in a long-lasting full recovery from these symptoms.

METHODS

In a prospective case-control study with matching pairs, mental changes were examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in 30 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and 30 patients with nontoxic nodular goiter using the Hamilton depression score and four cognitive tests: DEM Tect, MWT (multiple word test), ZVT, and Benton test.

RESULTS

Patients with pHPT demonstrated significantly more cognitive changes (P < 0.0001) with significant improvement 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Patients with pHPT presented more psychopathologic symptoms than patients of the control group (P = NS), and there was a tendency towards recovery in the pHPT group postoperatively. There was no correlation between biochemistry and psychopathologic or cognitive changes in the pHPT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pHPT often present with neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairment. A successful parathyroid operation improves cognitive disorders in particular.

Episodic respiratory failure due to focal epileptic activity

We report on a patient with a complicated course after surgical abdominal intervention and episodic life threatening respiratory failures successfully treated with carbamazepine after diagnosis of a ponto-medullary lesion in the MRI.

Do Germans keep patients too long in hospital? A prospective randomized trial

Cost-effectiveness reduces hospital stay for all patients with thyroid surgery but lacks information on medical comparability and patients' fulfilled expectations. The aim of this study was to assess if a hospital stay of 2 days after thyroid surgery had a negative influence on the medical quality or on health-related quality of life. In a controlled prospective randomized trial with 238 patients, a postoperative hospital stay of 2 days was compared to one longer than 2 days. The postoperative medical investigation included serum calcium levels, laryngeal nerve function, and suction drainage volume. Health-related quality of life was assessed on the day of admission before the operation and again 14 days after discharge. Fourteen days after discharge patients were also asked about their subjective health. Despite the study design, it was necessary, for ethical reasons, to let the patients decide when to leave the hospital. In the 2-day study group, 56.6% of the patients preferred hospitalization for more than 2 days (most choosing 3 days). Medical reasons were hyperthyroidism (p < 0.02) and postoperative hypocalcemia (p < 0.03). In the control group 28% left the hospital after 2 days. Only 35% of the patients left the hospital at the second postoperative day, but 60% of these patient supported this shorter hospitalization. Health-related quality of life and self-rated health was significantly higher in patients leaving the hospital on the second postoperative day. A 2-day hospital stay after thyroid surgery is possible and does not show medical or health-related quality of life disadvantages in patients with an uncomplicated postoperative course who consider themselves healthy.

[Localisation of parathyroid glands using planar (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy. Comparison between subtraction- and dual-phase technique]

AIM

In the context of presurgical localisation of parathyroid adenomas in primary hyper-parathyreoidism (pHPT) using (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy, subtraction- and dualphase technique are compared with each other and with the surgical findings.

PATIENTS, METHODS

Prospectively, 126 patients with pHPT were investigated presurgically. For visualisation of parathyroid adenomas, an image of the thyroid ((99m)Tc-pertechnetat) was subtracted from a perfusion image ((99m)Tc-sestamibi) and 2 h p. i. another image was acquired for identification of retention of activity. Considering both techniques the clinical findings were reported promptly. Retrospectively, the evaluations were presented separately to four experienced raters.

RESULTS

In clinical routine for 109 patients correct findings were reported presurgically (87%). From 129 resected parathyroid adenomas 118 were localised correctly (sensitivity 91%, positive predictive value 94%). Concerning the retrospective analysis, in 75% of the cases both techniques provided the correct site, in 14% only the dual-phase technique and in 7% only the subtraction-technique was correct. With the help of the dual-phase technique significantly more investigations were correctly rated than with the help of the subtraction technique (88.7 +/- 3.2% vs. 81.6 +/- 1.2%, p < 0.01, two-sided t-test).

CONCLUSION

The presurgical scintigraphic localisation of hyperactive parathyroid glands in pHPT assists minimal invasive surgery serving a high rate of correct findings. According to our data the dual-phase technique seems to be more sensitive than the subtraction technique. In some cases, however, the correct site may only be found using the subtraction technique. For an optimal surgical strategy we suggest the combination of both techniques.

[Decision making in postoperative incidentally found small C-cell-carcinoma]

Surgical therapy of incidentally postoperative diagnosed small sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is discussed controversially. In principle completion thyroidectomy with neck dissection and regulary tumor follow-up are under discussion. A total of 277 patients with MTC were treated between 1986 and 2004. In 22 cases diagnosis of a small (pT1 or pT2) sporadic MTC was incidental and only postoperatively confirmed. Normally total thyroidectomy with neck dissection is standard surgical therapy of a known MTC. Because of postoperative incidental diagnosis in all 22 cases surgical therapy was less then total thyroidectomy. Mutation analysis of RET Proto-Oncogen and familial history were negative in all cases. All patients were systematically followed-up in defined intervals by calcitonin, pentagastrin stimulation test, carcinoembryonic antigen and ultrasound. Median follow-up is 6.2 years (range: 2-13 years) and although a hemithyroidectomy or less was performed all 22 patients are cured by the MTC. We conclude that completion thyroidectomy and neck dissection are not mandatory in such patients, if the tumor is completely resected and genetic background is excluded. Indispensably a systematic long term follow-up of at least 10 years, better a life-long, is mandatory.

Ghrelin expression in neuroendocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Ghrelin is a novel gastrointestinal-brain hormone that was first described by Kojima et al. as a growth-hormone-releasing peptide. It can be isolated and purified from different tissues. Evidence of antiproliferative effects in neoplastic cells (binding to normal and neoplastic tissues) supports the hypothesis that ghrelin also plays an important role in endocrine regulation. Whether ghrelin may be involved in formation of neuroendocrine tumours (NET) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in cases of MEN-1 is under discussion. Over the last sixteen years, 227 patients with GIT NET were treated at our institution. Mutations of the menin gene were identified in twelve patients. Eleven of these tumours (islet cell tumours) were localized in the pancreas and one in the stomach. Tissues from these tumours were resected, fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were examined by immunohistochemistry with a primary antibody for ghrelin. Three out of twelve NET in MEN-1 patients (25%) showed ghrelin expression by immunohistochemistry. Comparison between ghrelin-positive and ghrelin-negative tumours regarding biological activity, morphological aspects and clinicopathological parameters shows no substantial differences. The reported incidence of ghrelin expression in NET of the gastrointestinal tract by MEN-1 was not seen in our patients. Whether or not ghrelin has an influence on neuroendocrine tumour development related to deficient menin-genes is unknown.

Adrenal pheochromocytoma with contralateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma: diagnostic and therapeutic management

There is evidence for a close interrelation between the adrenomedullary and adrenocortical tissues, and there are well-characterized models of their paracrine interaction. To contribute to the studies of systemic interactions between these tissues, we studied a 52-year-old female patient with a pheochromocytoma and a contralateral cortisol-producing adenoma. Due to a misunderstanding, she presented to her family doctor to have an inherited kidney disease ruled out. An adrenal mass was discovered incidentally by ultrasound. A computerized tomography of the abdomen revealed bilateral adrenal masses. Due to excess catecholamine secretion, bilateral pheochromocytomas based on multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome were suspected. Laboratory work-up, selective adrenal venous sampling and magnetic resonance imaging studies established the diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma in the right-hand adrenal gland and a cortisol-producing adenoma on the left. Simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic subtotal adrenalectomy was performed. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining against chromogranin A in a histological specimen obtained from the right-hand adrenal gland, while the left was negative; the left-hand adrenal gland stained positive against the ACTH receptor (MC2R) while the right was negative. Genetically, the patient was negative for MEN2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, and mutations in subunits B, C, and D of the succinate dehydrogenase gene. Although presence of bilateral adrenal adenomas or bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas in certain inherited disorders are possible, this rare case of an adrenal pheochromocytoma combined with a contralateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma may further underline the wide range of complex interactions between the two endocrine systems.

Synchronous occurrence of a follicular, papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma in a recurrent goiter

The simultaneous occurrence of different types of thyroid carcinoma in a single patient is an unusual event. We report the case of a 52-year-old man with the history of two previous thyroid operations for benign goiters, who developed a recurrent goiter. The patient was referred to our department for thyroidectomy. In the pathohistological examination the specimen showed a 5 cm follicular carcinoma and a 0.3 cm papillary microcarcinoma in the right lobe as well as a 1.5 cm medullary carcinoma in the left lobe. All tumors were clearly separated from each other, representing the pure entity of each type. Postoperatively, RET germline mutation was ruled out by sequence analysis of peripheral blood leucocytes. Postoperative I-131-radioiodine scan showed multiple lung and liver metastases, while calcitonin was negative. There is no known common cause of these three different tumor types and they developed most independently from each other. The personal history of our patient was interesting in two aspects: (1) he suffered a period of severe staphylococcal sepsis with temporal immunosuppression and (2) he worked for long years as a coremaker in a foundry. This work represented possible long term exposure to inhalative carcinogenous toxins like hydrazine, which caused thyroid parafollicular cell adenomas in an animal model.

Therapeutic strategy of papillary cystic and solid neoplasm (PCSN): a rare non-endocrine tumor of the pancreas in children

Papillary-cystic and solid neoplasm (PCSN) are rare tumors. Two personal observations and a review of the literature are presented with a total of 44 pediatric patients in addition to a total of 67 published cases in the review of Cohen (Pediatr. Surg. Int. 6 (1991) 128) and Snadjauf (Eur. J. Pediatr. Surg. 9 (1999) 416). Overall, PCSN shows a clear predominance in females and only occasionally occurs in males. Typically they grow to a large tumor mass with minimal symptoms. Their histologic and immunocytologic characteristics cause diagnostic difficulties, especially on frozen sections of small biopsies. The tumors are assumed to origin from pluripotent stem cells and present as tumors of low malignancy with a favorable prognosis. Nevertheless 10 children have been reported to develop metastases, 5 have demonstrated an invasive growth pattern and 4 local recurrence. But only two of the 111 pediatric cases have died from their tumor burden. Treatment of choice is a complete surgical resection, which is true for the primary tumor and for metastases as well as local recurrences. In our 2 patients one had spleen-conserving left pancreatic resection and one mesopancreatectomy with roux-en-y-reconstruction leading to long-term cure. Adjuvant therapy in curative resected patients is unnecessary and does not appear to improve prognosis.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Young Age Group: Particularities of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Schemes

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a rare endocrine disease in children and young adults. The widespread use of new developments in pHPT surgery (i.e., unilateral and minimally invasive approaches) is based on the assumption that the solitary adenoma is the predominant intraoperative finding, but it has not been evaluated in the subgroup of young patients. From April 1986 to December 2002, a total of 1219 patients with pHPT have been operated on in our institution. The records of 64 patients (5.3%) younger than 30 years were extracted and compared to those of the older patients. The study group (median age 25 years, range 11-30 years) had significantly less bone pain, fewer signs of bone demineralization, and fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms. Eleven patients had hereditary disease. We found a solitary adenoma in only 32 of the 64 juvenile patients (p < 0.001), multiple gland disease in 25 patients (p < 0.001), and two suspected carcinomas. No adenoma could be identified in five patients. Follow-up of 54 patients after a median of 6.1 years revealed 42 normocalcemic patients, 5 hypocalcemic patients, and 7 patients with hypercalcemia. Altogether, 16 juvenile patients underwent parathyroid reoperations (25%) compared to 105 older patients (9%) (p = 0.003). Problems and difficulties with parathyroid surgery are pronounced in younger patients. The high rate of multiple gland disease requires bilateral cervical exploration as the standard procedure in pHPT patients younger than 30 years of age.

Multiple neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas associated with pancreas divisum

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreas, characterized by missing fusion of the ventral and dorsal pancreatic duct. It may cause pancreatitis, but is rarely associated with malignancy.We report herein for the first time the rare association, in a symptomless patient, of multiple neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas with pancreas divisum and a failure of the exocrine system. Diagnosis was made incidentally by routine abdominal ultrasound. Laboratory examinations and a fine-needle aspiration revealed the neuroendocrine nature of the tumor. Spleen-preserving left pancreas resection was performed, with evidence of multiple neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas with the typical histological characteristics. Eighteen months later the patient is still free of tumor burden.

[Economic restraints shorten the length of hospital stay: thyroid operation as a model case]

INTRODUCTION

Decreasing the length of stay is a possible means of cost control in the medical system. Therefore we performed a study to test the feasibility of reducing hospital stay to 2 days after thyroid operation.

METHODS

In a controlled prospective trial, 238 patients were randomly assigned to group A (2 days of stay) or group B (more than 2 days). Studied were medical standard, practicability, patient acceptance, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Of those in group A, 56.6% did not leave the hospital at the scheduled 2nd day post operation. Reasons were preoperative hyperthyroidism ( P<0.011), postoperative hypocalcemia ( P<0.03), or unspecific disturbances. In group B, 28% of the patients left before the established borderline of 3-4 days, and only 35% left on the 2nd postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Reduced length of stay has no negative influence on medical standards. The quality of life of patients leaving the hospital on the 2nd postoperative day was significantly higher. Reducing hospital stay after thyroid operation to 2 postoperative days is desirable and possible without a loss in quality of care, except in case of postoperative complications or unspecific complaints.