Crisis hipercalcémica, presentación inusual de adenoma paratiroideo: reporte de 2 casos / Hypercalcemic crisis, unusual presentation of parathyroid adenoma

La crisis hipercalcémica (CH) es una emergencia endocrina inusual, definida por la presencia de calcemia > 14 mg/dl asociada a disfunción renal, alteraciones cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y del sensorio; también podría considerarse en pacientes con síntomas graves y calcemia menor. El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) y las neoplasias malignas son las etiologías más comunes de la hipercalcemia (90% de los casos); sin embargo, rara vez el primero se presenta como CH. Debido a la alta mortalidad asociada a esta entidad, es de gran importancia establecer diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces. Presentamos dos pacientes con crisis hipercalcémica como primera manifestación del HPTP, el 1.° con bloqueo auriculoventricular (AV) completo y el 2.° con pancreatitis aguda. La anatomía patológica (AP) reveló adenoma oxifílico en ambos casos, que es una variante histológica poco frecuente y puede manifestarse clínicamente de forma grave. Conclusiones: los adenomas paratiroideos son causa poco frecuente de CH. Consideramos el tipo histológico observado (adenoma oxifílico) como probable factor condicionante. La pancreatitis y especialmente el bloqueo AV son manifestaciones poco frecuentes de la CH. Resaltamos la importancia de la determinación de los niveles de calcio dentro de la evaluación inicial de todo paciente con bloqueo AV. (AU)

Hypercalcemic crisis (HC) is an unusual endocrine emergency, defined as the presence of serum calcium > 14 mg/dl related to kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and sensory disturbances. It could also be considered in patients with severe symptoms and lower serum calcium levels. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and malignant neoplasms are the most common hypercalcemia etiologies (90% of cases), nevertheless, the former hardly ever occurs as HC. Due to the high mortality associated with HC, it is crucial to establish early diagnosis and treatment.We report two patients with HC as the first manifestation of PHPT; the former with atrioventricular (AV) block and the latter with acute pancreatitis. Pathology revealed oxyphilic adenoma in both cases, which is an infrequent histological variant that can have a severe clinical manifestation. Conclusions: parathyroid adenomas are a rare cause of HC. We consider the histological type observed (oxyphilic adenoma) as a probable conditioning factor. Pancreatitis and especially AV block are rare manifestations of HC. We emphasize the importance of determining calcium levels in the initial evaluation of all patients with AV block. (AU)

Estudios preoperatorios coincidentes para el diagnóstico de hiperparatiroidismo primario por adenoma simple: ¿podemos evitar la PTH intraoperatoria? / Preoperative matching studies in the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma for primary hyperparathyroidism: Can we avoid intraoperative PTH monitoring?

Introducción: La causa más frecuente de hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPP) es el adenoma paratiroideo (único en el 80 a 85% de los casos y doble en un 4%, aproximadamente). El resto de los casos obedece a una hiperplasia de las glándulas paratiroides, o de forma más infrecuente, a un carcinoma paratiroideo. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la utilidad de la hormona paratiroidea intraoperatoria (PTHio) en pacientes con ecografía cervical y centellograma coincidentes preoperatorios, en el HPP por un adenoma simple. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, unicéntrico, incluyendo a todos los pacientes sometidos a paratiroidectomía mini-invasiva (PMI) por HPP, por adenoma simple. Definimos estudios coincidentes cuando ambos localizaron el adenoma. La PTHio fue medida en tres ocasiones: en la inducción anestésica, inmediatamente antes y a los 15 minutos de la escisión de la glándula. El éxito se definió como la caída de al menos el 50% del valor máximo de la hormona paratiroidea (PTH) luego de remover la glándula. Se analizaron variables demográficas, intraoperatorias, postoperatorias y la utilidad de la PTHio. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 499 paratiroidectomías, de estas, 218 presentaron un adenoma localizado en la ecografía y gammagrafía. La edad fue de 60,1 años y 85% eran mujeres. Luego de 15 minutos de la escisión del adenoma, la PTHio no descendió en nueve pacientes (4,2% OR 1,9 a 7,69%); todos ellos fueron a una exploración cervical bilateral. El valor agregado de la PTHio para la cura de la enfermedad fue de 3,6%. Hubo un 99% de curación de enfermedad. El tiempo operatorio fue de 66,4 minutos y el de espera de la PTHio fue de 31 minutos. La PTHio encareció el procedimiento al doble. Conclusiones: La ecografía y el centellograma preoperatorios coincidentes para la localización de un adenoma en HPP podrían evitar la medición de la PTHio durante las PMI. (AU)

Introduction: We aim to determine the utility of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring in patients with matching preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT for primary hyperparathyroidism for a single adenoma. Methods: All patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) for a single parathyroid adenoma, were included. An Ultrasound and mibi SPECT were performed in all patients. We defined matching studies when both coincided in the localization of the adenoma. IOPTH was performed in all patients and analyzed in three occasions: a baseline measurement at the anesthetic induction, immediately before, and 15 minutes after gland excision. Success was defined during the third measurement as a drop of IOPTH of at least 50%compared to the previous maximum value after gland excision. Demographics, intraoperative, postoperative variables and the utility of IOPTH monitoring were analyzed. Results: A total of 218 MIP were performed. The average age was 60.1 years and 85% were female. Preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT coincided 100%. When the adenoma was localized, 15 minutes after its excision, IOPTH did not decrease in 9 patients (4.2% OR 1.9% - 7.69%); all of them underwent a bilateral neck exploration. The added-value of IOPTH accuracy for disease cure was 3.6%. There was a 99% of cure rate. The mean surgical time was 66.4 minutes and the waiting time for the third IOPTH result was 31minutes. Performing IOPTH monitoring made the surgery about twice more expensive. Conclusions: Preoperative matching ultrasound and mibi SPECT for parathyroid adenoma localization in PHP, could avoid IOPTH monitoring in minimally invasive parathyroidectomies. (AU)

Preoperative matching studies in the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma for primary hyperparathyroidism: Can we avoid intraoperative PTH monitoring?

INTRODUCTION: We aim to determine the utility of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring in patients with matching preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT for primary hyperparathyroidism for a single adenoma. METHODS: All patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) for a single parathyroid adenoma, were included. An Ultrasound and mibi SPECT were performed in all patients. We defined matching studies when both coincided in the localization of the adenoma. IOPTH was performed in all patients and analyzed in three occasions: a baseline measurement at the anesthetic induction, immediately before, and 15 min after gland excision. Success was defined during the third measurement as a drop of IOPTH of at least 50% compared to the previous maximum value after gland excision. Demographics, intraoperative, postoperative variables and the utility of IOPTH monitoring were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 218 MIP were performed. The average age was 60.1 years and 85% were female. Preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT coincided 100%. When the adenoma was localized, 15 min after its excision, IOPTH did not decrease in 9 patients (4.2%. OR 1.9%-7.69%); all of them underwent a bilateral neck exploration. The added-value of IOPTH accuracy for disease cure was 3.6%. There was a 99% of cure rate. The mean surgical time was 66.4 min and the waiting time for the third IOPTH result was 31 min. Performing IOPTH monitoring made the surgery about twice more expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative matching ultrasound and mibi SPECT for parathyroid adenoma localization in PHP, could avoid IOPTH monitoring in minimally invasive parathyroidectomies.

Preoperative matching studies in the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma for primary hyperparathyroidism: Can we avoid intraoperative PTH monitoring? / Estudios preoperatorios coincidentes para el diagnóstico de hiperparatiroidismo primario por adenoma simple: ¿podemos evitar la PTH intraoperatoria?

INTRODUCTION: We aim to determine the utility of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring in patients with matching preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT for primary hyperparathyroidism for a single adenoma. METHODS: All patients who underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) for a single parathyroid adenoma, were included. An Ultrasound and mibi SPECT were performed in all patients. We defined matching studies when both coincided in the localization of the adenoma. IOPTH was performed in all patients and analyzed in three occasions: a baseline measurement at the anesthetic induction, immediately before, and 15 minutes after gland excision. Success was defined during the third measurement as a drop of IOPTH of at least 50%compared to the previous maximum value after gland excision. Demographics, intraoperative, postoperative variables and the utility of IOPTH monitoring were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 218 MIP were performed. The average age was 60.1 years and 85% were female. Preoperative ultrasound and mibi SPECT coincided 100%. When the adenoma was localized, 15 minutes after its excision, IOPTH did not decrease in 9 patients (4.2% OR 1.9% - 7.69%); all of them underwent a bilateral neck exploration. The added-value of IOPTH accuracy for disease cure was 3.6%. There was a 99% of cure rate. The mean surgical time was 66.4 minutes and the waiting time for the third IOPTH result was 31minutes. Performing IOPTH monitoring made the surgery about twice more expensive. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative matching ultrasound and mibi SPECT for parathyroid adenoma localization in PHP, could avoid IOPTH monitoring in minimally invasive parathyroidectomies.

[Melanoma behavior according to age]. / Comportamiento del melanoma según la edad.

In recent years the incidence of melanoma in elderly patients has increased with an unfavorable oncologic outcome due not only to immune deterioration but also to greater aggressiveness of the tumor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of cutaneous melanoma in relation to age. A consecutive series of cases with melanoma operated in a reference center in the period 2001-2013 was included. The sample was divided into two groups according to the age. Group 1 (G1): under 65 years and Group 2 (G2): over 65 years. Histopathological variables and oncologic outcomes were compared between the two groups. Three hundred and eighty eight patients were operated. They belonged to G1 241 (62%) and to G2 147 (38%). Both groups were homogeneous with respect to the histological type of melanoma. Group 2 had thicker melanomas (Breslow > 4 mm 19% vs. 7%, p < 0.005) and higher rates of ulceration (37% vs. 20%, p: 0.007) and distant metastases (stage IV 11% vs. 3%, p 0.01). There was no difference between groups regarding nodal involvement. With a mean follow up of 45 (6-98) months throughout the series, recurrence of disease was higher in group 2 (26% vs. 17%, p: 0.03), but the specific mortality showed no significant difference (9.5% vs. 5.3%, p: 0.12). In conclusion, cutaneous melanoma in patients over 65 years is more aggressive with higher rates of local recurrence and distant metastases.

Abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de las tumoraciones adrenales malignas / Laparoscopic approach in the treatment of malignant adrenal tumours

Introducción Los tumores suprarrenales malignos son infrecuentes. La cirugía es el tratamiento que ofrece mejores resultados. Aunque existe controversia al respecto, la creciente experiencia en cirugía laparoscópica permitió la indicación de suprarrenalectomías laparoscópicas en tumores primarios potencialmente malignos y metastásicos. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la factibilidad técnica de la suprarrenalectomía laparoscópica en neoplasias malignas y describir los resultados de nuestra serie consecutiva de pacientes. Material y métodos Se analizaron retrospectivamente 13 pacientes (10 varones y 3 mujeres) operados por neoplasias suprarrenales primarias y secundarias por vía laparoscópica entre marzo de 1999 y junio de 2009 en el Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad de Buenos Aires y en el Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires. El abordaje transperitoneal se utilizó en todos los casos. El seguimiento promedio fue de 37,9 meses (2–84).Resultados Se operaron 13 pacientes que tenían neoplasias malignas suprarrenales por vía laparoscópica. La edad promedio fue de 55,2+12 años, con una relación hombre/mujer de 10/3. Cinco pacientes presentaron carcinomas corticosuprarrenales, uno presentó feocromocitoma maligno y 7 presentaron tumores metastásicos. Tres pacientes requirieron conversión a cirugía abierta. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 146,4min. Se presentaron 2 complicaciones postoperatorias. No hubo mortalidad perioperatoria en la serie. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue de 4,6 días (1–35). La sobrevida actuarial a 3 años fue del 46%. La causa de muerte en todos los casos fue la enfermedad de base. Conclusiones El abordaje laparoscópico es razonable para los tumores suprarrenales malignos cuando se puede reproducir la técnica oncológica realizada por vía abierta (AU)

Background Malignant primary or secondary adrenal tumours are uncommon. For most of them early surgery with adrenalectomy is the only means of cure. Although controversy exists on this issue, the increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery extends the indication for laparoscopic adrenalectomy to potentially malignant and to metastatic adrenal tumours. Our aim was to evaluate the technical feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasias, describing the results of our consecutive series of patients. Material and methods We retrospectively analysed 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasia between March 1999 and June 2009, at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidad of Buenos Aires and at the Hospital Alemán of Buenos Aires. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all patients. The mean follow up was 37.9 months (2–84).Results Thirteen laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed due to malignant neoplasia. Mean age was 55.2+12 years. The relationship between male and female was 10/3. Five patients had an adrenal carcinoma, 1 patient a malignant phaeochromocytoma, and 7 patients had metastatic tumours. Three patients required conversion to laparotomy. Average operation time was 146.4 min. There were two perioperative complications and no mortality. Average length of hospital stay was 4.6 days (1–35). The survival at 3 years was 46%. The cause of death was the underlying disease in all cases. Conclusion Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a reasonable technique for malignant adrenal tumours, when the open oncological resection can be reproduced by the laparoscopic approach (AU)

[Laparoscopic approach in the treatment of malignant adrenal tumours]. / Abordaje laparoscópico en el tratamiento de las tumoraciones adrenales malignas.

BACKGROUND: Malignant primary or secondary adrenal tumours are uncommon. For most of them early surgery with adrenalectomy is the only means of cure. Although controversy exists on this issue, the increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery extends the indication for laparoscopic adrenalectomy to potentially malignant and to metastatic adrenal tumours. Our aim was to evaluate the technical feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasias, describing the results of our consecutive series of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 13 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasia between March 1999 and June 2009, at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidad of Buenos Aires and at the Hospital Alemán of Buenos Aires. A transperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all patients. The mean follow up was 37.9 months (2-84). RESULTS: Thirteen laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed due to malignant neoplasia. Mean age was 55.2+12 years. The relationship between male and female was 10/3. Five patients had an adrenal carcinoma, 1 patient a malignant phaeochromocytoma, and 7 patients had metastatic tumours. Three patients required conversion to laparotomy. Average operation time was 146.4 min. There were two perioperative complications and no mortality. Average length of hospital stay was 4.6 days (1-35). The survival at 3 years was 46%. The cause of death was the underlying disease in all cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a reasonable technique for malignant adrenal tumours, when the open oncological resection can be reproduced by the laparoscopic approach.

Carcinoma apócrino de axila: reporte de una caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Apócrino carcinoma of armpit: report of a case and revision of the bibliography

En el siguiente trabajo se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente (pte.) de 57 años con carcinoma apócrino axilar, al cual se le realiza resección de tumor primario y vaciamiento axilar homolateral. En la revisión de bibliografía observamos que es una patología infrecuente y detallamos algunas características epidemiológicas y clínico-patológicas de entidad. Objetivos: descripción de un caso de patología infrecuente y revisión de bibliografía. Materiales y métodos: caso clínico. Revisión bibliográfica.

Biochemical results of reoperations for medullary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The calcitonin is a sensitive marker for the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, therefore, invaluable in the follow-up of patients who have been treated. Biological cure of the medullary thyroid cancer refers to a basal plasma calcitonin of less than 10 ng/l without elevation after stimulation tests. STUDY DESIGN: Biochemical results of reoperations for medullary thyroid carcinoma were reviewed from a series of 35 patients who underwent 47 reinterventions. RESULTS: The indications for reoperation were: hypercalcitoninemia with clinical evidence of the disease (32 cases); hypercalcitoninemia after an inadequate primary surgery (6 cases); persistent hypercalcitoninemia with biochemical evidence of the disease (2 cases); liver metastases (1 case); and palliative surgery for relieving symptoms (1 case). Only three patients of the series had biochemical cure after reoperation (patients with an inadequate primary surgery). CONCLUSIONS: This study is consistent with the bibliographic reviews supporting that the cervical reoperation, eventually mediastinal, for residual hypercalcitoninemia after primary surgical treatment is indicated when the initial intervention did not follow the French Calcitonin Tumour Study Group (GETC) recommendations or when a specific lesion is evidenced by imaging studies without systemic dissemination.