The diagnostic and predictive accuracy of thyroglobulin to TSH ratio and TSH to thyroglobulin ratio in detecting differentiated thyroid carcinoma in normothyroid patients with thyroid nodules: A retrospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature.

The purpose of the present study is to examine the diagnostic and predictive accuracy of the thyroglobulin (Tg) to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and TSH/Tg ratios in normothyroid patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the serum Tg/TSH and TSH/Tg ratios in normothyroid patients with thyroid nodules. We also systematically searched the international literature using the Medline, Cochrane's CENTRAL, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases for evidence concerning the diagnostic and predictive accuracy of these ratios. Overall, 374 patients were identified in our cohort study of whom 240 were treated for benign disease and 134 were treated for DTC. Significant differences were noted in the Tg/TSH and TSH/Tg values among cases with malignant and benign disease (P=0.020). However, the diagnostic ROC curve did not confirm these results (Tg/TSH=0.572 and TSH/Tg=0.428). After searching the international literature, we identified 8 studies. The majority of the included data reported significant differences among patients with benign/malignant disease and those with successful iodine therapy compared to those with disease relapse. However, the clinical relevance was clearer among studies that investigated the usefulness of these ratios in predicting recurrent disease. The findings of our study support that the Tg/TSH ratio increases in patients with DTC and can, thus, become useful in the future as a predictive marker of ablative 131I therapy success. However, given the significant variability of Tg its diagnostic accuracy remains to date minimal; thus, the actual cut-off value that can be used to discriminate cancer cases from benign disease has not been determined yet.

Abdominal tumor in a 14-year-old adolescent: imperforate hymen, resulting in hematocolpos-a case report and review of the literature.

Background. Abdominal masses in female adolescents are uncommon. A rare cause of this condition is hematocolpos due to imperforate hymen. Case. We present a case of an unusually massive asymptomatic abdominal bulk in a 14-year-old female patient, who sought for medical advice after unusual abdominal pain lasting for few weeks. The patient was otherwise asymptomatic, apart from an unusual dramatic expansion of her abdominal wall during the last month. We describe the surgical management and the follow-up of the patient. Summary and Conclusion. Clinicians should keep in mind that an imperforate hymen can cause abdominal growth due to hematocolpos and include it in the differential diagnosis of such a clinical entity in female adolescents. 2D ultrasound is usually efficient for the confirmation of the diagnosis of hematocolpos, but 3D ultrasound is more accurate. Wide excision should be undertaken, as an initial approach, to avoid recurrence.

Controversies in the management of endometriomas in patients undergoing assisted reproduction.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of an endometrioma has been proposed to affect the ovarian function in a negative way. Our aim was to present the key evidence on multiple aspects of endometriomas' management in subfertile couples scheduled for assisted reproduction technologies (ART). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A critical review of the existing literature was performed focusing on the need of endometrioma treatment prior to ART, the relevant options, the potentially participating surgeon's characteristics and the socioeconomic perspective. RESULTS: To date, we have no definitive data to suggest whether the damage to the ovaries observed in women with endometriomas may be related to the mere presence of the cyst, the surgical procedure to remove it, the combination of the two, or factors currently unknown. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence that, for subfertile couples, removal of endometriomas increases the chance of having a baby. The uncertainty regarding the best treatment strategy and factors such as the limited number of tertiary centers for laparoscopic surgery throughout the world seems to further complicate the decision. CONCLUSIONS: Until research addresses the current "grey areas", the management of endometriomas in patients undergoing ART should be individualized and take into consideration numerous parameters.