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Schmidt M, Bartenstein P, Bucerius J, Dietlein M, Drzezga A, Herrmann K, Lapa C, Lorenz K, Musholt TJ, Nagarajah J, Reiners C, Sahlmann CO, Kreissl MC. Individualized treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer: The value of surgery in combination with radioiodine imaging and therapy - A German position paper from Surgery and Nuclear Medicine. Nuklearmedizin 2022; 61:87-96. [PMID: 35299276 DOI: 10.1055/a-1783-8154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A consensus statement about indications for post-surgical radioiodine therapy (RIT) in differentiated thyroid cancer patients (DTC) was recently published by the European Thyroid Association (ETA) 1. This publication discusses indications for RIT on the basis of an individual risk assessment. Many of the conclusions of this consensus statement are well founded and accepted across the disciplines involved. However, especially from the perspective of nuclear medicine, as the discipline responsible for indicating and executing RIT, some of the recommendations may require further clarification with regard to their compatibility with established best practice and national standards of care. Assessment of the indications for RIT is strongly dependent on the weighing up of benefits and risks. On the basis of longstanding clinical experience in nuclear medicine, RIT represents a highly specific precision medicine procedure of proven efficacy with a favorable side-effect profile. This distinguishes RIT significantly from other adjuvant oncological therapies and has resulted in the establishment of this procedure as a usually well-tolerated, standard safety measure. With regard to its favorable risk/benefit ratio, this procedure should not be unnecessarily restricted, in the interest of offering reassurance to the patients. Both patients' interests and regional/national differences need to be taken into account. We would therefore like to comment on the recent consensus from the perspective of authors and to provide recommendations based on the respective published data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Thyroid Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.).,Guideline Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Guideline Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Jan Bucerius
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Dietlein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Guideline Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Alexander Drzezga
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Essen, Germany
| | - Constantin Lapa
- Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.,Member of the Board, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Kerstin Lorenz
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University of Halle Wittenberg, Faculty of Medicine, Halle, Germany.,Member of the surgical working group for endocrinology (CAEK) of the German society for general and visceral surgery (DGAV)
| | - Thomas J Musholt
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Member of the surgical working group for endocrinology (CAEK) of the German society for general and visceral surgery (DGAV)
| | - James Nagarajah
- Department of Medical Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherland.,Thyroid Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.).,Guideline Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Christoph Reiners
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten O Sahlmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Thyroid Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
| | - Michael C Kreissl
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Thyroid Committee, German Society of Nuclear Medicine (DGN e. V.)
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2
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Rager O, Radojewski P, Dumont RA, Treglia G, Giovanella L, Walter MA. Radioisotope imaging for discriminating benign from malignant cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Gland Surg 2019; 8:S118-S125. [PMID: 31475099 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.03.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytological classification (Bethesda III-IV) ranges from 10% to 40%, and early delineation is essential as delays in diagnosis can be associated with increased mortality. Several radioisotope imaging techniques are available for discriminating benign from malignant cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, and for supporting clinical decision-making. These techniques include iodine-123, technetium-99m-pertechnetate, technetium-99m-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (technetium-99m-MIBI), and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (fluorine-18-FDG). This review discusses the currently available radioisotope imaging techniques for evaluation of thyroid nodules, including the mechanism of radiotracer uptake and the indications for their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Rager
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,IMGE (Imagerie Moléculaire Genève), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Radojewski
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca A Dumont
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Center, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Martin A Walter
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Luster M, Aktolun C, Amendoeira I, Barczyński M, Bible KC, Duntas LH, Elisei R, Handkiewicz-Junak D, Hoffmann M, Jarząb B, Leenhardt L, Musholt TJ, Newbold K, Nixon IJ, Smit J, Sobrinho-Simões M, Sosa JA, Tuttle RM, Verburg FA, Wartofsky L, Führer D. European Perspective on 2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Proceedings of an Interactive International Symposium. Thyroid 2019; 29:7-26. [PMID: 30484394 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Thyroid Association (ATA) management guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are highly influential practice recommendations. The latest revision appeared in 2015 ("ATA 2015"). These guidelines were developed predominantly by North American experts. European experts frequently have different perspectives, given epidemiological, technological/methodological, practice organization, and medicolegal differences between the respective regions. SUMMARY Divergent viewpoints were the focus of an invited symposium organized by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine involving 17 European thyroidologists, four ATA Guidelines Taskforce members, and an audience of 200 international experts. The group discussed the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules, surgery and the role of pathology, radioiodine (RAI) therapy (RAIT), the assessment of initial therapy and dynamic risk stratification, and the treatment of persistent disease, recurrences, and advanced thyroid cancer. The dialogue resulted in this position paper contrasting European and ATA 2015 perspectives on key issues. One difference pertains to the permissiveness of ATA 2015 regarding lobectomy for primary tumors ≤4 cm. European panelists cited preclusion of RAIT, potential need for completion thyroidectomy, frequent inability to avoid chronic thyroid hormone replacement, and limitations of supportive evidence as arguments against widely applying lobectomy. Significant divergence involved ATA 2015's guidance regarding RAIT. European panelists favored wider use of postoperative RAIT than does ATA 2015. Rationales included the modality's association with favorable patient outcomes and generally limited toxicity, and lack of high-quality evidence supporting withholding RAIT. Additionally, European panelists favored recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) in more settings than does ATA 2015, citing avoidance of hypothyroid morbidity and quality-of-life impairment, without apparent sacrifice in oncologic outcomes. Based on clinical evidence plus theoretical advantages, European experts advocated dosimetric versus fixed-activity RAIT approaches for advanced DTC. European panelists noted that the ATA 2015 risk-stratification system requires information sometimes unavailable in everyday practice. ATA 2015 recommendations regarding RAI-refractory DTC should consider potential palliative benefits of RAIT in patients who also have RAI-susceptible lesions. CONCLUSIONS European panelists suggested modifications to approximately one-third of ATA 2015 recommendations. Varying European and ATA 2015 perspectives can stimulate analysis and discussion of the literature and performance of primary research to resolve discrepant recommendations and potentially improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Luster
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cumali Aktolun
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Izmir Ekonomi Universitesi, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Isabel Amendoeira
- 3 University Hospital of São João, Medical Faculty and Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcin Barczyński
- 4 Department of Endocrine Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Keith C Bible
- 5 Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Leonidas H Duntas
- 6 Endocrine Unit, Evgenidion Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rossella Elisei
- 7 Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daria Handkiewicz-Junak
- 8 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute and Centre of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Martha Hoffmann
- 9 Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography, Radiology Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Jarząb
- 8 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute and Centre of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Laurence Leenhardt
- 10 Thyroid and Endocrine Tumor Unit, Pitié-Salpêtrière Sorbonne University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Thomas J Musholt
- 11 Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kate Newbold
- 12 Thyroid Therapy Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iain J Nixon
- 13 Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery, NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Smit
- 14 Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- 3 University Hospital of São João, Medical Faculty and Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- 15 Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco-UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- 16 Department of Endocrinology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Leonard Wartofsky
- 17 Department of Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Dagmar Führer
- 18 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Endocrine Tumor Center at WTZ, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
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Happel C, Heck K, Ackermann H, Grünwald F, Korkusuz H. Percutaneous thermal microwave ablation of thyroid nodules. Nuklearmedizin 2018; 53:123-30. [DOI: 10.3413/nukmed-0631-13-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
SummaryMicrowave ablation (MWA) is a new minimal invasive method for thermal ablation of benign thyroid nodules. In contrast to well-established radiofrequency ablation (RFA), MWA offers several advantages with similarly successful results. There has not been any use of functional imaging with 99mTc-per- technetate and 99mTc-MIBI-scans as a mere qualitative analysis of this imaging in the field of MWA in Europe until now. The aim of this study has been to demonstrate the feasibility of MWA as well as the applicability of functional imaging to verify effectiveness with a centerspecific score. Patients, methods: 11 patients (5 women, 6 men, average age 62.3 years) with 18 benign thyroid nodules were treated. MWA was operated under local anesthesia with a system working in a wavelength field of 902 to 928 MHz (Avecure MWG881, MedWaves, Inc. San Diego, CA). Pre- and postablative scans were controlled by two specialists in nuclear medicine with longtime work experience. Results: A center specific functional imaging score (CSFIS) was defined, a decrease of 1.4 points at an average was noticeable (range 1-3 points). In 66.7% (n = 12) of all nodules the score decreased by 1 point, 27.8% (n = 5) by 2 points and 5.6% (n = 1) by 3 points. The treatment was well tolerated and no severe complications were observed. Conclusion: The preliminary data suggests that MWA is an effective method to treat benign thyroid nodules. Functional imaging is a promising technique for early verification of effectiveness of thermal ablation.
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Sennert M, Happel C, Korkusuz Y, Grünwald F, Polenz B, Gröner D. Further Investigation on High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Treatment for Thyroid Nodules: Effectiveness Related to Baseline Volumes. Acad Radiol 2018; 25:88-94. [PMID: 28844602 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Several minimally invasive thermal techniques have been developed for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. A new technique for this indication is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The aim of this study was to assess effectiveness in varying preablative nodule volumes and whether outcome patterns that were reported during studies with other thermal ablative procedures for thyroid nodule ablation would also apply to HIFU. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over the last 2 years, 19 nodules in 15 patients (12 women) whose average age was 58.7 years (36-80) were treated with HIFU in an ambulatory setting. Patients with more than one nodule were treated in multiple sessions on the same day. The mean nodule volume was 2.56 mL (range 0.13-7.67 mL). The therapeutic ultrasound probe (Echopulse THC900888-H) used in this series functions with a frequency of 3 MHz, reaching temperatures of approximately 80°C-90°C and delivering an energy ranging from 87.6 to 320.3 J per sonication. To assess the effectiveness of thermal ablation, nodular volume was measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. The end point of the study was the volume reduction assessment after 3 months' follow-up. Therapeutic success was defined as volume reduction of more than 50% compared to baseline. This study was retrospectively analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and Kendall tau. RESULTS The median percentage volume reduction of all 19 nodules after 3 months was 58%. An inverse correlation between preablative nodular volume and percentage volume shrinking was found (tau = -0.46, P < .05). Therapeutic success was achieved in 10 out of 19 patients (53%). CONCLUSIONS HIFU of benign thyroid nodules can be carried out as an alternative therapy for nodules ≤3 mL if patients are refusing surgery or radioiodine therapy.
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Simon D, Luster M. Von der fehlenden Übertragbarkeit internationaler Leitlinien zur Schilddrüsendiagnostik. Nuklearmedizin 2017; 50:175-77. [DOI: 10.3413/nukmed-2011-05-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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7
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Trimboli P, Paone G, Zatelli MC, Ceriani L, Giovanella L. Real-time elastography in autonomously functioning thyroid nodules: relationship with TSH levels, scintigraphy, and ultrasound patterns. Endocrine 2017; 58:488-494. [PMID: 28285385 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time elastography has been proposed to increase the sensitivity of ultrasound and improve the detection of thyroid nodules at risk of malignancy. To date sparse data on real-time elastography assessment of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules exist. Here, we investigated the potential role of real-time elastography in autonomously functioning thyroid nodule assessment. Specifically, the correlation between serum hormones and real-time elastography score, as well as other clinical and ultrasound features, was analyzed. METHODS Patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodule identified by I-123 scintigraphy from September 2015 to July 2016 and undergoing ultrasound, real-time elastography, and thyroid function evaluation were selected. All autonomously functioning thyroid nodule were classified as RTE I (prevalence of red or green color with blue in up to 25% of the nodule area), RTE II (blue in 25-75%), or RTE III (blue in more than 75%). The association between suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone and patient's age, nodule's size, ultrasound presentation, and real-time elastography scoring was analyzed by Odds Ratio in univariate fashion and multivariate model. RESULTS A number of 47 subjects with single autonomously functioning thyroid nodule were enrolled. Median age of 63 years, median size of 2.0 cm, and suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone levels in 32% of cases were found. Those nodules classified by ultrasound at high risk underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology and cancer was excluded. At real-time elastography evaluation, a 45% of autonomously functioning thyroid nodule had a hard appearance (RTE III) and had thyroid stimulating hormone significantly lower than the other (p < 0.0001). A model of multivariate logistic regression including nodule's size, ultrasound characteristics, and elastographic presentation showed that only RTE III was significantly associated with suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone (Odds Ratio of 50). CONCLUSIONS Autonomously functioning thyroid nodule may have variable elasticity at real-time elastography examination, being hard score associated with reduced/suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone. For clinical practice, the presence of autonomously functioning thyroid nodule should be considered in patients with hard lesions. Also, as quoted by the most recent ATA guidelines, elastography should not be accounted for risk stratification of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Gaetano Paone
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrinology & Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Yordanova A, Mahjoob S, Lingohr P, Kalff J, Türler A, Palmedo H, Biersack HJ, Kristiansen G, Farahati J, Essler M, Ahmadzadehfar H. Diagnostic accuracy of [ 99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi in the assessment of thyroid nodules. Oncotarget 2017; 8:94681-94691. [PMID: 29212258 PMCID: PMC5706904 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi (MIBI) is an increasingly used tool for evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, there is a lack of evidence about the accuracy of this method in the European population. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of MIBI for the differentiation of thyroid nodules in a large cohort. 161 patients underwent MIBI, followed by a thyroidectomy. We used a dual phase MIBI protocol. Interpretation of the images included a scoring system from 0 (absent) to 3 (increased); this was to provide a scale for the uptake of the thyroid nodule in comparison to the paranodular tissue. Additionally, we evaluated the tracer uptake trend in late images compared to early images. We used the final histopathology as the reference standard. Scores 0-1 in early images, scores 0-2 in late images, and an absence of increasing uptake in the thyroid nodule in late images, showed the best predictive values to exclude malignancy, respectively (negative predictive value (NPV) 89%). Highest sensitivity (91%) for malignant nodules was evident in early images with a score 1-3. Highest specificity (91%) was obtained when the negative was defined as an absence of uptake-increase, in the late images. This study confirms that the most valuable feature of MIBI is the high NPV. Thus, with the appropriate interpretation method, high sensitivity and specificity, and moderate PPV can be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yordanova
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Soha Mahjoob
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Lingohr
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Kalff
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Türler
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Johanniter-Krankenhaus Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Holger Palmedo
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, PET-CT Center, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Jamshid Farahati
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Bethesda Hospital, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Markus Essler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Giovanella L, D'Aurizio F, Campenni' A, Ruggeri RM, Baldari S, Verburg FA, Trimboli P, Ceriani L. Searching for the most effective thyrotropin (TSH) threshold to rule-out autonomously functioning thyroid nodules in iodine deficient regions. Endocrine 2016; 54:757-761. [PMID: 27628737 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the distribution of thyrotropin (TSH) values in patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and to set a TSH threshold above which thyroid scintigraphy would be obviated. Four hundred fifty one patients were included in the present study. Inclusion criteria were age > 18 years, TSH levels between 0.40 and 4.0 mIU/L, detection of a single solid or predominantly solid thyroid nodule >10 mm in the longest diameter. Thyroid ultrasound and thyroid scintigraphy with 99mTc-pertechnetate were performed concurrently in all patients. Among 451 enrolled patients, 173 (38 %) had an autonomously functioning thyroid nodules, of which 137 (79 %) with a normal TSH level. Demographic data and nodules' volume were not significantly different in patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules and non-functioning nodules, respectively. However, TSH levels were nonetheless significantly lower in patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodules compared to those with non-functioning nodules (p < 0.001). Adopting a TSH cutoff level at 2.38 mUI/L, all autonomously functioning thyroid nodules were correctly identified (i.e., 100 % sensitivity) with a 100 % negative predictive value. Our study showed a very high prevalence of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules in mildly iodine-deficient regions and confirmed that serum TSH is not an effective screening test to diagnose an autonomously functioning thyroid nodules. Our data add arguments in favor of the first-line use of thyroid scintigraphy to assess thyroid nodules, at least in iodine deficient areas. As all scintigraphically detected autonomously functioning thyroid nodules had a TSH level below 2.38 mUI/L, a thyroid scintigraphy should be omitted when higher TSH values are found in patients carrying a thyroid nodule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Deparment of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
- Thyroid Committee - European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Federica D'Aurizio
- Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital "Santa Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Alfredo Campenni'
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Baldari
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Frederik Anton Verburg
- Thyroid Committee - European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Deparment of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Deparment of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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10
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Ting S, Synoracki S, Bockisch A, Führer D, Schmid KW. [Clinical importance of thyroid gland cytology]. DER PATHOLOGE 2016; 36:543-52. [PMID: 26462485 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-015-0093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The cytological evaluation of fine needle biopsies (FNB) of the thyroid gland crucially depends on a close cooperation between clinicians and cytopathologists. Scintigraphy, sonography as well as clinical data and patient history are necessary for a correct interpretation of the indications for FNB; moreover, these data are of outstanding importance for cytopathologists for the correct interpretation of the cytomorphological findings. This overview describes the present standards in the acquisition, technical workup and cytopathological interpretation of thyroid gland tissue obtained by FNB, particularly focusing on the rapidly growing relevance of additional molecular pathological investigations to increase the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid FNB.
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11
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Verburg FA, Aktolun C, Chiti A, Frangos S, Giovanella L, Hoffmann M, Iakovou I, Mihailovic J, Krause BJ, Langsteger W, Luster M. Why the European Association of Nuclear Medicine has declined to endorse the 2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 43:1001-5. [PMID: 26883666 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cumali Aktolun
- Nuclear Medicine, Tirocenter, Adnan Saygun caddesi, Nispetiye, Besiktas, Istanbul, 34345, Turkey
| | - Arturo Chiti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Savvas Frangos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Thyroid Centre, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Ioannis Iakovou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jasna Mihailovic
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Bernd J Krause
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rostock University Hospital, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Markus Luster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstraße 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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12
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Treglia G, Trimboli P, Verburg FA, Luster M, Giovanella L. Prevalence of normal TSH value among patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodule. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:739-44. [PMID: 25940693 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International guidelines significantly diverge on the effectiveness of thyroid scintigraphy (TS) in the initial work-up of thyroid nodules. In particular, the role of TS to detect or exclude the presence of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) in patients with normal serum thyrotropin (TSH) is still a matter to debate. Here, we aimed to review the literature on the prevalence of normal TSH value among patients with AFTN and meta-analyse data of the retrieved eligible papers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search of studies published from January 2000 to December 2014 on AFTN detected by TS was performed. Records reporting serum TSH values in AFTN were selected. Pooled prevalence of AFTN with normal TSH values was calculated on a per-patient analysis including 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS Eight records including 2761 AFTN were selected for the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of AFTN with normal TSH detected by TS was 50% (95% CI: 32-68%). Selection bias in the included studies and heterogeneity among studies were potential limitations of the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Present meta-analysis shows that about one in two patients with AFTN demonstrated by TS has a TSH value within normal references. As a consequence, TSH measurement may not be considered as effective as a single tool to detect or exclude AFTN, and TS remains mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Treglia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Center, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Center, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Section of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Ospedale Israelitico, Rome, Italy
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Thyroid Committee, European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Luster
- Thyroid Committee, European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, UKGM University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Center, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Thyroid Committee, European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Korkusuz H, Sennert M, Fehre N, Happel C, Grünwald F. Local thyroid tissue ablation by high-intensity focused ultrasound: effects on thyroid function and first human feasibility study with hot and cold thyroid nodules. Int J Hyperthermia 2014; 30:480-5. [PMID: 25313977 DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2014.962626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a new and promising method for the treatment of benign hot and cold thyroid nodules using thermal ablation, has an impact on thyroid function, and to evaluate its feasibility in outpatient settings. Additionally, a possible difference in the treatment of solid and complex thyroid nodules was evaluated. METHOD Ten patients with one thyroid nodule each (six cold and four hot nodules) underwent HIFU in January 2014. Four nodules were solid and six nodules were complex. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroglobulin (hTg) and additionally antibodies against hTg (TAK), TSH receptors (TRAK) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) were measured at enrolment and 24 h after the HIFU treatment. The pre- and post-thyroglobulin reduction was measured to evaluate the scale of ablation. In addition, patients' pain was recorded on a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10. RESULTS The HIFU treatment did not affect thyroid function, since hormone levels stayed stable (p < 0.05). No serious immune reaction was induced. Thyroglobulin serum levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) and were correlated to the total energy emitted by HIFU (p < 0.1). The results of complex thyroid nodules did not differ from solid thyroid nodules. Similarly, the results of hot thyroid nodules did not differ from cold thyroid nodules. All patients tolerated the whole treatment and no severe complications were observed. CONCLUSION HIFU is a safe and effective method to treat benign, solid, complex, hot and cold thyroid nodules preserving thyroid function. Further developments of the system are needed to gain suitability for daily use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüdayi Korkusuz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
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14
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Happel C, Truong PN, Bockisch B, Zaplatnikov K, Kranert WT, Korkusuz H, Ackermann H, Grünwald F. [Colour-coded duplex-sonography versus scintigraphy. Can scintigraphy be replaced by sonography for diagnosis of functional thyroid autonomy?]. Nuklearmedizin 2013; 52:186-91. [PMID: 23872641 DOI: 10.3413/nukmed-0557-13-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the development of colour coded duplex-sonography (ccds), several attempts have been made to implement this technique for diagnosis of focal lesions in the thyroid. There are controversial discussions on whether ccds might replace thyroid scintigraphy in diagnosis of hyperfunctional thyroid nodules. Aim of this study was the comparison of ccds and thyroid scintigraphy in diagnosis of functional thyroid autonomy. PATIENTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS 192 patients with thyroid nodules > 10mm detected by conventional sonography underwent thyroid scintigraphy. Additionally, these patients were subjected to ccds of the thyroid. In total, 286 thyroid nodules were examined by scintigraphy, ccds and blood tests. RESULTS Thyroid scintigraphy showed 67% of thyroid nodules as hyperfunctional, 19% indifferent and 14% as hypofunctional. Mean 99mTc uptake of hyperfunctional nodules was 2.19%, of indifferent nodules 1.12% and of hypofunctional nodules 1.06% respectively. The ccds allowed perinodular measurement of flow speed (hyperfunctional: 0.23 ± 0.1 m/s; hypofunctional: 0.22 ± 0.1; indifferent: 0.21 ± 0.09), resistance index (hyperfunctional: 1.21 ± 1.16; hypofunctional: 0.62 ± 0.48; indifferent: 0.93 ± 1.02) and pulsatility index (hyperfunctional: 0.97 ± 0.45; hypofunctional: 0.84 ± 0.4; indifferent: 1.04 ± 0.6) in all nodules as well as intranodular measurement in some of the nodules (24% in hyperfunctional, 2% in indifferent and 15% in hypofunctional nodules). Statistic analysis of the obtained ccds data did not show any practically relevant correlations (p>0.05) with 99mTc uptake, basal TSH, fT3 or fT4. CONCLUSION Thyroid scintigraphy cannot be replaced by ccds for diagnosis of functional thyroid autonomy. Reliable diagnostics still require a combination of thyroid scintigraphy, sonography and blood tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Happel
- Dipl.-Ing. Christian Happel, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Tel. 069/63 01 43 30, Fax 069/63 01 38 58, E-Mail: , www.nuklearmedizin-frankfurt.de
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Mainz A. Correspondence (letter to the editor): A big challenge. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 110:68. [PMID: 23437025 PMCID: PMC3576595 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0068a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Mainz
- *Hausarzt/Facharzt für Innere Medizin, Korbach,
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Schmid KW, Reiners C. [When is thyroid fine-needle biopsy most effective?]. DER PATHOLOGE 2011; 32:169-72. [PMID: 21110025 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-010-1413-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The essentially desirable standardisation of various European and American guidelines for the evaluation of thyroid nodules has led to the recommendation to perform fine-needle biopsy (FNB) in all nodules >1 cm in order to detect clinically occult thyroid carcinoma early. However, in iodine-deficient areas such as Germany (where thyroid nodules are found in approximately 25% of the adult population) this recommendation would substantially increase both the number of FNB and thyroid operations without significantly increasing the cancer detection rate. The recommendation for FNB in Germany, therefore, should be restricted to hypofunctioning ("cold") nodules >1 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Schmid
- Institut für Pathologie und Neuropathologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
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Görges R, Kandror T, Kuschnerus S, Zimny M, Pink R, Palmedo H, Hach A, Rau H, Tanner C, Zaplatnikov K, Bockisch A, Freudenberg L. [Scintigraphically "hot" thyroid nodules mainly go hand in hand with a normal TSH]. Nuklearmedizin 2011; 50:179-88. [PMID: 21789340 DOI: 10.3413/nukmed-0386-11-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM In recent years, various professional societies published guidelines for diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules, in which the indication for scintigraphy is restricted to patients with subnormal TSH values. It is seen controversial whether such recommendations should be transferred to Germany, partly because of lower iodine intake in this country and the consequent higher percentage of autonomous thyroid nodules, which are not accompanied by a measurable dysfunction. Since reliable data to this topic are scarce, we analyzed multicentrically the spectrum of scintigraphically "hot" and "warm" nodules under the current epidemiological conditions. PATIENTS, METHODS In 10 German nuclear medicine out-patient institutions we evaluated the diagnostic data from a total of 514 patients, in whom unequivocally hyperfunctional nodules (focal increased uptake in comparison to perinodular tissue with a sonographically nodular correlative ≥1 cm) could be detected by (99m)Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy. To minimize selection bias, the surveys were not carried out in hospitals.The recorded parameters included the thyroid hormone levels, the global (99m)Tc-uptake (TcTU), the size of each nodule and the total autonomous nodular volume (V(aut)). RESULTS Only 20% of the patients with "hot" nodules had subnormal TSH levels (<0.1 to 0.33 mU / l), the remaining patients had TSH levels from 0.34 to 3.5 mU /l (in one third of the patients TSH levels even exceeded 1.0 mU/l). Moreover, we found no relevant correlation between TSH and TcTU or V(aut). CONCLUSIONS In Germany, in at far the largest proportion of patients with autonomous thyroid nodules objectified by means of scintigraphy, TSH levels are within the normal range. Since such nodules with maximum safety can be classified as benign, a corresponding scintigraphic finding has a high priority for the patient. These current data support that it is not reasonable to restrict scintigraphy to patients with subnormal TSH values in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Görges
- Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 4512 Essen, Germany.
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[Epidemiology, pathophysiology, guideline-adjusted diagnostics, and treatment of thyroid nodules]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 105:80-7. [PMID: 20174907 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-010-1011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically relevant thyroid carcinomas can be found in 5-6% of nodular goiters which undergo surgery. Moreover, multinodular goiters fre- quently contain hot areas. Therefore, efficient and rational methods for the differential diagnosis and decision are required to identify those nodules with an increased cancer risk or those which are hot among the many thyroid nodules. METHODS Description of a newly revised and further guidelines and consensus statements as well as selected literature search. RESULTS Already history, ultrasound and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) determination do allow a first risk assessment for the further diagnostic work-up. Fine-needle biopsy (FNB) offers the best sensitivity and specificity for the distinction between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The combination of several clinical and ultrasound criteria and laboratory determinations (calcitonin) can help with the selection of thyroid nodules with scintigraphically normal or decreased uptake > 1 cm for FNB. However, the efficiency of FNB requires sufficient training and experience of both the cytopathologist and the person performing FNB. CONCLUSION Whereas solitary thyroid nodules with a suspicion for malignancy should be referred to the surgeon, euthyroid thyroid nodules without clinical ultrasound or cytological indicators of malignancy may be followed up - possibly under medication -, if surgery is not indicated by local complaints, tracheal or mediastinal involvement.
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