DRIVERS OF THE DECISION TO BIOPSY AND FOLLOW-UP OF SMALL SUSPICIOUS THYROID NODULES

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 857-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Genere ◽  
Maria Daniela Hurtado ◽  
Tiffany Cortes ◽  
Shobana Athimulam ◽  
Ruaa Al Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Nodule Volume ◽  
Ultrasound Features

Objective: In 2015, the updated American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommended observation for suspicious subcentimeter thyroid nodules, based on their indolent course. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of biopsy in suspicious thyroid nodules since the introduction of these guidelines, including factors contributing to clinical decision-making in a tertiary care center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients in the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, with new, subcentimeter suspicious thyroid nodules (by report or by sonographic features) between March, 2015, and November, 2017, not previously biopsied. Results: We identified 141 nodules in 129 patients: mean age 58.1 ± 14.1 years, 74% female, 87% Caucasian. The frequency of biopsy in suspicious thyroid nodules was 39%. Ultrasound features that were the strongest predictors for biopsy on multivariate analysis included: nodule volume (odds ratio [OR] 37.3 [7.5–188.7]), radiology recommendation for biopsy (OR 2.6 [1.8–3.9]) and radiology report of the nodule as “suspicious” (OR 2.1 [1.4–3.2]). Patient’s age and degree of comorbidities did not change the likelihood for biopsy, nor did it vary by clinician type or how the nodule was initially found (incidentally or not incidentally). Among 86 nodules that were not biopsied, 41% had no specific follow-up recommendations. Conclusion: One third of suspicious thyroid nodules underwent biopsy since the release of updated ATA guidelines. Factors driving thyroid biopsy seem to be associated with nodule characteristics but not with patient factors including age and comorbidities. Further studies and development of decision aides may be helpful in providing individualized approaches for suspicious thyroid nodules. Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; OR = odds ratio

scholarly journals ACR TI-RADS and ATA US scores are helpful for the management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thayse Lozovoy Madsen Barbosa ◽  
Cleo Otaviano Mesa Junior ◽  
Hans Graf ◽  
Teresa Cavalvanti ◽  
Marcus Adriano Trippia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
The Us ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
Indeterminate Cytology

Abstract Background Cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules currently present a challenge for clinical decision-making. The main aim of our study was to determine whether the classifications, American College of Radiology (ACR) TI-RADS and 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, in association with The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC), could be used to stratify the malignancy risk of indeterminate thyroid nodules and guide their clinical management. Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study of a cohort of 140 thyroid nodules in 139 patients who were referred to ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from January 2012 to June 2016 with indeterminate cytological results (44 Bethesda III, 52 Bethesda IV and 44 Bethesda V) and in whom pre-FNAC thyroid US images and histological results after surgery were available. Each included nodule was classified by one radiologist blinded to the cytological and histological diagnoses according to the ACR TIRADS scores and the US patterns as recommended in the 2015 ATA guidelines. The risk of malignancy was estimated for Bethesda, TI-RADS scores, ATA US patterns and their combination. Results Of the 140 indeterminate thyroid nodules examined, 74 (52.9%) were histologically benign. A different rate of malignancy (p < 0.001) among Bethesda III, IV and V was observed. The rate of malignancy increased according to the US suspicion categories (p < 0.001) in both US classifications (TI-RADS and ATA). Thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda III and the lowest risk US categories (very low, low and intermediate suspicion by ATA and 2, 3 and 4a by TI-RADS) displayed a sensitivity of 95.3% for both classifications and a negative predictive value of 94.3 and 94.1%, respectively. The highest risk US categories (high suspicion by ATA and 4b,4c and 5 by TI-RADS) were significantly associated with cancer (odds ratios [ORs] 14.7 and 9.8, respectively). Conclusions Ultrasound classifications, ACR TI-RADS and ATA guidelines, may help guide the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules, suggesting a conservative approach to nodules with low-risk US suspicion and Bethesda III, while molecular testing and surgery should be considered for nodules with high-risk US suspicion and Bethesda IV or V.

scholarly journals Modified Models for Predicting Malignancy Using Ultrasound Characters Have High Accuracy in Thyroid Nodules With Small Size

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Jiang ◽  
Qingji Xie ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Haizhen Chen ◽  
Xi Chen
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Thyroid Carcinoma ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Malignancy Risk ◽  
Association Management ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Ultrasound Features

To assess the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules, ten ultrasound characteristics are suggested as key diagnostic markers. The European Thyroid Association Guidelines (EU-TIRADS) and 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines (2015ATA) are mainly used for ultrasound malignancy risk stratification, but both are less accurate and do not appropriatetly classify high risk patients in clinical examination. Previous studies focus on papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) remained to be characterized. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy and establish models using all ultrasound features including the nodule size for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules (PTC, FTC, and MTC) in China. We applied logistic regression to the data of 1,500 patients who received medical treatment in Shanghai and Fujian. Ultrasound features including taller-than-wide shape and invasion of the thyroid capsule showed high odds ratio (OR 19.329 and 4.672) for PTC in this dataset. Invasion of the thyroid also showed the highest odds ratio (OR = 8.10) for MTC. For FTC, the halo sign has the highest odds ratio (OR = 13.40). Four ultrasound features revealed distinct OR in PTC nodule groups with different sizes. In this study, we constructed a logistic model with accuracy up to 80%. In addition, this model revealed more accuracy than TIRADS in 4b and 4c category nodules. Hence, this model could well predict malignancy in small nodules and classify high-risk patients.

Use of Predictive Modeling to Tailor Molecular Testing Utilization for Thyroid Nodules

2021 ◽  
pp. 019459982110041
Author(s):  
Sadia T. Ahmed ◽  
Stevyn Fernandes ◽  
Qi Gao ◽  
Thomas J. Ow ◽  
Richard V. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Endocrinology ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Malignancy Risk ◽  
Estimation System

Objective Various risk stratification systems for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules are available. However, malignancy risk assessment data, such as ultrasound features, are not always used when the decision is to order molecular testing or not. Our aim was to investigate the utility of molecular testing after incorporating an algorithm with ultrasound-based risk of malignancy (ROM) estimation. Study Design Diagnostic/prognostic study. Setting Single-institution urban tertiary care center. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective chart review of all thyroid nodules that had undergone molecular testing. A web-based Malignancy Risk Estimation System for Thyroid Nodules was utilized with ultrasound findings to stratify malignancy risk according to the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), French TI-RADS, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology guideline, and American Thyroid Association guideline. A novel algorithm for utilizing molecular testing at our institution was developed with the Korean TI-RADS and with recommendations from the American Thyroid Association and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Results The Korean TI-RADS performed best in our population (area under the curve = 0.83). A positive molecular test result had a positive association with a higher ROM according to all 4 models ( P < .05). Use of our algorithm prior to molecular testing would have prevented 38% of benign/low-ROM negative nodules (n = 28) from being tested. Conclusion In patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules, an algorithm built on pre- and posttest probability to guide molecular testing might reduce unnecessary testing of benign and low-risk nodules.

scholarly journals CORRELATION BETWEEN ULTRASOUND-BASED ACR TI-RADS AND BETHESDA SYSTEM FOR REPORTING THYROID-CYTOPATHOLOGY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN EASTERN INDIA

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Kapse Pratik Siddheshwar ◽  
Beena Devi Agarwal ◽  
S. S. G. Mohapatra ◽  
Niranjan Sahu ◽  
Apoorva Dixit
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Imaging Tool ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
Initial Imaging ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound(USG) is the initial imaging tool for the assessment of thyroid lesions, due to its easy availability and no radiation risk.USG based TIRADS uses particular lexicons for reporting a focal thyroid nodule,based on which risk of malignancy is calculated and finally a TIRADS category is assigned.The lexicons used are helpful for effective communication between the practitioners. OBJECTIVE:To determine the efficacy of ACR based TIRADS in predicting suspicious thyroid nodules and categorizing the patients in need of further evaluation with FNAC or follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was done over a period of 1 year (January 2019–January 2020)and include 50 patients. Patients having thyroid nodules in B-mode ultrasound were included in the study. The nodules were then grouped into their respective categories based on ACR TI-RADS and further management was decided. Pathological correlation using Bethesda classification and cancer risk of each TIRADS category was determined in the follow-up period simultaneously. RESULTS:All the 6 nodules classified under the TIRADS 5 category were found to be malignant while none of the TIRADS 2 nodules out of 29 were malignant i.e.Bethesda IV or higher.The risk of malignancy for ACR TI-RADS categories 1,2,3,4 and 5 was 0, 14.3, 62.5 and 100%, respectively.The risk of cancer in our study is almost comparable to other prominent studies. CONCLUSION:ACR based TIRADS classification is reliable in predicting thyroid malignancy.

Effect of multidisciplinary tumor conference on clinical management of rectal cancer.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 749-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Karagkounis ◽  
Luca Stocchi ◽  
Ian C. Lavery ◽  
David Liska ◽  
Emre Gorgun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
National Accreditation ◽  
Accreditation Program ◽  
Surgeon Experience

749 Background: Presentation of rectal cancer cases at a multidisciplinary tumor conference (MTC) is a required standard for the newly formed National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. However, its impact on clinical decision-making remains incompletely defined. Our aim was to determine the frequency and manner in which MTC changed the management of patients with rectal cancer at a tertiary academic center. Methods: All rectal cancer cases presented at the weekly Colorectal Cancer MTC between July 2015 and June 2016 at a single institution were prospectively included. Patient demographics and clinical information were recorded. The presenting physician completed a uniform written questionnaire outlining their plan before and after the MTC discussion, and any changes in management as a result of the discussion. Imaging and pathology were reviewed for each case at MTC and consistency with prior interpretation was recorded. Results: 234 unique initial rectal cancer cases were included. Survey responses were obtained for 212 cases (90.6%). The mean patient age was 58.3 years. 37 patients (15.8%) presented with Stage IV disease and 20 (9.4%) had locally recurrent cancer. There was a documented change in plan as a result of the MTC discussion in 70 of 212 (33%) cases surveyed, including 22 cases (10.4%) in which the presenting physician had a “definitive plan” prior to the MTC. Changes in management included a change in therapy or change in therapy sequence in 45 cases (64%), and recommendation of further evaluation in 26 cases (37%). Change in management following MTC did not vary by surgeon experience: it occurred in 31.4%, 37.2% and 29.8% of cases presented by surgeons with < 10, 10-20, and ≥ 20 years of experience respectively (Chi-square p= 0.71). The imaging or pathology review at MTC resulted in a different interpretation than previously reported in 23% and 12% of cases, respectively. Conclusions: MTC changes clinical management for a significant portion of rectal cancer patients at a tertiary care center, independent of the presenting surgeons’ years of clinical experience. Our results highlight the utility of multidisciplinary rectal cancer care and support the MTC standard for the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer.

scholarly journals Subcentimetre thyroid nodules: Sonographic features associated with malignancy

Ultrasound ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian K Woon ◽  
Sarat K Sanamandra ◽  
Parag R Salkade ◽  
Nanda Venkatanarasimha ◽  
Rehena Ganguly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Nodules ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Extrathyroidal Extension ◽  
American Thyroid Association ◽  
Aspiration Cytology ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology ◽  
Malignant Diagnosis ◽  
Ultrasound Features

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the ultrasound features which are associated with malignancy in subcentimetre thyroid nodules. Methods This retrospective study included 454 thyroid nodules <10 mm in size in 413 patients from 2012 to 2016, which were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology. Each nodule was classified according to the ultrasound patterns of the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines and the high suspicion ultrasound features (solid, hypo-echogenicity, irregular margins, microcalcifications, taller-than-wide, interrupted rim calcifications, and extrathyroidal extension) were identified for evaluation of their diagnostic performance. Results Of the American Thyroid Association high suspicion ultrasound features, univariate analysis showed that hypo-echogenicity (sensitivity 81.6% (95% CI 65.7–92.3%), specificity 50.0% (95% CI 43.4–56.6%)), irregular margins (sensitivity 34.2% (95% CI 19.6–51.4%), specificity 92.2% (95% CI 88.0–95.3%)), microcalcifications (sensitivity 23.7% (95% CI 11.4–40.2%), specificity 91.0% (95% CI 86.5–94.3%)), and taller-than-wide (sensitivity 23.7% (95% CI 11.4–40.2%), specificity 92.2% (95% CI 88.0–95.3%)) were significantly associated with a malignant diagnosis. Amongst the above features, subsequent multivariate analysis identified a combination of hypo-echogenicity and irregular margins as significantly associated with malignancy. Our malignancy rates based on American Thyroid Association ultrasound patterns from benign to high suspicion were 0.0, 8.3, 3.9, 15.7, and 40.4%, respectively. The American Thyroid Association high suspicion ultrasound pattern had a sensitivity of 50.0% (95% CI 33.4–66.7%) and specificity of 84.5% (95% CI 79.2–88.9%). Conclusion The presence of both hypo-echogenicity and irregular margins was significantly associated with malignancy in subcentimetre thyroid nodules in our study. Hence, subcentimetre nodules which are hypoechoic with irregular margins may warrant further follow-up.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Anxiety Level of Mothers of Children with Epilepsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Halil Celik ◽  
Sadettin Burak Acikel ◽  
Fatih Mehmet Akif Ozdemir ◽  
Erhan Aksoy ◽  
Ulkuhan Oztoprak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disease ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Routine Examination ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Anxiety Levels

<b><i>Background and Aim:</i></b> Although anyone can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it may cause additional concern for people with chronic conditions. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine anxiety levels among the mothers of children under follow-up for epilepsy in our clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study group consisted of the mothers of epilepsy patients who were under follow-up in the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic of the tertiary care center and were scheduled for a routine examination during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mothers’ anxiety levels according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory and their opinions about COVID-19 in relation to their child were assessed and compared based on whether the mother/patient attended their appointments in person and whether the child had frequent or infrequent seizures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no statistically significant difference in anxiety level between the mothers of 64 children with epilepsy who attended their appointment during the pandemic and those of the mothers of 52 who did not attend their appointment. However, the mothers of children with frequent seizures had significantly higher anxiety levels. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Anxiety level of mothers whose children have frequent seizures was significantly higher compared to mothers whose children have infrequent seizures. It is important to be aware about this point and using telemedicine approach in suitable population and postpone routine outpatient follow-up appointments as much as possible.

scholarly journals Impact of Grade Groups on Prostate Cancer-Specific and Other-Cause Mortality: Competing Risk Analysis from a Large Single Institution Series

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1963
Author(s):  
Daimantas Milonas ◽  
Tomas Ruzgas ◽  
Zilvinas Venclovas ◽  
Mindaugas Jievaltas ◽  
Steven Joniau
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Competing Risk ◽  
Grade Group ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Stable Performance ◽  
Cancer Specific Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Objective: To assess the risk of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) using post-operative International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (GG) model in patients after radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: Overall 1921 consecutive men who underwent RP during 2001 to 2017 in a single tertiary center were included in the study. Multivariate competing risk regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors and quantify cumulative incidence of CSM and OCM. Time-depending area under the curve (AUC) depicted the performance of GG model on prediction of CSM. Results: Over a median follow-up of 7.9-year (IQR 4.4-11.7) after RP, 235 (12.2%) deaths were registered, and 52 (2.7%) of them were related to PCa. GG model showed high and stable performance (time-dependent AUC 0.88) on prediction of CSM. Cumulative 10-year CSM in GGs 1 to 5 was 0.9%, 2.3%, 7.6%, 14.7%, and 48.6%, respectively; 10-year OCM in GGs was 15.5%, 16.1%, 12.6%, 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The ratio between 10-year CSM/OCM in GGs 1 to 5 was 1:17, 1:7, 1:2, 1:1, and 7:1, respectively. Conclusions: Cancer-specific and other-cause mortality differed widely between GGs. Presented findings could aid in personalized clinical decision making for active treatment.

scholarly journals Choice of faecal immunochemical test matters: comparison of OC-Sensor and HM-JACKarc, in the assessment of patients at high risk of colorectal cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Chapman ◽  
Ayan Banerjea ◽  
David J Humes ◽  
Jaren Allen ◽  
Simon Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Faecal Immunochemical Test ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Immunochemical Test

AbstractObjectivesCurrently, NICE recommends the use of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) at faecal haemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) of 10 μg Hb/g faeces to stratify for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in symptomatic populations. This f-Hb cut-off is advised across all analysers, despite the fact that a direct comparison of analyser performance, in a clinical setting, has not been performed.MethodsTwo specimen collection devices (OC-Sensor, OC-S; HM-JACKarc, HM-J) were sent to 914 consecutive individuals referred for follow up due to their increased risk of CRC. Agreement of f-Hb around cut-offs of 4, 10 and 150 µg Hb/g faeces and CRC detection rates were assessed. Two OC-S devices were sent to a further 114 individuals, for within test comparisons.ResultsA total of 732 (80.1%) individuals correctly completed and returned two different FIT devices, with 38 (5.2%) CRCs detected. Median f-Hb for individuals diagnosed with and without CRC were 258.5 and 1.8 µg Hb/g faeces for OC-S and 318.1 and 1.0 µg Hb/g faeces for HM-J respectively. Correlation of f-Hb results between OC-S/HM-J over the full range was rho=0.74, p<0.001. Using a f-Hb of 4 µg Hb/g faeces for both tests found an agreement of 88.1%, at 10 µg Hb/g faeces 91.7% and at 150 µg Hb/g faeces 96.3%. A total of 114 individuals completed and returned two OC-S devices; correlation across the full range was rho=0.98, p<0.001.ConclusionsWe found large variations in f-Hb when different FIT devices were used, but a smaller variation when the same FIT device was used. Our data suggest that analyser-specific f-Hb cut-offs are applied with regard to clinical decision making, especially at lower f-Hb.

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