Early postoperative calcium levels as predictors of hypocalcemia

OBJECTIVE: Early, safe postoperative hospital discharge has become a priority in the current environment of cost containment and managed care. One determinant for this following operations of the thyroid or parathyroid glands is a stable postoperative calcium level. This study sought to determine whether early postoperative calcium levels could safely predict hypocalcemia following operations of the thyroid or parathyroid glands. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of 197 patients undergoing such operations was undertaken. METHODS: The study population was divided into patients undergoing parathyroid exploration with removal of one or more glands for parathyroid disease ("parathyroid" group) and patients undergoing bilateral thyroid operations ("nonparathyroid" group). Postoperative calcium levels were plotted as a function of time, and the slope between the first two postoperative calcium levels examined. RESULTS: A positive slope predicted normocalcemia in 100% of "nonparathyroid" and 90% of "parathyroid" surgeries. A negative slope was predictive in its magnitude. The nonparathyroid patients who developed postoperative hypocalcemia had an average slope significantly more negative (-0.84% change/h) than patients remaining normocalcemic (-0.49% change/h) (P = .03). Similarly, the parathyroid patients who became hypocalcemic had an average initial slope nearly twice as negative (-1.4% change/h) as patients remaining normocalcemic (-0.78% change/h) (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that an initial upsloping postoperative calcium curve based on two early postoperative calcium measurements is strongly predictive of a stable postoperative calcium level, and a steeply downsloping initial calcium curve is worrisome for eventual hypocalcemia.     

Avoiding complicated shunt systems by open fenestration of symptomatic fourth ventricular cysts associated with hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND: The effect of thyroid orbitopathy on intraocular pressure (IOP) remains controversial. We carried out a study to determine the effect of orbital decompression surgery on the IOP in patients with advanced thyroid orbitopathy. METHODS: The records of 12 consecutive patients (22 eyes) who underwent decompression surgery for severe thyroid orbitopathy between 1985 and 1996 were reviewed. All patients were maintained on essentially the same medications before and after surgery. The IOP readings, obtained by means of applanation tonometry in primary gaze, from the pre- and postoperative visits were recorded, and the net change was calculated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative IOP values were 19.8 mm Hg and 16.8 mm Hg respectively, a significant difference (p = 0.008). Seven of eight eyes with an IOP of 21 mm Hg or greater preoperatively had a postoperative IOP less than 21 mm Hg; these eyes showed a mean decrease in IOP of 5.6 mm Hg. The degree of preoperative IOP elevation was found to be a strong predictor of the amount of IOP lowering after surgery (p = 0.014). INTERPRETATION: Our results support the concept that orbital congestion associated with thyroid orbitopathy produces an increase in IOP by elevation of episcleral venous pressure (EVP) and that orbital decompression may reduce the IOP by decreasing EVP. Decompression surgery may obviate the need for more aggressive management of glaucoma in patients with severe thyroid orbitopathy.     

Management of the neck in thyroid cancer

The incidence of nodal metastasis in differentiated thyroid cancer ranges between 40% to 75%. Elective neck dissection is generally not advised in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer; however, if clinically apparent nodal disease is noted in the tracheoesophageal groove during surgery, central compartment clearance is advised. If clinically apparent nodal disease is present in the lateral compartment of the neck, modified neck dissection preserving the sternomastoid, accessory nerve, and jugular vein is advised. The "berry picking procedure" is generally not recommended because of the higher incidence of regional recurrence. Due consideration should be given for parathyroidal transplantation if the blood supply to the parathyroids is damaged during central compartment clearance. The incidence of lymph node metastasis is highest in young patients, however, lymph node metastasis has no bearing on long-term survival. There seems to be a higher incidence of regional recurrence in elderly individuals. If patients present with bulky nodal disease, consideration may be given for postoperative radioactive iodine dosimetry and ablation if necessary. Differentiated thyroid cancer represents a unique disease in the human body, where lymph node metastasis has no prognostic implication. Aggressive surgical clearance is advised in patients with medullary thyroid cancer in the central compartment and the jugular chain lymph nodes.     

Small mammal populations and community under conditions of extremely high thallium contamination in the environment

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of total thyroidectomy performed for benign thyroid disease. METHODS: A total of 106 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign disease from October 1982 to July 1995 were reviewed. The 33 men and 73 women had an average age of 46 years (range, 16 to 82 years). Indications for total thyroidectomy were a thyroid nodule with the history of head and neck radiation in 36 patients, bilateral thyroid nodules in 35, needle biopsy of a follicular neoplasm or frozen section diagnosis of a possible malignancy in 18, and toxic goiter in 17. Total thyroidectomy was performed as the primary operation in 98 patients, and 8 patients had a completion reoperation for recurrent disease. RESULTS: Pathology findings revealed benign nodular goiter in 49 patients, follicular adenoma in 26, hyperplasia in 19, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 12. Postoperative hemorrhage requiring operative hemostasis occurred in two patients (1.9%). Two patients had unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy before operation (1.9%). Three patients had unilateral postoperative RLN palsy (2.8%). Two cases resolved in 3 and 4 months. The only permanent RLN injury occurred in a patient reoperated for a compressive goiter. Early postoperative hypocalcemia (8.0 mg/dl or less) was found in nine patients (8.5%). No patient had permanent hypoparathyroidism at long-term follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease can avoid reoperation for nodular goiter and hyperthyroidism and eliminate any subsequent risk of malignant change in radiated thyroid glands. A low complication rate can be achieved with meticulous surgical technique. Total thyroidectomy can be performed safely for bilateral benign thyroid disease.     

Non-thyroid illness" or changed thyroid hormone parameter syndrome with non-thyroid illnesses

BACKGROUND: The multiple effects of systemic illness on thyroid economy are commonly referred to "non-thyroidal illness" (NTI) or "sick euthyroid syndrome". The various aspects of this common syndrome are summarized in this article. STUDIES: Results of the relevant studies published during the past 25 years were evaluated. The influence of the underlying illness and of drug administration was especially emphasized. RESULTS: The most common abnormalities in NTI are 1. the "low-T3 syndrome" due to a decreased T3 generation from T4 by a reduced activity of 5'-deiodinase (a selenoprotein); 2. the "low-T3 low-T4 state", which is associated with a poor prognosis. The low T4-levels are related to a binding inhibitor that displaces T4 from its binding proteins. However, there exists some controversy regarding the character of this binding inhibitor. 3. The high-T4 state is often found in acute psychiatric and liver diseases. The nutritional status of the patients and drugs known to influence thyroid hormone parameters have to be considered when patients with NTI are evaluated. Some difficulties may arise, when there is evidence of coexisting thyroid disease. Here aside from further biochemical evaluation such as thyroid antibodies, thyroid ultrasound and a thyroid scan have to be performed. CONCLUSION: NTI is associated with various alterations in thyroid hormone parameters when no intrinsic thyroid hormone disease exists. The severity of NTI reflects clinical outcome and clinical amelioration is associated with normalization of thyroid hormone parameters. There is no need for specific therapeutic intervention such as the administration of thyroid hormones in patients with the various forms of the NTI-syndrome.     

To peritonealize or not to peritonealize? A randomized trial at abdominal hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine whether nonclosure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum alters the intraoperative or postoperative course at abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: The setting was a gynecology unit in a university teaching hospital. A parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 144 women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy. Seventy-six women were allocated to the control "closed" group and 68 women to the study "open" group. The main outcome measures were operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain assessed by visual analog scale, and amount of postoperative analgesia. RESULTS: The mean operative time was shorter by 10 minutes (p < 0.001) and there was a 45 ml reduction of estimated blood loss in the nonclosure group (p=0.03). There were no differences in postoperative pain in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal closure at abdominal hysterectomy provides no immediate postoperative benefits while unnecessarily lengthening surgical time and anesthesia exposure. We suggest that the traditional practice of visceral and parietal peritoneal closure be abolished at abdominal hysterectomy.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of S-100 alpha-positive cells in bovine mycobacterial and non-mycobacterial granulomas

Poorly differentiated carcinomas of the thyroid share insular, trabecular, and solid histological patterns that are different from those of papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic varieties. We have collected 63 cases of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Thirty-one tumors (Group A) corresponded to the so-called insular carcinomas, and 32 tumors (Group B) had predominant trabecular and solid or focally follicular patterns in the presence of a minor insular component. The cells characterizing these lesions were relatively small and globoid, with uniform nuclei and intracytoplasmic deposits of thyroglobulin. They were in every respect similar to primordial cells present in the early stages of fetal thyroid development. None of the tumors proved fatal within 6 months, and most responded to radioiodine therapy. Although no differences in survival between the two groups were found, a significantly (p < 0.01) higher percentage of recurrences or distant metastases was observed with Group A tumors. The term primordial cell carcinoma appears appropriate for this type of tumor, which displays characteristic histocytological features and production of thyroglobulin. Clinically, these tumors are aggressive but generally show a slow course and good response to radioiodine therapy.     

Germline dinucleotide mutation in codon 883 of the RET proto-oncogene in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B without codon 918 mutation

The autosomal dominant multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes (MEN 2) comprise three clinically distinct entities, MEN 2A, familial medullary thyroid carcinoma and MEN 2B, which share a common clinical feature: medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). MEN 2B is considered to have the most aggressive form of MTC. Therefore, early detection of MEN 2B in order to prevent potentially lethal MTC is important. More than 95% of all MEN 2B cases are caused by germline mutation at codon 918 (M918T) in exon 16 of the RET proto-oncogene. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of germline codon 883 mutation (A883F) in 2 of 3 unrelated MEN 2B cases without codon 918 mutation. Our data demonstrate a novel etiologic event which may have roles in predisposition to MEN 2B when present in the germline and in the pathogenesis of sporadic MTC when somatic.     

Reduction in triiodothyronine levels following modified Fontan procedure

Diminished cardiac function is a common manifestation following the modified Fontan procedure. Since thyroid hormone has important effects on cardiovascular function, the present study was undertaken to evaluate changes in thyroid hormone levels following this operation. A control group consisting of children undergoing open heart procedures other than a Fontan procedure was also evaluated. Serum total and free triiodothyronine (T3), total and free thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin were measured by immunoassays. The Fontan group demonstrated an initial increase in free T4, while free T3, total T3, total T4, TSH, and thyroglobulin were reduced. Over the subsequent days, free T4 decreased to below the preoperative value. By the fifth and eighth postoperative days, free T3, total T3, free T4, and total T4 remained reduced, while TSH and thyroglobulin began increasing toward the preoperative levels. The control group also demonstrated decreases in free T3 and TSH. However, these values had returned to baseline by the fifth postoperative day. The results indicate that children undergoing open heart surgery have suppression of the pituitary-thyroid axis, and that this is prolonged in patients undergoing Fontan procedure. The decreased levels of T3 following Fontan procedure may have adverse effects on the recovery of patients undergoing this operation.     

Medical care in 7 Chilean cities

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMECE) is a recently recognized malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Two additional cases of this condition which occurred in a 70-year-old woman and a 69-year-old woman are presented. The case of the 70-year-old woman (patient 1) is the first report of distant metastasis, besides lymph node metastasis, for this type of tumor. The patient initially presented with a thyroid mass, and the thyroid gland with surrounding cervical lymph nodes was removed. Because of focal keratin "pearl" formation, the tumor was misinterpreted as a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the thyroid. Approximately 4 years later, the patient developed a left supraclavicular mass and lung densities. A pathological fracture of the right humeral head followed, and the left supraclavicular mass recurred along with newly developed subcutaneous nodules on the chest wall and arm. Open lung and bone biopsies revealed metastatic SMECE, which was morphologically identical to that of the thyroid mass. The 69-year-old woman (patient 2) had, in 1983, undergone thyroidectomy with left radical neck dissection; this had been diagnosed as follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with lymph node involvement. After multiple isolated lymph nodes metastases, the patient developed locally extensive, recurrent tumor that showed microscopic features of SMECE. Review of the previous thyroid tumor and lymph nodes revealed the same type of histology. To our knowledge, only a single report containing eight cases of this distinctive carcinoma of the thyroid has been published. Herein we describe characteristic morphological features of two additional cases of this rare malignancy, one with distant metastasis, and we review the related literature.     

Interventional radiology in postoperative recurrent goiter

Roentgeno-endovascular functional thyroidectomy was used to suppress the pathological activity of the thyroid in postoperative recurrent goiter. The method consists in vascular isolation of hyperplastic stump of the thyroid by catheterization of the left and right thyroid arteries, followed by their material occlusion. For embolization, a wide spectrum of nonlysed synthetic, organic, and inorganic materials were used. The results of roentgeno-endovascular functional thyroidectomy in 14 patients with postoperative recurrent goiter are analyzed. The advantages of roentgeno-endovascular occlusion of the thyroid arteries before subtotal thyroidectomy are emphasized. A stabile clinical and hormonal remission and reduction of the thyroid in size to stage 1 were observed during three years following roentgeno-endovascular intervention.     

The presynaptic mechanism of interaction of cholinesterase reactivator and muscarinic antagonists in the animal''s defence in organophosphate intoxication

Since the year 1987 to 1996 all kinds of thyroid surgeries were performed at the ENT Department. Altogether 604 patients underwent 655 surgeries. Total lobectomy or total thyroidectomy represented the most common procedures. Due to a gentle surgical technique, which we call "preparation", good results were achieved in the morbidity of laryngeal recurrent nerve (permanent palsy in 0.6%), and in perioperative or postoperative bleeding (0.3% of wound revisions, 0.5% of blood transfusions). Postoperative hypoparythyroidism was found in 4.7% patients. There is no correlation between postoperative hoarseness and laryngeal recurrent nerve palsy. Laryngeal endoscopy immediately after surgery is the most valuable diagnostic procedure.     

Malignant tumors of the thyroid

Carcinoma of the thyroid gland is not common. The majority of lesions in this series were differentiated in type. The treatment of choice is almost total thyroidectomy supplemented by I131 in some cases. L-thyroxine was prescribed routinely for all patients postoperatively for replacement and depression treatment. The immediate postoperative mortality was about 1% and prognosis is relatively good. Undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas are fast growing and very lethal and unfortunately no method of treatment is effective. Only four patients in this group survived more than a year.     

Clinical presentations and predictive variables of thyroid microcarcinoma with distant metastasis

BACKGROUND: Thyroid microcarcinoma is not an uncommon disorder. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical presentation and predictive factors for patients with thyroid microcarcinomas who have distant metastases. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical variables of 97 patients with thyroid microcarcinoma during the period from 1977 to 1995. The patients were divided into 2 groups representing patients with and without distant metastases. These data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U, chi 2 and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Of the 97 patients with thyroid microcarcinomas, there were 6 (6.2%) cases (F/M = 5/1) with distant metastases. Among them, 4 cases were papillary carcinomas and 2 cases were follicular carcinomas. The parameters: age at diagnosis (P = 0.0137), one month postoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level (P = 0.0215), cervical lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0097), and follicular cell type (P = 0.0079), were determined to be factors predictive for distant metastases by statistical analysis. There were no statistical differences between gender (P = 0.5781), postoperative 131I uptake (P = 0.1238), tumor size (P = 0.0571), preoperative thyroid function (P = 0.4425), fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (P = 0.9723), preoperative thyroid scan (P = 0.9765), and operative methods (P = 0.1060) between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most thyroid microcarcinomas presented with relatively benign clinical courses, but patients with adverse predictive factors need more aggressive interventions to improve outcome.     

Amino acids and vitamins prevent culture-induced metabolic perturbations and associated loss of viability of mouse blastocysts

BACKGROUND: Subsequent to the publication of a report in 1984 entitled "Poorly Differentiated ("Insular") Carcinoma: A Reinterpretation of Langhans "wuchernde Struma," poorly differentiated insular thyroid carcinoma (PDITC) has become recognized as a distinct thyroid neoplasm. It is classified morphologically and biologically as an intermediate entity between well-differentiated (papillary and follicular) and undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinomas. Only a few publications have addressed the findings with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). CASE: A 67-year-old female presented for evaluation of a massively enlarged thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid with a 22-gauge needle showed many large, multilayered, round to oval nests of tumor cells, 0.2-0.4 mm in diameter. Rosettelike configurations of 8-15 cells, 0.025-0.050 mm in diameter, were also observed. Nests of neoplastic cells in the histologic sections were virtually identical to those in the fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens. When the patient developed metastatic cervical adenopathy one year later, a microfollicular pattern was seen on both the FNAB and histologic sections. CONCLUSION: When nests of tumor cells, 0.2-0.4 mm in diameter, are identified in a thyroid FNAB specimen, PDITC should be included in the differential diagnosis. A microfollicular pattern in a metastatic lymph node does not exclude the possibility that the primary tumor is a PDITC.     

Postoperative follow-up after extraction of an impacted lower third molar

BACKGROUND: On the basis of an anatomo-surgical classification adopted in our Department, that divides impacted lower third molars into (1) ectopic, (2) dystopic and (3) in the proper anatomical site, and the latter into Class A (complete bone impaction without pathology of the second molar), Class B (mucosal impaction with pathology of the second molar: Subclass B1, if the mucosa distal to the second molar is of a normal amount; Subclass B2, if the retromolar mucosa is plentiful), and Class C (mucosal semi-impaction), the authors carried out a comparative study on 20 patients who underwent extraction of both Class C lower third molars. METHODS: These operations were performed, in each patient, on one side raising an Archer's flap and on the other introducing a modification of the incision lines using Z-plasty for flap design. The patients were examined from the first postoperative hours up to the 7th day following a protocol aimed at monitoring the postoperative variables pain, edema, trismus, infection and healing time. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results, analyzed by Student's "t"-test, are statistically significant (p < 0.05), and favour the hypothesis that the technical modification proposed for the flap, by permitting a better closure of the socket, involves a lesser incidence of postoperative complications and in any case a more comfortable postoperative course.     

Effectiveness of preoperative radioactive iodine (131I) therapy for locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer: a case report

We report here the effectiveness of preoperative radioactive iodine-131 (131I) therapy for locally advanced thyroid cancer. A 57-year-old woman demonstrated a hard neck tumor that markedly invaded the surrounding organs. The cytological diagnosis of the tumor using fine-needle aspiration biopsy was papillary carcinoma. Because curative resection of the tumor appeared difficult at her first visit, 131I therapy was performed prior to surgery and was more useful than expected. After 3 131I treatments, the tumor size was greatly reduced, and the patient underwent a curative operation. Histopathological diagnosis was well differentiated papillary carcinoma, pT4 and pN1b. The postoperative clinical course was uneventful. There have been no definitive reports using 131I as preoperative treatment for inoperable thyroid cancer. We suggest that 131I therapy may also be beneficial as neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced thyroid carcinoma.     

The role of thyroid resection during reoperation for persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: The role of "blind" thyroid lobectomy in the surgical management of patients with persistent or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism is not known. We reviewed our experience with reoperation for hyperparathyroidism to determine the utility of blind thyroid resection in this setting. METHODS: From 1982 to 1995, 269 patients underwent reoperation for hyperparathyroidism at our institution. All patients had biochemical confirmation of hyperparathyroidism and underwent noninvasive and if necessary invasive localization studies. Patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy in an attempt to extirpate the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland form the basis of this report. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 269 patients (12%) underwent thyroid lobectomy to remove a parathyroid gland. Intrathyroidal parathyroids were confirmed in 19 of 32 patients (59%). In 18 of 19 patients (94%), preoperative or intraoperative ultrasonography correctly identified an intrathyroidal lesion suspicious or a parathyroid. Only 1 of 6 patients (17%) undergoing a blind thyroidectomy had an intrathyroidal gland identified. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 95% and a negative predictive value of 99.5% in detecting an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of an intrathyroidal parathyroid gland in our series is low (19 of 269, 7%). Ultrasonography can be used reliably to select patients for thyroid resection, reducing the need to perform a blind thyroid lobectomy and avoiding the potential morbidity of thyroid resection in this clinical setting.     

Improvement of the merthiolate-iodine-formalin (MIF) fecal technique for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Ascaris lumbricoides eggs

A patient with a history of total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma showed a solitary hot spot in the chest on post-therapy radioiodine imaging. Subsequent evaluation demonstrated that this lesion was a primary squamous-cell lung cancer. Our case illustrates a rare but important differential diagnosis from lung metastasis of thyroid cancer in 131I scintigraphy. Alternatively, this "aberrant uptake" might be a rather common phenomenon for lung neoplasms, although the underlying mechanism is not yet known. Future experimental studies might lead to a new application of radioiodine imaging in pulmonary oncology.