RESUMO
Background: Neck ultrasound (US) is a widely used and accessible operator-dependent technique that helps characterize thyroid nodules and pathologic parathyroid glands (PPGs). However, thyroid nodules may sometimes be confused with PPGs. PARATH-US study aims at identifying US characteristics to differentiate PPGs from thyroid nodules, as there is no study, at present, which directly compares the US features of these two common neoplasms. Methods: PARATH-US is a single-center study that was conducted at a tertiary referral center, including consecutive lesions from patients undergoing neck US examination from 2016 to 2022. Findings: 176 PPGs (158 patients: serum calcium levels 2.91 [IQR 2.74-3.05] mmol/L, PTH levels 173 [112-296] ng/L) were compared to 232 size- and volume-matched thyroid nodules (204 age- and sex-matched patients). The morphologic patterns, echoic content and vascular status were all different between PPGs and thyroid neoplasms (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). The combined parameters maximally discriminated PPGs from thyroid nodules (OR, 7.6; 95% CI: 3.4, 17.1, p < 0.0001). When applying risk stratification systems developed for thyroid malignancies, 58-63% of PPGs were classified as high-risk lesions. Parathyroid adenomas had larger sizes and volumes than hyperplasias (p = 0.013 and p = 0.029). Serum calcium and PTH levels were significantly correlated with PPG size and volume (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Interpretation: We demonstrate the presence of distinct US characteristics in PPGs, which help differentiate them from thyroid nodules. When mistaken for thyroid nodules, PPGs bear high-risk US features. When dealing with high-risk cervical lesions detected on US, a PPG should be suspected, and an assessment of calcium levels recommended to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Funding: CYTO-TRAIN, C2022DOSRH053, funded by the French Regional Health Agency.
RESUMO
Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is the third most common endocrine disorder and usually affects patients between 60 and 70 years of age. To our knowledge, this condition has never been studied in young patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our objective was to describe the clinical and biological characteristics of pHPT in adult patients with SCD and its management. We conducted a retrospective study that included SCD patients who were diagnosed with pHPT in four SCD referral centers. pHPT was defined by the presence of elevated serum calcium levels with inappropriate normal or increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum levels or histopathological evidence of parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia. Patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) were excluded. Twenty-eight patients (18 women, 64%; 22 homozygous genotype, 79%) were included. The median age at pHPT diagnosis was 41 years (interquartile range -IQR- 31.5-49.5). The median serum calcium and PTH concentration were, respectively, 2.62 mmol/L (IQR 2.60-2.78) and 105 pg/mL (IQR 69-137). Bone mineral density (BMD) revealed very low BMD (-2.5 SD) in 44% of patients explored (vs. 12.5% among 32 SCD patients matched for SCD genotype, sex, age, and BMI, p = 0.03). Fourteen patients (50%) received surgical treatment, which was successful in all cases, but four of these patients (29%) presented with pHPT recurrence after a median time of 6.5 years. Three of these patients underwent a second cervical surgery that confirmed the presence of a new parathyroid adenoma. These results suggest that SCD is a condition associated with pHPT in young subjects. SCD patients with pHPT have a high risk of very low BMD. A diagnosis of pHPT should be suspected in the presence of mild hypercalcemia or low BMD in SCD patients.
RESUMO
Post-surgical surveillance of non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 or 6 months then 1 year. When there is no adenomatous residue, annual surveillance is recommended for 5 years and then at 7, 10 and 15 years. In case of residue or doubtful MRI, prolonged annual surveillance monitors any progression. Reintervention is indicated if complete residue resection is feasible, or for symptomatic optic pathway compression, to create a safety margin between the tumor and the optic pathways ahead of complementary radiation therapy (RT), or in case of post-RT progression. In case of residue, unless the tumor displays elevated growth potential, it is usually recommended to postpone RT until progression is manifest, as efficacy is comparable whether treatment is immediate or postponed. The efficacy of the various RT techniques in terms of tumor volume control is likewise comparable. RT-induced hypopituitarism is frequent, whatever the technique. The choice thus depends basically on residue characteristics: size, delineation, and proximity to neighboring radiation-sensitive structures. Reduced rates of vascular complications and secondary brain tumor can be hoped for with one-dose or hypofractionated stereotactic RT, but there has been insufficient follow-up to provide evidence. Somatostatin analogs and dopaminergic agonists have yet to demonstrate sufficient efficacy. Temozolomide is an option in aggressive NFPA resistant to surgery and RT.
