The results of ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland in children with hypothyroidism

Diseases of thyroid gland (TG) rank first among all endocrine pathologies and remain one of the most difficult problems. According to the statistics of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the prevalence of hypothyroidism in children does not exceed 0.035%. However, the relatively low rate can be explained by the low level of detection and diagnosis of this pathological condition due to the variability and low specificity of its symptoms. More acceptable for practice are methods of ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland and laboratory examination of the content of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the serum. Aim. To evaluate the results of ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland in children with hypothyroidism. Methods. The results are based on a survey of 94 children with hypothyroidism living in the Chernivtsi region aged 2 to 10 years. An ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, determination of the level of thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4) was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using standard methods using the StatSoft software package © Statistica® 6.0 for Microsoft® Windows XP. Results. Analysis of the results of the study showed that in 59.6% of cases (56 out of 94) the diagnosis was made by screening for congenital hypothyroidism, and in 40.4% of cases (38 out of 94) the disease was diagnosed outside the screening. According to the results of our ultrasound, it was found that in 29 patients the thyroid tissue was not visualized in a typical place or its total volume was much less than normal. Of these, in 12 individuals, thyroid tissue was not reliably visualized at the site of TG projection, and in 17 cases was hypoplasia. In 65 patients, the TG was in a typical place, and its volume corresponded to the norm on the surface area of the body. In 85 people, regardless of the state of functional activity of the TG had a heterogeneous echostructure of the thyroid parenchyma), in 9 people the echostructure of the thyroid parenchyma was homogeneous. In thyroid hypoplasia, the level of TSH was at lower values (p <0.05) compared with thyroid dystopia. Conclusion. Sonographic examination of the thyroid gland has a high level of information. In cases of malformations of the thyroid gland there is a more pronounced degree of thyroid insufficiency.

In Situ Preservation of Parathyroid Gland With Vasculature for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Is Associated With Higher PTH Levels After Total Thyroidectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of parathyroid gland vasculature preservation in-situ technique (PGVPIST) on postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium plasma levels in thyroid patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy by either the conventional technique (group 1, January 2019 to January 2020) or PGVPIST (group 2, January 2020 to January 2021) were compared. Postoperative blood calcium levels and PTH levels were assessed in these groups. Results: Totally 149 patients with consecutive PTC underwent total thyroidectomy, including 60 patients in group 1 and 89 patients in group 2. Postoperative serum calcium levels in group 1 were insignificantly lower than in group 2 at day 1 (2.18 ± 0.02 vs 2.15 ± 0.01 mmol/L) and day 30 (2.27 ± 0.02 vs 2.38 ± 0.11) after surgery. But postoperative serum PTH levels in group 1 were significantly lower than that in group 2 at day 1 (23.68 ± 2.54 vs 31.46 ± 2.11 pg/mL) and day 30 (45.63 ± 3.21 vs 55.65 ± 2.89 pg/mL) after surgery. Conclusion: Parathyroid gland vasculature preservation in-situ technique for PTC is associated with higher PTH level after total thyroidectomy. The parathyroid gland vasculature mostly strongly adheres with adjacent thyroid parenchyma. Therefore, deferred processing of tiny thyroid parenchyma of parathyroid gland vessels is essential to prevent devascularization.

Using 2-dimensional color superb microvascular imaging vascularization index technique in the assessment of thyroid surgical bed

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the vascularization index (VI) obtained using color superb microvascular imaging (cSMI) technique in the assessment of thyroid surgical bed for remnant thyroid tissue (RTT). Material and methods: We evaluated the thyroid surgical bed of 65 patients who had underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) due to papillary carcinoma (PC) using thyroid scintigraphy and cSMI. Color SMI was also performed for the examination of the thyroid parenchyma of 39 healthy asymptomatic participants. VI measurements were performed by manually drawing the contours of the RTT in those with remnant thyroid, the thyroid surgical bed in the patients’ group without remnant thyroid, and normal thyroid parenchyma in the control group, using the free region of interest (ROI) with 2-dimensional color SMI VI (2DcSMIVI) mode. The volume of ROI was measured and echogenicity was evaluated. The quantitative 2DcSMIVI values of the surgical bed with RTT (Group A), the surgical bed without RTT (Group B) and normal thyroid of healthy asymptomatic participants (Group C) were compared. Results: The mean 2DcSMIVI values of Group A was significantly higher than Group B and C (p=0.001). The presence of RTT can be diagnosed with 89.1% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity when 1.75 2DcSMIVI is designated as the cut-off value. Conclusion: The 2DcSMIVI is an effective imaging technique that can be used for the diagnosis of RTT.

Thyroid Parenchyma Microcalcifications on Ultrasound for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Prospective Multicenter Study in China

Objective: Cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) was found to be clinically significant prognostic factors of patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). Ultrasound (US) characteristics of thyroid nodules and thyroid parenchyma may be used to predict LNM. To investigate the value of nodular US features as well as thyroid parenchymal microcalcifications on US in predicting LNM in patients with PTC.Methods: This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. From January 2018 to June 2019, 971 consecutive patients with solitary PTC who underwent preoperative neck US evaluation were included from six hospitals in China. The US features of thyroid nodules as well as thyroid parenchyma microcalcifications were carefully evaluated based on the static images and dynamic clips. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of LNM.Results: Of the 971 patients, 760 were female, 211 were male. According to the pathological examination, 241(24.82%) patients were found with cervical LNM (LNM positive group), while 730 (75.18%) patients were not (LNM negative group). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that young age (&lt;55 years old) (OR = 1.522, P = 0.047), large size (&gt;10 mm) (OR = 1.814, P &lt; 0.001), intratumoral microcalcifications (OR = 1.782, P = 0.002) and thyroid parenchyma microcalcifications (OR = 1.635, P = 0.046) were independent risk factors for LNM of PTC.Conclusions: Young age, large nodule size, intratumoral microcalcifications, as well as thyroid parenchyma microcalcifications on US are independent predictors of cervical LNM for patients with PTC.

The Presence of Hypoechoic Micronodules in Patients with Hashimoto′s Thyroiditis Increases the Risk of an Alarming Cytological Outcome

The aim of the study was to identify a possible relation between various ultrasonographic (US) appearances of Hashimoto′s thyroiditis (HT) and the risk of obtaining an alarming cytology of coexisting nodules. The study included 557 patients with HT, who had been referred for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). We divided US patterns of HT (UP-HT) into eight groups: (a) Hypoechoic (compared to submandibular glands), homogeneous/fine echotexture; (b) hypoechoic, heterogeneous/coarse echotexture; (c) marked hypoechoic (darker than strap muscles), heterogeneous/coarse echotexture; (d) heterogeneous echotexture with hyperechoic, fibrous septa; (e) multiple, discrete marked hypoechoic areas (sized as 1 to 6 mm); (f) normoechoic pseudo-nodular areas; (g) echostructure similar to connective tissue; (h) thyroid parenchyma with no signs of HT. Indications for a surgical treatment resulting from the FNA outcome (categories IV–VI of Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology) were identified only in patients with variants b, c, and e of UP-HT, but merely the “multiple, discrete marked hypoechoic areas” variant significantly increased the odds of obtaining such cytology (OR:5.7). The presence of the “normoechoic pseudo-nodular areas” variant significantly increased the odds for the benign cytology (OR:1.7). There are significant differences in the frequency of obtaining an alarming cytology in relation to the UP-HT variant.

Encapsulated papillary variant of medullary carcinoma of thyroid with extensive cystic change: an extremely rare presentation

Papillary variant of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is an unusual subtype with many diagnostic challenges. The authors report a case of papillary variant of thyroid medullary carcinoma in a 37- year-old female, who presented with complaints of pain in the thyroid nodule for the latter two months. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) neck revealed an enlarged and heterogeneously enhancing left lobe of thyroid. This was followed by hemithyroidectomy for suspicion of colloid goitre. Gross examination of the cut surface of the thyroid parenchyma had a sponge like appearance. On histopathology a diagnosis of encapsulated papillary variant of medullary carcinoma thyroid was made with the help of special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

MON-479 Acute Thyroid Edema: A Rare Complication of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration

Background: Acute thyroid swelling is a rare complication of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). The first documented case was in 1982 and to date there are less than 20 cases currently reported in the literature (1). Case Presentation: A 66-year-old female with a history of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure was admitted to hospital to expedite heart transplant evaluation. A neck ultrasound was performed due to voice hoarseness and concern for vocal cord nodules. The ultrasound showed a 1.3 cm hypoechoic nodule in the right thyroid lobe. Given that the nodule had irregular borders and microcalcifications, a thyroid FNA was recommended. The patient’s home warfarin had been held for at least three days prior to the biopsy and her INR on the procedure date was 1.4. Her heparin drip was held four hours prior to the thyroid FNA. Immediately following the procedure, a 3.2 cm hematoma formed inferior to the thyroid gland. The heparin drip was restarted 6 hours post-FNA as per radiology’s recommendation. Cytology of the nodule was benign. The patient recovered well post FNA and improvement in the hematoma was noted on exam. Her hemoglobin was stable and she was restarted on warfarin. On day two post thyroid FNA, she reported significant neck pain, with no corresponding increase in the extra-thyroidal hematoma. No stridor or other concerning features were present on exam. A repeat thyroid ultrasound was performed three days after the FNA. It demonstrated fluid filled ‘cracks’ within the thyroid parenchyma and tripling in the volume of the thyroid gland, concerning for diffuse edema. No heterogeneity or subcapsular thickening was seen to suggest hemorrhage, and the previously demonstrated 3.2 cm extra-thyroidal hematoma was not visualized. She was treated with ibuprofen 800 mg and prednisone 30 mg, and noted an improvement in her neck pain with these measures. A repeat ultrasound done three weeks after initial thyroid FNA showed marked improvement of the diffuse swelling. Conclusion: The phenomenon of diffuse thyroid edema after fine need aspiration has been termed acute thyroid swelling (ATS). Given how frequently thyroid fine needle aspirations are performed, ATS appears to be a very rare complication. The etiology of ATS remains unknown, but the use of blood thinners, such as in our patient, does not appear to be a risk factor (1). The radiological appearance of fluid filled ‘cracks’ within the thyroid parenchyma suggests a more diffuse process, rather than a localized reaction. While NSAIDs or steroids may help with symptoms, patients appear to improve irrespective of whether or not medications are given. This suggests that ATS is a self-limiting condition without long term complications. Reference: (1) Polyzos SA, Anastasilakis AD, Arsos. Acute transient thyroid swelling following needle biopsy: An update. Hormones. 2012;11(2);147-150

Shear Wave Elastography versus Strain Elastography in Diagnosing Parathyroid Adenomas

Objectives. The aim of the study was to compare elastographic means in parathyroid adenomas, using shear wave elastography and strain elastography. Methods. This prospective study examined 20 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid adenoma, confirmed by biochemical assay, technetium-99 sestamibi scintigraphy, and pathology report, after parathyroid surgery. All patients were examined on conventional 2B ultrasound, 2D shear wave elastography, and strain elastography. We determined using 2D shear wave elastography (SWE) the elasticity index (EI) in parathyroid adenoma, thyroid parenchyma, and surrounding muscle and examined using strain elastography the parathyroid adenoma, and determined the strain ratio with the thyroid tissue and muscle tissue. Results. All patients had positive sestamibi scintigraphy and underwent surgery, with confirmation of parathyroid adenoma in all cases. The mean parathormone (PTH) value before surgery was 153.29 pg/ml (36.5, 464.8) and serum calcium concentration was 10.5 mg/dl (9, 11.5). We compared using 2D-SWE and strain elastography parathyroid adenoma with thyroid tissue and with surrounding muscle. The mean EI measured by SWE in parathyroid adenoma was 4.74 ± 2.74 kPa and in thyroid parenchyma was 11.718 ± 4.206 kPa (mean difference = 6.978 kPa, p<0.001), and the mean EI value in muscle tissue was 16.362 ± 3.829 kPa (mean difference = 11.622, p<0.001). Using ROC analysis, we found that an EI below 7 kPa correctly identifies parathyroid tissue. We evaluated parathyroid adenomas using strain elastography by color mapping and strain ratio as a semiquantitative measurement; however, we could not find any statistical correlation comparing the strain ratio obtained from the parathyroid adenoma with the thyroid tissue (p=0.485). Conclusion. Ultrasound elastography is a helpful tool in identifying parathyroid adenomas. A cutoff value below 7 kPa can be used in 2D-SWE. Color maps in strain elastography without adding strain ratio can be used, parathyroid adenoma being identified as score 1 in the Rago criteria.

Preventing blind thyroid lobectomy in patients with intrathyroidal hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands with radioguided enucleation

Aim: Hyperfunctioning intrathyroidal parathyroid glands are rare and often result in thyroid lobectomy. This study examines the utility of radioguided surgery to guide enucleation of intrathyroidal parathyroids. Methods: Between December 2002 and March 2018, 2291 patients underwent parathyroidectomy by one surgeon for primary hyperparathyroidism. A total of 74 (3%) patients had an ectopic intrathyroidal parathyroid gland and underwent radioguided. Results: All of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands were localized with the gamma probe. In vivo radionuclide counts were above 120% of the background in all but three patients. All intrathyroidal parathyroids were enucleated with the guidance of the gamma probe. Conclusion: Radioguided surgery is useful for intraoperative identification of hyperfunctioning, intrathyroidal parathyroid glands. This technique allows for enucleation of the abnormal parathyroid gland, avoiding thyroid lobectomy and preserving healthy thyroid parenchyma.