Tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma arising from a thyroglossal cyst: report of a case with diagnosis by fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND: Papillary carcinoma arising from a thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is the most frequent malignancy arising from this embryologic remnant of the thyroglossal duct. The preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of such neoplasms has rarely been cited. Approximately 170 TDC cases have been reported in the literature worldwide, diagnosed solely on histopathology. CASE: A 63-year-old woman presented with an anterior midline neck mass of years' duration. A hypodense cyst was located at the level of the hyoid bone. FNAC of the midline neck mass showed bloody, mucoid material and numerous atypical, elongated cells. The aspirated material was reported as "papillary carcinoma possibly arising from the thyroglossal duct," and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic investigation on resection material. CONCLUSION: Tall cell variant is a rare variant of papillary carcinoma and has a poor prognosis. The differential diagnosis includes Hürthle cell lesions, oncocytic papillary thyroid carcinoma and Warthin-like papillary carcinoma.     

Kyste du tractus thyréoglosse dégénéré révélant un microcarcinome papillaire multifocal de la thyroïde

The malignant degeneration of thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is a very rare phenomenon. It occurs 1% of operated cysts where papillary carcinoma represents the most frequent pathological type. The authors report a clinical observation of a papillary carcinoma of thyroid occurring in a thyroglossal duct cyst concomitant to a multifocal micropapillary thyroid discovered in a 21-year-old woman. A total thyroidectomy was performed. A complementary treatment by radioactive iodine 131 (3,7 GBq) was undertaken. Two years later, the patient is doing well and does not present any sign of recurrence. In the light of this observation, the authors propose to report the diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of degenerated thyroglossal duct cyst.     

Diagnostic Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of an Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Gland and Subsequent Eucalcemia in a Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

ObjectiveTo present the clinical course of a patient with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) whose intrathyroidal parathyroid gland was diagnosed by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).MethodsWe describe the clinical course and laboratory, radiographic, and microscopic findings of a patient with persistent PHPT due to an intrathyroidal cystic parathyroid gland and review the relevant literature.ResultsA 74-year-old man with PHPT (presenting serum calcium concentration, 16.2 mg/dL; intact parathyroid hormone [PTH] concentration, 341 pg/mL) had surgical excision of the right superior, right inferior, and left inferior parathyroid glands, but the left superior parathyroid gland remained unidentified. Microscopic examination revealed parathyroid hyperplasia. Technetium Tc 99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography imaging showed uptake in 2 foci, 1 on each side of midline in the neck. Reoperation with attention to the left neck failed to locate another parathyroid gland. Neck ultrasonography demonstrated a complex nodule within the right lower lobe of the thyroid. Results from FNAB of the solid component were consistent with parathyroid cells, and cystic fluid PTH concentration was greater than 1800 pg/mL. Nine months later, neck ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic area located posterior to the inferior pole of the right thyroid. The patient remained eucalcemic 16 months postprocedure.ConclusionAutoinfarction of the parathyroid gland and aspiration of cystic fluid may explain resolution of hypercalcemia. Although PHPT due to functioning parathyroid cysts is rare, and PHPT due to cystic parathyroid hyperplasia has been described, this is the first case report of a patient with persistent PHPT due to a functional parathyroid cyst whose diagnosis by FNAB was followed by eucalcemia. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:80-86)     

Subacute thyroiditis manifesting as a thyroid mass, vocal cord paralysis, and hypercalcemia

ObjectiveTo report a case of subacute thyroiditis manifesting as a thyroid mass, vocal cord paralysis, and hypercalcemia.MethodsWe describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings in a patient with an unusual clinical course of subacute thyroiditis.ResultsA 65-year-old woman presented with a hoarse voice and an enlarging tender mass in the right side of the neck. On admission, thyroid function was consistent with thyrotoxicosis from subacute thyroiditis. Laboratory studies showed a corrected serum calcium concentration of 11.4 mg/dL, intact parathyroid hormone of 125 pg/mL, 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 12 ng/mL, and creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL. Computed tomography of the neck without use of a contrast agent showed a heterogeneous mass in the right side of the neck in conjunction with deviation of the trachea from right to left but without invasion of the trachea. Thyroid ultrasonography disclosed a heterogeneous mass in the right thyroid lobe measuring 4.7 cm by 5.5 cm by 4.5 cm. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed right vocal cord paralysis. Treatment with a course of prednisone yielded normalization of the serum calcium level, improvement in her voice, and a decrease in size of the thyroid mass. Four months after initial presentation of the patient, thyroid hormone levels became normal, she was clinically euthyroid, and she had a full recovery of her voice. Her serum calcium concentration was normal (9.8 mg/dL) in association with a near-normal parathyroid hormone level of 90 pg/mL. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D and creatinine values were also normal. Repeated thyroid ultrasonography showed a smaller right thyroid lobe with a dominant nodule measuring 2.0 cm by 1.3 cm by 1.4 cm in the right upper pole.ConclusionThis case illustrates that subacute thyroiditis can have the unusual initial manifestations of a thyroid mass, vocal cord paralysis, and hypercalcemia. In similar patients, a trial of corticosteroid therapy may be warranted in an effort to improve clinical symptoms and thus avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e17-e20)     

Long-Term Follow-Up of a Patient With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma,Elevated Thyroglobulin Levels,and Negative Imaging Studies

ObjectiveTo describe a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who had measurable thyroglobulin (Tg) levels for 20 years without clinical or imaging evidence of a malignant lesion.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical course, pathologic findings, Tg measurements, and results of various imaging studies in our patient and reviewed the literature regarding Tg-positive, diagnostic total-body radioiodine scan-negative patients with thyroid cancer.ResultsFour months after a 3.5- by 3.5-cm follicular thyroid cancer was removed from the anterior neck area of a 5-year-old girl, a bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. At age 12 years, she presented with a 2-cm mass on the right side of the neck. After a completion thyroidectomy, recurrent mixed papillary-follicular thyroid cancer was found scattered throughout the remaining thyroid parenchyma. Although a postoperative diagnostic total-body radioiodine scan did not reveal uptake of ¹³¹I, the Tg level was 58 ng/mL. Despite Tg levels as high as 2,528 ng/mL, the patient had no clinical evidence of thyroid cancer during a 20-year period of follow-up. Moreover, numerous imaging studies, including total-body scanning after the administration of 150 mCi of ¹³¹I and [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, were negative. Review of pathologic specimens from both operations with use of updated diagnostic criteria indicated that the tumor was a papillary thyroid carcinoma.ConclusionOur observations and the observations of other investigators indicate that some thyroid cancers produce Tg so efficiently that high levels of Tg may be associated with tumors that remain too small to be detected by imaging studies. The Tg levels may remain stable, decline, or even disappear over time without treatment. (Endocr Pract. 2005;11:43-48)     

Hürthle cell Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as A “Hot” Nodule

ObjectiveTo report an unusual clinical scenario and a rare histopathologic finding of Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma in a patient with an autonomous thyroid nodule.MethodsWe describe the presentation and clinical course leading to the surprising histopathologic diagnosis of Hürthle cell carcinoma in a pediatric patient who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism presenting as a solitary toxic nodule.ResultsA 13-year-old white girl presented with a recent history of a palpable thyroid nodule during a routine primary care clinic visit. She was asymptomatic, and thyroid function tests revealed a suppressed thyrotropin concentration, high-normal free thyroxine concentration, and elevated triiodothyronine concentration. The patient underwent dedicated thyroid ultrasonography revealing a 3.5-cm complex mass in the left lobe with increased central vascularity. Iodine 123 imaging of the thyroid demonstrated homogenous, hyperintense activity in the left lobe. The right lobe was not visualized. A solitary toxic nodule was diagnosed, and, considering her age, she was referred for surgical management. The patient underwent a left lobectomy with isthmusectomy. Pathologic examination revealed a 5-cm, encapsulated, well-differentiated Hürthle cell carcinoma with negative margins and no lymphovascular invasion. The patient underwent subsequent completion thyroidectomy with no evidence of residual carcinoma in the right thyroid lobe.ConclusionsMalignancy in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules is rare. Most of the thyroid nodules presenting as “hot” on radioiodine scintigraphy are benign follicular adenomas. However, this case represents a rare clinical entity, and it highlights the need for clinicians to be vigilant and aware that occasionally carcinomas can masquerade as scintigraphic “hot” nodules. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:e68-e72)     

Papillary carcinoma in an ectopic thyroid

Ectopic thyroid tissue can be seen anywhere from the foramen caecum to the lower neck. Most frequently it presents as a thyroglossal duct cyst associated with a normal thyroid gland. Less common is total ectopia, which can occur as a lingual thyroid or occasionally in non-lingual locations. Malignant transformation of such ectopic tissue is extremely uncommon. Only 21 cases of lingual thyroid carcinomas have been reported until 1971. We present, to our knowledge, the first case of a papillary carcinoma in a non-lingual ectopic thyroid in the absence of an orthotopic thyroid.     

An Unusual Case of Primary Hyperparath Yroidism with Profoundly Elevated Parath Yroid Hormone Levels

ObjectiveTo report the case of a man who presented with profoundly elevated parathyroid hormone levels in the setting of hypercalcemia, a palpable neck mass, renal disease, and metabolic bone disease.MethodsWe describe the clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings of the patient, including results from genetic testing of the CDC73 gene (HRPT2), and review the relevant literature.ResultsA 28-year-old man with a history of childhood abdominal neuroblastoma treated with chemotherapy and field radiation therapy presented with a 2-week history of persistent left scapular pain and swelling. He had a freely mobile, 1-cm, homogeneous, nontender, firm nodule in the right anterior neck. Parathyroid hormone concentration at hospital admission was 1127 pg/mL. Single-photon emission computed tomography after intravenous administration of technetium Tc 99m–labeled sestamibi revealed an intense focus of abnormal radiotracer uptake on early and delayed images in the right anterior inferior neck. Computed tomography imaging of the chest and neck revealed a 1.9-cm, smooth, calcified nodule posterior to the right lobe of the thyroid gland and diffusely osteopenic bones with trabecular resorption and numerous scattered lucent regions consistent with brown tumors. On bilateral neck exploration, a right inferior parathyroid mass and the left superior parathyroid gland were excised. The remaining 2 parathyroid glands were identified intraoperatively and appeared normal. Genetic testing of the CDC73 gene did not detect germline mutations.ConclusionsThis case highlights the overlap between the clinical findings seen in primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid carcinoma. Enhanced understanding of the genetic and molecular bases of primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid carcinoma should aid in the diagnosis of these diseases and the care of affected patients. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:892-897)     

Synchronous Parathyroid Carcinoma,Parathyroid Adenoma,and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with Severe and Long-Standing Hyperparathyroidism

ObjectiveTo describe a patient presenting with the rare constellation of synchronous parathyroid carcinoma, parathyroid adenoma, and papillary thyroid carcinoma.MethodsWe summarize the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, surgical management, and pathologic features of our patient and review the pertinent literature.ResultsThe patient was a 59-year-old man who presented with severe clinical manifestations of long-standing primary hyperparathyroidism, a serum calcium concentration of 14.4 mg/dL, and a parathyroid hormone level of 2,023 pg/mL. He was found to have a 3.4-cm parathyroid carcinoma on the left side and a 3.2-cm papillary carcinoma in the right thyroid lobe. In addition, a 917-mg parathyroid adenoma was found on the right side.ConclusionSynchronous parathyroid and thyroid carcinomas are extremely rare. To our knowledge, our patient is the first documented case with a parathyroid adenoma in addition to synchronous parathyroid and thyroid carcinomas. The presence of concurrent parathyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenoma can cause diagnostic confusion and should be considered in patients presenting with severe hyperparathyroidism. Any concomitant thyroid nodules must be investigated to rule out thyroid carcinoma. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:463-468)     

An Unusual Case of Recurrent Hyperparathyroidism and Papillary Thyroid Cancer

ObjectiveTo report an unusual occurrence of recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to papillary thyroid carcinoma.MethodsWe describe the clinical history, physical examination findings, laboratory values, imaging findings, and pathologic findings of a woman who developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism 13 years after successful parathyroidectomy.ResultsA 59-year-old woman presented to our clinic with recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism. In 1994, she presented with nephrolithiasis and underwent resection of a right superior parathyroid adenoma that resulted in clinical and biochemical cure. Her clinical course had been followed at periodic intervals, and she had been symptom-free and normocalcemic. In 2007, she again developed nephrolithiasis and was documented to have recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Imaging studies suggested a parathyroid adenoma near the right inferior pole of the thyroid. The patient had reoperative neck exploration. No obvious parathyroid adenoma was found and a right thyroid lobectomy was performed, which resulted in normalization of intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone levels, and the incision was closed. Final pathology demonstrated no parathyroid adenoma, but instead, a 1-cm papillary thyroid carcinoma that stained positive for parathyroid hormone. More than 6 months after surgery, she remains clinically and biochemically cured.ConclusionsRecurrent hyperparathyroidism occurs secondary to multiple causes. This case demonstrates the challenge a surgeon faces in managing recurrent disease and highlights a rare phenomenon of papillary thyroid cancer causing recurrent hyperparathyroidism. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:349-352)     

Unusual Case of Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis “Illicit” use of a Technetium Scan to Diagnose a Transiently Toxic Thyroid Nodule

ObjectiveTo present an unusual case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) associated with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule, which was detected by means of a technetium scan; review the existing literature regarding the association of AIT with autonomous thyroid nodules; and explore the use of radioisotope imaging studies in patients with AIT.MethodsWe describe a 62-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, receiving long-term amiodarone therapy, who was referred by his cardiologist for evaluation of abnormal thyroid function tests. He was found to have an unusual case of AIT, associated with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.ResultsThyroid function studies obtained by the patient’s cardiologist had shown a completely suppressed thyrotropin level and a free thyroxine level of 3.5 ng/dL. A 24-hour thyroid iodine 123 uptake and technetium Tc 99m pertechnetate scan revealed a “single, strong focus in the right thyroid lobe, with the rest of the thyroid gland...not well visualized.” Thyroid ultrasonography disclosed a single, well-defined 1.5-cm solid nodule. Repeated thyroid function studies revealed a normal thyrotropin level of 2.87 μIU/mL and a normal free thyroxine level of 2.4 ng/dL. The patient was managed conservatively with follow-up surveillance.ConclusionProspective studies should be performed to better ascertain the value of Tc 99m thyroid scanning in determining the cause of AIT. Until such studies have been completed, we suggest that nuclear studies are unlikely to be cost-effective for assessing all patients with AIT. One logical strategy would be to gain experience with scans in only those patients with known thyroid nodules, which have been detected during physical examination or by ultrasonography. The potential clinical utility of such an approach would be of considerable interest. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:413-416)     

Ectopic Intrathyroidal Nonfunctioning Parathyroid Cyst

ObjectiveTo describe a rare case of ectopic intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst (PC) in a 29-year-old woman who had been referred to us because of a multinodular goiter.MethodsWe review the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings as well as the treatment in our patient and provide a brief discussion of the associated literature.ResultsUltrasonography of the neck showed the presence of 2 thyroid nodules in the left lobe, the larger of which was solid and the smaller of which had a cystic appearance. A small nodular area was also found in the right thyroid lobe (diameter, less than 8 mm). A thyroid scan performed with technetium showed the absence of uptake by both left lobe nodules. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the 2 major nodular lesions revealed that the larger thyroid nodule was benign and the smaller was a cyst with clear fluid. Measurement of parathyroid hormone in the FNAB fluid showed a high concentration, suggestive of the diagnosis of PC. Normal serum levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium indicated that it was a nonfunctioning intrathyroidal PC. The PC disappeared after FNAB, but the lesion recurred 3 months later. Therefore, the patient underwent near-total thyroidectomy. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of intrathyroidal PC, and a papillary microcarcinoma (6 mm in diameter) was found in the right lobe of the thyroid.ConclusionAlthough an ectopic intrathyroidal PC is rare, the frequency of occult papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid is high. The association we describe, however, should be considered incidental. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an association of an intrathyroidal PC with papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:56-58)     

Zinner’s syndrome: report of two cases and review of the literature

Background

Congenital malformations of the seminal vesicle are uncommon, and most of them are cystic malformations. If an insult occurs between the 4th and the 13 h gestational week, the embryogenesis of the kidney, ureter, seminal vesicle, and vas deferens could be altered. Cysts of the seminal vesicle may appear with a mass effect, dysuria, epididymitis, or obstruction of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Approximately two thirds of them are associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis, because both the ureteral buds and seminal vesicles originate from the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct. They were first described by Zinner in 1914, and 200 cases of seminal vesicle cysts associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis have been reported in the literature. Most patients with this anomaly are asymptomatic until the third or fourth decade of life. Some cases have nonspecific symptoms such as prostatism, urinary urgency, dysuria, painful ejaculation, and perineal discomfort. Transrectal ultrasonography provides good visualization of the pelvic structures and allows guidance for aspiration of the cysts.

Case presentation

We present two cases of seminal vesicle cyst. The first patient had dysuria, increased frequency of urination, and haematuria. He was operated and benefited from a removal of the cyst with right ureterectomy and left ureteral reimplantation. The second patient had disorder of the digestive transit and he benefited from a laparoscopic removal of the cyst.

Conclusions

Seminal vesicle cysts combined with ipsilateral renal agenesis are rare urological anomalies. Usual symptoms that are caused by the seminal vesicle cysts are bladder irritation and obstruction as well as pain in the perineum and scrotum. Epididymitis is frequently found. Treatment consists to removing the seminal vesicle cyst.

     

神经肌肉电刺激联合吞咽康复训练对脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图及舌骨喉复合体动度的影响

摘要 目的：观察吞咽康复训练、神经肌肉电刺激（NMES）联合治疗对脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图及舌骨喉复合体动度的影响。方法：选取2018 年9月~2020年10 月期间在我院治疗的70例脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者,根据住院号尾数的奇偶将患者分为对照组和实验组,各35例。对照组仅进行吞咽康复训练,实验组在此基础上接受NMES治疗,两组均治疗2个疗程,观察治疗前后两组患者吞咽功能、表面肌电图、舌骨喉复合体动度及生活质量变化。结果：治疗2个疗程后,实验组患者的吞咽功能改善总有效率高于对照组,组间比较有显著性差异（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组吞咽时程缩短、最大波幅值升高,且实验组的吞咽时程短于对照组,最大波幅值高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组舌骨上移距离、舌骨前移距离、甲状软骨上移距离、甲状软骨前移距离增大,且实验组的舌骨上移距离、舌骨前移距离、甲状软骨上移距离、甲状软骨前移距离大于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗2个疗程后,两组SWAL-QOL总分均升高,且实验组的SWAL-QOL总分高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：NMES联合吞咽康复训练应用于脑卒中后吞咽障碍患者,可有效促进其吞咽功能改善,提高舌骨肌肌群肌力及生活质量。     

Recurrent Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis Attributable to a Piriform Sinus Fistula in an Adult

ObjectiveTo report a case of recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) caused by a piriform sinus fistula (PSF).MethodsWe review the related literature and describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of a patient with recurrent AST due to PSF.ResultsA 50-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of pain and swelling in the left anterior neck area and odynophagia. The initial episode, 1 year previously, lasted for 1 month, and her condition improved with a short course of prednisone. Subsequently, the neck pain recurred and extended upward to both sides of the neck. She was suspected of having thyroiditis and was treated with prednisone for 6 weeks, but the symptoms persisted. Physical examination showed tenderness and induration of the skin over the left lobe of the thyroid. Ultrasonography disclosed an ill-defined solid-cystic area in the left thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed acute inflammation, consistent with an infected cyst. A computed tomographic scan of the neck showed obscuration of the fat planes involving the left strap musculature and evidence suggestive of microabscesses. Prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment ultimately alleviated the symptoms. Direct laryngoscopy revealed a fistula extending anteriorly from the apex of the piriform sinus. The patient underwent complete fistulectomy and left thyroid lobectomy and was asymptomatic on followup.ConclusionPSF should be suspected as a cause of recurrent AST. Absence of fever, toxemia, and local erythema does not rule out the condition. Unresponsiveness to corticosteroid therapy in thyroiditis should suggest the diagnosis. Complete fistulectomy and resection of the involved thyroid lobe result in permanent cure. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:662-666)     

Predicting Malignant Involvement in a Thyroid Nodule: Role of Ultrasonography

ObjectiveTo assess how ultrasonography can contribute during the evaluation of a thyroid nodule and whether this technique can have a role in predicting malignant involvement.MethodsIn this retrospective study, data were analyzed on 220 consecutive patients (with 348 thyroid nodules) who underwent thyroidectomy and had previously undergone assessment by high-resolution thyroid ultrasonography. Nodule size, echogenicity, regularity of margins, halo sign, presence or absence of calcifications, and invasion of surrounding tissues were evaluated. The nodules were classified as low, medium, or high risk for malignant involvement on the basis of nodule characteristics found on ultrasonography. All nodules were submitted to cytologic examination by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) before thyroidectomy. Ultrasound, FNA, and pathologic postoperative results were compared.ResultsAmong the 348 thyroid nodules, 56 were ultrasonographically classified as low risk, 268 as medium risk, and 24 as high risk for malignant potential. Fifty of 56 (89.3%) low-risk nodules and 213 of 268 (79.5%) medium-risk nodules were diagnosed as benign at pathologic postoperative examination. In contrast, however, only 6 of 24 (25%) high-risk nodules were diagnosed as benign. Among the 18 high-risk nodules of 1-cm diameter or larger, FNA showed a 20% false-negative result.ConclusionHigh-risk classification of a thyroid nodule on ultrasonography had a positive predictive value for malignant involvement of 75%. Nodule characteristics analyzed by ultrasonography should be considered at the time of surgical intervention. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13: 219-224)     

Diagnostic Use of Ultrasonography in Patients with Nodular Thyroid Disease

ObjectiveTo review the published reports pertaining to the diagnostic utility of ultrasonography for evaluation of thyroid nodules.MethodsVarious roles for diagnostic thyroid ultrasonography and screening ultrasound studies of the thyroid are discussed, and ultrasound characteristics of thyroid nodules and their association with malignant potential are described.ResultsIn two studies that correlated ultrasound findings with physical examination findings in patients with a solitary thyroid nodule detected by palpation, 16% of such patients had no corresponding nodule evident on ultrasonography, and 45% of such patients had an additional nodule detected by ultrasonography. Similarly, approximately 18% of patients with a palpable multinodular thyroid had no nodules larger than 1 cm in diameter on ultrasound studies. Thyroid nodules larger than 1 cm have been found by ultrasonography to be present in from 2 to almost 5% of the population with normal findings on examination of the thyroid. Use of screening ultrasound study of the thyroid has been suggested for patients with a history of childhood irradiation to the head and neck or a family history of thyroid cancer. Numerous investigations that have evaluated ultrasound features of thyroid nodules have suggested five characteristics as suggestive of malignant potential—hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications. irregular or microlobulated border, absent or irregular thick halo, and increased intranodular vascularity.ConclusionCorrelation of ultrasound and palpation findings will provide a comprehensive evaluation of nodular thyroid disease. Moreover, real-time ultrasonography facilitates characterization of features associated with an increased risk of a malignant lesion. High-resolution thyroid ultrasonography is a dynamic tool for endocrinologists. (Endocr Pract. 2004;10:246-252)     

A Case of Riedel’s Thyroiditis Treated with Tamoxifen: Another Successful Outcome

ObjectiveTo report a case of Riedel’s thyroiditis, which was successfully treated with tamoxifen.MethodsWe present the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and describe the clinical course of a patient with Riedel’s thyroiditis.ResultsA 40-year-old woman presented with hypothyroidism and a large goiter, which was unresponsive to hormone replacement therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of an enlarged thyroid gland, more pronounced on the right than on the left. The patient had progressive discomfort attributable to compressive symptoms in the neck. Surgical exploration of the neck disclosed a hard, immobile thyroid mass, which could not be resected because of adherence to surrounding structures. Biopsy of the thyroid and of the muscles of the neck revealed Riedel’s thyroiditis. Treatment with tamoxifen, in a dosage of 20 mg twice a day for more than 1½ years, completely resolved the neck mass (substantiated by follow-up magnetic resonance imaging) and relieved the signs and symptoms of compression of the neck.ConclusionTamoxifen treatment is effective in resolving the mass and compression in Riedel’s thyroiditis. (Endocr Pract. 2004;10:483-486)     

Preoperative Ultrasonography Findings Predict the Need for Repeated Surgery in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of neck ultrasonography in predicting papillary thyroid cancer persistence or recurrence.MethodsBetween March 2005 and March 2009, we identified patients with a preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Exclusion criteria included no documented preoperative ultrasonography and initial surgery at an outside institution. Patients with positive preoperative ultrasonography were compared with patients who had negative preoperative ultrasonography by assessing rates of neck dissection, complications, disease persistence or recurrence, and the need for repeated surgery.Results:Of 127 patients initially identified, 16 did not have preoperative ultrasonography and 4 did not have their initial surgery at our institution, leaving 107 patients in our cohort. Twenty-two patients had positive preoperative ultrasonography and 85 patients had negative preoperative ultrasonography. Patients with positive preoperative ultrasonography had a higher rate of repeated surgery than those with negative preoperative ultrasonography (27% vs 4.7%, P = .003). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates. No patients with negative preoperative ultrasonography and an ultrasound report stating specifically “no suspicious lymph nodes” required repeated surgery.ConclusionsNegative preoperative ultrasonography with specific lymph node evaluation predicts a low risk of needing early reoperation. Positive preoperative ultrasonography may be a marker for more aggressive disease and the best predictor of the need for additional surgery in the future. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:403-409)