Two Decades of Thyroid Nodule Cytology in Children: Malignancy Risk Assessment at a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric thyroid nodules exhibit higher malignancy rates compared to adults and are associated with increased incidences of metastases and recurrences. The American Thyroid Association recommends surgery for indeterminate thyroid biopsies in children based on these higher malignancy risks, though this approach may lead to overtreatment. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive pediatric data to inform clinical decisions. This study examines the risk of malignancy (ROM) in pediatric thyroid nodules using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) and assesses the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy compared to histological outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on patients under 19 years with thyroid nodules who underwent FNA and thyroidectomy at a tertiary care center. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and ROM of cytological biopsies were evaluated using TBSRTC criteria, with histology serving as the gold standard. Two analyses were conducted to assess diagnostic accuracy: (a) TBSRTC II as negative and TBSRTC VI as positive and (b) TBSRTC II as negative with TBSRTC V and VI as positive. For neoplasia detection, TBSRTC II was deemed negative, while TBSRTC IV, V, and VI were considered positive. TBSRTC categories III and I were excluded from the performance analysis and evaluated separately. Follicular neoplasm or lesions suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) were treated as positive outcomes, correlated with the presence of adenoma or carcinoma in the surgical specimen. RESULTS: Of 75 nodules from 73 patients, 28 (37.3%) were benign and 47 (62.6%) malignant. No significant differences in gender or age were noted between groups. The ROM in each TBSRTC was Bethesda I 0/2, 0%; II 0/13, 0%; III 2/7, 29%: IV 6/14, 43%; V 10/10, 100%, and VI 29/29, 100%. A sensitivity of 78.38% and specificity of 100% for FNA in detecting malignancy was found, with an even higher sensitivity (100%) for detecting neoplasia in TBSRTC IV. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that indeterminate thyroid nodules in pediatric patients exhibit a higher rate of malignancy compared to adults, yet align with rates previously reported in the pediatric population. These findings highlight the critical need for guidelines tailored specifically to the management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in children.

The Influence of Impedance on the Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses the heat generated by a high-frequency alternating electric current, and according to Ohm's and Joule's law, the delivered current is inversely proportional to the circuit impedance. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether tissue impedance during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is related to the degree of volume reduction. METHODS: This observational study included consecutive patients treated with RFA for benign thyroid nodules from February 2020 to August 2023. Technical effectiveness was defined as a volume reduction percentage (VRP) >75% at 6 months after the treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the potential role of clinical factors and changes in tissue impedance on technique effectiveness. RESULTS: Totally 72 patients were included with 73 benign thyroid nodules. Maximal impedance peaks reached <18 times, and mean procedural impedance ≤300 Ω were significantly associated with a volume decrease of >75% at bivariate analysis. These cutoff points were exploratory, as no existing literature suggests these variables are related to the degree of volume reduction. After adjusting for age, volume, and composition, significant associations were found for mean electrical impedance in the multivariate analysis (OR = 4.86 [confidence interval [CI] 1.29-18.26], p = 0.019). The energy adjusted by volume (delivered energy) was not associated with a VRP >75% (p = 0.7746). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a mean procedural impedance

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.

Radiofrequency ablation as a novel modality in Ecuador for treating toxic thyroid nodules: a case series.

Background: Treating hyperthyroidism induced by autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) through radioactive iodine and surgery often results in undesirable hypothyroidism. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has arisen as a favorable option. European guidelines recommend RFA for small AFTN in young patients, aiming to restore normal thyroid function and avoid irradiation. The procedure, costing between 500 and 1,000 euros, is conducted in outpatient clinics and takes 15 to 40 minutes. We aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of AFTN patients treated with RFA in Ecuador. Case Description: We included eight patients with toxic thyroid nodules suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), with symptomatic hyperthyroidism. The mean age was 41.63 years [standard deviation (SD): 14.97 years]. The median follow-up time was 8 months. Nodules were solid (37.5%) or predominantly solid (62.5%). The mean volume pre-RFA was 5.27 mL [interquartile range (IQR), 0.70-9.66 mL]. After ablation, the median volumes at 1, 3, and 6 months were [2.25 (SD: 1.67; P<0.12), 1.28 (SD: 1.1; P=0.013), and 1.37 (SD: 1; P=0.23) mL], respectively. The volume reduction (VR) was 45.8%, 75.1%, and 69.7% at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up, respectively. Conclusions: RFA holds promise as a potential therapeutic approach for managing AFTNs. The success and the feasibility of RFA in this series are consistent with other studies as a treatment option in young patients with small AFTN. However, more research is needed to establish comprehensive guidelines and protocols to maximize the benefits of RFA in AFTNs.

Isolated metastasis in the thyroid gland secondary to renal cell carcinoma: case report / Metástasis aislada en glándula tiroides secundaria a carcinoma de células renales: reporte de caso

ABSTRACT Introduction: Metastatic disease of the thyroid corresponds to 2% of thyroid malignancies in autopsy series. Up to 50% of metastases are due to renal cell carcinoma (Ree). These can occur several years after diagnosis or nephrectomy. An isolated presence in the thyroid gland is rare. Clinical case presentation: We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with a history of Ree managed with nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. After 7 years free of symptoms, she noticed a mass over the thyroid region. Ultrasonography reported bilateral thyroid nodules. Due to the oncologic history and the affirmation of symptoms during swallowing, a full thyroidectomy was performed. The histopathological report was compatible with Ree metastasis. Discussion: The literature shows that the median time for thyroid metastasis in patients with Ree is 92 months. Most patients are asymptomatic, and a full thyroidectomy is recommended to prevent disease progression with a favorable impact on Survival. Conclusion: In patients with thyroid nodules and a history of Ree, metastasis should be suspected.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad metastásica a tiroides corresponde a 2% de las malignidades tiroideas en series de autopsias. Hasta el 50% de las metástasis se deben a carcinoma de células renales (Ree). Estas pueden ocurrir varios años después del diagnóstico o la nefrectomía. La presentación aislada en la glándula tiroides es rara. Presentación caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 68 años con historia de Ree manejada con nefrectomía y linfadenectomía retroperitoneal. Tras 7 años libre de síntomas notó la aparición de una masa sobre la región tiroidea. La ultrasonografía reportó nódulos tiroideos bilaterales. Por el antecedente oncológico y la afirmación de síntomas durante la deglución se le realizó tiroidectomía total. El reporte histopatológico fue compatible con metástasis de Ree. Discusión: La literatura muestra que el tiempo medio de metástasis a tiroides en pacientes con Ree es 92 meses. La mayoría de los pacientes son asintomáticos. Se recomienda la tiroidectomía total para prevenir progresión de la enfermedad con impacto favorable en la supervivencia. Conclusión: En los pacientes con nódulos tiroideos y antecedente de Ree se debe sospechar enfermedad metastásica.

Ablación por radiofrecuencia de nódulos tiroideos; a propósito de un caso exitoso en un hospital público en Perú / Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules: a successful case in a public hospital in Perú

RESUMEN Se expone los resultados que sugieren la viabilidad de la ablación con radiofrecuencia (ARF) como una posible estrategia terapéutica efectiva en el caso de una mujer de 56 años con un nódulo tiroideo benigno en lugar de la cirugía tradicional en un Hospital Público del Perú. El seguimiento a los 6 meses reveló una reducción significativa en el tamaño del nódulo y reducción del 70% del volumen; además de mejorar la calidad de vida, mejora en los síntomas y función tiroidea normal. Este caso destaca la evolución en el tratamiento de nódulos tiroideos benignos, con la ARF como una posible opción mínimamente invasiva y segura, la cual se ofrece una alternativa prometedora a las intervenciones quirúrgicas convencionales para el manejo de nódulos tiroideos, marcando un cambio significativo en la práctica clínica, ya que es el primer hospital del MINSA (Ministerio de Salud) en realizar este tipo de procedimientos y que ofrece múltiples enfoques de tratamiento de nódulos tiroideos: ARF, tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral, tiroidectomía convencional y vigilancia activa.

ABSTRACT The results are presented, suggesting the viability of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an effective therapeutic strategy in the case of a 56-year-old woman with a benign thyroid nodule instead of traditional surgery at a Public Hospital in Peru. The 6-month follow-up revealed a significant reduction in the size of the nodule and a 70% reduction in volume; in addition to improved quality of life, symptom improvement, and normal thyroid function. This case highlights the evolution in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, with RFA as a possible minimally invasive and safe option, offering a promising alternative to conventional surgical interventions for the management of thyroid nodules, marking a significant change in clinical practice. This is because it is the first hospital of the MINSA (Ministry of Health) to perform such procedures, offering multiple treatment approaches for thyroid nodules: RFA, transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy, conventional thyroidectomy, and active surveillance.

Prevalence and risk factors of thyroid nodules in breast cancer women with different clinicopathological characteristics: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Association between breast cancer (BC) and thyroid nodules (TNs) is still unclear. This research was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of TN in Chinese BC women at initial diagnosis. METHODS: 1731 Chinese early-stage BC women at initial diagnosis underwent thyroid ultrasound and 1:1 age-matched Chinese healthy women underwent health examination in corresponding period were enrolled for analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of TN and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN in BC patients (56.27% and 9.76%) were higher than healthy people (46.04% and 5.49%), respectively, P < 0.001. Among BC patients, prevalence of TN and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN in hormone receptor (HR)-positive patients (59.57% and 11.81%) were higher than HR-negative patients (48.77% and 5.10%), respectively, P < 0.001, while without difference between HR-negative patients and healthy people. After adjusting for age and BMI, HR-positive patients had higher risk of TN (OR = 1.546, 95%CI 1.251-1.910, P < 0.001) and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN (OR = 3.024, 95%CI 1.943-4.708, P < 0.001) than HR-negative patients. Furthermore, the risk of TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN was higher in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive (OR = 2.933, 95%CI 1.902-4.524), progesterone receptor (PR) positive (OR = 1.973, 95%CI 1.378-2.826), Ki-67 < 20% (OR = 1.797, 95%CI 1.280-2.522), and tumor size < 2 cm (OR = 1.804, 95%CI 1.276-2.552), respectively, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of TN, especially TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN, in Chinese early-stage BC women was higher than healthy people. HR-positive patients had higher prevalence and risk of TN, while without difference between HR-negative patients and healthy people. The increased risk of TN was correlated with ER-positive, PR-positive, lower Ki-67 expression, and smaller tumor size.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento y seguimiento de personas con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides. Parte I: Vigilancia activa

Introducción: El cáncer de tiroides es una enfermedad frecuente en el mundo, con mayor prevalencia del tipo diferenciado. El diagnóstico temprano y manejo pertinente, individualizado y adaptable puede mejorar su pronóstico. Objetivo: Generar recomendaciones basadas en evidencia sobre el tratamiento y seguimiento de personas adultas con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT). Metodología: Guía de práctica clínica (GPC) a partir de revisión sistemática de literatura (RSL) y consenso de expertos clínicos. El grupo desarrollador definió el alcance y cuatro preguntas que se resolvieron a través de revisión de evidencia de GPC existentes, RSL, estudios primarios publicadas en español o inglés en diferentes fuentes de información desde 2013. Las preguntas de investigación fueron: 1. ¿Cuáles son las indicaciones de la vigilancia activa?, ¿cómo realizarla?, ¿cuándo y con que periodicidad realizarla? 2. ¿Cuál es el tratamiento y su indicación en pacientes con nódulos tiroideos sospechosos de cáncer? 3. ¿Cómo y cuándo realizar seguimiento de pacientes con CDT de acuerdo con el riesgo dinámico? 4. ¿Cuál es el manejo actual de los pacientes iodo refractarios? Se propusieron recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, y analizadas y discutidas por el colectivo experto en sesiones asincrónicas. Se evalúo la calidad de la evidencia y las recomendaciones fueron gradadas en fuerte o condicional y a favor o en contra a partir del análisis de la calidad de la evidencia, contexto de implementación (disponibilidad e implementación) y la experticia clínica. En el presente documento se desarrollada la primera pregunta, referente a vigilancia activa. Resultados: 86 recomendaciones fueron propuestas y acordadas por el grupo desarrollador, categorizadas en tratamiento y seguimiento para resolver las preguntas planteadas. 10 de las recomendaciones corresponden a vigilancia activa y se incluyen en el presente documento. Recomendaciones claves incluyen, brindar información completa y oportuna a pacientes, conformación de equipos multidisciplinarios, análisis individualizado del paciente para la decisión de tratamiento, estadificación rutinaria de riesgo dinámico para evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento y ajustarlo, minimización de procedimientos fútiles o que aportan poco a la supervivencia y calidad de vida de los pacientes. Conclusión: Se presentan recomendaciones que esperan incidir en la estandarización de la práctica clínica cotidiana de pacientes con CDT y mejores resultados en salud.

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is a common disease in the world, with a higher prevalence of the differentiated type. Early diagnosis individualized and adaptive management can improve prognosis. Objective: Generate evidence-based recommendations on the treatment and follow-up of adults with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methodology: Clinical practice guideline (CPG) based on systematic literature review (RSL) and consensus of clinical experts. The development group defined the range and four questions that were resolved through a review of evidence from existing CPGs, RSLs, primary studies published in Spanish or English in various sources of information since 2013. The research questions were: 1. What are the indications for active surveillance? How to carry it out? When and how often to carry it out? 2. What is the treatment and its indication in patients with thyroid nodules suspicious for cancer? 3. How and when to follow up patients with CDT according to dynamic risk? 4. What is the current management of iodine refractory patients? Evidence-based recommendations analyzed and discussed by the expert group in asynchronous sessions were proposed. The quality of the evidence was evaluated, and the recommendations were graded as strong or conditional and in favor or against based on the analysis of the quality of the evidence, implementation context (availability and implementation) and clinical expertise. In this document, is developed the first question, referring to active surveillance. Results: 86 recommendations were proposed and agreed upon by the development group, categorized into treatment and follow-up to solve the questions raised. 10 of the recommendations correspond to active surveillance and are included in this document. Key recommendations include providing complete and timely information to patients, develop of multidisciplinary teams, individualized patient analysis for treatment decisions, routine dynamic risk staging to evaluate response to treatment and adjust it, minimization of futile procedures or that contribute little to the survival and quality of life of patients. Conclusion: Recommendations are presented that longs to influence the standardization of the daily clinical practice of patients with DTC and better health outcomes.

Utilidad diagnóstica de citopatología para diagnóstico de nódulos tiroideos malignos en un hospital peruano / Diagnostic utility of cytopathology for the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules in a Peruvian hospital

RESUMEN Objetivos: determinar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la biopsia por punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) para el diagnóstico de nódulos tiroideos malignos. Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo que evaluó las PAAF de tiroides realizadas en el Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen en Lima, Perú, durante un período de tres años. Se categorizó el diagnóstico citopatológico de las biopsias usando el sistema de Bethesda, se consideró las categorías V y VI como malignas y la categoría II como benigna. Se obtuvo solo una biopsia por paciente y se consideró el resultado con la categoría de Bethesda más alta. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a tiroidectomía y los resultados histopatológicos se categorizaron como malignos o benignos. Resultados: se incluyó a 173 pacientes con resultados citopatológicos de Bethesda II al VI. El diagnóstico citológico mostró que el 47,4% de los pacientes tenían Bethesda VI. El 59,5% de los nódulos tiroideos fueron malignos en la histopatología, siendo el carcinoma papilar el tipo más frecuente. El rendimiento diagnóstico de la PAAF fue alta cuando considera Bethesda V y VI como malignos, con una sensibilidad 91,92%, especificidad 71,67%, valor predictivo positivo 84,26%, valor predictivo negativo 84,31% y precisión de 84,28%, razón de verosimilitud positiva 3,39; pero mejoró significativamente cuando se consideró solo Bethesda VI como maligno, con sensibilidad del 90,7%, especificidad del 89,58%, precisión 90,3% y razón de verosimilitud positiva 8,71. Conclusiones : la PAAF tiene buen rendimiento. Este estudio demostró ser de gran utilidad en nuestro centro de salud para detectar errores y promover mejoras, así también como modelo para próximas investigaciones en diferentes establecimientos de salud.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the diagnostic performance of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for diagnosing malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: This is a retrospective study that assessed thyroid FNABs in Guillermo Almenara-Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, Peru, during a three-year period. Cytopathologic diagnosis of biopsies was categorized using the Bethesda System, considering categories V and VI as malignant, and category II as benign. A single biopsy per patient was obtained, and results with the highest value in the Bethesda System were considered. All patients underwent thyroidectomy and histopathological results were characterized as malignant or benign. Results: One hundred and seventy-three patients were included in the study. Their cytopathology results were Bethesda II to VI. Cytological diagnosis showed that 47.4% of all patients were Bethesda VI. Nearly sixty percent (59.5%) of thyroid nodules were malignant in histopathology, and papillary carcinoma was the most frequent neoplasm. Diagnostic performance of FNAB was high when considering Bethesda V and VI as malignant, with 91.92% sensitivity, 71.67% specificity, 84.26 positive predictive value, 84.31% negative predictive value, and 84.28% precision. Positive verisimilitude rate was 3.39; but this significantly improved when only Bethesda VI was considered as malignant, with 90.7% sensitivity, 89.58% specificity, 90.3% precision, and 8.71 positive verisimilitude rate. Conclusion: FNAB showed good performance. This study proved to be quite useful in our healthcare facility for detecting errors and promote improvement, as well as a model for future research in different healthcare instances.

Radiofrequency ablation for thyroid nodules in Ecuador: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes following the first cohort of patients with Bening Thyroid Nodule (BTN) and (Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma) (PTMC) treated with Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)in Ecuador. METHODS: Single-center, cross-sectional study. We included adults undergoing RFA for BTN and PTMC between July 2019 and May 2022. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare some pre- and post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: We included 44 patients with 36 BTNs and eight PTMCs. The median age was 45.80 years (IQR 16-79 years), and most patients had normal thyroid function (72.72%). The median follow-up time was 7.80 months (IQR1.0-34.0). Nodules were primarily solid (43.21%) or predominantly solid (56.81%). The pre-RFA median volume in the benign lesions group was 10.30 ml (IQR 1.86-18.97). After ablation, the 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month median volumes were 6.90 (IQR 0.48-10.15; p < 0.01) mL, 5.72 (IQR 0.77-7.25; p = 0.045); 0.98 (IQR 0.25-3.64; p < 0.01), and 0.11 (IQR 0.07-11.26; p = 0.026), respectively. The volume rate reduction was 47.20%, 72.20%, 74.00%, and 96.20% at 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups, respectively. The pre-RFA median volume in the PTMC group was 0.25 ml (IQR 0.19-0.48). After ablation, the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month mean volumes were 0.19 (range 0.12-0.31; p = 0.120) mL, 0.10 (IQR 0.05-0.15; p = 0.13), and 0.01 (IQR 0.005-0.04; p = 0.364), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this first report from Ecuador, we found that RFA may be a feasible alternative for treating benign and malignant thyroid nodules in the short term. Long-term data are needed to evaluate oncologic outcomes in PTMC patients.

Surgical safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy in thyroid tumor. METHODS: Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy and other approaches (open thyroidectomy, transoral robotic thyroidectomy, and bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy) were compared in studies from 6 databases. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies (8830 individuals) were included. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had longer operation time, greater cosmetic satisfaction, and reduced transient hypoparathyroidism than conventional open thyroidectomy. Compared to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had greater amount of drainage, lower chances of transient vocal cord palsy and permanent hypothyroidism, and better surgical completeness (postopertive thyroblobulin level and lymph node removal). Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy induced greater postoperative drainage and greater patient dissatisfaction than transoral robotic thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy is inferior to transoral robotic thyroidectomy in drainage and cosmetic satisfaction but superior to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy in surgical performance. Its operation time is longer, but its cosmetic satisfaction is higher than open thyroidectomy.

Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Where are we now?

Approximately 25% of the fine needle aspiration samples (FNAB) of thyroid nodules are classified as "indeterminate samples", that means, Bethesda III and IV categories. Until the last decade, most of these cases underwent diagnostic surgery, although only a minority (13-34%) confirmed malignancy postoperatively. In view of this, with the objective of improving the preoperative diagnosis in these cases, the molecular tests emerged, which are validated from the diagnostic point of view, presenting good performance, with good diagnostic accuracy, being able to avoid diagnostic surgeries. With the advancement of knowledge of the role of each of the mutations and gene rearrangements in thyroid oncogenesis, molecular markers have left to play only a diagnostic role and have been gaining more and more space both in defining the prognostic role of the tumor, as well as in the indication of target therapy. Thus, the objective of this review is to show how to use the tool of molecular tests, now commercially available in the world, in the management of indeterminate cytological nodules, assessing the pre-test malignancy risk of the nodule, through clinical, ultrasonographic and cytological characteristics, and decide on the benefit of molecular testing for each patient. In addition, to discuss its new and promising prognostic and therapeutic role in thyroid cancer.

Accuracy of ultrasound in predicting thyroid malignancy: a comparative analysis of the ACR TI-RADS and ATA risk stratification systems

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid nodules are very common in clinical practice, and ultrasound has long been used as a screening tool for their evaluation. Several risk assessment systems based on ultrasonography have been developed to stratify the risk of malignancy and determine the need for fine-needle aspiration in thyroid nodules, including the American Thyroid Association (ATA) system and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the ATA and ACR TI-RADS systems in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules based on the nodules' final histopathology reports. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records to identify patients who underwent thyroid surgery at King Abdulaziz University from 2017 to 2022. The ultrasound features of the nodules with confirmed histopathology (benign versus malignant) were evaluated. Both ATA and ACR TI-RADS scores were documented. Results: The analysis included 191 patients who underwent thyroid surgery and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Hemithyroidectomy was performed in 22.5% of the patients, and total thyroidectomy was performed in 77.0% of them. In all, 91 patients (47.6%) were found to have malignant nodules on histopathology. We then compared the histopathology reports with the preoperative ultrasonographic risk scores. The estimated sensitivity and specificity in identifying malignant nodules were, respectively, 52% and 80% with the ATA system and 51.6% and 90% with the ACR TI-RADS system. Conclusion: Both ATA and ACR TI-RADS risk stratification systems are valuable tools for assessing the malignancy risk in thyroid nodules. In our study, the ACR TI-RADS system had superior specificity compared with the ATA system in predicting malignancy among high-risk lesions.

Surgical safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To assess the safety and effectiveness of bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy in thyroid tumor. Methods Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy and other approaches (open thyroidectomy, transoral robotic thyroidectomy, and bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy) were compared in studies from 6 databases. Results Twenty-two studies (8830 individuals) were included. Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had longer operation time, greater cosmetic satisfaction, and reduced transient hypoparathyroidism than conventional open thyroidectomy. Compared to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy, bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy had greater amount of drainage, lower chances of transient vocal cord palsy and permanent hypothyroidism, and better surgical completeness (postopertive thyroblobulin level and lymph node removal). Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy induced greater postoperative drainage and greater patient dissatisfaction than transoral robotic thyroidectomy. Conclusion Bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy is inferior to transoral robotic thyroidectomy in drainage and cosmetic satisfaction but superior to bilateral axillo-breast approach endoscopic thyroidectomy in surgical performance. Its operation time is longer, but its cosmetic satisfaction is higher than open thyroidectomy.

Physicians' preferences for radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer in Brazil: an observational study

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to investigate physicians' preferences for radioiodine (RAI) treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Brazil and the factors influencing RAI indications. Materials and methods A survey was distributed to physicians potentially involved in DTC care in Brazil to understand the factors influencing RAI indications. The survey collected information on the profiles of the physicians, along with the characteristics of their workplaces and their preferences regarding RAI indications in three hypothetical clinical cases. Cases 1, 2, and 3 described the cases of patients with DTC and variations to the case that included different scenarios to assess how the respondents would change their RAI recommendations. The analysis included the RAI indications across different medical specialties. Results A total of 175 physicians answered the survey. There was considerable variability in RAI recommendations in all three cases. The training background influenced the respondents' preferences for RAI indications and their approaches to preparing patients for RAI treatment. Conclusion The findings of this study reaffirm the need for a Brazilian consensus among physicians across multiple specialties to help guide health care professionals treating patients with DTC in Brazil.

Thyroid surgery in children: a single-center experience of 20 years

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Thyroidectomy is a relatively uncommon procedure in pediatric patients. We aimed to review our 20-year experience of thyroid surgery. METHODS: A total of 39 patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2003 to 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were followed preoperatively and postoperatively by our institutional multidisciplinary board. Patients were divided into two groups based on their pathologies: benign and malignant. RESULTS: In total, 39 patients (27 girls and 12 boys) underwent 47 thyroid surgeries (total thyroidectomy in 19 patients and subtotal thyroidectomy in 20 patients, with 8 of them having completion thyroidectomy). Notably, 20 (51%) patients had benign and 19 (49%) patients had malignant pathologies. Median age at operation was 157 (9-223) months in the benign group and 182 (1-213) months in the malignant group. In the benign group, 12 (60%) patients had colloidal goiter and 8 (40%) patients had other conditions. In the malignant group, 12 (63%) patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma, 3 (16%) patients had follicular thyroid carcinoma, 2 (11%) had medullary thyroid carcinoma, and 2 patients had other thyroid malignancies. Overall permanent complication rate was 2 out of 39 (5%), which was similar for both groups (1 hypocalcemia in each group). The median follow-up was 38 months (1-179 months) with no local recurrence or distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Pediatric thyroidectomies are performed on a heterogeneous group of pediatric patients due to a diverse group of pathologies. A multidisciplinary approach is required for proper initial management and surgical strategy with decreased complication rate and event-free survival of these patients in experienced tertiary centers.

Age-related variation in malignant cytology rates of thyroid nodules: insights from a retrospective observational study assessing the ACR TI-RADS.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of age on the malignant cytology rate of thyroid nodules remains uncertain. The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) is currently used to guide subsequent investigations of thyroid nodules, regardless of clinical variables. This study aimed to investigate the impact of age on the malignant cytology rates of thyroid nodules and the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS across different age groups. DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center, observational study. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 20 years with thyroid nodules, who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy between 2012 and 2019 were evaluated. Ultrasound images were used to obtain the TI-RADS data. Malignancy was determined based on suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda V) and malignant (Bethesda VI) cytology results or malignancy in cell block analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1023 nodules from 921 patients (88.2% female) were analyzed. The median age was 58.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 41.1-66.6) years, and the median nodule size was 2.4 (IQR, 1.7-3.6) cm. Stratification by age revealed a decreasing prevalence of malignant cytology across subgroups of 20-39, 40-59, and ≥60 years (10.7%, 8.5%, and 3.7%, respectively; P = .002). After adjusting for sex, multinodularity, nodule size, and ACR TI-RADS category, we observed that each year of age reduced the OR for malignant cytology by 3.0% (95% CI: 0.7%-5.3%; P = .011). When comparing the subgroups of 20-39 and ≥60 years, the malignant cytology rate decreased by half in TI-RADS 4 (from 21.4% to 10.4%) and two-thirds in TI-RADS 5 (from 64.7% to 22.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that as patient age increased, the rate of malignant cytology in thyroid nodules decreased. Moreover, age significantly influences the malignancy rates of thyroid nodules classified according to the ACR TI-RADS.

Classification of Thyroid Tumors Based on DNA Methylation Patterns.

Background: Alterations in DNA methylation are stable epigenetic events that can serve as clinical biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyze methylation patterns among various follicular cell-derived thyroid neoplasms to identify disease subtypes and help understand and classify thyroid tumors. Methods: We employed an unsupervised machine learning method for class discovery to search for distinct methylation patterns among various thyroid neoplasms. Our algorithm was not provided with any clinical or pathological information, relying exclusively on DNA methylation data to classify samples. We analyzed 810 thyroid samples (n = 256 for discovery and n = 554 for validation), including benign and malignant tumors, as well as normal thyroid tissue. Results: Our unsupervised algorithm identified that samples could be classified into three subtypes based solely on their methylation profile. These methylation subtypes were strongly associated with histological diagnosis (p < 0.001) and were therefore named normal-like, follicular-like, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)-like. Follicular adenomas, follicular carcinomas, oncocytic adenomas, and oncocytic carcinomas clustered together forming the follicular-like methylation subtype. Conversely, classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (cPTC) and tall cell PTC clustered together forming the PTC-like subtype. These methylation subtypes were also strongly associated with genomic drivers: 98.7% BRAFV600E-driven cancers were PTC like, whereas 96.0% RAS-driven cancers had a follicular-like methylation pattern. Interestingly, unlike other diagnoses, follicular variant PTC (FVPTC) samples were split into two methylation clusters (follicular like and PTC like), indicating a heterogeneous group likely to be formed by two distinct diseases. FVPTC samples with a follicular-like methylation pattern were enriched for RAS mutations (36.4% vs. 8.0%; p < 0.001), whereas FVPTC- with PTC-like methylation patterns were enriched for BRAFV600E mutations (52.0% vs. 0%, Fisher exact p = 0.004) and RET fusions (16.0% vs. 0%, Fisher exact p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our data provide novel insights into the epigenetic alterations of thyroid tumors. Since our classification method relies on a fully unsupervised machine learning approach for subtype discovery, our results offer a robust background to support the classification of thyroid neoplasms based on methylation patterns.

Elastography of the thyroid nodule, cut-off points between benign and malignant lesions for strain, 2D shear wave real time and point shear wave: a correlation with pathology, ACR TIRADS and Alpha Score.

Objective: A prospective cross-sectional investigation of 170 thyroid nodules (TN) between January 2020 and December 2021 at Alpha Imagen was conducted to determine cut-off points (C/O) for elastography measurements and their diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Nodules were categorized by ACR TI-RADS, Alpha Score (AS), and Bethesda; all were evaluated using 2D Shear Wave Real Time Elastography (RT-SWE), point Shear Wave (pSWE), and Strain Elastography (SE). Data was assessed with ROC curves, the Shapiro-Wilk test, T test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA. Results: C/O were as follows: RTSWE Emax of 115kPa and 6.5 m/s, Emean of 47.5 kPa and 4.1 m/s, pSWE (average) of 52.4 kpa and 4.15 m/s; sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 57.6%, with a PPV of 72.4% and NPV of 70.0%. SE Value A had a C/O of 0.20%, with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 72.4% and NPP of 73.6%. The Strain Ratio nodule/tissue C/O was calculated as 2.69, with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 72.3%, and NPV of 73.5%. The RLBIndex quality control must be at least 92%; for pSWE, we suggest a mean interquartile ratio of ≤15.7% for kPa and 8.1% for m/s. The recommended depth is between 1.2 and 1.5 cm, and commonly used ROI boxes were 3x3 and 5x5mm. Conclusion: 2D-SWE and pSWE with Emax and Emean demonstrated C/O with excellent diagnostic accuracy. To maximize the correct classification of TN, we suggest combining ACR TI-RADS and AS with any of the elastography measurements assessed here.