Reporting Thyroid Cytology in a Globalized World

The Italian SIAPEC-AIT 2014 classification, the 2017 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC), the 2016 UK Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) thyroid reporting system, and the 2019 Japanese reporting system for thyroid aspiration cytology (JRSTAC2019) represent the most widely used reporting systems among clinicians and pathologists for the purpose of cytologically diagnosing, estimating the potential risk of malignancy (ROM), and defining the most appropriate treatment for a patient with a thyroid nodule. Although all the systems use overlapping diagnostic categories and morphologic criteria, they differ on the basis of the criteria for inclusion in the cytologic categories, which may, in turn, affect the ROM of a given category and the clinical management of the patient, particularly with regard to the “indeterminate” categories. The aim of this review is to analyze the main differences that emerge between the systems and to propose possible solutions for a comprehensive reporting system that integrates and harmonizes all the criteria of the Italian classification and the Bethesda system, also taking into account the impact that the new tumor entity NIFTP (non-invasive follicular tumor with papillary-like nuclear features) that has, in many instances, replaced the non-invasive form of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, has had on the modification of malignancy risks.

A Case of Follicular Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential (FT-UMP) with Glomeruloid Features Showing Capsular Mucinous Degeneration

The most recent revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of Endocrine Organs introduced a new variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). It is characterized by a “glomeruloid” architectural pattern of growth. We present a case of follicular tumor with glomeruloid features, with Alcian Blue positive mucinous stromal degeneration in foci of questionable capsular microinvasion. At our knowledge, this the second case of glomeruloid follicular tumor in the literature and the first case in which Alcian Blue staining was used to investigate capsular invasion. Moreover, RAS mutation further supports that this is a variant of follicular tumor with uncertain malignant potential.

Localized basaloid follicular hamartoma: A case report

Basaloid follicular hamartoma (BFH) is a rare benign follicular tumor with varied clinical presentation. A 64-year-old male presented with a gradually enlarging plaque on the scalp of 10 years duration, the surface of which showed a unique cobblestone like appearance and dilated follicular openings discharging keratinous material. Histology was initially reported as trichofolliculoma. As the clinical picture was not suggestive of trichofolliculoma, the histopathology was reviewed. A final diagnosis of BFH was made based on the characteristic features such as distorted hair follicles with peripheral extensions of basaloid cells in a branching and anastomosing pattern. A periodic follow-up of such lesions is essential due to the risk of malignant transformation to basal cell carcinoma.

UTILITY OF AFIRMA GENE EXPRESSION CLASSIFIER FOR EVALUATION OF INDETERMINATE THYROID NODULES AND CORRELATION WITH ULTRASOUND RISK ASSESSMENT: SINGLE INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Objective: We assessed our experience with Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) combined with sono-graphic risk assessment, using both the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in evaluating indeterminate thyroid nodules. Methods: We identified 98 patients with 101 nodules who had a second fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) between January 1, 2014, and September 30, 2017, and sent to Veracyte for cytopathology and subsequent Afirma GEC testing. A second FNA biopsy was performed if the initial cytopathology was either Bethesda III or IV (n = 94) or nondiagnostic (n = 7). We correlated cytopathology, histopathology, and Afirma GEC results with sonographic risk assessment using both the ATA system and TI-RADS. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 57.4 ± 12.3 years; 84% women and 60% white. Repeat FNA was benign in 51 of 101 nodules, and of the remaining 50 nodules, 18 (36%) were GEC-benign and 32 (64%) GEC-suspicious. Eighteen of the 32 GEC-suspicious nodules underwent surgery with the following results: 7 benign (39%), 1 follicular thyroid carcinoma (6%), 6 follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (33%), and 4 noninvasive follicular tumor with papillary-like nuclear features (22%). The malignancy rate among the surgical cohort was 39% (without noninvasive follicular tumor with papillary-like nuclear features [NIFTP]) and 61% (with NIFTP) and about 50% and 20% of this group scored in the high suspicion category by ATA and TR5 by TI-RADS, respectively. Conclusion: Afirma GEC was useful in avoiding surgery in one-third of indeterminate nodules and performed similarly to ATA and TI-RADS. However, the use of echogenicity in scoring may underestimate the risk of malignancy in patients with indeterminate nodules. Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; AUS = Atypia of Undetermined Significance; FLUS = Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance; FN = follicular neoplasm; FNA = fine needle aspiration; FTC = follicular thyroid cancer; FVPTC = follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer; GEC = Gene Expression Classifier; ND = nondiagnostic; NIFTP = noninvasive follicular tumor with papillary-like nuclear features; TI-RADS = Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System; TR = TI-RADS

Noninvasive Follicular Tumor With Papillary-like Nuclear Features: A Practice Changer in Thyroid Pathology

Context.— This article presents a review of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), including its separation from follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, its evolution, and current definition and pathologic characteristics. Objectives.— To emphasize the understanding of the concept of NIFTP as a neoplasm based on molecular analyses, its critical histopathologic features, the microscopic findings that exclude the diagnosis and the importance of complete sectioning of the tumor to exclude neoplasms that should be diagnosed as carcinomas. Important distinctions are discussed including difficulties with literature that shows NIFTP with metastases, inadequacy of sectioning of the tumor, and lack of descriptive histology of the surrounding thyroid and possible other lesions. Data Sources.— Review of articles in the English literature on NIFTP, as well as comparative papers showing differences and distinctions between this entity and papillary carcinomas. Conclusions.— This article concludes that with the current state of knowledge on NIFTP with studies from all over the world, this entity is a low-risk neoplasm that, when diagnosed using appropriate criteria, should not be associated with metastatic or recurrent disease, at least on intermediate length of follow-up. This review includes discussion of multifocal NIFTP, as well as the recently defined micro-NIFTP (1 cm or less), and describes features of the tumor that remain to be studied and correlated with outcome: oncocytic variants of NIFTP, percentage of allowable solid areas of growth in the lesions, and definitions of true neoplastic papillae and hyperplastic ones and how these should influence the diagnosis of NIFTP.

Iritable bowel syndrome as the first manifestation of Hashimoto's tireoiditis

Introduction. Hashimoto's thyreoiditis has a complex effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which includes hormone receptor alteration, neuromuscular disorders, myopathies caused by intestinal wall infiltration. Case report. A 44-year-old patient appears in the family medicine clinic due to moderate pain in the lower part of the abdomen present for the past three months, which intensifies before defecation and stops immediately after defecation. He has two to four liquid stools daily in which he has not noticed the presence of mucus or blood for the past two months. He negates earlier illnesses as well as diseases relevant to heredity. Physical examination provides a neat finding. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen is within the age range. Thyroid ultrasound identifies the right flap of a 48x24x10 mm diametre with hypoechogenic calcified nodus 14x12 mm in diameter (meets the criteria of the American Thyroid Association for aspiration biopsy), left flap of 44x20x14 mm diameter. The following are the laboratory findings: TSH 7.66 mIU/l, FT4 6.42 pmol/l, TG 5080 ng/ml, calcitonin 8.94 pg/ml, TG-At 24.99 IU/ ml, TPO-At 500 IU/ml. The patient is instructed on a hygienic dietary regimen and includes spasmolytic and antidiarrheal, and referred to a nuclear medicine specialist who performs an aspiration biopsy (TBSRTC IV follicular tumor). The Oncology Consilium indicates surgery (right-sided lobectomy) with extempore verification and further follow-up. Pathohistological examination of the removed right lobe excludes the presence of malignant disease (struma coloides multinodosa glandulae thyroideae). Antidiarrheal therapy is discontinued and replacement therapy is administered (levothyroxine sodium tablets 50 mcg, qd). Subsequent proctosigmoidoscopy shows a neat finding. One year after surgery the patient is in remission of the disease. Conclusion. Diagnostic evaluation of the thyroid gland in patients with irritable colon syndrome significantly improves quality of life, reduces occupational absenteeism and health care costs.

Long-term results of surgical treatment of thyroid adenomas

Aim. To study the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with thyroid adenomas. Methods. From 2004 to 2006, 667 patients with follicular adenomas of the thyroid gland, including 134 (20.1%) men and 533 (79.9%) women, were operated on in the surgical department №2 of city clinical hospital №11 of Ryazan. 3 groups of patients were defined: group 1 operated on for solitary adenomas of the thyroid gland, 103 patients, hemithyreoidectomy performed; group 2 operated on for multiple adenomas of the thyroid in both lobes, 101 patients, thyroidectomy performed; group 3 32 patients operated on for multiple adenomas of the thyroid in the same lobe, hemithyreoidectomy performed. Patients were examined 14 years after the surgery. Results. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in: group 1 18 (17.5%) patients, group 2 101 (100%), group 3 0. All patients with hypothyroidism were compensated with hormone replacement therapy. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed only in group 2 8 (4.8%) patients. Unilateral laryngeal paralysis was found in group 1 in 1 (0.9%) patient, group 2 in 2 (1.9%) patients, group 3 contained no such patients. Recurrence (node more than 1 cm according to ultrasound) was observed in group 1 in 12 (11.7%) patients; fine-needle aspiration found colloidal nodes in 8 (7.8%) patients (Bethesda II), in 4 (3.9%) follicular tumor (IV). Group 2 had no recurrences. In group 3 11 (34.3%) patients had recurrence; fine-needle aspiration found colloidal nodes in 1 (3.1%) patient (Bethesda II), in 10 (31.3%) follicular tumor (Bethesda IV). Conclusion. In solitary adenomas it is possible to perform organ-saving operations, which reduces the percentage of postoperative complications; in multiple adenomas, the optimal volume of surgery is thyroidectomy; when multiple adenomas are localized in one lobe, the chance of recurrence of the disease (31.3%) is high leading to re-surgery.