How often are intrathyroidal parathyroid glands a cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, and how should they be managed?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency and management of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and evaluate whether intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were more often superior or inferior glands. METHODS: A retrospective review of the prospective parathyroid database was completed to determine the number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. Demographic data, laboratory and localization studies, operative management, pathology, and outcome were determined for patients with an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland and were compared with patients with an extrathyroidal parathyroid gland. RESULTS: From 1990-2023, 808 patients were operated on for primary hyperparathyroidism; 17 (2%) patients had an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland, an adenoma in 15 (88.2%), and a hyperplastic gland in 2 (11.8%). The mean age was 53 years; 16 (94%) patients were female. Mean calcium and parathyroid hormone was 12 mg/dL and 150 pg/mL, and there were no differences from the extrathyroidal parathyroid group. Ultrasound and Sestamibi imaging were valuable in identifying an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland in 10 of 13 patients and 13 of 17 patients, respectively. Local excision was performed in 9 (53%) patients and lobectomy in 8 (47%) patients. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone was measured and predictive of cure in 12 patients. The location of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands was determined in 15 patients and was inferior in 11 (73%). All patients were cured. No patient developed recurrent disease after a median 54-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands are the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism in 2% of patients and are most often inferior glands. Local excision was accomplished in 53% of our patients.

Limited disease progression in endocrine surgery patients with treatment delays due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the delivery of care and timing of elective surgical procedures. Most endocrine-related operations were considered elective and safe to postpone, providing a unique opportunity to assess clinical outcomes under protracted treatment plans. METHODS: American Association of Endocrine Surgeon members were surveyed for participation. A Research Electronic Data Capture survey was developed and distributed to 27 institutions to assess the impact of COVID-19-related delays. The information collected included patient demographics, primary diagnosis, resumption of care, and assessment of disease progression by the surgeon. RESULTS: Twelve out of 27 institutions completed the survey (44.4%). Of 850 patients, 74.8% (636) were female; median age was 56 (interquartile range, 44-66) years. Forty percent (34) of patients had not been seen since their original surgical appointment was delayed; 86.2% (733) of patients had a delay in care with women more likely to have a delay (87.6% vs 82.2% of men, χ2 = 3.84, P = .05). Median duration of delay was 70 (interquartile range, 42-118) days. Among patients with a delay in care, primary disease site included thyroid (54.2%), parathyroid (37.2%), adrenal (6.5%), and pancreatic/gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (1.3%). In addition, 4.0% (26) of patients experienced disease progression and 4.1% (24) had a change from the initial operative plan. The duration of delay was not associated with disease progression (P = .96) or a change in operative plan (P = .66). CONCLUSION: Although some patients experienced disease progression during COVID-19 delays to endocrine disease-related care, most patients with follow-up did not. Our analysis indicated that temporary delay may be an acceptable course of action in extreme circumstances for most endocrine-related surgical disease.

Hyperparathyroid crisis: Characteristics and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hyperparathyroid crisis (HPTC) is a potentially lethal condition characterized by severe symptomatic hypercalcemia with calcium levels ≥14 mg/dl. We sought to determine the rate of HPTC and how it differs from hyperparathyroidism (HPT) without crisis (HPTWC). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with surgically treated HPT from 1990 to 2022 was completed. RESULTS: HPTC occurred in 18 (2.4%) of 783 with primary HPT. Patients with HPTC had higher preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, lower postoperative calcium levels, larger gland weights and higher rates of ectopic glands, carcinoma, recurrence and mortality compared to patients with HPTWC (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HPTC is a rare condition manifested by severe HPT that is associated with a higher rate of recurrence and mortality compared to HPTWC. HPTC is associated with larger parathyroid glands that are more often ectopic and malignant.

Primary hyperparathyroidism after radioactive iodine therapy: Is it a distinct clinical entity?

BACKGROUND: Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment is considered a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). METHOD: A multi-institutional retrospective review of patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy from 1990 to 2020 was completed to evaluate the prevalence and latency time for development of RAI-associated pHPT and determine clinical differences in pHPT patients with or without prior RAI treatment. RESULTS: 1929 patients with sporadic pHPT underwent parathyroidectomy; 48 (2.5%) had prior RAI treatment and 1881 (97.5%) did not. RAI treatment was for thyrotoxicosis in 43 (90%) patients. Average latency was 24 years (3-59 years) and inversely correlated with age. Patients with prior RAI treatment had lower preoperative calcium and PTH levels (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in age, symptoms, pathology, ectopic glands and cure rate. CONCLUSION: RAI is a potential causative factor for pHPT, accounting for 2.5% of sporadic pHPT. RAI-associated pHPT may be a less severe form of sporadic pHPT and latency inversely correlates with age.

Thyroid Cancer Identified After Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Shows Aggressive Histopathology.

BACKGROUND: Incidental thyroid nodules with focal uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) have an increased risk for malignancy, with the majority being differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). It is unclear whether these cancers have more aggressive histopathology compared with DTC diagnosed via other means. METHOD: Electronic medical record of two medical centers was queried for the period of 2001-2016 to identify patients who underwent PET imaging for nonthyroid-related indications and who were found to have focal thyroid uptake. Patients who underwent thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and subsequent thyroidectomy with a final diagnosis of DTC were further reviewed. A comparison group, matched for age, tumor type, and tumor size, was selected from consecutive patients who underwent surgery for DTC. RESULTS: Among 35,124 PET scans reviewed, 227 (0.6%) patients were found to have focal thyroid uptake and underwent FNAB: Fourty-seven (21%) were found to have cancer (36 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), 9 metastases, and 2 lymphoma). Sixty-seven patients proceeded to surgery: Thirty-one with FNAB of PTC and the rest with indeterminate FNAB necessitating diagnostic thyroidectomy. Compared with the control group, the PET PTC patients involved more men (54% versus 26%, P = 0.003), had more advanced tumor stage (P = 0.03), and had increased BRAF mutation on final pathology (78% versus 42%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that DTC detected on PET is most commonly of the papillary type. Despite the small sample size, the results suggest that these PTC may be more aggressive than PTC detected through other means and more frequently harbor BRAF mutations.

Are narcotic pain medications necessary after discharge following thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy have similar postoperative pain if managed with an opioid-sparing regimen versus an opioid-containing regimen. We hypothesized that an opioid-sparing regimen would provide equivalent analgesia. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized trial (clinicaltrials.govNCT03640247) comparing non-narcotic and narcotic postoperative pain regimens after discharge. Patients ≥18 y undergoing thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were taking a narcotic. Patients in the nonnarcotic arm of the study received acetaminophen, alternating with ibuprofen, and patients in the narcotic arm received the same medications plus a narcotic. RESULTS: Of 126 patients, 64 patients were in the nonnarcotic group and 62 were in the narcotic group. The mean age was 54 ± 14 y, and 108 (86%) patients were female. Median pain scores were similar on postoperative day #0 (narcotic group 7 versus nonnarcotic group 7.5), postoperative day #1 (narcotic group 6 versus nonnarcotic group 6), postoperative day #2 (narcotic group 5 versus nonnarcotic group 5), postoperative day #3 (narcotic group 4 versus nonnarcotic group 4), postoperative day #4 (narcotic group 3 versus nonnarcotic 3) and postoperative day #5 (narcotic group 2.5 versus nonnarcotic group 2, all P > .1). A total of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group did not take a narcotic. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients in the nonnarcotic group and of 31 (50%) patients in the narcotic group took a median total of 2 narcotic tablets. CONCLUSION: An opioid-sparing pain medication regimen provides effective analgesia for most patients after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine the rate of ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands and the outcome of surgical therapy in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for refractory renal hyperparathyroidism was completed. Operative and pathology reports were reviewed, and the number and location of resected parathyroid glands, patient outcomes, and follow-up were determined. RESULTS: During the period 1993-2019, a total of 68 patients underwent subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism. Of those, 59 patients (87%) were on dialysis for an average of 6.7 years. We determined that 18 patients (26%) had 24 ectopic parathyroid glands, including 9 (13%) patients with 11 supernumerary glands. A total of 2 patients had a supernumerary gland in a normal anatomic location. Of the 24 ectopic glands, 14 (58%) were in the thymus. After parathyroidectomy, 4 patients (5.9%) had persistent hyperparathyroidism, 6 patients (8.8%) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism, and 2 patients (3%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSION: Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands occurred in 26% and 16% of patients with renal hyperparathyroidism, respectively, and the thymus was the most common location. Thorough neck exploration and transcervical thymectomy are important to help reduce persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

Executive Summary of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective and appropriate thyroidectomy. BACKGROUND: Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the United States. METHODS: The medical literature from January 1, 1985 to November 9, 2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content. RESULTS: These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches Laryngology Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate thyroidectomy. BACKGROUND: Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the US. METHODS: The medical literature from 1/1/1985 to 11/9/2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content. RESULTS: These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches to Thyroidectomy, Laryngology, Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

Enumerating the causes and burden of first case operating room delays.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency, causes and estimated cost of first case operating room (OR) delays. METHOD: A quarterly prospective review of the first cases in the OR was completed in 2018. The frequency and causes for delays were determined. Median delay time was calculated and opportunity cost was estimated based on idle labor and overtime for staffing of rooms beyond scheduled end times. RESULTS: Of 3604 first cases performed, 55% were delayed for a median 12 min (IQR 6-24 min). The patient and surgeon were responsible for 50% of the causes. Orthopedic (20%) and General (18%) Surgery accounted for the greatest percentage of total delay. A loss of 631 h resulted in an estimated cost of $311,966 for idle labor and $78,623 for nursing overtime. CONCLUSION: Improving accountability and reducing patient-related delays will have the greatest impact on reducing first case on-time delays.

Treatment of patients with Graves' disease and the appropriate extent of thyroidectomy.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by thyroid stimulating auto-antibodies directed against the thyrotropin receptor on thyroid follicular cells. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is associated with cardiovascular, ophthalmologic and other systemic manifestations. Three treatment options are available for Graves' disease: anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy. While thyroidectomy is the least common option used for treatment of Graves' disease, it is preferentially indicated for patients with a large goiter causing compressive symptoms, suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules or significant ophthalmopathy. The best operation for Graves' disease has been a matter of debate. The standard operation was a subtotal thyroidectomy for much of the twentieth century, however, over the past 20 years total thyroidectomy has been increasingly performed. Herein, we provide a historical perspective and review the current literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses and conclude that total thyroidectomy is the preferred option for the surgical treatment of Graves' disease, with a nearly 0% recurrence rate, predictable postoperative hypothyroidism and a low complication rate comparable to subtotal thyroidectomy when performed by high-volume thyroid surgeons.

Adrenal cavernous hemangioma: A rare tumor that mimics adrenal cortical carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal cavernous hemangioma is a rare tumor with only 60 cases previously reported. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of adrenal cavernous hemangioma at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing adrenalectomy from 1994 to 2018 was completed to determine the frequency of cavernous hemangioma, characterize the clinical presentation, imaging and pathologic features and review the operative management and outcome. RESULTS: Of 144 consecutive patients who underwent adrenalectomy by a single surgeon, 5 (3.5%) had an adrenal cavernous hemangioma. All were incidentally discovered, nonfunctional adrenal masses varying in size from 7 to 12 cm with imaging features that were indeterminate in differentiating a benign adenoma from an adrenal cortical carcinoma. Attenuation values for the adrenal masses on noncontrast computed tomography varied from 28 to 34 Hounsfield units. All adrenal cavernous hemangiomas were large, heterogeneous, complex masses with a variable presence of calcification, hemorrhage, and necrosis. These features, along with tumor enlargement were concerning for adrenal cortical carcinoma. During the operation, there was no local invasion and all adrenal tumors were successfully removed laparoscopically without tumor rupture or bleeding. All patients had an uneventful postoperative course without complications. CONCLUSION: Adrenal cavernous hemangioma is a rare tumor that can grow to a very large size without causing symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate from adrenal cortical carcinoma clinically or radiographically. Despite its large size, adrenal cavernous hemangioma can be safely resected laparoscopically.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules: Is routine ultrasound-guidance necessary?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend either ultrasound-guided or palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy for evaluation of a thyroid nodule. However, it has been suggested that ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be used routinely in all patients to reduce the rate of nondiagnostic and false negative results. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any difference exists in nondiagnostic and false negative rates between the two methods of fine-needle aspiration biopsy at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained thyroid database was completed to determine the rates of nondiagnostic and false negative fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with nodular thyroid disease evaluated during the period 1990-2017. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2017, a total of 2,322 patients underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy for evaluation of nodular thyroid disease, 1,123 (48%) underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy and 1,199 (52%) underwent palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy was nondiagnostic in 4.5% and had a 5.2% false negative rate, compared with palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, which was nondiagnostic in 5.0% and had a 2.6% false negative rate (P = .53 and .14, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rate of nondiagnostic and false negative fine-needle aspiration biopsy results is similar whether US guidance is used or not. To minimize resource utilization, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be used selectively for nonpalpable, predominantly cystic, or previously nondiagnostic nodules.

Coexistent thyroid nodules in patients with graves' disease: What is the frequency and the risk of malignancy?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of coexistent thyroid nodules and the rate of malignancy in patients with surgically treated Graves' disease (GD). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with GD who underwent thyroidectomy from 1990 to 2017 was completed. Pathology reports were reviewed for coexistent nodules. Demographics, nodule size, and results of ultrasound, 123I scintigraphy, fine needle aspiration biopsy and pathology were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 233 patients with GD who underwent thyroidectomy, 103 (44%) had one or more thyroid nodules, which were incidentally discovered on pathologic exam in 54(52%) patients. 14 (6%) patients had cancer, 9 (4%) papillary microcarcinoma and 5 (2%) papillary cancer ≥ 1 cm that occurred within a nodule diagnosed preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Most thyroid nodules in patients with GD were incidentally discovered on pathologic exam. A higher rate of malignancy was found in patients with GD and clinically identifiable nodular disease.

A model for a career in a specialty of general surgery: One surgeon's opinion.

BACKGROUND: The integration of general and endocrine surgery was studied as a potential career model for fellowship trained general surgeons. METHODS: Case logs collected from 1991-2016 and academic milestones were examined for a single general surgeon with a focused interest in endocrine surgery. Operations were categorized using CPT codes and the 2017 ACGME "Major Case Categories" and there frequencies were determined. RESULTS: 10,324 operations were performed on 8209 patients. 412.9 ± 84.9 operations were performed yearly including 279.3 ± 42.7 general and 133.7 ± 65.5 endocrine operations. A high-volume endocrine surgery practice and a rank of tenured professor were achieved by years 11 and 13, respectively. At year 25, the frequency of endocrine operations exceeded general surgery operations. CONCLUSION: Maintaining a foundation in broad-based general surgery with a specialty focus is a sustainable career model. Residents and fellows can use the model to help plan their careers with realistic expectations.

Can parathyroid hyperplasia be predicted preoperatively?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are clinical features that raise suspicion for parathyroid hyperplasia. MATERIALS & METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy from 1991 to 2017, analyzing demographics, calcium and PTH, and localizing studies for patients with hyperplasia and single adenoma. RESULTS: 549 patients underwent parathyroidectomy: 464 (85%) with adenoma, 44 (8%) with double adenoma, 38 (7%) with hyperplasia, and 3 (1%) with cancer. Compared to patients with a single adenoma, patients with hyperplasia were more likely to have negative sestamibi, ultrasound or both exams (92% vs 6%, p < 0.001; 96% vs 4%, p < 0.001; and 91% vs 2%, p < 0.001) and lower gland weights (619 ± 1067 mg vs. 1466 ± 1899 mg, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid hyperplasia should be suspected in patients with lower gland weights and negative imaging.