Multi-element analysis of metals in human pathological and unchanged thyroid glands - pilot study.

Disturbances in the homeostasis of the elemental composition of thyroid tissue may have serious metabolic and health consequences. It is believed that the accumulation of some metals or the deficiency of others may even cause lethal tumours. Due to the fact that metallomics most often uses human serum to analyse macro and microelements as well as trace elements, it was decided to use material that is more difficult to obtain, but also adds credibility to the research - thyroid tissue samples biopsy. The experiments were conducted on 17 patients diagnosed with: nodular (10) and colloidal goitre (2), chronic thyroiditis (2), follicular adenoma (2) and papillary carcinoma (1). They were recruited by collecting a tumour fragment, control fragment and serum from each of them. The content of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn was examined using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometers). Simultaneously, biochemical methods were used to determine the markers of inflammation, glycation and peroxidation: malondialdehyde, pentosidine, reactive free amine content, compounds with thiol groups and galectin 3 in the sera of the examined patients. Three statistically significant correlations were identified: Ca-Mg and Cu-Zn in control tissues (p < 0.05) and Cr-Mn in pathological tissues (p < 0.05). A comparison of individual groups of patients shows that there are some potentail tendencies to increase or decrease in the concentration of certain elements or markers of inflammation and glycation, therefore we discuss potential relationships between a given parameter and a thyroid disorder. The pilot study is an introduction to a deeper analysis aimed at tracing the pathomechanism of the development of thyroid diseases, so that the risk of developing these diseases can be effectively minimized.

Subcutaneous implantation of nodular goiter after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: A case study and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Extrathyroid implantation or dissemination of thyroid tissue secondary to a thyroid procedure is rare. Most of these belonged to thyroid carcinoma with metastatic potential and uncommon for benign pathologies. METHODS: We report the case of a 31-year-old female who was identified to have multiple subcutaneous implantation of thyroid tissue 5 years after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach. A comprehensive literature search on implantation of thyroid tissue secondary to thyroid procedures was performed. RESULTS: Accidental tearing of the capsule during previous surgery may lead to the subcutaneous implantation. Through literature review, a total 29 articles with 47 patients were identified. 33.3% were benign lesions, and implantation was mostly secondary to fine needle aspiration biopsy (46.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous or port site implantation after endoscopic thyroid surgery may occur in benign thyroid pathologies and therefore, oncologic principles must be strictly followed during surgery regardless of its histopathological nature.

NKX2-1 gene is targeted by H19 lncRNA and is found to be overexpressed in benign nodular goiter tissues.

OBJECTIVE: Nodular goiter may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, but the genetic factors contributing to nodular goiter are not well understood. There is an overexpression of H19 lncRNA in goiter tissue and its target remains unknown. In this study, we attempted to identify a new target for H19 in the context of goiter development. METHODS: Using interaction energy calculations, the interaction between NKX2-1 mRNA and H19 lncRNA was examined. Putative microRNAs were found at the H19 lncRNA target site with the highest affinity for NKX2-1. RNAseq data was analyzed to determine the tissue specificity of gene expression. Samples were taken from 18 goiter and 18 normal tissues during thyroidectomy. The expression of NKX2-1 was determined by RT-qPCR using specific primers. RESULTS: The interaction between NKX2-1 and H19 was characterized by six local base-pairing connections, with a maximum energy of -20.56 kcal/moL. Specifically, the sequence that displayed the highest affinity for binding with H19 overlapped with the binding site of has-miR-1827 to NKX2-1. It was found that NKX2-1 is exclusively co-expressed with H19 in normal thyroid tissue. As compared to adjacent normal tissues, nodular goiter tissues have a significant overexpression of NKX2-1 (relative expression = 1.195, p =  0.038). CONCLUSION: NKX2-1 has been identified as the putative target of H19 lncRNA, which is overexpressed in nodular goiter tissues significantly.

Evaluation of the Prevalence and Laboratory Test Results of Overt Thyrotoxicosis Cases.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of thyrotoxicosis may vary between countries and some laboratory test results may be used in etiology research. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyrotoxicosis diagnoses and laboratory test results. METHODS: 3246 patients with overt thyrotoxicosis were included in this study. Laboratory test results, epicrisis, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid scintigraphy, and radioactive iodine uptake test reports of the patients were examined in the study. RESULTS: Thyrotoxicosis was found due to levothyroxine overdose in 58.1% of the patients. When this group was excluded, 36.1% of the patients were diagnosed with toxic multinodular goiter most frequently. TRab levels were 8.5 times higher in Graves' disease than in other diagnostic groups. Anti-TPO levels were found to be the highest in the Graves' disease and Hashitoxicosis groups compared to other diagnostic groups (p<0.001). Anti-Tg levels were found to be highest in Graves' disease, Postpartum thyroiditis, and Hashitoxicosis patients (p<0.001). The free triiodothyronine / free thyroxine ratio was significantly higher, a cut-off value of >2.94 provided a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 64% in diagnosing Graves' disease. CONCLUSION: The causes of thyrotoxicosis show some differences between countries. Patients using levothyroxine should be informed about drug use and dose titration. The free triiodothyronine / free thyroxine ratio can be used in addition to other tests during diagnosis.

Hyperthyroidism and the risk of non-thyroid cancer: a Danish register-based long-term follow-up study.

Objective: Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It is currently debated whether thyroid dysfunction is a modifiable cancer risk factor. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of cancer in patients with hyperthyroidism. Methods: This is a register-based nationwide cohort study of individuals with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Each hyperthyroid case was matched with four reference individuals according to age and sex. Using Fine and Gray competing risk regression models, we studied the association of hyperthyroidism and subsequent all-cause cancer diagnoses, adjusted for preexisting morbidity. Sub-analyses were stratified for cause of hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease and toxic nodular goiter, age when diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, sex, and cancer localization (lung, prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer)). Results: The cohort consisted of 95,469 patients with hyperthyroidism (followed for a median of 10.9 years (range: 5.2-17.2)), and 364,494 reference individuals (followed for a median of 11.2 years (range: 5.4-17.4)). Hyperthyroidism was associated with increased all-cause cancer risk (sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR): 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10-1.14), as well as an increased risk of breast (SHR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13), lung (SHR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.16-1.26), and prostate cancer (SHR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19), but not colorectal cancer (SHR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.99-1.09). Sub-analyses stratified for age when diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and cause of hyperthyroidism yielded similar results. Conclusion: In this register-based study, patients with hyperthyroidism had an increased risk of cancer, in particular lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Whether a causal link exists remains to be proven.

Bocio endotorácico / Endothoracic Goiter

Introducción: Un bocio se considera intratorácico cuando más de un 50 por ciento de la glándula tiroides está en el mediastino, o sea, por debajo del nivel del estrecho torácico superior. Se trata de una enfermedad poco frecuente que padece aproximadamente el 3 por ciento de los pobladores del mundo. La incidencia del bocio nodular ha disminuido debido a la ingestión en algunos países de sal yodada y alimentos ricos en yodo. Esta enfermedad alcanza alrededor del 10 por ciento de las masas mediastínicas. Objetivo: Presentar el caso de un paciente masculino, operado de bocio endotorácico en la provincia de Cienfuegos. Presentación de caso: Se presenta un paciente masculino, de 48 años de edad, que acude a consulta y refiere aumento de volumen del cuello en la región anterior, que se acompaña de decaimiento y en ocasiones disfagia tanto a los alimentos líquidos como a los sólidos. Además, refiere ligera disnea que tolera adecuadamente cuando realiza las actividades de la vida diaria. Por tratarse de una enfermedad poco frecuente, se considera de interés científico publicar el caso para conocimiento de los profesionales dedicados al estudio y tratamiento de las afecciones tiroideas. Conclusiones: El bocio endotorácico es una entidad poco frecuente y en todos los casos requiere de intervención quirúrgica(AU)

Introduction: A goiter is considered intrathoracic when more than 50 percent of the thyroid gland is in the mediastinum; in other words, below the level of the superior thoracic outlet. It is a rare disease that affects approximately 3 percent of the world's population. The incidence of nodular goiter has decreased due to the ingestion of iodized salt and iodine-rich foods in some countries. This disease accounts for about 10 percent of mediastinal masses. Objective: To present the case of a male patient operated on for endothoracic goiter in the province of Cienfuegos. Case presentation: The case is presented of a 48-year-old male patient who comes for consultation referring a volume increase in the anterior neck region, accompanied by decay and sometimes dysphagia to both liquid and solid food. In addition, he reports slight dyspnea that he tolerates adequately when performing daily living activities. Since this is a rare disease, it is considered of scientific interest to publish the case for the knowledge of professionals dedicated to studying and treating thyroid disorders. Conclusions: Endothoracic goiter is a rare entity and, in all cases, requires surgical intervention(AU)

Histomorphological Study of Thyroidectomy Specimens in Tertiary Care Hospital -A Retrospective Study.

Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorder affecting the general population. Diseases of the thyroid glands present with either an alteration of hormone secretion or as an enlargement of the thyroid gland. They vary from non-neoplastic to neoplastic lesions. The prevalence and pattern of these disorders depend on the factors like age, sex and geographic patterns. The aim of the study is to determine the histomorphological features of thyroid lesions in thyroidectomy specimens in patients who underwent thyroidectomy in tertiary care hospital. This is a retrospective study, conducted in tertiary care centre attached to government hospital. All thyroidectomy specimens received in the Department of Pathology, from January 2021 to January 2023 were included in the study. The patients who underwent thyroidectomy in view of thyroid swelling, over a period of 2 years, were selected. Data was collected from histopathological examinations done on the thyroidectomy specimens. Different histomorphological patterns were observed on microscopy. The thyroid lesions were classified into Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic based on histomorphological features and the data was segregated according to this and analysed. There was a total of 194 specimens, of which 175 were from female and 19 were from male patients. Maximum number of thyroid lesions were seen in the age group of 30-50 years. Among 194 patients, 52 (26.8%) were found to have neoplastic lesions, of whom, 25 (12.8%) patients had benign and 27(14%) patients had malignant lesion. 141(72.7%) patients had non neoplastic conditions. One patient had lymphoproliferative disorder (0.5%). In Neoplastic lesions, Among Benign lesions, Follicular adenoma was found be present in 25 patients. In malignant lesions, Papillary carcinoma was the most commonly found lesion (25 cases, 12.9%). 141(73%) patients had Non neoplastic conditions. Most commonly occurring Non neoplastic lesions were Nodular goiter (50 cases, 25.8%) followed by Colloid goiter (34cases, 17.5%), Multinodular goiter (33 cases, 17%), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (5 cases, 2.6%). Followed by Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (4 cases, 2.1%). The frequency of carcinoma is more common in females amongst the total thyroid lesions. Papillary carcinoma was the most frequent malignancy (12.9%) among the thyroidectomy specimens. Papillary carcinoma was the commonest malignant lesion with female preponderance whereas, nodular goiter and colloid goiter were the commonest non neoplastic lesions with female preponderance.

Case report: Preliminary study on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory distress in patients with giant nodular goiter complicated with severe COVID-19.

Background: To investigate the practicality of emergency surgical and conservative medical treatments in patients with giant nodular goiter complicated by severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related respiratory distress, evaluate the prognosis based on the two interventions, and explore the diagnosis and treatment plan of COVID-19-related respiratory distress in patients with giant nodular goiter. Methods: Four cases were retrospectively collected. Among them, two cases underwent emergency surgery, one case was treated with conservative treatment, whereas the fourth case underwent emergency surgery after failure of conservative therapy. Results: Dyspnea was significantly improved postoperatively, and the endotracheal tube was successfully removed 10.5 h after the operation, but inflammatory markers were greatly enhanced as compared to the preoperative values, patients with different degrees of fever, cough, and other discomforts postoperatively. Case 1 showed complete remission of all symptoms after 3 weeks, while case 2 displayed fever, cough, drowsiness, and other symptoms after the discharge and was eventually readmitted. In case 3, the conservative COVID-19 treatment marginally improved the pulmonary infection, fever, and other symptoms, but cough and other discomforts were persistent, along with delirium in later stages. Moreover, case 4 reported extubation failure after undergoing treatment with the standard new coronary pneumonia regimen in the tracheal intubation state; however, the patient was successfully weaned and extubated 9 days after emergency surgery to relieve the obstruction. Conclusion: Our preliminary exploration suggested that patients with giant nodular goiter and respiratory tract obstruction post-acute COVID-19 infection can undergo early surgery after surgical tolerance evaluation for a better prognosis.

The EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease.

This document provides the new EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease. Its aim is to guide nuclear medicine physicians, endocrinologists, and practitioners in the selection of patients for radioiodine therapy. Its recommendations on patients' preparation, empiric and dosimetric therapeutic approaches, applied radioiodine activity, radiation protection requirements, and patients follow-up after administration of radioiodine therapy are extensively discussed.

Correlation between thyroid function indices and urine iodine levels in patients with nodular goiter.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the iodine nutritional status in patients with nodular goiter (NG) and investigate a possible association between urinary iodine levels and thyroid function indices. METHODS: A total of 173 patients diagnosed with nodular goiter in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2019 to May 2021 were selected as the NG group, and 172 healthy individuals without thyroid diseases were selected after a physical examination as a control group. The data of all the participants were retrospectively assessed to explore the association between urinary iodine levels and thyroid function indices. The content of urinary iodine in the two groups was compared, and the correlation of urinary iodine levels with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) in the NG group was evaluated. RESULTS: The level of urinary iodine in the NG group was 163.97 ± 113.75 µg/L, which was higher than 121.47 ± 53.75 µg/L in the control group (P < 0.05). The iodine excess rate in females was higher than that in males (P < 0.05). The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that the amount of urinary iodine in patients with hyperthyroidism with different urinary iodine statuses was negatively correlated with the level of TSH and positively correlated with levels of FT3 and FT4. CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between urinary iodine levels and thyroid hormone levels in NG patients. Therefore, regular monitoring of urinary iodine levels is essential for the appropriate use of iodine supplementation.

Ectopic intrapulmonary thyroid masquerading as metastatic carcinoma of the lung: a rare case scenario.

BACKGROUND: The intrapulmonary ectopic thyroid gland is exceedingly rare since the ectopic thyroid was discovered. Only eight cases have been reported in the worldwide literature. We present a case of multiple intrapulmonary ectopic thyroid glands with nodular goiter in a 10-year-old girl. CASE PRESENTATION: The girl was found with multiple intrapulmonary nodules in bilateral lungs during the treatment of nodular goiter. The intrapulmonary lesions were initially thought to be a high possibility of metastatic cancer. A computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was performed, and the pathological examination confirmed that the diagnosis was ectopic intrapulmonary thyroid. CONCLUSION: The ectopic intrapulmonary thyroid should be considered when children with nodular goiter presenting with suspected metastases in the lung.

Outcomes of laser-induced thermotherapy for thyroid nodules at the West Vascular Center, Ukraine.

Thyroid nodules are common, occurring in 50-60% of healthy patients. Currently, there are no effective conservative treatment options for nodular goiter, and surgery can have limitations and potential complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and long-term results of using sclerotherapy and laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) to treat benign thyroid nodules. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 456 patients with benign nodular goiter who received LITT. The volume of the nodular goiter was measured at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, and a repeated fine needle aspiration (FNA) with the cytological examination was performed to verify the structure of the nodular goiter in the long term. The results showed that LITT was an effective method for treating nodular mass (nodules), as evidenced by a decrease in the volume of NG by 51-85% after 6-12 months. FNA results 2-3 years after LITT showed no thyrocytes, only connective tissue, indicating the efficacy of LITT for benign thyroid nodules. LITT is highly effective in most cases, often resulting in the disappearance or significant decrease in nodular formations.

Utility of 99m Technetium Pertechnetate Thyroid Scan and Uptake in Thyrotoxic Patients: Jordanian Experience.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess our local experience with 99m Technitium thyroid uptake (TcTU) in thyrotoxicosis by examining mean and range of TcTU in both euthyroid patients and thyrotoxic patients. We also wanted to see how well TcTU performed as a substitute for radioiodine thyroid uptake in thyrotoxicosis. Methods The medical records of thyrotoxic patients were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were: (1) thyrotoxicosis was proven biochemically, (2) the patient underwent TcTU at the time of thyrotoxicosis diagnosis, (3) at least 6 months of follow-up, and (4) the final diagnosis was documented. All TcTU of euthyroid patients were also reviewed to determine local normal TcTU mean and range. Patients were divided into three groups: Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, and subacute thyroiditis. Each patient group's TcTU mean and range were assessed separately. Results There were 209 patients in total (54 euthyroid, 112 Graves' disease, 26 toxic nodules, and 17 patients with subacute thyroiditis). TcTU mean±standard deviation and range for euthyroid patients were 1.5±1.1% and 0.17 to 4.8%, 10.6±10% and 0.43 to 40% for Graves' disease, 4.5±4% and 0.6 to 15% for toxic nodules, and 0.5±0.4% and 0.18 to 1% for subacute thyroiditis. Although one-third of thyrotoxic patients' TcTU values overlapped with the normal TcTU range, the diagnosis was made using qualitative image analysis. Subacute thyroiditis was characterized by poor thyroid visualization, whereas Graves'/toxic nodular goiter was well visualized. Conclusion The mean and range of our local normal TcTU were similar to those previously published. TcTU was a useful alternative to radioiodine in the evaluation of thyrotoxicosis. About two-thirds of the patients had accurate test results. The diagnosis was reached in the remaining one-third of patients by combining quantitative and qualitative image features. This method allowed us to stop giving radioiodine to our patients, resulting in a significant reduction in patient radiation exposure.

Quantitative Iodine-123 single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for Iodine-131 therapy of an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.

PURPOSE: Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) are treated with iodine-131 (I-131) therapy, which increases the risk of permanent hypothyroidism; however, the risk can be reduced by separately estimating the accumulated activity for the AFTN and extranodular thyroid tissue (ETT). METHODS: A quantitative I-123 single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT (5 mCi) was performed in one patient with unilateral AFTN and T3 thyrotoxicosis. The I-123 concentrations measured at 24 h were 12.26 µCi/mL and 0.11 µCi/mL in the AFTN and contralateral ETT, respectively. Thus, the I-131 concentrations and radioactive iodine uptake expected at 24 h by 5 mCi of I-131 were 38.59 µCi/mL and 0.31 for the AFTN and 0.34 µCi/mL and 0.007 for the contralateral ETT. The weight was calculated as CT-measured volume multiplied by 1.03. RESULTS: In the AFTN patient with thyrotoxicosis, we administered 30 mCi of I-131, which would maximize the 24-h I-131 concentration in the AFTN (226.86 µCi/g) and maintain a tolerable concentration in the ETT (1.97 µCi/g). The percentage of I-131 uptake at 48 h post I-131 administration was 62.6%. The patient achieved a euthyroid state at 14 weeks and maintained the state until 2 years post I-131 administration with an AFTN volume reduction of 61.38%. CONCLUSION: The pre-therapeutic planning of quantitative I-123 SPECT/CT may enable a therapeutic window for I-131 therapy, which directs optimal I-131 activity to effectively treat AFTN while preserving the normal thyroid tissue.

T1 mapping and reduced field-of-view DWI at 3.0 T MRI for differentiation of thyroid papillary carcinoma from nodular goiter.

BACKGROUND: Reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging (rFOV-DWI) could be proved to quantitatively identify papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and there is no literature regarding the use of T1 mapping to distinguish nodular goiter (NG) from PTC. PURPOSE: To compare T1 mapping with rFOV-DWI in differentiating NG and PTC. STUDY TYPE: Prospective study. POPULATIONS: Ninety-five hospitalized patients with thyroid nodules were included in the research. SEQUENCE: All subjects underwent T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, rFOV-DWI and T1-mapping sequences. ASSESSMENT: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T1 values of each thyroid nodule were measured, respectively. According to pathological results, the thyroid nodules were divided into two groups: Group 1 (NG) and Group 2 (PTC). STATISTICAL TESTS: An independent sample t test was used to evaluate the differences of ADC and T1 between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of T1, ADC, Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) and T1 and ADC. RESULTS: The T1 and ADC values of nodular goiter were both higher than those of PTC (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of T1 and ADC were significantly higher than that of T1 or ADC alone (p < 0.05). The AUC value of T1 and ADC was as same as that of TI-RADS. CONCLUSION: The combination of T1 mapping and rFOV-DWI could effectively differentiate NG from PTC. And it has at least the same diagnostic value as the ultrasound-based TI-RADS classification.

Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter.

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Value of CT-based model in differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) based on CT signs.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on 156 patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in the Imaging Department of Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University College of Medicine from Jan. 2017 to Jan. 2022 as PTC group, and 132 patients with nodular goiter (NG) as NG group. There were 112 females and 45 males in the PTC group. The age was (49.32±3.25) years. There were 104 females and 52 males in NG group. The age was (50.12±3.27) years. Preoperative plain and contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed to analyze the features of the images, and univariate analysis was performed on the morphologic features, high tension, plain "bite cake sign" , enhanced "bite cake sign" , microcalcification, blurred/reduced scope after enhancement, nodule density, and asymmetric diffuse enlargement of thyroid gland. Statistically significant factors were included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and the differential model of PTC was established according to the selected risk factors. The value of the model in the differential diagnosis of PTC was evaluated by ROC curve.Results:The percentages of irregular shape, no high tension, plain scan "bite cake sign" , enhanced "bite cake sign" , microcalcification, enhanced blur/reduced scope, uniform nodule density, completely slightly low tissue density, no cystic degeneration, and asymmetric thyroid diffuse enlargement in PTC group were higher than those in NG group ( χ2=161.014, 3.387, 95.885, 151.331, 60) . 200, 18.104, 105.260, 16.855, 89.064, 16.913, P<0.05) , suggesting that the above CT signs had important diagnostic value in differentiating PTC and NG. Among the single CT signs, plain scan "bite cake sign" had the highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The sensitivity of PTC diagnosis combined with other signs gradually decreased, while the specificity gradually increased. At the same time, plain scan "bite cake sign" and microcalcification signs had high specificity in PTC identification, and the specificity of PTC identification reached 100.00% when any 4 or more signs were present. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The results showed that irregular morphology ( OR=15.831, 95% CI: 7.444-33.670) , high tension ( OR=0.162, 95% CI: 0.108-0.242) , plain scan "bite cake sign" ( OR=5.601, 95% CI: 2.691-11.659) , microcalcification ( OR=4.031, 95% CI: 2.062-7.880) , edge blur/range reduction after enhancement ( OR=4.761, 95% CI: 3.126-7.260) , uniform density of nodules ( OR=4.778, 95% CI: 3.299-6.290) and increased asymmetric diffusion ( OR=3.758, 95% CI: 1.911-7.391) were important signs for distinguishing NG from PTC ( P<0.05) . The above factors were incorporated into the Logistic regression equation to construct the model, and then the ROC curve was drawn. The results showed that the area under the curve of the model established based on CT signs was 0.94 (0.925-0.983) , and the sensitivity and specificity were 90.37% and 91.45%, respectively. Conclusions:In CT signs, irregular shape, high tension, "biting cake sign" on plain scan, microcalcification, blurred edge/scope reduction signs after enhancement, and uniform nodule density are important signs for differentiating papillary thyroid carcinoma from nodular goiter. The constructed model has good predictive value for identifying papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter / 中国结合医学杂志

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Submental Ectopic Thyroid in a Patient with an Orthotopic Thyroid Gland.

Ectopic thyroid is a rare clinical disease, with the majority of the patient presented with hypo-functional thyroid tissue and absence of orthotopic thyroid gland. During embryogenesis, the thyroid gland descends from the foramen cecum to its normal position located below the larynx and hyoid bone, anterior to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tracheal cartilaginous rings. Any defect that occurs during this period will result in ectopic thyroid. Hence, ectopic thyroid is usually found along the course of the thyroglossal duct, laterally in submandibular glands and even in distant places such as mediastinum or very rarely in sub-diaphragmatic organs. However, the presence of an orthotoptic thyroid may lead some difficulties in the diagnosis of this disease; hence, fine-needle aspiration is recommended to avoid unnecessary operation provided the patient is asymptomatic.