Características clínicas y evolutivas de adenomas hipofisarios incidentales: estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo / Clinical and evolutionary characteristics of incidental pituitary adenomas: retrospective multicenter study

Resumen Introducción : Los incidentalomas hipofisarios (IH) son lesiones halladas fortuitamente en la hipófisis mediante imágenes realizadas por motivos no relacionados con enfermedad hipofisaria. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio transversal, retros pectivo y descriptivo con el objetivo de analizar las características clínicas y evolutivas de una población de pacientes portadores de IH en la ciudad de Córdoba. Resultados : Se incluyeron 67 pacientes, 67% del sexo femenino, con una mediana de edad al diagnóstico de 44 años. Entre los motivos que llevaron a solicitar la primera imagen, la cefalea crónica o recurrente fue el más prevalente (34%). La mediana del tamaño tumoral fue de 12 mm. El 58% fueron macroincidentalomas. Los hombres tuvieron lesiones significativamente más grandes (p = 0.04). Al diagnóstico, considerando ambos sexos, el 30% evidenció extensión extraselar y el 45% invasión a senos cavernosos. Se detectó compromi so neurooftalmológico en el 21%. Se halló correlación positiva entre la edad al momento del diagnóstico y el tamaño tumoral (r = +0.31, p = 0.001). El 91% fueron tumores no funcionantes y en su presentación, el 21% de los pacientes presentaron una o más deficiencias hormonales. El 26% del total requirió cirugía. La ma yoría de aquellos que continuaron sin tratamiento no evidenciaron cambios en el tamaño tumoral al final del seguimiento (mediana 42 meses). Conclusión : Destacamos la elevada frecuencia de macroincidentalomas en nuestra serie, siendo los de fectos del campo visual y el hipopituitarismo frecuentes al diagnóstico. Si bien la mayoría de los IH no operados permanecieron estables, existió una alta frecuencia de lesiones clínicamente significativas.

Abstract Introduction : Pituitary incidentalomas (PIs) are le sions found incidentally in the pituitary on imaging performed for reasons unrelated to pituitary disease. Methods : A cross-sectional, retrospective and descrip tive study was carried out with the aim of analyzing the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of a population of patients with PIs in the city of Córdoba. Results : A total of 67 patients were included, 67% fe male, with a median age at diagnosis of 44 years. Among the reasons that led to requesting the first image, chron ic or recurrent headache was the most prevalent (34%). The median tumor size was 12 mm. Fifty-eight percent were macroincidentalomas. Men had significantly larger lesions (p = 0.04). At diagnosis, including both sexes, 30% showed extrasellar extension and 45% invasion of the cavernous sinuses. Neuro-ophthalmological compromise was detected in 21%. A positive correlation was found between age at diagnosis and tumor size (r= +0.31, p = 0.001). Ninety-one percent were non-functioning tumors and at presentation, 21% of patients had one or more hormonal deficiencies. Of the total, 26% required surgery. Most of those who continued without treatment showed no change in tumor size at the end of follow-up (median 42 months). Conclusion : We highlight the high frequency of mac roincidentalomas in our series, with visual field defects and hypopituitarism being frequent at diagnosis. Al though most non-operated PIs remained stable, there was a high frequency of clinically significant lesions.

A radiological and histological comparison of two unusual adrenal incidentalomas

@#Introduction: The increasing use of radiological imaging studies has given rise to ‘incidentalomas’. Case Report: We describe two unusual and diverse incidental adrenal gland lesions, an adenomatoid nodule and a mature ganglioneuroma. Both are deemed ‘indeterminate’ on radiological assessment. On histology, an adenomatoid nodule is composed of variably-dilated thin-walled cysts lined by bland flattened cells and solid areas of tubules lined by eosinophilic cells with plump nuclei and prominent nucleoli. The lining cells are immunoreactive for calretinin and WT1 while negative for CK5/6, ERG and CD31. Mature ganglioneuroma features fascicles of bland spindle cells with intermixed mature ganglion cells disposed within a background myxoid stroma with no immature neuroblastic component. These spindled Schwann cells are S100 positive. Discussion: Both adenomatoid nodule and mature ganglioneuroma are rare benign adrenal tumours that need to be differentiated from other, more common adrenal lesions. The management of adrenal incidentalomas is challenging. Surgical excision is indicated if an adrenal incidentaloma is more than 4 cm in size, shows malignant features on imaging or evidence of hormone excess. Keywords:

The correlation study between the glucose metabolism of 18F-FDG PET/CT incidental thyroid cancer and clinicopathologic characteristics / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:The proportion of incidental thyroid cancer in PET imaging was sig-niifcantly increased with the wide application of18F-FDG PET/CT. The correlation between the glucose metabolism of thyroid incidental thyroid cancer and pathological changes is unclear. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between the glucose metabolism by18F-FDG PET/CT and tumor differentiation or lymph node metastasis in patients with incidental thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 195 patients with focal FDG-avid thyroid incidentaloma during cancer evaluation were enrolled. Fifty-three patients were diagnosed as having thyroid cancer by the pathology. The SUVmax of thyroid cancer foci, lesion size, lesion number, and SUVmax of normal thyroid tissue were quantiifed. The tumor pathological grades and lymph node metastasis were analyzed by the pathology. The patients were broken down into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4) according to the tumor pathological grades and lymph node metastasis (differentiated thyroid cancer, non-differentiated thyroid cancer, without lymph node metastasis and with lymph node metastasis). The differences of glucose metabolism between G1and G2groups, G3 and G4 groups were analyzed.Results:Fifty-three foci were found by PET imaging. Sixty-two foci were found by the pathology (37 papillary thyroid carcinoma, 4 follicular thyroid carcinoma, 9 medullary thyroid carcinoma, 3 poorly differentiated thyroid cancer). The SUVmax in the normal thyroid tissue, G1and G2were 1.51±0.30, 4.25±1.70 and 6.34±2.45, respectively. The SUVmax in the G1and G2were signiifcantly higher than in the normal thyroid tissue (t=11.0,t=7.10,P0.05;t=0.33,P=0.56).Conclusion:The differentiated incidental thyroid carcinoma and non-differentiated incidental thyroid carcinoma had high glucose metabolism, and there was no signiifcant difference in the levels of glucose metabolism in different differentiation degree and metastasis ability cancer.

Adrenal tumors: An experience of 10 years in a single surgical unit.

INTRODUCTION: Most of the adrenal masses are discovered incidentally by imaging techniques for reasons unrelated to adrenal diseases. Treatment is based on various factors such as, nature of adrenal mass, age of presentation, size of tumor, and the functional status of tumor. We report a series of 14 consecutive cases of adrenal tumors treated in a single surgical unit in our hospital. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile and outcome of treatment of adrenal tumors treated in a surgical unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective study data of 14 cases of adrenal tumors treated in a single surgical unit in University Hospital over 10 years have been analyzed. Various parameters such as gender, age, size of tumor, functional status, histopathology, type of management, and outcome have been reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients with adrenal masses were seen over a 10 year period (1997‑2006). All were referred cases, either from endocrinology or medicine wards. There were seven female and seven male patients. Mean age of patients was 48.6 years (range 14‑60 years). Mean size of tumor was 8.0 cm (5.9 cm for benign tumors and 9.7 cm for malignant tumors). There were six cases of adrenal carcinoma, four cases of adrenal myelolipoma, two cases of pheochromocytoma, and one each case of adrenal hyperplasia and histoplasmosis. There were only two functional tumors. All, except two malignant cases were treated operatively. A total of 5 year survival was 100% in benign cases and 27% in malignant tumors. CONCLUSION: Adrenal tumors need to be assessed for their functional status and malignant potential prior to treatment. Surgical excision is usually curative for benign lesion. Among malignant tumors the benefits of surgery depend on local extent and metastatic status of tumors.

Caso inusual de síndrome de cushing

Objetivo: discutir las dificultades en el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de un caso poco frecuente de Síndrome de Cushing (SC). Caso Clínico: se reporta el caso de un paciente femenino, de 24 años, con hipercortisolismo y patrón bioquímico sugestivo de SC dependiente de corticotropina (ACTH). Estudios imagenológicos mostraron agrandamiento de la glándula hipófisis, extensión supraselar y una lesión lateral izquierda, sugestiva de microadenoma. Sometida a cirugía transesfenoidal en dos oportunidades, sin obtenerse la remisión del cuadro. Tomografía computarizada (TC) de tórax demostró la presencia de nódulo pulmonar único izquierdo, hipercaptante en el gammagrama con octreotido. Fue removido quirúrgicamente en forma satisfactoria produciéndose un abrupto descenso en los niveles de ACTH y cortisol pero nuevamente se incrementaron 24 horas después, permaneciendo elevados desde entonces. La inmunohistoquímica fue positiva para ACTH y cromogranina; el estudio anatomapatológico reportó tumor carcinoide típico sin invasión a ganglios linfáticos; sin embargo, la evolución clínica sugirió enfermedad residual. Se inició tratamiento con análogos de somatostatina (octreotido), el cual se ha mantenido por once meses, obteniéndose mejoría significativa del cuadro clínico y control parcial del hipercortisolismo. TC de tórax y gammagrama con octreotido recientemente practicados, revelaron pequeño foco, el cual correspondió a adenopatía mediastinal derecha. Se plantea la hipótesis de que el tumor producía simultáneamente ACTH y hormona liberadora de corticotropina (CRH, por sus siglas en inglés), explicándose de esta manera la hiperplasia hipofisaria. Conclusión: En pacientes con SC dependiente de ACTH hay que tener presente la existencia de incidentalomas que pueden confundir el diagnóstico. Considerar que la hiperplasia hipofisaria puede ser secundaria a una fuente ectópica productora de CRH y aunque en este caso no pudo realizarse inmunohistoquímica para CRH en las células tumorales, es posible suponer que dichas células secretaban conjuntamente CRH y ACTH lo cual explica la hiperplasia hipofisaria.

Objective: to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of a rare case of Cushing´s syndrome. Case Report: we describe a case of a 24-year-old female patient who developed symptoms compatible with hypercortisolism; the biochemical pattern was suggestive of ACTH dependent Cushin´s Syndrome. Imaging studies showed pituitary enlargement with suprasellar extension and a lesion suggestive microadenoma on the left side. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed in two occasions without remission. Subsequent explorations showed the presence of a single left lung nodule, positive to octreoscan. It was successfully operated and, a sharp decline on ACTH and cortisol levels was seen immediately after operation, increasing again 24 hours later and, remained elevated since then. Inmunohistochemestry studies were positive for ACTH and chromogranin and although the pathology was compatible with typical carcinoid, and no lymph node invasion was seen, the clinical evolution suggested the presence of residual disease. Treatment with somatostatin analogues (Octreotide) was started and has being maintained for eleven months, up to the present. A significant improvement of the clinical picture and partial control of the hypercortisolism has being obtained. Chest CT and octreoscan recently performed, revealed small focus, which corresponded to a right mediastinal adenopathy. We hypothesize that the tumor was simulta-neously producing ACTH and CRH, explaining in this way the pituitary hyperplasia. Conclusion: In patients with ACTH dependent Cushing the existence of incidentalomas could confuse the diagnosis and should be ruled out. Pituitary hyperplasia might be secondary to an ectopic CRH source. Although in our case immunohistochemostry for CRH was not performed, we assume that tumor cells secreted both, CRH and ACTH, explaining the pituitary hyperplasia.

Challenges and pitfalls in the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia / Desafios e armadilhas no diagnóstico da hiperprolactinemia

The definition of the etiology of hyperprolactinemia often represents a great challenge and an accurate diagnosis is paramount before treatment. Although prolactin levels > 200-250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of prolactinomas, they can occasionally be found in other conditions. Moreover, as much as 25% of patients with microprolactinomas may present prolactin levels < 100 ng/mL, which are found in most patients with pseudoprolactinomas, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, or systemic diseases. On the other hand, some conditions may lead to falsely low PRL levels, particularly the so-called hook effect, that is an assay artifact caused by an extremely high level of PRL, and can be confirmed by repeating assay after a 1:100 serum sample dilution. The hook effect must be considered in all patients with large pituitary adenomas and PRL levels within the normal range or only modestly elevated (e.g., < 200 ng/mL). An overlooked hook effect may lead to incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with prolactinomas. Another important challenge is macroprolactinemia, a common finding that needs to be identified, as it usually requires no treatment. Although most macroprolactinemic patients are asymptomatic, many of them may present galactorrhea or menstrual disorders, as well as neuroradiological abnormalities, due to the concomitance of other diseases. Finally, physicians should be aware that pituitary incidentalomas are found in at least 10% of adult population. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(1):9-22.

A definição da etiologia da hiperprolactinemia muitas vezes representa um grande desafio e um diagnóstico preciso é fundamental antes do tratamento. Embora níveis de prolactina > 200-250 ng/mL sejam altamente sugestivos de prolactinomas, ocasionalmente podem ser encontrados em outras condições. Além disso, até 25% dos pacientes com microprolactinomas podem apresentar-se com níveis de prolactina < 100 ng/mL, os quais são evidenciados na maioria dos pacientes com pseudoprolactinomas, hiperprolactinemia induzida por drogas ou doenças sistêmicas. Por outro lado, deve-se atentar às condições que podem levar a valores de prolactina falsamente baixos, particularmente o chamado efeito gancho. Este último é um artefato causado por um nível extremamente elevado de PRL e que pode ser confirmado pela repetição do exame após diluição do soro a 1:100. O efeito gancho deve ser considerado em todo paciente com grandes adenomas hipofisários e níveis de prolactina dentro da faixa normal ou apenas moderadamente elevados (p. ex., < 200 ng/mL). Um efeito gancho não detectado pode levar a diagnóstico incorreto e intervenção cirúrgica desnecessária em pacientes com prolactinomas. Outro desafio importante é a macroprolactinemia, um achado comum que precisa ser identificado visto que geralmente não requer tratamento. Ainda que a maioria dos pacientes seja assintomática devido à concomitância de outras doenças, muitos podem apresentar galactorreia ou distúrbios menstruais, bem como anormalidades neurorradiológicas. Finalmente, os médicos devem estar cientes de que incidentalomas hipofisários são encontrados em pelo menos 10% da população adulta. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(1):9-22.

Differential Diagnosis of Adrenal Mass Using Imaging Modality: Special Emphasis on F-18 Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Adrenal incidentalomas are adrenal masses serendipitously detected during an imaging study performed for reasons unrelated to suspicion of adrenal disease. The incidence of adrenal incidentalomas has increased because of the widespread use of various imaging modalities. In oncology patients with adrenal incidentalomas, the characterization of the adrenal masses is challenging because nearly 50% of incidental adrenal masses are metastatic lesions that need special medical attention. Although unenhanced computed tomography (CT) densitometry, chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), delayed contrast-enhanced CT and CT histogram analysis have been used as sensitive and specific modalities for differentiating benign from malignant adrenal masses, F-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (F-18 FDG PET)/CT is a highly accurate imaging modality compared to CT or MRI, especially when these two imaging modalities are combined. In addition, a semiquantitative analysis using standardized uptake value ratio further improves the diagnostic accuracy of F-18 FDG PET/CT in differentiating benign from malignant adrenal masses. Thus, F-18 FDG PET/CT is very helpful for determining the best therapeutic management, especially for assessing the need for surgery.

Clinical Characteristics and Metabolic Features of Patients with Adrenal Incidentalomas with or without Subclinical Cushing's Syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics of adrenal incidentalomas discovered by computed tomography (CT) and to investigate metabolic features of subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) in patients with adrenal incidentalomas in a tertiary hospital in Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the clinical aspects of 268 patients with adrenal incidentalomas discovered by CT at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital. Clinical data and endocrine function of the patients as well as histological findings were obtained from medical records, while anatomic characteristics were analyzed by reviewing imaging studies. Hormonal tests for pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, and aldosterone-secreting adenoma were performed. RESULTS: Most (n=218, 81.3%) cases were nonfunctioning tumors. Of the 50 patients with functioning tumors (18.7%), 19 (7.1%) were diagnosed with SCS, nine (3.4%) with overt Cushing's syndrome, 12 (4.5%) with primary aldosteronism, and 10 (3.7%) with pheochromocytoma. Malignant tumors (both primary and metastatic) were rare (n=2, 0.7%). Body mass index, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in patients with SCS in comparison with those with nonfunctioning tumors. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly higher in patients with SCS compared with those with nonfunctioning tumors. CONCLUSION: Functioning tumors, especially those with subclinical cortisol excess, are commonly found in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, although malignancy is rare. In addition, patients with SCS in adrenal incidentalomas have adverse metabolic and cardiovascular profiles.

Bazo accesorio simulando tumor suprarrenal / Aberrant spleen simulating an adrenal mass

Introduction: The diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas is common in current clinical practice. Clinical case: We report a 69 years-old female patient with hypertension, who underwent an abdominal CAT Scan, finding a left adrenal mass of 8 cm diameter. Subsequent studies showed elevated urinary metanephrine levels. With the suspicion of a pheochromocytoma, a laparoscopic surgery was performed. The mass resulted to be an aberrant spleen.

Introducción: El diagnóstico de los así llamados "incidentalomas" suprarrenales, cada vez más frecuente en la práctica clínica, plantea un diagnóstico diferencial importante. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 69 años, hipertensa, con el hallazgo de una masa suprarrenal izquierda aparentemente funcionante, operada por vía laparoscópica y que resultó ser un bazo aberrante. Se discute el diagnóstico diferencial entre masa suprarrenal y pseudo-tumores adrenales y la embriología y presentación clínica del bazo aberrante.

Characteristics of thyroid incidentalomas detected by pre-treatment 18FFDG PET or PET/CT in patients with cervical cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: Considering the increased use of [18F]FDG PET or PET/CT, the clinical significance of thyroid incidentalomas is the subject of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of malignancies associated with thyroid incidentalomas detected by pre-treatment PET or PET/CT in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with cervical cancer who had thyroid incidentalomas detected by pre-treatment PET or PET/CT and were treated at our institute between January 2001 and December 2009. RESULTS: Of 327 patients who underwent pre-treatment PET or PET/CT, 33 patients had thyroid incidentalomas (10.1%) and 4 patients were diagnosed with thyroid malignancies by percutaneous needle aspiration (PCNA) or surgery. To put it concretely, of 33 patients with thyroid incidentaloma, 16 patients had a diffuse uptake and 17 patients had a focal uptake. Four of 17 patients with focal uptake were diagnosed with thyroid malignancies (23.5%). One patient with a focal uptake had an atypical cell based on PCNA, but did not undergo additional studies. The mean SUVmax of thyroid malignancies did not differ from that of benign thyroid diseases. CONCLUSION: Thyroid incidentalomas are frequently detected by pre-treatment PET or PET/CT in patients with cervical cancer. Focal uptake on PET or PET/CT has a high risk of thyroid cancer.

Mielolipoma adrenal bilateral asociado a disfunción endocrina / Bilateral adrenal myelolipoma associated with an endocrine dysfunction

Se presentó un caso de mielolipoma adrenal bilateral asociado a hiperplasia adrenal congénita por déficit de enzima 21 hidroxilasa en un joven de 27 años de edad, que abandonó tratamiento sustitutivo con acetato de cortisona a los 14 años. Estuvo asintomático hasta su ingreso en el hospital, al cual es remitido por dolor abdominal, vómitos y fiebre, constatándose tumoración abdominal gigante en hemiabdomen izquierdo. Las características clínicas, hormonales y radiológicas halladas son comentadas y correlacionadas con lo registrado en la literatura médica. Hasta donde se revisó, es el primer caso de mielolipoma adrenal bilateral asociado a disfunción endocrina que se publica en Cuba(AU)

Authors present a case of bilateral adrenal myelolipoma associated with a congenital adrenal hyperplasia by deficit of hydroxilase enzyme 21 in a young aged 27 who leaves the substitution treatment with cortisone acetate at 14 years old. He was asymptomatic until its hospital admission due to abdominal pain, vomiting and fever and a high abdominal tumor in left hemi-abdomen. Clinical hormonal and radiological features founded are discussed and correlated with those registered in medical literature. As far as we know, this is the first case of bilateral adrenal myelolipoma associated with an endocrine dysfunction published in Cuba(AU)

Diagnóstico e tratamento das massas adrenais clinicamente silenciosas - revisão sistemática de literatura / Diagnoses and treatment of clinically unapparent adrenal masses - systematic literature review

Introdução: Massas adrenais clinicamente silenciosas, diagnosticadas sem intenção, incidentalmente, durante exame de imagem realizado para outras condições clínicas ("incidentaloma") têm sido cada vez mais encontradas devido ao constante progresso dos métodos de imagem e de sua indicação relativamente elástica. São inúmeras as causas, diagnósticos e tratamentos dessas massas, levando o médico a definir se a massa é hormonalmente ativa e se há risco de a lesão ser maligna. Entretanto os métodos para esclarecimento dessas questões ainda não estão bem definidos. Objetivo: Avaliar as melhores formas de diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento da lesão incidental de adrenal. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura até outubro de 2004, analisando seu grau de evidência. Resultados: Foram encontrados dois trabalhos de revisão sistemática que selecionaram e estudaram artigos até setembro de 2003 e, então, adicionados ao estudo mais 28 artigos provenientes de revisão bibliográfica sistemática até outubro de 2004. Conclusões: Em geral os "incidentalomas" são não funcionantes, mas a avaliação endócrina demonstrou que não é raro o achado de hiperfunção hormonal subclínica, reforçando a necessidade de dosagem de certas substâncias, como metanefrinas, realização do teste de supressão de dexametasona em baixas dosagens e mensuração da relação da aldosterona plasmática/atividade plasmática da renina. "Incidentalomas" não funcionantes menores de 4cm devem ser observados entre 4 e 6cm devem ser analisados por suas características de imagem maiores de 6 cm devem ser operados. "Incidentalomas" funcionantes devem ser submetidos à adrenalectomia. Massas adrenais não operadas devem ser acompanhadas por dois anos, por meio de exames de imagem e de função.

Incidentalomas en pacientes con patología del tiroides: Hospital Miguel Pérez Carreño: Caracas, 1984-2007 / Thyroid Incidentalomas Pérez Carreño University Hospital Caracas 1984-2007

Introducción: la realización de la ultrasonografía de alta resolución ha hecho posible la detección de pequeños nódulos tiroideos asintomáticos. El incidentaloma tiroideo con una frecuencia entre el 1,5 al 10%, ha originado el dilema de cómo deben ser tratados adecuadamente. Objetivos: el ánimo de esta investigación fue evaluar el valor de la ecografía en el diagnóstico diferencial del incidentaloma tiroideo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó la revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas en 817 pacientes que fueron tratados por patología tiroidea entre 1984 y 2007. Resultados: La prevalencia del incidentaloma tiroideo fue del 8,44%. El porcentaje de malignidad en este tipo de patología fue del 27,54%. Entre los incidentalomas tiroideos benignos o malignos, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en relación con la edad, número, tamaño, y en las pruebas de función tiroidea, o gammagrafía con Tc99. Las características al ultrasonido de ecoestructura sólida, márgenes irregulares o presencia de calcificaciones resultaron significativas en la detección de incidentalomas tiroideos malignos (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: los cánceres ocultos del tiroides son hallazgos comunes. No se evidenciaron en esta serie diferencias significativas en los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio entre los nódulos tiroideos benignos o malignos menores de 1,5 cm; sin embargo, los hallazgos reportados al ultrasonido pueden servir de base en la elección de la mejor decisión en cuanto a las estrategias a seguir para su óptima conducción...

Background: High-resolution ultrasonography has made possible the detection of asymptomatic small thyroid nodules. Thyroid incidentalomas have created a clinical dilemma as to how to properly manage such incidental findings. Objectives: We make an investigated retrospective review on 817 patients who had admitted at general surgery service number 1 of the university Hospital Miquel Pérez Carreño from October 1984 to August 1999. We investigated the prevalence, the clinical and ultrasonography characteristics, and the optimal diagnostic approach to incidental detected benign and thyroid nodules <1,5 cm. Results: The prevalence of thyroid incidentalomas was 8,44%. The malignancy rate within thyroid incidentalomas was 27,54%. There were no significant differences in age, nodule size and number, thyroid function test, and Tc99 thyroid scan between benign and malignant incidentalomas. Ultrasonography characteristics of solid echostructure, irregular margin, and calcification showed meaningful diagnostic value in detecting malignancy in thyroid incidentalomas (p < 0,05). Most malignant incidentalomas were low stage. Conclusion: Occult thyroid cancers are a fairly common finding. There were no significant differences in clinical and laboratory parameters between benign and malignant thyroid nodules < 1,5 cm; however, ultrasonography findings can be used in the decision of optimal management strategies...

ANALYSIS OF 98 CASES OF ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMAS / 解放军医学杂志

In order to explore the clinical feature, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas, we reviewed 98 cases of adrenal incidentalomas for which adrenalectomy was performed in our hospital from 1993 to 2002. It was found that the average age of the patients was 48 years old, 16 cases (16 3%) had no specific symptoms, and others were incidentally diagnosed. Of the 98 cases, 18 (18 4%) were malignant lesions, including 8 metastatic cancers, 8 adrenal carcinomas and 4 lymphangioma, and 80 were benign lesions. Twenty one cases were functioning adrenal adenoma. Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI or MIBG were effective methods to detect adrenal incidentalomas.