Update on radiation protection of the thyroid gland.

In recent years, concern about the effects of ionizing radiation on exposed individuals has led to the need to regulate and quantify the use of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Geopolitical events in recent times have also increased the population's perception of insecurity regarding ionizing radiation, and we increasingly face patients reluctant to undergo certain types of scans in our nuclear medicine services and, albeit less frequently, in radiology services. This article aims to summarise the extent to which ionizing radiation is present in our daily lives and how diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can affect our health, particularly from the perspective of their effects on the thyroid gland, one of the body's most radiation-sensitive organs.

Assessment of inflammatory parameters as predictive markers for malignancy in thyroid nodules: a study on the correlation with Bethesda classification.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the predictive significance of inflammatory parameters as potential markers for malignancy in individuals with thyroid nodules. METHOD: Nine hundred and ninety-one patients with thyroid nodules who had undergone thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy were included and classified according to the Bethesda system. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values obtained from hemogram parameters were determined for each patient. The study examined the correlation between the Bethesda classification and NLR/SII levels. In addition, a comparison was made between the inflammatory parameters of the benign and malignant Bethesda groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were classified as Bethesda 2 (benign), 34 as Bethesda 6 (malignant). A correlation was observed between the Bethesda classification and NLR and SII levels (r: 0.230, p < 0.001; r: 0.207 p < 0.001, respectively). NLR and SII values were significantly higher in the malignant group (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for SII in predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules was 489.86 × 103/mm3 with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 63.7%. The cutoff value for NLR for the same prediction was 2.06 with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 83.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that SII and NLR may be valuable prognostic markers for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar parámetros inflamatorios como posibles marcadores de malignidad en individuos con nódulos tiroideos. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 991 pacientes con nódulos tiroideos que se sometieron a biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina y se clasificaron según el sistema de Bethesda. Se determinaron los valores de la relación neutrófilo-linfocito (NLR) y el índice de inflamación inmunitaria sistémica (SII). El estudio exploró la correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR/SII, y comparó los parámetros inflamatorios de los grupos benignos y malignos de Bethesda. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron 573 pacientes como Bethesda 2 (benigno) y 34 como Bethesda 6 (maligno). Se observó una correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR y SII (r: 0.230; r: 0.207). Los valores de NLR y SII fueron mayores en el grupo maligno (p < 0.001). El valor de corte para SII en la predicción de nódulos tiroideos benignos y malignos fue de 489.86 × 103/mm3, con una sensibilidad del 88.2% y una especificidad del 63.7%; para NLR fue de 2.06, con una sensibilidad del 82.4% y una especificidad del 83.4%. CONCLUSIONES: El SII y el NLR pueden ser valiosos marcadores pronósticos para predecir la malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos.

Clinical Effect Observation of Apatinib Combined with 131I for Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Prognostic Significance Analysis of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α After Treatment: A Cell Regulation Study

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to observe the clinical efficacy of apatinib (AP) combined with 131I in the treatment of radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) and the prognostic significance of MIP-1α after treatment, and to provide reference and guidance for future treatment and disease assessment of RAIR-DTC. One hundred and six patients with RAIR- DTC admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to October 2020 were selected for the study. All the patients were treated with TC surgery with 131I at our hospital, and 58 of them were subsequently transferred to AP treatment, which was considered as the research group; the other 48 patients were transferred to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression treatment, which was considered as the control group. The clinical efficacy of the research group was better than that of the control group (P 0.05). After treatment, Tg, TL, maximum diameter of C/B lymph nodes, number of lymph nodes and number of calcified spots were lower in the research group than in the control group (P < 0.05). ROC analysis revealed that the predictive sensitivity of MIP-1α for prognosis of 3-year RAIR-DTC death in the research group of patients was 84.63 % and the specificity was 72.16 %. AP combined with 131I is effective in the treatment of RAIR-DTC and is worth using in the clinical practice. In addition, elevated levels of MIP-1α predicted a poor prognosis for patients with RAIR-DTC.

El objetivo de este estudio fue observar la eficacia clínica de apatinib (AP) combinado con 131I en el tratamiento del cáncer de tiroides diferenciado refractario al yodo radiactivo (RAIR-DTC) y la importancia pronóstica de MIP-1α después del tratamiento, y proporcionar referencia y orientación para futuros tratamientos y enfermedades. Evaluación de RAIR- DTC. Se seleccionaron para el estudio 106 pacientes con RAIR- DTC ingresados en nuestro hospital desde enero de 2019 hasta octubre de 2020. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con cirugía CT con 131I, y 58 de ellos fueron trasladados posteriormente a tratamiento AP, los que fueron considerados como grupo de investigación; los otros 48 pacientes fueron transferidos a tratamiento de supresión de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides (TSH), que se consideró como grupo de control. La eficacia clínica del grupo de investigación fue mejor que la del grupo de control (P 0,05). Después del tratamiento, Tg, TL, diámetro máximo de los linfonodos C/B, número linfonodos y número de manchas calcificadas fueron menores en el grupo de investigación que en el grupo de control (P <0,05). El análisis ROC reveló que la sensibilidad predictiva de MIP-1α para el pronóstico de muerte por RAIR-DTC a 3 años en el grupo de pacientes de investigación fue del 84,63 % y la especificidad fue del 72,16 %. AP combinado con 131I es eficaz en el tratamiento del RAIR-DTC y vale la pena utilizarlo en la práctica clínica. Además, los niveles elevados de MIP-1α predijeron un mal pronóstico para los pacientes con RAIR- DTC.

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma case series-Management strategy and outcomes / Serie de casos de carcinoma del conducto tirogloso: estrategias de tratamiento y resultados

Objective: To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathology and management strategies in a modern cohort of patients with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma. Study design: Retrospective case series following PROCESS Guidelines. Setting Comprehensive cancer centre. Methods: Data recorded included: gender, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, thyroid function, diagnostic investigations, cytological results, final histology, staging and follow up status. The risk of malignancy in cytological analysis was stratified according to the Royal College of Pathologists classification in United Kingdom. Results: Twelve patients were included. The majority of patients (66.7%) presented with an isolated thyroglossal duct cyst. Only 4 patients had preoperative cytological suspicion of carcinoma (sensitivity: 33.3%). At the time of presentation all patients were euthyroid. Following diagnosis of malignancy, a total thyroidectomy was performed in all patients, with the exception of 2, who had a thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma of less than 10mm. Among the 10 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 7 (70%) patients had proven carcinoma in the thyroid gland, 3 with deposits of less than 10mm. The average size of the thyroid cancer deposits was 7.2mm (1–20mm). With a mean follow-up of is 44 months (5–120), all patients were alive and free of recurrence at the end of the study period. Conclusion: Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is a rare condition and its management should be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting. As with differentiated thyroid cancer originating in the thyroid gland, it bears extraordinary survival rates. Accordingly, the management of these cancers has shifted towards a more conservative approach although its peculiarities must be taken into account: ease of extracystic invasion and possible different lymph node invasion. (AU)

Objetivo: Revisar la presentación clínica, el diagnostico, la histología y las estrategias de tratamiento en una cohorte moderna de pacientes con carcinoma del conducto tirogloso. Diseño del estudio: Serie de casos retrospectiva utilizando PROCESS Guidelines. Localización: Unidad de cáncer de cabeza y cuello. Métodos: Los datos incluidos fueron: sexo, edad al diagnóstico, presentación clínica, función tiroidea, investigaciones diagnósticas, resultados citológicos, histología final, estadificación y estado durante el seguimiento. El riesgo de malignidad en el análisis citológico fue estratificado de acuerdo con la clasificación del Royal College of Pathologists del Reino Unido. Resultados: Se incluyeron 12 pacientes. La mayoría de ellos (66,7%) presentaron solamente un quiste del conducto tirogloso al diagnóstico. Solamente 4 pacientes tuvieron sospecha de malignidad de acuerdo con los resultados de la citología preoperatoria. En el momento de la presentación, todos los pacientes tenían función tiroidea normal. Después del diagnóstico, se realizó tiroidectomía total a todos los pacientes menos dos, que tuvieron carcinoma del conducto tirogloso menor de 10mm. Entre los 10 pacientes que recibieron tiroidectomía total, 7 (70%) sufrieron carcinoma en la glándula tiroides, 3 de ellos con depósitos menores de 10mm. El tamaño medio de los depósitos de carcinoma en la glándula tiroides fue de 7,2mm (1-20mm). Con una media de seguimiento de 44meses (5-120), todos los pacientes estaban vivos y libres de recidiva al final del periodo estudiado. Conclusión: El carcinoma del conducto tirogloso es una entidad poco frecuente y su manejo debe ser realizado por un equipo multidisciplinario. Igual que en el carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides que se origina en la glándula tiroides, las tasas de supervivencia son excelentes. ... (AU)

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma case series-Management strategy and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, pathology and management strategies in a modern cohort of patients with thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series following PROCESS Guidelines. SETTING: Comprehensive cancer centre. METHODS: Data recorded included: gender, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation, thyroid function, diagnostic investigations, cytological results, final histology, staging and follow up status. The risk of malignancy in cytological analysis was stratified according to the Royal College of Pathologists classification in United Kingdom. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included. The majority of patients (66.7%) presented with an isolated thyroglossal duct cyst. Only 4 patients had preoperative cytological suspicion of carcinoma (sensitivity: 33.3%). At the time of presentation all patients were euthyroid. Following diagnosis of malignancy, a total thyroidectomy was performed in all patients, with the exception of 2, who had a thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma of less than 10mm. Among the 10 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, 7 (70%) patients had proven carcinoma in the thyroid gland, 3 with deposits of less than 10mm. The average size of the thyroid cancer deposits was 7.2mm (1-20mm). With a mean follow-up of is 44 months (5-120), all patients were alive and free of recurrence at the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma is a rare condition and its management should be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting. As with differentiated thyroid cancer originating in the thyroid gland, it bears extraordinary survival rates. Accordingly, the management of these cancers has shifted towards a more conservative approach although its peculiarities must be taken into account: ease of extracystic invasion and possible different lymph node invasion.

Experiencia en cirugía de tiroides en el Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez de Santiago de Cuba / Thyroid Surgery Experience at Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez of Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: Los nódulos de tiroides son un problema clínico común. La tiroidectomía es una de las técnicas más realizadas en los servicios de cabeza y cuello y constituye un tratamiento con intención curativa en el cáncer de tiroides y afecciones benignas como el bocio nodular y el adenoma. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia en cirugía de tiroides del servicio de cabeza y cuello en el Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de los pacientes que recibieron algún tratamiento quirúrgico por enfermedad tiroidea en el período comprendido entre el 1 de septiembre de 2017 y el 31 de agosto de 2022. Resultados: El 87 por ciento de los pacientes eran mujeres, con una edad media de 47,1 años. A todos se les realizó ecografía y biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina con una estrecha concordancia con el diagnóstico definitivo. Predominó el carcinoma papilar (39,5 por ciento), la tiroidectomía total como técnica más empleada (86,5 por ciento) y el 94,6 por ciento de los pacientes no tuvo complicaciones. La lesión recurrencial solo estuvo presente en el 1,1 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: La experiencia en tiroidectomía en el Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez es buena, con una concordancia entre medios diagnósticos y biopsia definitiva, tiempo quirúrgico adecuado y pocas complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem. Thyroidectomy is one of the most performed techniques in head and neck surgery services, as well a treatment with curative intent for thyroid cancer and benign conditions such as nodular goiter and adenoma. Objective: To describe the experience in thyroid surgery at the head and neck surgery service from Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out with patients who received any surgical treatment for thyroid disease in the period from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2022. Results: 87 percent of patients were female, with a mean age of 47.1 years. All of them underwent ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, presenting a close concordance with their definitive diagnosis. Papillary carcinoma predominated (39.5 percent), total thyroidectomy was the most commonly used technique (86.5 percent) and 94.6 percent of patients had no complications. Any recurrent lesion was present in only 1.1 percent of cases. Conclusions: The thyroidectomy experience at Hospital Oncológico Conrado Benítez is good, based on the concordance between diagnostic means and definitive biopsy, as well as adequate surgical time and few complications(AU)

Vía clínica de terapia metabólica con 131I en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Clinical pathway of metabolic therapy with 131I in differentiated thyroid cancer

Las vías clínicas son planes asistenciales que se aplican a procesos clínicos de curso predecible con la intención de protocolizarlos y disminuir la variabilidad en su manejo. Nuestro objetivo ha sido desarrollar una vía clínica para la terapia metabólica con 131I, proceso asistencial aplicado a los pacientes con carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides. Se organizó un equipo de trabajo formado por médicos (endocrinología y medicina nuclear), personal de enfermería (unidad de hospitalización y medicina nuclear), de radiofísica y del servicio de apoyo a la gestión clínica y continuidad asistencial. Para el diseño de la vía clínica se realizaron varias reuniones del equipo, en las que se pusieron en común las revisiones bibliográficas y se abordó el diseño y el desarrollo de la vía, respetando las guías clínicas vigentes. Este equipo ha logrado mediante consenso la elaboración del plan asistencial, estableciendo sus puntos clave y redactando los distintos documentos que componen la vía clínica: matriz temporal, documento de registro de variaciones de la vía clínica, documentos de información al paciente, encuesta de satisfacción del paciente, folleto de pictogramas, indicadores de evaluación de calidad. Por último, la vía clínica se ha presentado a todos los servicios clínicos involucrados y a la dirección médica del hospital, procediendo a su implementación en la práctica clínica (AU)

Clinical pathways are care plans that are applied to clinical processes with a predictable course, with the intention of protocolizing them, and reducing the variability in their management. Our objective was to develop a clinical pathway for 131I metabolic therapy, in its application to differentiated thyroid cancer. A work team was organised consisting of doctors (Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine), nursing staff (Hospitalisation Unit and Nuclear Medicine), Radiophysics and the Clinical Management and Continuity of Care Support Service. For the design of the clinical pathway, several team meetings were held, in which the literature reviews were pooled and the design and development of the clinical pathway was undertook, in accordance with current clinical guidelines. This team has achieved consensus on the development of the care plan, establishing its key points and drafting the different documents that make up the clinical pathway: timeframe-based schedule, clinical pathway variation record document, patient information documents, patient satisfaction survey, pictogram brochure, quality assessment indicators. Finally, the clinical pathway was presented to all clinical departments involved and to the medical director of the hospital, and it is now being implemented in clinical practice (AU)

Comportamiento clínico de la variante oncocítica del cáncer papilar de tiroides: comparación de su evolución frente al cáncer papilar, variantes clásica y de células altas / Clinical behaviour of papillary thyroid cancer oncocytic variant: Stage-matched comparison versus classical and tall cell variant papillary thyroid cancer

Objetivo El cáncer papilar de tiroides (CPT) tiene diferentes variantes y la mayoría de ellas presentan diferencias sutiles. La variante oncocítica (VO) es un subtipo poco frecuente de CPT, sobre el pronóstico de la cual existen resultados controvertidos en la literatura. Investigamos su agresividad y curso clínico comparándolos con la variante clásica (VC) y la variante de células altas (CA) de CPT en diferentes estadios. Material y métodos En este estudio de cohortes retrospectivo se incluyeron: 100 muestras simples de VO, 71 de CA y 1.219 de VC. Las muestras VO se compararon con las VC y las de CA sobre la base de parámetros de pronóstico independientes. La recurrencia de la VO también se comparó estadio por estadio con la VC y CA. Resultados La edad media fue de 46,8 años y la relación hombres/mujeres de 25/75 para la VO. Las tasas de recurrencia en nuestro estudio fueron del 16% en VO; del 13,5% en VC y del 56% en CA. Existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la recurrencia entre el estadio 1 y el estadio 4 comparando la VO y la VC (p=0,023; p=0,03, respectivamente). También hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la recurrencia entre el estadio 1 y el estadio 4 comparando la VO y la CA (p=0,001; p=0,024, respectivamente). Se puede suponer que la VO tiene un comportamiento entre la VC y la CA, pero muy cercana a la CA. Conclusión La VO parece ser un poco más agresiva que la VC. A pesar de un tamaño de muestra inadecuado para los estadios 2 y 3, nuestros hallazgos implican un mayor riesgo de recurrencia para la VO que para la VC en los estadios avanzados (estadios 3 y 4) y la VC tiene un pronóstico más desfavorable que VO en estadios precoces (estadios 1 y 2), según el modelo de estadio pareado (AU)

Objective Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has many variants and most of them are mild tumors. Oncocytic variant (OV) is a rare subtype of PTC. There are controversial results about its prognosis in the literature. We investigated its aggressivity and clinical course by comparing it with classical variant (CV) and tall cell variant (TV) of PTC over a stage-matched design. Material and methods Pure 100 OV, 71 TV and 1,219 CV were included in this retrospective cohort study. OV was compared with CV and TV according to independent prognostic parameters. OV was also compared stage by stage with CV and TV for recurrence. Results Mean age was 46,8 years and male/female ratio 25/75 for OV. The recurrence rates in our study were 16% in OV, 13,5% in CV and 56% in TV. There is a statistically significant difference according to recurrence between stage 1 and stage 4 OV and CV (P = 0.023, P = 0.03, respectively). There is also a statistically significant difference between stage 1 and stage 4 OV and TV according to recurrence (P = 0.001, P = 0.024, respectively). OV can be supposed to behave between CV and TV, but very closer to CV. Conclusions OV seems to be slightly more aggressive than CV. Despite an inadequate sample size for stage 2 and 3, our findings imply an increased recurrence risk for OV than CV at the advanced stages (stage 3 and 4) and CV has an unfavorable prognosis than OV at early stages (stage 1 and 2) according to stage-matched model (AU)

Thyroid carcinoma in elderly people: Characterization using big data tools.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical-histological data associated comorbidities and the use of health resources of elderly patients with thyroid cancer. METHODS: An observational, retrospective study was carried out using data from the electronic medical record (EMR) of the Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda (Madrid, Spain). The information was extracted using artificial intelligence techniques and analysed using the Savana Manager 3.0 software. We differentiated between younger people (0-59 years) and older people (60 or more years) and, within this latter group, between people of advanced age (60-74 years) and elderly people (75 or more years). RESULTS: Of a total of 509,517 patients, 1781 (0.35%) were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Compared to younger patients, older patients presented a lower proportion of papillary carcinoma (64.2% vs. 75.3%) as well as a higher proportion of follicular carcinoma (9.3% vs. 5.0%) and other histological types (26.5% vs. 19.7%; p < 0.001). Young people with thyroid cancer exhibited prevalences of risk factors and most of the cardiovascular diseases studied significantly higher than those found in the general population. Elderly patients, compared with those of advanced age, showed greater comorbidity. However, a trend towards a lower consumption of healthcare resources was observed when elderly patients were compared with those of advanced age. CONCLUSION: The clinical characteristics, comorbidities and consumption of health resources of patients with thyroid cancer vary markedly with age. Elderly patients are characterized by a high burden of comorbidities that is not accompanied by a notable increase in their consumption of health resources.

Clinical pathway of metabolic therapy with 131I in differentiated thyroid cancer.

Clinical Pathways are care plans that are applied to clinical processes with a predictable course, with the intention of protocolizing these processes and reducing the variability in their management. Our objective was to develop a clinical pathway for 131I metabolic therapy in its application to differentiated thyroid cancer. A work team was organized consisting of doctors (Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine), nursing staff (Hospitalization Unit and Nuclear Medicine), Radiophysics and the Clinical Management and Continuity of Care Support Service. For the design of the clinical pathway, several team meetings were held, in which the literature reviews were pooled and the design and development of the clinical pathway was undertaken in accordance with current clinical guidelines. This team achieved consensus on the development of the care plan, establishing its key points and drafting the different documents that make up the Clinical Pathway: Timeframe-based schedule, Clinical Pathway Variation Record Document, Patient Information Documents, Patient Satisfaction Survey, Pictogram Brochure, Quality Assessment Indicators. Finally, the clinical pathway was presented to all the clinical departments involved and to the Medical Director of the Hospital and is now being implemented in clinical practice.

Clinical behaviour of papillary thyroid cancer oncocytic variant: stage-matched comparison versus classical and tall cell variant papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has many variants and most of them are mild tumors. Oncocytic variant (OV) is a rare subtype of PTC. There are controversial results about its prognosis in the literature. We investigated its aggressivity and clinical course by comparing it with classical variant (CV) and tall cell variant (TV) of PTC over a stage-matched design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pure 100 OV, 71TV and 1219 CV were included in this retrospective cohort study. OV was compared with CV and TV according to independent prognostic parameters. OV was also compared stage by stage with CV and TV for recurrence. RESULTS: Mean age was 46,8 years and male/female ratio 25/75 for OV. The recurrence rates in our study were 16% in OV, 13,5% in CV and 56% in TV. There is a statistically significant difference according to recurrence between stage I and stage IV OV and CV (p=0.023, p=0.03, respectively). There is also a statistically significant difference between stage I and stage IV OV and TV according to recurrence (p=0.001, p=0.024, respectively). OV can be supposed to behave between CV and TV, but very closer to CV. CONCLUSIONS: OV seems to be slightly more aggressive than CV. Despite an inadequate sample size for stage II and III, our findings imply an increased recurrence risk for OV than CV at the advanced stages (stage III and IV) and CV has an unfavorable prognosis than OV at early stages (stage I and II) according to stage-matched model.

Precisión de la PAAF en el reporte histopatológico de cirugía de tiroides

Objetivo: evaluar la precisión de los distintos puntos de corte del score Bethesda de la BAAF, en comparación con el estudio histopatológico para el diagnóstico de patología tiroidea. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo, observacional, de tipo transversal, analítico para la evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas. Incluyó 293 pacientes con patología tiroidea sugestiva de cáncer, que acudieron a Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Obrero N° 2 de la Caja Nacional de Salud, durante el periodo de 2019-2022. Se realizó un muestreo no aleatorizado por conveniencia que incluía a todos los pacientes disponibles. Resultados: se afirma la correlación entre las dos variables estudiadas, es decir, entre el puntaje del score Bethesda y el reporte del estudio histopatológico, con un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Conclusiones: se demuestra que la BAAF tiene alta especificidad en el diagnóstico de cancer de tiroides con reporte Bethesda V y VI, por el contrario, reportes Bethesda menores II, III y IV, descartan el diagnóstico.

Objective: to evaluate the precision of the different cut-off points of the BAAF Bethesda score in comparison with the histopathological study for the diagnosis of thyroid pathology. Methods: quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, analytical study for the evaluation of diagnostic tests. It included 293 patients with thyroid disease suggestive of cancer, who attended the General Surgery Service of Hospital Obrero No. 2 of the National Health Fund, during the period 2019-2022. Non-randomized convenience sampling was performed that included all available patients. Results: the correlation between the two variables studied was confirmed, that is, between the Bethesda score and the histopathological study report, with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Conclusions: it is demonstrated that the BAAF has high specificity in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer with Bethesda reports V and VI, on the contrary, minor Bethesda reports II, III, and IV, rule out the diagnosis.

Distribución mutación BRAFsegún carac-terísticas epidemiológicas e histopatológicas en cáncer papilar de tiroides. Un estudio observacional de centro único / BRAFmutation distribution according to epidemiological and histopathological characteristics in papillary thyroid cancer patients. A single-center observational study

Introducción: El cáncer de tiroides se posiciona como una de las neoplasias más prevalentes en Ecuador, manifestándose típicamente en la cuarta década de vida, con una mayor inciden-cia en mujeres. El subtipo histológico predominante es el papilar (CPT), y diversos estudios han evidenciado que hasta un 80% de los casos de CPT presentan la mutación BRAF. Esta mutación se ha asociado con factores de pronóstico desfavorable, como la presencia de me-tástasis ganglionares, estadíos tumorales avanzados, extensión extratiroidea y característi-cas histológicas agresivas. Además, se ha observado una relación con una mayor tasa de recurrencia y una respuesta reducida al tratamiento con yodo. Ante este contexto, esta inves-tigación se propone analizar la distribución de la mutación BRAF según características epide-miológicas e histopatológicas en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer papilar de tiroides en Ecuador. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio se llevó a cabo de manera descriptiva y retrospectiva, abarcando a pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer papilar de tiroides a quienes se les practicó el análisis genético para la detección de la mutación BRAF. La muestra incluyó 106 historias clínicas que cumplían con los criterios de selección establecidos Resultados: La evaluación de las historias clínicas reveló la presencia de la mutación BRAF en el 75% de los casos. Este porcentaje fue más elevado en mujeres, individuos mayores de 45 años y residentes en áreas urbanas. Respecto a la ocupación, la mayoría de los pacientes se dedicaba a labores de limpieza y no presentaban antecedentes personales de exposición a radiación ionizante ni antecedentes oncológicos familiares. El 84% se encontraba en la etapa clínica I, y en su mayoría, la neoplasia estaba localizada en el lóbulo tiroideo derecho.Conclusión:Este análisis subraya la imperiosa necesidad de identificar los factores de riesgo vinculados con la aparición del carcinoma papilar de tiroides en la población ecuatoriana. Los resultados indican una prevalencia significativa de la mutación BRAF, lo que subraya su rele-vancia comomarcador pronóstico en esta enfermedad. Estos hallazgos pueden contribuir a una mejor comprensión de la epidemiología y la patogenia del cáncer de tiroides, así como a la mejora de las estrategias de prevención y tratamiento en el ámbito local.

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is positioned as one of the most prevalent neoplasms in Ecuador, typically manifesting in the fourth decade of life, with a higher incidence in women. The pre-dominant histological subtype is papillary carcinoma (PTC), and various studies presentshown that up to 80% of PTC cases present the BRAF mutation. This mutation has been as-sociated with unfavorable prognostic factors, such as the presence of lymph node metasta-ses, advanced tumor stages, extrathyroidal extension, and aggressive histologicalfeatures. Additionally, a correlationhas been observed with a higher recurrence rate and a reduced re-sponse toiodine treatment. Given this context, this research aims to analyze the distribution of the BRAF mutation according to epidemiological and histopathological characteristics in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in Ecuador. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study involved the analysis of genetic data from 106 medical records of patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer who under-went BRAF mutation detection. The sample was selected based on established criteria. Results: Evaluation of medical records revealed the presence of the BRAF mutation in 75% of cases. This percentage was higher in women, individuals over 45 years of age, and residents in urban areas. Regarding occupation, most patients were dedicated to cleaning work and had no personal history of exposure to ionizing radiation orafamily history of cancer.Additionally, 84% of the patients were in clinical stage I and the neoplasmswerelocated in the right thyroid lobe.Conclusion: This analysis highlights the urgent need to identify risk factors linked to the ap-pearance of papillary thyroid carcinoma in the Ecuadorian population. The results indicate a significant prevalence of the BRAF mutation, underlining its relevance as a prognostic marker in this disease. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of thyroid cancerleadingtoimprovementsinprevention and treatment strategies at the local level.

Segundo Simposio de Medicina Diagnóstica / Second Symposium on Diagnostic Medicine

De acuerdo con las estadísticas de GLOBOCAN 2020, el cáncer de tiroides ocupa el noveno lugar de incidencia a nivel mundial [1]. Afecta en su mayoría a mujeres en un 75 %, y aunque puede presentarse a cualquier edad, la mediana al momento del diagnóstico es alrededor de los 50 años [2]. En los últimos 5 a 10 años, el manejo del cáncer de tiroides ha sufrido una transformación, con nuevas opciones de diagnóstico, incluyendo las pruebas moleculares, y de tratamiento. El Laboratorio Clínico Hematológico y la revista Medicina & Laboratorio realizaron el pasado mes de junio el Segundo Simposio de Medicina Diagnóstica. Conversemos de: Nódulo Tiroideo y Cáncer de Tiroides, con la participación de expositores nacionales e internacionales expertos en el tema. Los resúmenes han sido incluidos en el presente número de la revista. El doctor Alejandro Román-González en su conferencia "Actualización en el estudio del nódulo tiroideo", abarca paso a paso la conducta a seguir desde la detección de un nódulo tiroideo, su clasificación y posible tratamiento. Además, alerta a la sensibilización del clínico ante la angustia que padece un paciente que presenta un nódulo tiroideo. El doctor Alejandro Vélez-Hoyos con su presentación "Actualización del sistema de reporte Bethesda de citología de tiroides 2023", hace un recuento de dicho sistema desde su creación, y expone la clasificación más reciente del sistema Bethesda para tiroides, tanto en adultos como en niños. El doctor Roberto Ruiz-Cordero en su conferencia "La relevancia del análisis molecular en el diagnóstico y manejo de los nódulos tiroideos, y su utilidad como medida de control de calidad entre citopatólogos", menciona cómo el estudio genómico ha alcanzado grandes avances en el cáncer de tiroides, permitiendo la identificación de mutaciones de los genes RAS y la mutación BRAF p.V600E, entre otras. Adicionalmente, expone cómo el análisis molecular ha surgido como una herramienta crítica en el diagnóstico y manejo de los nódulos tiroideos, al mejorar significativamente la precisión diagnóstica y el número de intervenciones quirúrgicas innecesarias.

The Clinical Hematology Laboratory and the Medicina & Laboratorio Journal held the Second Diagnostic Medicine Symposium last June. Let's talk about: Thyroid Nodule and Thyroid Cancer, with the participation of national and international speakers who are experts on the subject. The abstracts have been included in this issue of the journal.

Risk factors for hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Hypocalcemia is a common complication of total thyroidectomy; transient hypocalcemia has been reported in up to 68% of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chart review of all patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from 2016 to 2020. Clinical, biochemical, and pathological information was registered. We sought correlations between the different variables and the occurrence of post-operative hypocalcemia. This is a retrospective study carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to ascertain the incidence of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy and to establish potential clinical and pathological risk factors for its development. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-seven patients were included in this study (78% female), with a median age of 47 years. The majority (75%) harbored thyroid neoplasms. Post-operative hypocalcemia developed in 43 patients (12.7%). On bivariate analysis, the most significant risk factor was an intraoperative injury of the parathyroid glands (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.11-5.59), followed by a surgical time > 2.5 h (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.03-4.19), concomitant lymph node dissection (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.2-4.9), and placement of drains (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.19-4.87). Only parathyroid injury remained statistically significant on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The most significant risk factor for the development of post-operative hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy is injury of the parathyroid glands, which is usually noticed by the surgeon.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipocalcemia es una complicación común después de una tiroidectomía; la hipocalcemia transitoria ha sido reportada hasta en el 68% de los pacientes posoperados. MATERIALS Y MÉTODOS: Revisión de expedientes de pacientes a los cuales se les realizo una tiroidectomía total entre el 2016 y 2020. La información clínica, bioquímica y patológica fue recopilada. Se busco una correlación entre las variables y el desarrollo de hipocalcemia. Es un estudio retrospectivo en un hospital escuela de atención terciaria. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la incidencia de hipocalcemia pos-tiroidectomía y establecer posibles factores de riesgo clínicos y patológicos para desarrollarlo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 337 pacientes en este estudio (78% mujeres), con edad media de 47 años. La mayoría (75%) presentaron neoplasias tiroideas. Cuarenta y tres pacientes desarrollaron hipocalcemia (12.7%). En el análisis bivariado el factor de riesgo mas importante fue la lesión de paratiroides (RM = 2.49, IC95% = 1.11-5.59), seguido por un tiempo quirúrgico > 2.5 horas (RM = 2.0, IC 95% = 1.03­4.19), disección linfática (RM = 2.45, IC95% = 1.2-4.9) y la colocación de drenajes (RM = 2.40, IC95% = 1.19-4.87). Únicamente la lesión de paratiroides mantuvo significancia en el análisis multivariado. CONCLUSIONES: La lesión de paratiroides es el factor de riesgo mas grande para desarrollar hipocalcemia y generalmente es identificado por el cirujano.

Thyroglobulin antibodies: Trend over time and clinical impact in differentiated thyroid carcinoma with and without radioiodine ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) trend may be considered a surrogate marker for thyroglobulin in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study is to analyse, in cases with positive TgAb, trend over time and its relationship with response to treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study of 100 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma and positive TgAb (measured by electrochemoluminiscense) after thyroidectomy. Assessment of response to initial treatment was performed 6-24 months after surgery. Status at last follow-up was evaluated. RESULTS: After the first year nearly half of the patients showed a reduction in TgAb levels ≥50%, in 91% of these patients, status at last follow up was excellent response (65%) or indeterminate response due to decreasing TgAb levels (26%). At first assessment, indeterminate responses were found in 49% of cases, without significant differences among initial risk of recurrence category or whether radioiodine ablation was performed. At last evaluation (median 53.5 months), 15% of ablated low-risk patients had an indeterminate response (due to declining TgAb), vs 62% in the non-ablated low-risk group (p 0.03). Median time to negativization for post-surgical TgAb levels<100UI/ml was 11 months [3-94] vs 31 months [8-119] for patients with TgAb≥100UI/ml (p 0.0003). CONCLUSION: A reduction of ≥50% in TgAb levels during the first year correlated with favourable outcomes. Non-ablated patients and patients with higher levels of post-surgical TgAb may need a longer time to achieve negative conversion.

Caracterización de enfermos con cáncer de tiroides operados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico General "Freyre de Andrade" / Characterization of Patients with Thyroid Cancer Operated on in "Freyre de Andrade" General Clinical Surgical Hospital

Introducción: El cáncer de tiroides es el tumor más común de los malignos originados en órganos endocrinos (más del 92 por ciento) y comprende un grupo de tumores que son diferentes clínicamente, epidemiológicamente y en cuanto a pronóstico. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los enfermos con cáncer de tiroides operados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico General "Freyre de Andrade". Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte longitudinal en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico General "Freyre de Andrade" en el período 2014-2019. El universo estuvo constituido por 32 enfermos operados de cáncer de tiroides. Fueron analizadas variables sociodemográficas, clasificación de Bethesda, diagnóstico histológico, técnica quirúrgica empleada y complicaciones. Resultados: El cáncer de tiroides predominó en mujeres (87,5 por ciento) entre 51 - 60 años (25,0 por ciento). Según la clasificación de Bethesda prevaleció la categoría VI (15,62 por ciento). Predominó el carcinoma papilar (65,62 por ciento). A todos los enfermos se le realizó una tiroidectomía total y las complicaciones fueron el hematoma posoperatorio (6,25 por ciento) y el granuloma (6,25 por ciento). Conclusiones: El cáncer tiroideo predomina en mujeres entre la quinta y sexta década de la vida. La técnica quirúrgica que se utiliza es la tiroidectomía total con baja morbilidad. Predomina la variante histológica del carcinoma papilar(AU)

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor originating in endocrine organs (more than 92 percent) and comprises a group of clinically, epidemiologically and prognostically different tumors. Objective: To characterize patients with thyroid cancer operated on at Freyre de Andrade General Clinical Surgical Hospital. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal study was carried out at Freyre de Andrade General Clinical Surgical Hospital in the period 2014-2019. The universe consisted of 32 patients operated on for thyroid cancer. Sociodemographic variables, Bethesda classification, histological diagnosis, used surgical technique and complications were analyzed. Results: Thyroid cancer predominated in women (87.5 percent) between 51 and 60 years of age (25.0 percent). According to the Bethesda classification, category VI prevailed (15.62 percent). Papillary carcinoma predominated (65.62 percent). All patients underwent total thyroidectomy, while the complications were postoperative hematoma (6.25 percent) and granuloma (6.25 percent. Conclusions: Thyroid cancer predominates in women between the fifth and sixth decades of life. The used surgical technique is total thyroidectomy, reporting low morbidity. The histological variant of papillary carcinoma predominates(AU)

Usefulness of ultrasound-guided core biopsy in thyroid nodules with inconclusive fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy in thyroid nodules after two inconclusive fine-needle aspiration biopsies. To assess the complications of core-needle biopsy. To analyze the reliability of diagnoses obtained with core-needle biopsy. To measure the economic impact of avoiding lobectomies in patients with benign core-needle biopsy findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 195 core-needle biopsies in 178 patients. To determine the reliability of the core-needle biopsy findings, we compared the diagnosis from the core-needle specimen versus the histologic findings in the surgical specimens when core-needle biopsy findings indicated malignancy or follicular proliferation and versus the stability of the nodule on ultrasound follow-up for one year when core-biopsy findings indicated benignity. RESULTS: Core-needle biopsy yielded a diagnosis for 179 (91.7%) nodules, of which 122 (62.5%) were classified as benign, 50 (25.6%) as follicular proliferation, and 7 (3.6%) as malignant. The findings were inconclusive for 16 (8.3%) nodules. Minor complications were observed in 4 (2%) patients; no major complications were observed. The sensitivity of core-needle biopsy for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer was low (42.8%) because the technique was unable to detect capsular or vascular invasion, although the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 100%. However, when we considered histologic findings of malignancy and follicular proliferation positive because both require surgical resection, the sensitivity increased to 97.5% and the PPV decreased to 83.3%. There were 79 nodules with ultrasound follow-up for at least one year; 76 (96.2%) had negative core-needle biopsy findings, and 74 (97.3%) of these remained stable. The negative predictive value (NPV) for malignancy of the benign nodules was 98.6%, although no malignant transformation was observed. Nevertheless, the results of the statistical analysis do not allow us to recommend forgoing ultrasound follow-up in patients with benign core-biopsy findings. The cost savings of avoiding lobectomy in patients with benign nodules and stability of the nodule on ultrasound follow-up for at least one year was about 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Core-needle biopsy of thyroid nodules is effective because it diagnoses more than 90% of nodules with inconclusive findings after fine-needle aspiration biopsy. It is safe if done by experienced professionals. It is reliable because it yields 100% specificity and 100% PPV for malignant nodule, 97.5% sensitivity for the detection of nodules that require surgery, and 98.6% NPV for benign nodules. It is efficient because it reduces the costs of diagnosis compared to lobectomy in benign nodules.

Tratamiento del hipoparatiroidismo postquirúrgico permanente, servicio endocrinología, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de noviembre, México 2020 / Permanent post-surgical hypoparathyroidism treatment response, outpatient consultation Endocrinology Service, ISSSTE, 2020

El hipoparatiroidismo postquirúrgico se caracteriza por hipocalcemia, hiperfosfatemia, e hipercalciuria, secundarios a concentraciones bajas de la hormona paratiroidea. La prevalencia en Estados Unidos es 23-37 casos/100.000 años-persona. Tras la cirugía de cuello ocurre como complicación en 78% de los casos; 75% resuelve espontáneamente en los primeros 6 meses y en el 25% restante es permanente. El tratamiento requiere administrar calcio oral y análogos de vitamina D (calcitriol y alfacalcidol) de forma crónica; en casos complicados se puede emplear calcio intravenoso en el postquirúrgico inmediato y mediato; algunos pacientes no responden a la terapia estándar. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y la respuesta al tratamiento médico en pacientes con hipoparatiroidismo postquirúrgico permanente. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal, con componente analítico mediante revisión de expedientes clínicos de pacientes que asistieron a la consulta externa del Servicio de Endocrinología del Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre; universo 88 expedientes, muestra por conveniencia 55 expedientes. Resultados: 35(63.6%) pacientes alcanzaron control óptimo de tratamiento a dosis de calcio elemental de 5.7-9.79g/24h (p= 0.0001 chi cuadrado), mostrando calcio sérico promedio 8.36 0.55 mg/dl y calcitriol con mediana de 0.5µg/24 h. 15(27.2%) pacientes presentaron efectos secundarios al uso de calcio oral, 3 de ellos requirieron manejo con Hormona Paratiroidea Recombinante Humana para alcanzar control óptimo. Conclusión: el calcio elemental por vía oral continúa siendo la piedra angular en el tratamiento del hipoparatiroidismo post quirúrgico permanente, con pocos efectos adversos. Se recomiendan más estudios aleatorizados para identificar las características de los pacientes candidatos al manejo con Hormona Paratiroidea Recombinante Humana...(AU)

Técnicas de localización para la escisión quirúrgica guiada de los tumores tiroideos cervicales no palpables / Localization Techniques for Guided Surgical Excision of Nonpalpable Cervical Thyroid Tumors

Introducción y objetivo: La cicatrización y los planos tisulares alterados se suman a la ya compleja anatomía del cuello y dificultan la localización de recidivas o metástasis no palpables en las reintervenciones cervicales del cáncer de tiroides. Síntesis: Describimos el uso de diversos técnicos de señalización empleadas para optimizar la cirugía y los resultados terapéuticos de pacientes con carcinoma papilar de tiroides con enfermedad cervical persistente o metastásica. Especialmente nos centramos en la técnica de localización utilizando semillas radiactivas (RSL) en la que se ha descrito, al igual que en la mama, excelentes resultados. Conclusiones: La RSL es una técnica segura, asociada a una mayor satisfacción del cirujano, con excelente tolerancia por el paciente, que, además, reduce el tiempo de la intervención quirúrgica proporciona mejores resultados cosméticos reduciendo el riesgo de morbilidad en comparación con el uso de colorantes, arpones y tatuajes. Además, permite el desacoplamiento completo de los programas de radiología y cirugía optimizando los tiempos y la programación de los quirófanos. (AU)

Introduction and objective: Scarring and altered tissue planes added to the already complex anatomy of the neck make difficult to locate recurrences or non-palpable metastases in cervical re-interventions for thyroid cancer. Synthesis: We describe the use of various signaling techniques employed to optimize surgery and therapeutic outcomes for papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with persistent or metastatic cervical disease. We especially focus on the localization technique using radioactive seeds (RSL) in which, as in the breast, excellent results have been described. Conclusions: RSL is a safe technique, associated with greater surgeon satisfaction and excellent tolerance by the patient. In addition, it reduces both the time of surgical intervention and the risk of morbidity compared to the use of dyes, harpoons and tattoos, and provides better cosmetic results. It also allows the complete decoupling of radiology and surgery programs, optimizing the times and scheduling of the operating rooms. (AU)