Report of A Case of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Following Intracranial Germinoma

Introduction The occurrence of second primary thyroid malignancy should be noticed in survivors of brain germinoma treated by irradiation. Case Report A patient with a history of intracranial germinoma who underwent chemoradiotherapy was referred to our endocrine clinic due to impotency and infertility. The patient received replacement therapy due to hypopituitarism. He returned to us 11 years after brain radiation with enlargement of the thyroid gland. Thyroid ultrasonography showed enlargement with a dominant 62*37 mm solid hypoechoic nodule in the right thyroid lobe. Several lymph nodes at both sides of the neck were seen. Total thyroidectomy revealed PTC with regional metastasis. Conclusion Endocrine disruption must be considered in adult cancer survivors and the importance of long-term follow-up should be emphasized in these patients.

ONCOCYTIC INTRATHYROID PARATHYROID ADENOMA MASQUERADING AS HURTHLE CELL NEOPLASM: FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF TWO CASES

Ectopic parathyroid adenomas in thyroid tissue are uncommon (0.7 - 6%), and their oncocytic variants are exceedingly rare. We report two cases of intrathyroid parathyroid adenoma which were diagnosed as Hurthle cell adenoma on cytology. Case 1 is a 49-year-old female with a 2.4 cm hypoechoic nodule in the left lateral neck. Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay of the aspirate revealed PTH level of 422 pg/ml, conrming the presence of hyperfunctional parathyroid tissue. Subsequent resection of the left thyroid lobe revealed an enlarged intrathyroidal parathyroid. Case 2 is a 58-year-old female with a 2.1 cm hypoechoic nodule in the posterior-mid left thyroid lobe. Strong overexpression of parathyroid hormone and Chromogranin A genes and low expression of thyrocyte-related genes suggested parathyroid origin of the cells sampled. MEN1 mutation and multiple copy number alterations indicated the neoplastic nature of the nodule. Parathyroid oxyphil cells and oncocytic thyrocytes share cytomorphological ndings and distinguishing them by cytology alone is challenging, especially when the targeted lesion is intrathyroidal. Distinguishing intrathyroid oncocytic parathyroid adenoma from oncocytic thyroid follicular lesions has signicant clinical implications as Bethesda-IV category lesions have 20%–30% risk of malignancy. While stippled chromatin or intracytoplasmic fat vacuoles may be suggestive of parathyroid origin, these are not specic. Classifying the origin of a nodule as parathyroid vs thyroid rests upon the detection of PTH in aspirate material by ECL, immunocytochemistry or next-generation sequencing. In parathyroid aspirates, PTH level 100 pg/mL is suggestive of the presence of PTH-secre ≥ ting tissue at the site biopsied or along the needle track.

Primary ectopic breast carcinoma in the axilla. A rare presentation and review of the literature

Ectopic breast tissue (EBT) develops as the result of the incomplete embryologic regression of the mammary ridge, which extends bilaterally from the anterior axilla folds to the inguinal folds in the fifth and sixth weeks of gestation. EBT is encountered in 0.3%–6% of women and 1%–3% of men and can be found anywhere along the milk line. It is subject to the same pathologic changes that affect the orthotopic breast. Primary carcinoma arising on the ectopic breast (PEBC) is a very rare occurrence accounting for 0.3%–0.6% of all breast cancers and is most frequently found in the axilla. Due to the rarity and atypical presentation of the disease, the diagnosis is often delayed. We herein present a very rare case of PEBC in the axilla along with a review of the literature. Any subcutaneous hypoechoic nodule located along the milk line without evidence of inflammation should raise concern for ectopic breast carcinoma. Accurate staging and differential diagnosis with detailed immunohistochemical analysis are required. No specific guidelines on diagnosis and treatment are available and the tumor is treated similarly to the orthotopic breast cancer of a similar stage. Physicians should be aware of this rare entity to avoid treatment delays.

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid: a rare case of a nodule-like structure at ultrasound

An epidermal/(epi)dermoid cyst of the thyroid is a rare cause of an intrathyroidal mass. At radiological evaluation, it may initially be misinterpreted as a thyroid adenoma or carcinoma. We present a case report of a 15-year-old boy, who was evaluated because of a neck mass which caused globus pharyngeus and pain at swallowing. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic nodule-like structure in the left thyroid lobe. Aspiration of the nodule yielded white fluid. Cytological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermal inclusion cyst of the thyroid.

Relation of Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve with Zuckerkandl’s Tubercle

The nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare anatomical variation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) that may hinder the identification and preservation of this nerve during surgery and is associated with increased iatrogenic risks. Zuckerkandl’s tubercle (ZT) is considered a useful reference for locating the RLN during thyroid surgery. We report the case of an asymptomatic patient with a 23 mm uninodular goitre suspicious for cancer. Ultrasound examination showed a hypoechoic nodule with regular contours and microcalcifications. The patient had normal thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels, and aspiration biopsy was suspicious for follicular cancer. She was treated with total thyroidectomy after the intraoperative examination confirmed the presence of a papillary thyroid carcinoma. The standard approach to the RLN below the inferior thyroid artery was used on both sides. The nerve displayed anatomical variation in the nonrecurrent form (NRLN) on the right side and was associated with another variation that was not found in the consulted literature. It was completely surrounded by thyroid tissue in the region of ZT, and the surgeon was forced to remove it from within the thyroid tissue. This combination of anatomical variations seems to be quite rare. Knowledge of the anatomy of the RLN and its variations, as well as its identification and careful dissection, is essential to avoid injury to the nerve during surgical procedures.

MON-468 Hypoechoic Nodule Is Not Always the Bad Guy: Lessons Learned from a Patient with Subacute Painful Thyroiditis

Introduction: The diagnosis of subacute painful thyroiditis (SAT) is primarily based on clinical manifestations (thyroid tenderness and diffuse goiter). Suppressed TSH, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and low thyroid uptake help confirm the diagnosis. Thyroid ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are rarely necessitated. SAT produces a typical sonographic findings of ill-defined heterogeneously hypoechoic areas, which is difficult to differentiate from thyroid carcinoma. We herein report a patient with SAT who was initially diagnosed as malignancy. Case Presentation: A 36-year-old female had pain and swelling at the left thyroid gland for 3 weeks. A left thyroid nodule was diagnosed by her primary care physician. Ultrasonography revealed a poorly defined hypoechoic nodule measuring 2.5x1.1x1.5 cm at the mid pole of the left thyroid gland, for which biopsy was recommended. The nodule showed peripheral vascularity and no calcification. No suspicious cervical lymphadenopathy was detected. Histologic analysis from core biopsy found findings consistency with follicular neoplasm. Thyroid function tests were within normal range. She was treated with ibuprofen as management of thyroid pain and referred for surgery. However, the repeated ultrasonography was performed by endocrinologist in the next 2 weeks and found an interval reduction in size of hypoechoic lesion. FNAB was performed due to the risk of infiltrative malignancies. Cytologic analysis was compatible with SAT. ESR was slightly elevated. Surgery was cancelled and she was treated with ibuprofen. Two weeks later, she reported that the left thyroid pain and swelling had subsided. However, she developed thyroid pain associated with glandular tenderness and swelling of the right thyroid. On sonographic examination, the right lobe, which was previously normal was now similarly affected. Thyroid function showed thyrotoxicosis. The patient was given a further course of beta-blocker, ibuprofen and prednisolone for 2 weeks and recovered well. On follow-up at 2 months, the patient developed biochemical hypothyroidism and received levothyroxine replacement. The lesions in the thyroid gland were not visualized in the 6-month follow-up sonography. Conclusion: The ultrasonographic features of the thyroid during the acute stage of SAT may mimic thyroid carcinoma. Awareness of the sonographic findings and interval changes of SAT lesions may helpful for proper diagnosis and treatment of SAT.

MON-336 Presumed Parathyroid Infarction Leading to Remission of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Rare Clinical Occurrence

Background: Infarction of a parathyroid adenoma, also known as ‘parathyroid auto-infarction’ or ‘parathyroid apoplexy,’ is a rare condition that can present and lead to acute and dramatic reduction of calcium (Ca2+) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and spontaneous remission of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Some patients may experience neck pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, anterior neck swelling or ecchymoses, while others are asymptomatic. Ultrasound can show the lesion getting larger due to hemorrhage, but weeks to months later, there can be a size decrease of the adenoma due to loss of blood supply and necrosis. Sestamibi scans can also show non-localization on serial exams. Few case reports have evidence of infarction on pathology. Clinical Case: A 38 year old man with no significant past medical history presented after a pedestrian-motor vehicle accident with polytrauma, including a cervical spine injury requiring tracheostomy and immobilization of his neck. Over the first week of his hospitalization, his Ca2+ rose as high as 14.0 mg/dL (8.9-10.2 mg/dL). Concurrent PTH level was 233 pg/mL (12-88 pg/mL) and 25-OH vitamin D level was 14.8 ng/mL (20.1-50.0 ng/mL). A neck ultrasound showed a hypoechoic nodule measuring 1.4 x 1.2 x 1.6 cm posterior to the superior aspect right thyroid lobe. A sestamibi scan with SPECT-CT showed a persistent focal activity in the region of right thyroid bed. He was treated with aggressive intravenous (IV) hydration, 7 doses of intranasal calcitonin 500 units, multiple doses of furosemide 40-80 mg IV, pamidronic acid 90 mg IV, and eventually transitioned to cinacalcet 30 mg twice daily. Due to his C-spine injury, parathyroid surgery was deferred. Four months later, the patient developed acute muscle spasms. He denied anterior neck pain, dysphagia, bruising, or swelling. Ca2+ level was checked and found to be 7.0 mg/dL. Cinacalcet was decreased, and eventually had to be discontinued. His serial Ca2+ and PTH levels normalized to 9.8 mg/dL and 55 pg/mL, respectively. A repeat 25-OH vitamin D level was replete at 31.1 ng/mL. A follow up ultrasound redemonstrated a slightly ill-defined hypoechoic nodule, now only measuring 0.9 x 0.9 x 1.4 cm along the the right thyroid. A sestamibi scan was also obtained and did not localize any lesion. The biochemical and imaging findings were most consistent with a parathyroid infarction resulting in spontaneous remission of PHPT. Now one year following his initial presentation, he remains normocalcemic. Clinical Lesson: The differential diagnosis for a sudden remission of PTH-dependent hypercalcemia is limited. Parathyroid infarction is a rare condition with paucity of data regarding follow up, but these patients likely need to remain under close long term clinical and biochemical surveillance as recurrence has been documented in the literature.

Association of Ultrasonographic Findings and Thyroid Malignancy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To determine the association of thyroid malignancy and the following ultrasonographic findings: presence of solid hypoechoic nodule, irregular margins (infiltrative, microlobulated, or speculated), microcalcifications or disrupted rim calcifications with small extrusive hypoechoic soft tissue component, taller than wide shape of the thyroid nodule, and evidence of extrathyroidal extension. Methods: Design: Cross-Sectional Study Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Participants: Records of patients admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery ward with a diagnosis of nodular non-toxic goiter, multinodular non-toxic goiter, and thyroid malignancy who underwent thyroid surgery between January 2017 and June 2018 were considered for inclusion. Results: A total of 33 patients, 7 males and 26 females, were included in this study. Patients’ age ranged from 26 to 69 years with an average of 46 years. Thirteen (39.4%) had malignant while 20 (60.6%) had benign histopathologic results. There was a significant association between presence of solid hypoechoic nodule (Fisher exact, n = 33, p = .0047), irregular margins and microcalcifications with malignant histopathology results (X2 (df = 1, N = 33) = 8.57, p = .003). No significant difference was noted in the proportion of subjects with malignancy according to taller than wide nodules (Fisher exact, n = 33, p = 1.000) or presence of extrathyroidal extension nodules or presence of extrathyroidal extension (Fisher exact, n = 33, p = .276). On multivariate analysis using logistic regression, only microcalcification was found to be a significant predictor of malignancy (OR = 8.96, 95% CI: 1.02 – 87.19, p = .05). Conclusion: There was a significant association between presence of solid hypoechoic nodule, margins and microcalcifications with thyroid carcinoma. Only microcalcification was found to be a significant predictor of thyroid malignancy on ultrasound, although our confidence interval was broad. Keywords: calcifications; thyroid; thyroid carcinoma; thyroid nodule; ultrasonography

Hyperandrogenism associated with an ovarian remnant in a spayed female cat

Case summary An 11-year-old female, reportedly spayed, domestic shorthair cat was examined for a 4-month history of weight loss, aggression, urine spraying, malodorous urine and estrus-like behavior. Physical examination revealed thickened skin, a mildly prominent vulva and confirmed malodorous urine. On abdominal ultrasonography, a 6 mm hypoechoic nodule was found in the left cranial abdomen. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test with adrenal panel revealed elevated serum concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone pre- and post-cosyntropin stimulation, mildly decreased cortisol pre- and post-cosyntropin stimulation, and decreased resting aldosterone. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a cystic, nodular mass was found in the region of the left ovary. The mass was surgically removed and submitted for histopathology; results were conclusive for an ovarian remnant with an intact corpus luteum and non-neoplastic parovarian cysts. Previously observed clinical signs resolved within two weeks of ovariectomy. A follow-up ACTH stimulation test with adrenal panel 6 weeks postoperatively revealed normalization of serum androstenedione, testosterone and cortisol concentrations. Four years postoperatively, at the time of writing, the cat remains free of clinical signs. Relevance and novel information We are unaware of any previously reported cases of non-neoplastic ovarian remnants associated with clinically relevant hyperandrogenism. A non-neoplastic ovarian-dependent hyperandrogenism should be included as a differential diagnosis of spayed female cats showing aggression and urine spraying behavior.