Bone Mineral Density Screening Interval and Transition to Osteoporosis in Asian Women

Background@#Bone mineral density (BMD) testing is indicated for women aged 65 years, but screening strategies for osteoporosis are controversial. Currently, there is no study focusing on the BMD testing interval in Asian populations. The current study aimed to evaluate the estimated time interval for screening osteoporosis. @*Methods@#We conducted a study of 6,385 subjects aged 50 years and older who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry screening more than twice at Samsung Medical Center as participants in a routine health checkup. Subjects were divided based on baseline T-score into mild osteopenia (T-score, –1.5), moderate osteopenia (T-score, ≤–1.5 to >–2.0), and severe osteopenia (T-score, ≤–2.0 to >–2.5). Information about personal medical and social history was collected by a structured questionnaire. @*Results@#The adjusted estimated BMD testing interval for 10% of the subjects to develop osteoporosis was 13.2 years in mild osteopenia, 5.0 years in moderate osteopenia, and 1.5 years in severe osteopenia. @*Conclusion@#Our study provides extended information about BMD screening intervals in Asian female population. Baseline T-score was important for predicting BMD screening interval, and repeat BMD testing within 5 years might not be necessary in mild osteopenia subjects.

Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen as a Biomarker for Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Background and Objectives@#The lack of known elevated biomarkers in cancer surveillance is a challenge for diagnostics. However, few studies have assessed the proportion of patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) that presented with elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. @*Materials and Methods@#This was a retrospective study of 115 patients treated for MTC at Samsung Medical Center between 1995 and 2017. Serum calcitonin and CEA levels that were available at one of the following time points were included: (a) within 3 months before the initial surgery, (b) when a structural recurrence was confined to the neck, or (c) when a distant metastasis was identified during follow-up. Considering the high false-positive rate of serum CEA testing, 5 ng/mL was selected as the cut-off threshold. @*Results@#The sensitivity of CEA at the time of diagnosis was 54%, but it significantly increased with anatomical stage, from 20% in stage I to 88% in stage IV (p for trend ＜0.001). At the time of diagnosis, larger tumor size, more frequent gross extra-thyroidal extension, more frequent N1b, and a higher number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly observed in CEA-positive patients compared with CEA-negative patients (p＜0.05). The sensitivity of CEA at the time of recurrence was 56% for local recurrence and 80% for distant recurrence. @*Conclusion@#The CEA value was associated with anatomical stage as a biomarker for MTC and could be used to predict poor prognosis. However, serum CEA testing plays a limited role in diagnosis and follow-up of MTC because it can show normal values even in advanced disease.

Beneficial effects of posttransplant dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor administration after pancreas transplantation to improve β cell function

Purpose@#Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors lower blood glucose levels and enhance the function of pancreatic βcells. Yet, it is unknown whether posttransplant administration of DPP4 inhibitors is beneficial for pancreas transplant recipients. @*Methods@#We thus retrospectively analyzed the records of 312 patients who underwent pancreas transplantation between 2000 and 2018 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) and compared the metabolic and survival outcomes according to DPP-4 inhibitor treatment. @*Results@#The patients were divided into the no DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 165; no treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors or treated for <1 month) and the DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 147; treated with DPP-4 inhibitors for ≥1 month). There were no significant differences in levels of glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin between the 2 groups during 36 months of follow-up. However, the level of C-peptide was significantly higher in the DPP-4 inhibitor group at 1, 6, and 24 months posttransplant (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the DPP-4 inhibitor group had significantly higher rates of overall (log-rank test, P = 0.009) and death-censored (log-rank test, P = 0.036) graft survival during a 15-year follow-up. @*Conclusion@#Posttransplant DPP-4 inhibitor administration may help improve the clinical outcomes including β cell function after pancreas transplantation.

Beneficial effects of posttransplant dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor administration after pancreas transplantation to improve β cell function

Purpose@#Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors lower blood glucose levels and enhance the function of pancreatic βcells. Yet, it is unknown whether posttransplant administration of DPP4 inhibitors is beneficial for pancreas transplant recipients. @*Methods@#We thus retrospectively analyzed the records of 312 patients who underwent pancreas transplantation between 2000 and 2018 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) and compared the metabolic and survival outcomes according to DPP-4 inhibitor treatment. @*Results@#The patients were divided into the no DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 165; no treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors or treated for <1 month) and the DPP-4 inhibitor group (n = 147; treated with DPP-4 inhibitors for ≥1 month). There were no significant differences in levels of glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin between the 2 groups during 36 months of follow-up. However, the level of C-peptide was significantly higher in the DPP-4 inhibitor group at 1, 6, and 24 months posttransplant (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the DPP-4 inhibitor group had significantly higher rates of overall (log-rank test, P = 0.009) and death-censored (log-rank test, P = 0.036) graft survival during a 15-year follow-up. @*Conclusion@#Posttransplant DPP-4 inhibitor administration may help improve the clinical outcomes including β cell function after pancreas transplantation.

The Perception of Character Education in Medical School / 의학교육논단

The purpose of this study was to examine professors’ and students’ perceptions of curriculum that fosters character in medical school. ‘Character’ can be defined as a desirable personality and the ability to be a good person. A total of 264 subjects (professors=131, students=133) participated in the study. Survey questions were divided into the three parts (education needs, factors of character, and curriculum management strategy). Data were analyzed by using t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Both professors and students recognized the need for character education. Professors were more aware of the need for education than students (t=4.35, p<0.01), and clinical professors were more aware of the need for education than basic medical science professors (t=3.48, p<0.01). Premedical students were more aware of the need for character-centered education than medical students in the later stages of their education (t=3.41, p<0.01). Professors and students commonly referred to ‘consideration and communication’ as the most important factor in building character. Professors considered ‘self-regulation’ more important than the students recognized, while students perceived ‘wisdom’ as more important than the professors did. There was a difference in preference for curriculum development (creating new subjects vs. revising existing subjects) between the two groups. However, both groups agreed on the teaching and evaluation methods. In conclusion, both groups acknowledged the need for character education. However, there were differences in perception on the major factors of character and preference for curriculum development. The results of this study may assist in designing character education in medical education.

In Vivo Spinal Distribution of Cy5.5 Fluorescent Dye after Injection via the Lateral Ventricle and Cisterna Magna in Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to find an optimal delivery route for clinical trials of intrathecal cell therapy for spinal cord injury in preclinical stage.METHODS: We compared in vivo distribution of Cy5.5 fluorescent dye in the spinal cord region at various time points utilizing in vivo optical imaging techniques, which was injected into the lateral ventricle (LV) or cisterna magna (CM) of rats.RESULTS: Although CM locates nearer to the spinal cord than the LV, significantly higher signal of Cy5.5 was detected in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord region at all time points tested when Cy5.5 was injected into the LV. In the LV injection Cy5.5 signal in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord was observed within 12 hours after injection, which was maintained until 72 hours after injection. In contrast, Cy5.5 signal was concentrated at the injection site in the CM injection at all time points.CONCLUSION: These data suggested that the LV might be suitable for preclinical injection route of therapeutics targeting the spinal cord to test their treatment efficacy and biosafety for spinal cord diseases in small animal models.

In Vivo Spinal Distribution of Cy5.5 Fluorescent Dye after Injection via the Lateral Ventricle and Cisterna Magna in Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to find an optimal delivery route for clinical trials of intrathecal cell therapy for spinal cord injury in preclinical stage. METHODS: We compared in vivo distribution of Cy5.5 fluorescent dye in the spinal cord region at various time points utilizing in vivo optical imaging techniques, which was injected into the lateral ventricle (LV) or cisterna magna (CM) of rats. RESULTS: Although CM locates nearer to the spinal cord than the LV, significantly higher signal of Cy5.5 was detected in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord region at all time points tested when Cy5.5 was injected into the LV. In the LV injection Cy5.5 signal in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord was observed within 12 hours after injection, which was maintained until 72 hours after injection. In contrast, Cy5.5 signal was concentrated at the injection site in the CM injection at all time points. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that the LV might be suitable for preclinical injection route of therapeutics targeting the spinal cord to test their treatment efficacy and biosafety for spinal cord diseases in small animal models.

Reference intervals of thyroid hormones during pregnancy in Korea, an iodine-replete area

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Maternal thyroid dysfunction has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of our study was to establish trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid hormones in pregnant women in Korea, where iodine intake is more than adequate and to examine pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in their offspring. METHODS: Among 459 healthy pregnant women who were screened, we enrolled 417 subjects who had negative results for thyroid autoantibodies. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine were measured using an immunoradiometric assay. Urine iodine concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in 275 women. Reference ranges of thyroid hormones were determined according to the guidelines of the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were compared according to maternal thyroid function. RESULTS: The reference ranges of serum TSH were 0.03 to 4.24 mIU/L in the first trimester, 0.13 to 4.84 mIU/L in the second trimester, and 0.30 to 5.57 mIU/L in the third trimester. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes did not vary in mothers with subtle changes in thyroid function. CONCLUSIONS: Trimester-specific thyroid hormone reference intervals in Korean pregnant women differ from those of other countries with different iodine nutrition status and ethnicity. The establishment of population-based, reliable trimester-specific reference intervals is critical for the interpretation of thyroid function in pregnant women to avoid unnecessary tests and treatments.

Avoiding student infection during a Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak: a single medical school experience / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: In outbreaks of infectious disease, medical students are easily overlooked in the management of healthcare personnel protection although they serve in clinical clerkships in hospitals. In the early summer of 2015, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) struck South Korea, and students of Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine (SKKUSOM) were at risk of contracting the disease. The purpose of this report is to share SKKUSOM's experience against the MERS outbreak and provide suggestions for medical schools to consider in the face of similar challenges. METHODS: Through a process of reflection-on-action, we examined SKKUSOM's efforts to avoid student infection during the MERS outbreak and derived a few practical guidelines that medical schools can adopt to ensure student safety in outbreaks of infectious disease. RESULTS: The school leadership conducted ongoing risk assessment and developed contingency plans to balance student safety and continuity in medical education. They rearranged the clerkships to another hospital and offered distant lectures and tutorials. Five suggestions are extracted for medical schools to consider in infection outbreaks: instant cessation of clinical clerkships; rational decision making on a school closure; use of information technology; constant communication with hospitals; and open communication with faculty, staff, and students. CONCLUSION: Medical schools need to take the initiative and actively seek countermeasures against student infection. It is essential that medical schools keep constant communication with their index hospitals and the involved personnel. In order to assure student learning, medical schools may consider offering distant education with online technology.

Anatomy as Elective Course for Fourth-Year Medical Students / 체질인류학회지

Five medical students in the fourth-year took anatomy as their elective courses for 1 month. They dissected one cadaver, and investigated Digital Report, under the course subjects as follows; (1) the shape of thyroid gland and the location of its isthmus, (2) the branches of left and right coronary arteries, (3) the number of blood vessels and bronchi on the hilum of lung, (4) topographical relationship of the renal vessels and ureter, and the shape of the renal pelvis, (5) the location and attachment of the appendix, (6) the penetration of median nerve through the pronator teres, (7) the sensory nerves and the extensor tendons on the dorsum of hand, (8) the branches of deep femoral artery. The pancreatic and live samples were processed and stained with H&E, for LM observation, since the individual had suffered from pancreatic cancer and got a Pylorus preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy (PPPD). At the last step of the elective course, students wrote small articles following the conventional method for writing manuscript. From the viewpoint of professor, the anatomy course for the fourth-year students were definitely different from that for first-year students, and had many positive effects in terms of anatomy education.

Economic Evaluation of Recombinant Human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Stimulation vs. Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal Prior to Radioiodine Ablation for Thyroid Cancer: The Korean Perspective

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) stimulation is an acceptable alternative to thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) when radioiodine remnant ablation is planned for thyroid cancer treatment, based on superior short-term quality of life with non-inferior remnant ablation efficacy. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of radioiodine remnant ablation using rhTSH, compared with the traditional preparation method which renders patients hypothyroid by THW, in Korean perspective. METHODS: This economic evaluation considered the costs and benefits to the Korean public healthcare system. Clinical experts were surveyed regarding the current practice of radioiodine ablation in Korea and their responses helped inform assumptions used in a cost effectiveness model. Markov modelling with 17 weekly cycles was used to assess the incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with rhTSH. Clinical inputs were based on a multi-center, randomized controlled trial comparing remnant ablation success after rhTSH preparation with THW. The additional costs associated with rhTSH were considered relative to the clinical benefits and cost offsets. RESULTS: The additional benefits of rhTSH (0.036 QALY) are achieved with an additional cost of Korean won 961,105, equating to cost per QALY of 26,697,361. Sensitivity analyses had only a modest impact upon cost-effectiveness, with one-way sensitivity results of approximately 33,000,000/QALY. CONCLUSION: The use of rhTSH is a cost-effective alternative to endogenous hypothyroid stimulation prior to radioiodine ablation for patients who have undergone thyroidectomy in Korea.

Spontaneous Regression of Recurred Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lung Metastases

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver malignancy. Spontaneous regression of HCC is extremely rare phenomenon and mechanism of regression remains ob-scure. 75-year-old woman previously diagnosed with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis was found to have single mass in liver with elevation of alpha-fetoprotein level to 10,320 ng/mL. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was performed. 27 months after TACE recurred HCC with multiple lung nodules were confirmed. The patient refused any therapeutic modality. The patient underwent follow-up without any anti-cancer treatment. 8 months after recur-rence follow up computed tomography scan revealed spontaneous regression of HCC and completely disappeared lung nodules. The patient is currently doing well and without any evidence of recurrence. The causes of spontaneous regression of HCC are not well understood. Proposed mechanisms are ischemic injury, biological factors, herbal medicine, immunological variations. Further studies are necessary to improve our understanding of this rare phenom-enon.

Follicular and Hurthle cell carcinoma of the thyroid in iodine-sufficient area: retrospective analysis of Korean multicenter data

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and Hurthle cell carcinoma (HCC) of the thyroid are relatively uncommon thyroid malignancies in iodine-sufficient areas. In this study we evaluated the clinical behavior, prognostic factors and treatment outcomes of FTC and HCC in Korea. METHODS: This multicenter study included 483 patients with FTC and 80 patients with HCC who underwent an initial surgery between 1995 and 2006 in one of the four tertiary referral hospitals in Korea. We evaluated clinicopathological factors associated with distant metastases and recurrence during a median of 6 years of follow-up. RESULTS: HCC patients were significantly older (49 years vs. 43 years; p < 0.001) and had more lymphovascular invasions (22% vs. 14%; p = 0.03) compared with FTC patients. Distant metastases were confirmed in 40 patients (8%) in the FTC group and in two patients (3%) in the HCC group (p = 0.07). Distant metastases were significantly associated with older age, widely invasive cancer and extrathyroidal invasion. Only 14 patients (3%) had recurrent disease and there was no significant difference between FTC and HCC groups (p = 0.38). Recurrence was associated with larger tumor size and cervical lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: HCC patients were older and had more lymphovascular invasions than FTC patients. However, FTC and HCC patients had similar initial clinicopathological features. Older age, wide invasiveness and extrathyroidal invasion were independent risk factors for predicting distant metastases in FTC and HCC patients.

Adenocarcinoma Occurring in a Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp Treated with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Gastric hyperplastic polyps are generally considered benign lesions, although rare cases of adenocarcinoma have been reported. Although, the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis in gastric hyperplastic polyps is still uncertain, most malignant polyps are seen to originate from dysplastic epithelium rather than from hyperplastic epithelium. Herein, we report the case of a woman diagnosed with adenocarcinoma that originated from a hyperplastic gastric polyp that was successfully removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. In this case, we observed adenomatous changes around the cancerous component.

Penumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema Developed Following Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Two Cases

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is extensively used for the management of early gastric cancer. But many possible complications can occur. We report here two cases where subcutaneous empysema and pneumomediasinum occurred after ESD of early gastric cancers without perforation. The lesions were close to the esophagogastro-junction. The reason subcutaneous empysema and pneumomediasinum developed is lack of serosa of esophagus. Insufflated air may leak when the muscular layer is exposed during ESD. After intravenous antibiotics and total parenteral nutirition were administered, the patients improved without any other complications.

Frequency of RAS Mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma Rearrangement in Follicular Thyroid Tumors in Korea

BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid tumors harbor several genetic alterations such as RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement. The aims of our study were to investigate the prevalence of RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement in follicular thyroid tumors and to correlate RAS mutations and/or PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement with clinicopathologic features in Korean patients with follicular thyroid carcinomas. METHODS: RAS mutations were investigated by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing in surgical specimens of 37 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and 16 follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs). PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement was analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization in surgical specimens of 31 FTCs and 13 FTAs. RESULTS: RAS mutations were detected in 30% (11 of 37) of FTCs and 19% (three of 16) of FTAs. Three of 11 FTC patients with RAS mutations died of thyroid cancer, but none of the 26 FTC patients without RAS mutations. PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement was found in 10% (three of 31) of FTCs, but in none of the 13 FTAs. All three FTC patients with PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement remained in complete remission during follow-up. There were no FTC patients with both RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RAS mutations in our series of follicular tumors was similar to previous studies. The frequency of PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangements in our group of FTC was lower than previous western reports, but higher than Japanese reports. RAS mutations may be associated with hematogeneous metastasis and poor survival while PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement may be related to more favorable prognosis in Korean patients with FTCs.

Usefulness of Measurement of Serum Iodine Level to Assess the Appropriate Low Iodine Diet Preparation / 대한갑상선학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low-iodine diet (LID) is generally recommended prior to radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy to increase RAI uptake. Recently, we suggested spot urine iodine/creatinine (I/Cr) ratio as a good alternative method replacing measurement of 24 hr urine iodine excretion for the evaluation of appropriate LID preparation. In next step, we studied to evaluate the usefulness of serum iodine concentration comparing with urine iodine concentration and urine I/Cr ratio to assess LID preparation status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively measured serum iodine concentration, spot urine iodine concentration, and urine I/Cr ratio in 419 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma undergoing LID. Appropriate LID preparation was defined as urine I/Cr ratio less than 66.2 ug/gCr. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between serum iodine and the spot urine iodine concentrations or urine I/Cr ratio; the correlation coefficient was 0.51 for urine iodine concentration and 0.62 for I/Cr ratio (p<0.001). Calculated R2 after log-log transformation was 0.45 for I/Cr ratio. The cutoff value of serum iodine concentration was 20.4 ug/L (sensitivity 79.3%, specificity 81.5%) for the evaluation of appropriate LID. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum iodine concentration may be useful as an adjunct parameter for assessing LID preparation, but its sensitivity and specificity were relatively low compared to the urine I/Cr ratio.

Diagnostic Value of a Chimeric TSH Receptor (Mc4)-Based Bioassay for Graves' Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Graves' disease (GD) is caused by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). We used a recently introduced, technically enhanced TSI bioassay to assess its diagnostic value and determine the cut-off in patients in high iodine intake area. METHODS: In a cross-sectional setting, we collected serum from 67 patients with untreated GD, 130 with GD under treatment, 22 with GD in remission, 42 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 12 with subacute thyroiditis, 20 with postpartum thyroiditis, and 93 euthyroid controls. TSI was measured using the Thyretaintrade mark bioassay, which is based on Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with chimeric TSHR (Mc4). TSI levels are reported as a specimen-to-reference ratio percentage (SRR%). RESULTS: The TSI levels in patients with GD (either treated or not) were significantly higher than those of the remaining patients (p < 0.05). The new bioassay showed a sensitivity of 97.0% and a specificity of 95.9% with a cut-off value of 123.0 SRR% for GD. A weak correlation was found between TSI and thyrotropin-binding inhibiting immunoglobulin (TBII) (rs = 0.259, p = 0.03), but no correlation was found between TSI and tri-iodothyronine or free thyroxine. CONCLUSIONS: The Mc4-CHO bioassay showed comparable diagnostic value for GD with the conventional TBII assay. We propose a cut-off of 123.0 SRR% in areas where iodine intake is high.

Tumor Size Is Still a Useful Prognostic Factor for the Therapeutic Plan of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한갑상선학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) was regarded as early-stage carcinoma, but its aggressiveness has been frequently reported. We performed this study to compare the clinicopathologic characteristics of PTMC with those of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) >1 cm. We evaluated the association of clinicopathologic parameters of PTMC with tumor size divided by each millimeter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1,139 patients with PTMC and 1,296 patients with PTC >1 cm who underwent thyroidectomy from 1995 to 2004 at Samsung Medical Center. The aggressive variants of PTC were excluded in the subjects. RESULTS: Multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion (ETI), lymph node invasion (LNI), and distant metastasis (DM) were significantly less frequent in PTMC than PTC >1 cm (p1 cm (recurrence 2.9% vs. 8.1%, p<0.001; mortality 0.5% vs. 1.5%, p<0.05). Tumor size was correlated with the rates of multifocality, ETI, LNI, and DM in all PTC (p<0.01). All patients with DM had the tumor size 0.6 cm in diameter or more. Among PTMC, the rates of LNI, multifocality, and N1b significantly increased when tumor size exceeded 0.3 cm, 0.4 cm, and 0.6 cm, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Recurrence and mortality rates of PTMC were extremely low, although local invasion was detected on the level of subcentimeter. Tumor size was well correlated with the aggressiveness of PTC. We suggest that tumor size is still a useful prognostic factor for the therapeutic plan of PTC.

A Case of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone with Thyroid Cancer

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder that is difficult to diagnose because of its rarity and variable clinical features. The magnitude of RTH is caused by mutations in the thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRbeta) gene. We recently treated a 38-yr-old woman with RTH who had incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma. She presented with goiter and displayed elevated thyroid hormone levels with an unsuppressed TSH. She was determined to harbor a missense mutation of M310T in exon 9 of the TRbeta gene, and diagnosed with generalized RTH. This mutation has not yet been reported in Korea. RTH is very rare and easily overlooked, but should be considered in patients who present with goiter and elevated thyroid hormone levels with an unsuppressed TSH. The association between thyroid cancer and RTH needs further study.