Prospective validation of the ultrasound based TIRADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System) classification: results in surgically resected thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To assess performance of TIRADS classification on a prospective surgical cohort, demonstrating its clinical usefulness. METHODS: Between June 2009 and October 2012, patients assessed with pre-operative ultrasound (US) were included in this IRB-approved study. Nodules were categorised according to our previously described TIRADS classification. Final pathological diagnosis was obtained from the thyroidectomy specimen. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 210 patients with 502 nodules (average: 2.39 (±1.64) nodules/patient). Median size was 7 mm (3-60 mm). Malignancy was 0 % (0/116) in TIRADS 2, 1.79 % (1/56) in TIRADS 3, 76.13 % (185/243) in TIRADS 4 [subgroups: TIRADS 4A 5.88 % (1/17), TIRADS 4B 62.82 % (49/78), TIRADS 4C 91.22 % (135/148)], and 98.85 % (86/87) in TIRADS 5. With a cut-off point at TIRADS 4-5 to perform FNAB, we obtained: sensitivity 99.6 % (95 % CI: 98.9-100.0), specificity 74.35 % (95 % CI: 68.7-80.0), PPV 82.1 % (95 % CI: 78.0-86.3), NPV 99.4 % (95 % CI: 98.3-100.0), PLR 3.9 (95 % CI: 3.6-4.2) and an NLR 0.005 (95 % CI: 0.003-0.04) for malignancy. CONCLUSION: US-based TIRADS classification allows selection of nodules requiring FNAB and recognition of those with a low malignancy risk. KEY POINTS: • TIRADS classification allows accurate selection of thyroid nodules requiring biopsy (TIRADS 4-5). • The recognition of benign/possibly benign patterns can avoid unnecessary procedures. • This classification and its sonographic patterns are validated using surgical specimens.

Utilidad de la monitorización de los colgajos microquirúrgicos / Utility of monitoring microvascular flaps

Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de una sonda Doppler para verificar la permeabilidad y el flujo de la anastomosis en colgajos microquirúrgicos. Material y método: Serie descriptiva prospectiva de los pacientes en los cuales se realizó reconstrucción con colgajo microquirúrgico en la Clínica Alemana entre marzo de 2013 y marzo de 2015, en los cuales se utilizó un monitor Doppler arterial postanastomótico (Coock® Swartz Doppler probe). Resultados: Se registraron 20 pacientes con colgajos microquirúrgicos. Se realizaron 10 colgajos antebraquiales, 7 fíbulas (4 con testigo cutáneo y 3 sin), 2 anterolaterales de muslo y uno recto abdominal. Se realizaron 6 reexploraciones en pabellón. En un caso hubo sospecha tanto clínica como por el cambio en la señal del Doppler; en 4 solo sospecha clínica, y en uno solo por cambio en la señal Doppler. Los hallazgos fueron edema del colgajo en un paciente y 5 hematomas. No hubo pérdida de colgajos. Se utilizó el monitor Doppler por un promedio de 9,5 días. Conclusión: Este método de evaluación no reemplaza a la observación cínica, pero representa una herramienta más para la toma de decisiones en el postoperatorio de este tipo de reconstrucciones en cabeza y cuello.

Aim: To evaluate Doppler probe to assure the flow through the anastomoses at free flaps used in head and neck surgery. Material and method: Descriptive prospective series, of every patient that receive a free flap reconstruction at Clinica Alemana between March 2013 and March 2015, in which a Doppler monitor (Coock® Swartz Doppler probe) on the arterial anastomoses was used. Results: 20 patients with free flaps were recorded. 10 radial flaps, 7 fibulas (4 with a skin paddle and 3 without), 2 antero lateral thigh flaps and 1 abdominis rectus flap. 6 reexplorations were done. In one case the suspicion was clinical, with change in the Doppler signal, 4 patients just clinical suspicion and 1 just because a change in the Doppler signal. The findings were flap edema in 1 patient and 5 hematomas. We didn’t loss any flap. The Doppler monitor was used for an average of 9.5 days. Conclusion: The Doppler monitor doesn’t replace the clinical observation but represents another tool for the decision making during the post operative period in this kind of head and neck reconstructions.

Syphilitic tonsillitis presenting as an ulcerated tonsillar tumor with ipsilateral lymphadenopathy.

We describe a 49-year-old man who presented with a cervical mass of a week's evolution, which clinically mimicked a tumoral expansion. Physical examination showed a left cervical mass of 6 x 4 x 2 cm, associated to a left ulcerated tonsillar tumor. The presumptive diagnosis was a tonsillar cancer with lymph node involvement. An amygdalectomy and a frozen section biopsy of the cervical tumor were performed. The biopsy displayed a reactive lymphadenopathy with follicular and interfollicular hyperplasia rich in plasma cells, epithelioid areas, and an outstanding parcel fibrosis of subcapsular, interfollicular, and perifollicular distribution associated to an isolated focus of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and obliterative parietal angiovascular proliferation. The tonsil presented a similar but ulcerated process. These results suggested an infectious reactive process, probably luetic. A Warthin-Starry stain revealed spirochetes in the tonsillar ulcer. Laboratory examinations revealed a positive VDRL test and negative serology for HIV. In conclusion, a primary syphilis of the oropharyngeal tonsil with a syphilic lymphadenopathy was diagnosed. The literature about tonsillar syphilis is reviewed.