[Calcitonin measurement in fine-needle washout fluids in detecting medullary thyroid cancer]

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic value of calcitonin measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy wash-out fluid is a promising tool in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer.

AIMS

We assessed the potential usefulness and the diagnostic significance of Ct-FNAB alone in comparison with cytology in the diagnosis and localization of primary or metastatic MTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this purpose, we retrospectively examined data from 67 patients with suspicious thyroid nodules and/or lymph nodes who ultimately underwent surgical treatment at the Endocrinology Research Centre in 2015-2020. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Ct-FNAB when compared to cytological examination. The secondary endpoint was to determine the optimal diagnostic level for use in clinical practice.

RESULTS

The obtained results showed that high Ct-FNAB concentrations were present in all histologically proven MTC, either in thyroid gland (sensitivity 92.5%, specificity 100%) or neck masses (sensitivity 88.5%, specificity 100%). The optimal diagnostic threshold for Ct-FNAB values from thyroid nodes was > 122 pg/ml, from lymph nodes >35.8 pg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that Ct-FNAB is a highly reliable diagnostic procedure to identify primary and recurrent/metastatic MTC. The actual relevance of this technique in the management of MTC needs further longitudinal studies in a larger number of patients.

[Adrenocortical carcinoma: modern concepts of morphological diagnosis and classification]

In 2022, the 5th edition of the of the WHO Classification of Tumours of Endocrine Organs was published, which outlines the current understanding of adrenocortical cancer (ACC), resulting from interdisciplinary research over the past decade. This article highlights the new provisions of the WHO classification for the morphological diagnosis of ACC.

Atypical and typical course of neurofibromatosis type 1 in combination with pheochromocytoma

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a hereditary disease that has a multisystem character of organism damage, a wide variability of clinical manifestations, up to the almost complete absence of typical symptoms. Phenotypic manifestations, their expressiveness and heaviness can be varied even among members of the same family with identical mutations. One of the possible clinical manifestations of this pathology is pheochromocytoma, the development of which is associated with a high risk of developing life-threatening conditions. Timely diagnosis of the disease, the choice of treatment tactics for the patient, genetic testing of blood relatives can significantly improve the survival rate and prognosis of the disease. In this article, on the presented clinical examples of patients with a typical and atypical course of type 1 neurofibromatosis in combination with pheochromocytoma, the issues of managing patients with this pathology are outlined.

Draft of the clinical practice guidelines “Adrenal incidentaloma”

The wider application and technical improvement of abdominal imaging procedures in recent years has led to an increasingly frequent detection of adrenal gland masses — adrenal incidentaloma, which have become a common clinical problem and need to be investigated for evidence of hormonal hypersecretion and/or malignancy. Clinical guidelines are the main working tool of a practicing physician. Laconic, structured information about a specific nosology, methods of its diagnosis and treatment, based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, make it possible to give answers to questions in a short time, to achieve maximum efficiency and personalization of treatment. These clinical guidelines include data on the prevalence, etiology, radiological features and assessment of hormonal status of adrenal incidentalomas. In addition, this clinical practice guideline provides information on indications for surgery, postoperative rehabilitation and follow-up.

[Adrenocortical cancer: morphological variants, immunohistochemical characteristics]

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy of the adrenal cortex, which has an unfavorable prognosis and extremely aggressive clinical behavior in most cases. Nevertheless, cases of a more favorable disease course with late metastasis and slow progression have been described. In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 4^th edition of the Classification of Tumors of the Endocrine Organs identified histological variants of ACC, such as classical, oncocytic, myxoid, and sarcomatoid ones, indicating the morphological heterogeneity of this tumor.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a detailed description of the morphological variants of ACC with an emphasis on their histological characteristics and the expression of immunohistochemical markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 75 cases of ACC were analyzed in the adult population diagnosed as having the morphological variants in accordance with the International Histological Classification of Adrenal Tumors (WHO, 2017). Monoclonal antibodies to SF1, Inhibin A, Melan A, Ki-67, p53, and antimitochondrial antibodies were used for immunohistochemical diagnosis.

RESULTS

The classic, oncocytic, and myxoid subtypes of ACC were found in 51 (68%), 15 (20%), and 9 (12%) cases, respectively. The functional activity of the tumors was observed in 43% (n=18) in the classic variant of ACC; moreover, the clinical picture was manifested by the symptoms of hypercorticism (38%) and virilization (5%). There were no significant differences in hormonal activity between different morphological variants. The characteristics of the above histological variants of the tumor was determined with a description of growth patterns that can improve the diagnosis of ACC. The diagnosis of ACC can be confirmed by an immunohistochemical study; the required minimum panel of markers should include SF1, Melan A, and Inhibin A. The Ki-67 proliferative activity index showed significant differences (p=0.0056) when it was determined in the morphological variants of ACC.

CONCLUSION

Despite the determination of a minimal immunohistochemical panel to confirm the diagnosis of ACC, it is important to remember that each histological variant may be characterized by the different expression of immunohistochemical markers. The identification of morphological variants of ACC and the use of specific, sensitive, and prognostically significant immunohistochemical markers will allow clinicians and pathologists to more accurately judge the biological properties of this tumor and the clinical course of the disease.

[Immunohistochemical study on the expression/hyperexpression of aberrant/eutopic receptors in patients with bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia]

Bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. In this case cortisol production can be regulated by both genetic factors and various molecular mechanisms. The presence of aberrant or overexpression of eutopic receptors on the membrane of adrenal cortex may lead to activation of cAMP/PKA signaling pathways and consequently, pathological stimulation of steroidogenesis. Since proving the effectiveness of unilateral adrenalectomy in BMAH by achievement of stable remission, preoperative clinical and laboratory tests (ligand-induced tests) are no longer of relevant. Nevertheless, in the absence of normalization of the level of cortisol in the postoperative period or its recurrence, subsequent specific targeted medical options can be offered only if expression/hyperexpression predominance of one or another receptor. Their detection becomes possible using more reliable diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical studies (IHC) than clinical laboratory tests. At the moment, PCR has gained a wider application. This article summarizes data on the use of immunohistochemical study in BMAH.

[Primary aldosteronism: The Mayo Clinic approach]

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common reason of secondary hypertension, that can be cured surgically or treated with targeting medical treatment. In many cases PA is not diagnosed on time, leading to aldosterone-specific cardiovascular and nephritic lesions. Effective methods of treatment make it reasonable to perform case detection testing for PA at least once in all patients with hypertension. Mayo Clinic approach is aimed to simplify primary case detection testing. There is no need to use plasma aldosterone concentration/plasma renin activity ratio, all tests can be completed, whilst the patient is taking antihypertensive and other medications. The next step is confirmatory testing. The choice of pharmacological or surgical therapy depends on the results of computed tomography scans of the adrenal glands and adrenal venous sampling. The last one is performed only after discussing with patient the advantages and disadvantages of all therapy methods and positive intention to surgery. Laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is the procedure of choice in patients with unilateral adrenal disease. In patients with bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion, the optimal is a low-sodium diet and lifelong treatment with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist administered at a dosage to reach a high-normal serum potassium concentration.

[Molecular genetic markers and criteria for the prediction of adrenocortical carcinoma]

Studies of the last decade have demonstrated that the morphological and immunophenotypic patterns of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have a high heterogeneity in both the occurrence of various tumors and the development of a solitary tumor. Carcinogenesis of ACC, like most neoplastic processes, is associated with mutations in at least 15 driver genes, with a wide range of chromosomal aberrations, epigenomic changes, and alterations of the microRNA profile. According to the literature, isolated genetic damage is also insufficient for the manifestation of the malignant phenotype of adrenocortical cells. Knudson's two-hit hypothesis is implemented in at least germline mutations: the development of ACC requires a second genetic event occurring in somatic cells, which leads to inactivation of the second allele of the gene. ACC is an extremely heterogeneous disease, which determines the complexity of differential diagnosis with benign adrenocortical tumors and that of prediction of the clinical course. Another no less important issue is the lack of valid predictors for the efficacy of mitotane, the use of which may be associated with severe adverse effects.

[Current criteria for the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma]

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the adrenal cortex with an unfavorable prognosis. In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) published the 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of Endocrine Organs. The updated classification reflects a multidisciplinary experience in diagnosing and predicting the course of adrenal cortex tumors, obtained on the basis of current studies. This paper highlights the key provisions of the updated WHO classification for adrenocortical carcinoma.

[Hereditary pheochromocytoma-associated syndromes. Part 1]

Pheochromocytoma (PCC)/paraganglioma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the paraganglion. The hereditary variants of PCC have been previously considered to occur in 10% of cases. The latest researches have clearly demonstrated that the hereditary cause of chromaffin tumors is revealed in a much larger number of patients. There have been the most investigated NF, RET, VHL, SDHD, SDHC, and SDHB gene mutations. New EGLN1/PHD2, KIF1B, SDH5/SDHAF2, IDH1, TMEM127, SDHA, MAX, and HIF2A gene mutations have been recently discovered. This review describes new ideas of the genetic bases of PCC. The authors discuss criteria for patient referral for genetic examination on the basis of the phenotypic.manifestations of mutations, such as a malignant course, bilateral adrenal lesion, and age at disease manifestations. Recommendations are determined for carriers to screen for the components of hereditary pathology.

[Hereditary pheochromocytoma-associated syndromes. Part 2]

Pheochromocytoma (PCC)/paraganglioma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the paraganglion. The hereditary variants of PCC have been previously considered to occur in 10% of cases. The latest researches have clearly demonstrated that the hereditary cause of chromaffin tumors is revealed in a much larger number of patients. There have been the most investigated NF, RET, VHL, SDHD, SDHC, and SDHB gene mutations. New EGLN1/PHD2, KIF1В, SDH5/SDHAF2, IDH1, TMEM127, SDHA, MAX, and HIF2А gene mutations have been recently discovered. This review describes the most common PCC-associated syndromes in detail and considers the specific features of new mutations.

Federal clinical practice guidelines on the diagnostics and treatment of adrenocortical cancer

Statement of hormonal activity and potential malignancy are the most important issues of diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment way for patients with adrenal tumors. Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare disease with poor prognosis. Incidience of ACC is about 0.5-2 per million, and no more then 2-4% among adrenal tumors. This draft of guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of ACC is offered to common discussion among wide round of specialists.

[Differential diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism and indications for surgery]

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is a clinical syndrome that develops as a result of the excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and manifests itself as low-corinine hyperaldosteronemia in combination with arterial hypertension (AH). To date, there is no single universally accepted classification of PHA. Most often they use classification according to the nosological principle.

[Elevated level of methylated catecholamine derivatives is a pathognomic laboratory sign of pheochromocytoma]

The levels of the methylated catecholamine derivatives (MCD) metanephrine and normetanephrine were measured in 46 patients operated on. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1) 24 patients in whom chromaffinoma was histologically detected; their age varied from 9 to 75 years (mean 37.8 years); 2) 22 patients who had undergone adrenal cortical tumors or retroperitoneal tumors of extraadrenal genesis; their age ranged from 11 to 67 years (mean 44.3 years). In this group of patients, a histological study revealed aldosteromas in 7 cases, hormonally inactive adrenal cortical adenomas in 6, adrenocortical carcinoma in 5, corticosteroma in 1, adrenal lymphosarcoma in 1, adrenolypoma in 1, and renal cancer in 1. In all the patients from Group 1, there was an increase of one MCD index for instance of less than 110% of the upper normal range. The average excess of MCD levels over the upper normal range is 456% for metanephrine and 574% for normetanephrine. No increase in the level of daily MCD excretion was found in 21 out of the 22 Group 2 patients with nonchromaffin adrenal and retroperitoneal tumors. In this group, 1 patient with histologically verified mixed-cell adenocarcinoma of the adrenal cortex was observed to have a daily metanephrlne excretion increase by 17% above the upper reference range. Thus, the sensitivity of the method was 100%; its specificity was 95.5%. The lower confidence diagnostic interval for the values of daily MCD excretion was 714 ng/day for metanephrlne and 1500 ng/day for normetanephrine. The procedure for determining free MCD in plasma has a high sensitivity and specificity and may be once used as a screening for the symptomatic nature of disease in patients with arterial hypertension.

[Clinical guidelines developed by the Russian Association of Endocrinologists for the diagnosis and treatment of nodular goiter]

The guidelines presented do not pretend to be a systematic presentation of all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of nodular goiter and are not intended to replace guidelines for various medical disciplines. In real clinical practice, situations may arise that are beyond the scope of the recommendations presented, in connection with which the final decision regarding a specific patient and responsibility for him lies with the attending physician.The recommendations presented are mainly devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of nodular (multinodular) euthyroid colloid, differently proliferating goiter in adults (over 18 years of age) and are the agreed opinion of the RAE experts who developed them. Nodular (multinodular) toxic goiter, tumors (malignant and benign), as well as other diseases that can manifest themselves by nodular formations of the thyroid gland (thyroid gland), are discussed mainly in the context of differential diagnosis. The recommendations also do not affect the features of diagnosis and treatment of nodular goiter in children and adolescents.

Evaluation of endoscopic and traditional open approaches to pheochromocytoma

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an excellent alternative to open surgery, while there are doubts in regard to laparoscopic treatment of pheochromocytoma due to its unsteady intraoperative hemodynamics. The goal of the study was to define optimal surgical approach to pheochromocytoma.

METHODS

A total of 99 patients with pheochromocytoma were operated from 1990 to 2002. Nine, 28, 40, and 22 patients were operated respectively through laparoscopic (group 1), thoracophrenotomic (group 2), lumbotomic (group 3), and laparotomic (group 4) approaches. Intraoperative parameters including those related with hemodynamic stability were studied. Postoperative analgesic medication, complications, and hospital stay were registered.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 132 +/- 49 min, 104 +/- 29 min, 81 +/- 30 min, and 129 +/- 40 min, respectively, in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. Thoracophrenotomic approach had a minimal time from starting of adrenal dissection to central adrenal vein crossing on the right side and lumbotomic approach on the left side. Laparoscopy showed longest length of that period on both sides. However, we observed more stable intraoperative dynamics during laparoscopic adrenalectomy in comparison with any traditional open approaches on both sides. Mean blood loss was 178 +/- 112 ml, 410 +/- 255 ml, 314 +/- 163 ml, and 420 +/- 398 ml, respectively, in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. Blood transfusions were required in 0%, 35.7%, 20%, and 13.6% of cases, respectively, in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. Using laparoscopic approach resulted in significant decrease of prescription of opoids, postoperative hospital stay, and rate of postoperative complications. Among traditional approaches lumbotomy presented better postoperative results due to its less invasive nature.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is a method of choice to pheochromocytoma in experienced hands. Open approaches are still feasible. Among traditional approaches lumbotomy should be preferred. Thoracophrenotomy can be justified only for major tumors on the right side. Laparotomy is indicated in selected cases of extraadrenal pheochromocytoma.

[Ultrasound diagnosis of breast nodules]

The authors show the comparative data on ultrasonic examination and mammography in 204 patients with nodular new growths in the breast: 66 had breast carcinoma and 138 had benign diseases. They suggest 6 ultrasonic criteria characteristic of breast carcinoma and describe the ultrasonic picture of the most commonly encountered benign breast tumors: fibroadenoma, nodular mastopathy, cysts. USE sensitivity was 68.8 +/- 7% in breast carcinoma, 82.6 +/- 8.1% in fibroadenoma, 72.8 +/- 7.2% in nodular mastopathy, and 100% in cysts (the respective values in mammography were 76.7 +/- 6.4%, 69.6 +/- 9.8%, 74.4 +/- 7%, and 60 +/- 11.2%). USE sensitivity and sensitivity of mammography were found to differ for different age categories in early forms of breast carcinoma. It is shown that the histological structure of a malignant tumor may be assumed from the ultrasonic criteria. The authors conclude that USE has a high diagnostic value in nodular new growths of the breast and that differential diagnosis of malignant and benign lesions is possible.