Disease-free survival and the prognostic factors affecting disease-free survival in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma: a multicenter cohort study

PURPOSE

Despite several factors that may have been associated with poor disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), only a few studies have evaluated the prognostic factors affecting DFS in MTC patients. Therefore, this study evaluated the prognostic factors affecting DFS, in a large number of patients with MTC.

METHODS

Patients treated for MTC were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified as having persistent/recurrent disease and no evidence of disease (NOD) at the last follow-up. The factors affecting DFS after the initial therapy and during the follow-up period were investigated.

RESULTS

This study comprised 257 patients [females 160 (62.3%), hereditary disease 48 (18.7%), with a mean follow-up time of 66.8 ± 48.5 months]. Persistent/recurrent disease and NOD were observed in 131 (51%) and 126 (49%) patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age > 55 (HR: 1.65, p = 0.033), distant metastasis (HR: 2.41, p = 0.035), CTN doubling time (HR: 2.7, p = 0.031), and stage III vs. stage II disease (HR 3.02, p = 0.048) were independent predictors of persistent/recurrent disease. Although 9 (8%) patients with an excellent response after the initial therapy experienced a structural recurrence, the absence of an excellent response was the strongest predictor of persistent/recurrent disease (HR: 5.74, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of an excellent response after initial therapy is the strongest predictor of a worse DFS. However, a significant proportion of patients who achieve an excellent response could experience a structural recurrence. Therefore, careful follow-up of patients, including those achieving an excellent response is essential.

The impact of microscopic extrathyroidal extension on the clinical outcome of classic subtype papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVES

Despite the presumed overdiagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) which has resulted in a new trend toward less-extensive surgery and a preference for active surveillance, the impact of microscopic extrathyroidal extension (mETE) on the clinical outcomes of PTMC is still controversial. This study assessed the impact of mETE on the clinical outcomes of patients with classic subtype PTMC.

METHODS

The data of consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy and were histopathologically diagnosed as classic subtype PTMC were analyzed. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of contributing variables on persistent/recurrent disease. Disease-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

This study included 1013 patients (84% females), with a mean follow-up period of 62.5 ± 35.3 months. Patients with mETE had a significantly higher rate of locoregional persistent/recurrent disease than patients without mETE (9.8% vs 2.1%, p < 0.001). The disease-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with mETE than in those without (90.2% vs 97%, Log-Rank p < 0.001). Furthermore, mETE and neck lymph node involvement were independent predictors of persistent/recurrent disease in multivariate analysis (HR: 2.43, 95% CI:1.02-5.81, p = 0.043; HR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.7-11.2, p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with the classic subtype of PTMC, mETE is an independent predictor of persistent/recurrent disease and is associated with a lower DFS rate. However, neck lymph node involvement is the strongest predictor of persistent/recurrent disease. Therefore, PTMCs with mETE and neck lymph node involvement are at a higher risk of persistent/recurrent disease than individuals lacking both characteristics.

Effects of Treatment Adherence on Quality of Life in Hypoparathyroid Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of hypoparathyroid patients and to investigate the relationship between treatment adherence and quality of life.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, multicentre study.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting with the diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism to 20 different endocrinology clinics were included. They were receiving conventional therapies for hypoparathyroidism, using calcium, active vitamin D, and magnesium. We collected data on demographic features, disease- and treatment-related information, and results of routine laboratory tests, treatment adherence, and presence of complications. Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36 quality of life assessments were administered.

RESULTS

Among the 300 patients studied, 60.7% were adherent to their treatment, and 34.1% had complications. Anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher in non-adherent versus treatment-adherent patients (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Most of the domains of quality-of-life scores were also significantly lower in non-adherent patients. Both anxiety and depression scores showed significant, negative correlations with serum calcium and magnesium concentrations (r=-0.336, p<0.001 and r=-0.258, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 40% of the patients were non-adherent to conventional treatment for hypoparathyroidism, and such patients had higher anxiety and depression scores and poorer quality of life scores. Conventional treatment might not be sufficient to meet the needs of patients with hypoparathyroidism. In addition to seeking new therapeutic options, factors influencing quality of life should also be investigated and strategies to improve treatment adherence should be developed.

Comparison of echocardiographic findings in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are usually discovered incidentally after imaging unrelated to adrenal glands. We aimed to evaluate standard risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis and echocardiographic changes in patients with nonfunctioning AIs and compare them with normal subjects. We evaluated 70 patients diagnosed with AIs and 51 healthy controls. Mean levels were determined for HbA1c, LDL, uric acid, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and these values were found to be significantly higher in the patients than the controls. The mean left atrial diameter, interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, E-wave deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and the median ratio of the early transmittal flow velocity to the early diastolic tissue velocity (E/Em) were higher in patients with AIs compared to controls. The mitral annular early diastolic velocity was lower in patients with AIs. The mean aortic diastolic diameter, stiffness index (SI), and aortic strain were higher, and aortic distensibility was lower in the patients. The mean right ventricular diameter, right atrial major-axis diameter, and right atrial minor-axis diameter were statistically higher in the patient group than the controls. A negative correlation was found between the NLR and aortic strain and aortic distensibility, while a positive correction was found between the NLR and SI. We found altered left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) echocardiographic findings in patients with AIs without known cardiovascular disease. Aortic stiffness was also increased. These changes may be related to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in AI patients.

A case of mediastinitis accompanied with hyperosmolar nonketotic coma

Mediastinitis is a serious infection involving mediastinal spaces after cervical infections spread along the facial planes. A late diagnosis of mediastinitis may result in death. Here we present a diabetic patient suffered from mediastinit accompanied with hyperosmolar nonketotic coma. A 61 years old male patient with type 2 diabetes was admitted to our hospital, with complaint of generalized worsening and fever. A diagnosis of nonketotic hyperosmolar coma was done and proper treatment started immediately. Neck tomography revealed abscess formation in the upper mediastinum. The needle aspirat culture failed to show bacterial growth. After five days of antibiotic treatment the patient's symptoms resolved. The abscess formation and pleural effusion almost disappeared on control tomography. No similar case presentation was seen in the current literature. Apart from this case, mediastinit should be keep in mind when a patient suffered from dysphagia, fever and cervical swelling.

The Relationship Between Increased Epicardial Fat Thickness and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients With Nonfunctional Adrenal Incidentaloma

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidences indicate that patients diagnosed with Adrenal Incidentaloma (AI) may present cardiovascular complications. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has recently been described as a new risk factor and an active player in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between EFT and left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid intima-media thickness, which are both strong predictors of cardiovascular morbity and mortality, in patients with nonfunctioning AI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 51 patients (36 females and 15 males) diagnosed with AI and 35 (29 females, 6 males) age, gender and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls in terms of cardiovascular risk parameters. Epicardial fat was identified as the echo-free space between the outer wall of the myocardium and the visceral layer of the pericardium.

RESULTS

Epicardial fat thickness was significantly higher in patients with AI when compared to the control group (0.89 ± 0.32 cm vs. 0.74 ± 0.26 cm; P = 0.023). left ventricular (LV) mass index and median carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were also higher in subjects with AI than in controls (99.8 g/m² vs. 86.9 g/m²; P = 0.024 and 7.5 mm (5.5 - 11.5) vs. 6.5 mm (4.5 - 9.5); P = 0.017). There was a positive correlation between EFT, LV mass index, EFT and CIMT (r = 0.315, P = 0.004; r = 0.363, P < 0.001; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we showed that EFT, measured by echocardiography is higher in subjects with AI when compared to healthy controls. epicardial fat thickness had the best independent correlation with AI in multiple logistic regression analysis. Incidentaloma is also associated with increased left ventricular mass index and CIMT. Adrenal incidentaloma patients may show early cardiac changes, such as increased left ventricular mass and increased CIMT.

Changes in the before and after thyroxine treatment levels of adipose tissue, leptin, and resistin in subclinical hypothyroid patients

BACKGROUND

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) occurs when serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations are raised and serum thyroid hormone concentrations are normal. The effect of SH on the proinflammatory adipose cytokine releasing visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is not clear. The aim of this study is to identify the difference between the pre and posttreatment levels of VAT, leptin, and resistin in SH patients.

METHODS

There were 51 SH patients and 43 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects included in the study. Thyroid functions, biochemical tests, leptin, resistin, and visceral and subcutaneous fat measurements were made. The measurements were repeated in the SH group in the third month following L-thyroxin treatment.

RESULTS

Initially, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, carotid artery intima-media thickness (mm), leptin, and resistin levels were significantly higher in the SH group compared to the controls, while the other parameters were similar. While no correlation was observed between TSH levels and adipokines, a positive correlation was detected between waist circumference and leptin levels (r = 0.549, p < 0.01). Visceral adipose tissue was positively correlated to age, waist circumference, and leptin levels, but negatively correlated to free thyroxin (T4) levels (r = 0.419, p = 0.009; r = 0.794, p < 0.01; r = 0.515, p < 0.01 and r = - 0.416, p = 0.009, respectively). A significant decrease was observed in VAT volume, leptin, and resistin levels of SH patients following levothyroxine treatment. Conclusion The reduced VAT volume, leptin, and resistin levels in SH patients following treatment may support the idea that TSH affects adipose tissue functions.

Higher body mass index and larger waist circumference may be predictors of thyroid carcinoma in patients with Hürthle-cell lesion/neoplasm fine-needle aspiration diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

High body mass index (BMI) has been found to be associated with raised thyroid cancer risk, particularly in women. We examined the associations for BMI and waist circumference (WC) with thyroid cancer risk among women with Hürthle-cell lesion/neoplasm (HLN) on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) with the hypothesis that BMI and WC could guide the management of these challenging indeterminate lesions.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 224 women with HLN who underwent thyroidectomy. In all patients, TSH and thyroid auto-antibodies were evaluated, and thyroid nodule features were recorded. Patients were grouped according to BMI (<30 or ≥30 kg/m(2)) and WC (<88 or ≥88 cm). Relationships of thyroid cancer with BMI and WC were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Mean weight, BMI (31·26 ± 5·1 vs 26·47 ± 5·9, P < 0·001), WC (98·23 ± 7·6 vs 86·18 ± 11, P = 0·001), and proportion of patients with high BMI (≥30 kg/m(2)) (65·9 vs 33·8%, P < 0·001) or large WC (≥88 cm) (84·1 vs 47·9%, P < 0·001) were significantly higher in malignant group compared to benign group. In regression analysis, BMI and WC significantly associated with existence of malignancy. Malignancy risk was 3·819-fold higher (95% CI: 2·068-7·054) in BMI≥30 kg/m(2) group compared to BMI<30 kg/m(2), which was independent of TSH and age. Large WC was also associated with increased risk (OR = 5·593, 95% CI: 2·736-11·434). Baseline tumour characteristics were similar according to BMI and WC groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A great BMI and large WC were associated with higher thyroid cancer risk in patients with FNAB diagnosis of HLN. Further studies are needed to use BMI or WC in the management of patients with HLN.

Increased Risk of Unfavorable Metabolic Outcome in Patients with Clinically Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas

The aim of this study was to investigate atherosclerotic risk markers in women with clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (CNFAs). Records of 47 women with CNFAs and 73 healthy women who were treated as outpatients between January 2010 and March 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. All study data were obtained from file records. Lipid parameters, mean platelet volume (MPV), total testosterone (TT), androstenedione (AS), and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate (DHEAS) were recorded. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated with homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Among the atherosclerotic risk markers, the HOMA-IR and AS levels were higher in patients with CNFAs than in healthy subjects (p=0.003, p=0.021, respectively). A positive correlation between AS and insulin/HOMA-IR levels was found among the metabolic parameters in the patients with CNFAs (p=0.001, r=0.550, p=0.004, r=0.498, respectively). The data showed that patients with CNFAs had high atherosclerotic risk markers such as insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia. Insulin resistance may also cause hyperandrogenemia in patients with CNFAs.

Characterization of V804M-mutated RET proto-oncogene associated with familial medullary thyroid cancer, report of the largest Turkish family

PURPOSE

Analysis of the RET proto-oncogen is very important for diagnosis and prognosis of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Genotype-phenotype correlation is also well known. Here we report features of the largest known family in Turkey with the V804M-mutated RET proto-oncogene.

METHODS

Thirty members from three generations were evaluated. A RET proto-oncogen mutation, calcitonin (Ct) measurement and thyroid ultrasound were performed on all individuals. Seventeen members had V804M mutation. Fourteen of these patients underwent total thyroidectomy and additional central lymph node dissection for five subjects.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients with MTC was 46.5 (30-61) years. The mean calcitonin level of RET positive members was 13.27 pg/mL (1-49.8 pg/mL). Three had a basal Ct level above normal limits. Seven of the 14 patients were diagnosed with MTC, and two were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer without MTC. One patient had central neck metastasis. Hyperparathyroidism or pheochromocytoma was not detected in any case. Patients who were RET negative, had normal Ct levels and no suspected nodule on ultrasound examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a relatively good prognosis in patients with V804M mutation. Despite the surgery was performed in older age no advance disease was observed.

Should insulin resistance be screened in lean hirsute women?

The role of insulin resistance (IR) is well-documented in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Controversies exist concerning the presence of IR in idiopathic hirsutism (IH) or if it is a manifestation of high body mass index (BMI). We aimed to investigate the presence/absence of IR in lean hirsute women. One-hundred fifty-one lean women with hirsutism [96 PCOS (group 1) and 55 IH (group 2)] and 58 age-and BMI-matched healthy controls (group 3) were recruited in the study (mean age 25.21 ± 6.1 versus 26.26 ± 4.6years; BMI 21.79 ± 1.7 versus 22.02 ± 2.2 kg/m(2), respectively). Significantly higher insulin and HOMA-IR, and significantly lower fasting glucose insulin ratio (FGIR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), reciprocal insulin, and Raynaud index were detected in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 (p < 0.05). These IR indices were similar between groups 1 and 2. The number of patients with IR (HOMA-IR > 2, FGIR < 7.2, or QUICKI < 0.357) was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3, but was similar between groups 1 and 2. A higher frequency of IR occurs in lean hirsute women regardless of they having PCOS or IH. IR may contribute to aetiopathogenesis of IH, or may cause some metabolic abnormalities in these patients.

High prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: does the imbalance between estradiol and progesterone play a role?

OBJECTIVE

Some similar factors, such as genetic susceptibility and subinflammation/autoimmunity, contribute to development of both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), suggesting a potential pathogenic link between the two common disorders. In this study, we investigated the relationship between PCOS and HT, considering the possible effect of PCOS-related hormonal and metabolic factors on thyroid autoimmunity.

METHODS

Eighty-six reproductive-age women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 60 age-BMI matched control women were included in the study. All subjects had thyroid function tests, thyroid peroxidase anti-body (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin anti-body (anti-Tg), LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, androgens, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels, thyroid and pelvic ultrasounds.

RESULTS

TSH, anti-TPO (p = 0.017), anti-Tg (p = 0.014), LH, DHEAS, testosterone, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher and progesterone were lower in PCOS women than in controls. Free T4, free T3, FSH, estradiol levels and thyroid volume were similar between the two groups. A higher percentage of PCOS patients had elevated TSH (26.7 and 5%; p = 0.001), anti-TPO (26.7 and 6.6%; p = 0.002), and anti-Tg (16.2 and 5%; p = 0.039). HT was more common in PCOS patients compared to controls (22.1 and 5%; p = 0.004). Estradiol (p = 0.003) were higher in anti-TPO positive PCOS women than anti-TPO negative ones. Anti-TPO was correlated positively with estradiol, estradiol/progesterone ratio, and TSH.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a higher prevalence of HT, elevated TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg levels in PCOS patients. Increased estrogen and estrogen/progesterone ratio seem to be directly involved in high anti-TPO levels in PCOS patients.

Association of mean platelet volume with androgens and insulin resistance in nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is generally accepted as a new marker of cardiovascular disease risk in several studies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the association of MPV with androgen hormones and insulin resistance (IR) in nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 136 patients with newly diagnosed reproductive-age PCOS (regarding the criteria of new PCOS phenotypes, based on the Rotterdam criteria) who were nonobese with the mean age of 25 years (25.39 ± 5.51) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 21 kg/m(2) (22.07 ± 2.13) were included. In addition, 59 healthy subjects with mean age of 26 years (22.07 ± 2.13) and mean BMI of 22 kg/m(2) (21.52 ± 3.84) were recruited as control. Total blood count (including MPV), total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione levels were recorded. IR was calculated from blood chemistry measurements of fasting insulin and glucose according to updated homeostasis model assessment.

RESULTS

No differences were observed in mean MPV values between patients and control group (9.02 fL (8.5-10.1) and 8.9 fL (7.7-9.1), respectively; P = 0.777). MPV values were similar among nonobese patients with and without IR and control subjects (P > 0.05). We detected significantly lower values of MPV in patients with hyperandrogenemia in comparison to patients with normal androgen levels (8.7 and 9.5 fL, P = 0.012). There was a negative correlation between total testosterone, DHEAS, and MPV (P = 0.016, r = -0.229; and P = 0.006, r = -0.261, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the independence of these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that nonobese women with and without PCOS have similar MPV values. While IR does not have any effect on MPV, elevated androgen levels are associated with a low MPV in nonobese patients with PCOS.

Visceral fat measurement by ultrasound as a non-invasive method - can it be useful in evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis in male patients with hypopituitarism and growth hormone deficiency?

INTRODUCTION

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency, either isolated or combined with other pituitary hormone deficiencies, is associated with increased mortality and abnormal body composition, particularly visceral adiposity. We aimed to investigate the effects of GH deficiency with or without sex steroid deficiencies on ultrasonographic visceral fat (VF) and cardiovascular risk markers in patients with hypopituitarism on conventional hormone replacement therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty hypopituitarism patients (24 women, 16 men; mean age 48 ± 16.1 years) with GH deficiency and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. The patients were stable on conventional hormone replacement but they were not on GH therapy. Patients who had sex steroid replacement were classified as Group 1 (n = 19), and patients who did not use sex steroids were classified as Group 2 (n = 21). Anthropometric measurements were performed. VF in three regions, subcutaneous fat, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were measured. VF volume was calculated by using a formula.

RESULTS

Visceral fat volume and mean CIMT were significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (p = 0.001 and 0.019 respectively). Homocysteine and hs-CRP were higher in patients (p < 0.05). In males, VF volume and VF thickness measured between abdominal muscle and splenic vein were significantly correlated with CIMT (r = 0.54, p = 0.047 and r = 0.66, p = 0.010 respectively). Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation between VF thickness in pararenal region and homocysteine (r = 0.74, p = 0.001) in males.

CONCLUSIONS

VF volume evaluated by ultrasound can be accepted as a cause of subclinical atherosclerosis in GH deficient hypopituitary patients, particularly males.