Claudio Casella

Identification of Patients at Low Risk for Thyroidectomy-Related Hypocalcemia by Intraoperative Quick PTH

BackgroundTransient hypoparathyroidism is a frequent and challenging complication following total thyroidectomy. The aim of the study was to identify patients at risk of developing thyroidectomy-related hypocalcemia and symptoms by means of the intraoperative quick parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay.MethodsEighty-one patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Quick PTH levels were measured at induction of anaesthesia and 10 minutes after total thyroidectomy. A sample of 10 patients who underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy was considered as a control group. The accuracy of intraoperative PTH decline in predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism was analysed.ResultsAfter total thyroidectomy, 27 patients (33.3%) developed postoperative hypocalcemia. Symptoms were reported by 21 patients (25.9%). The mean percentage decline of intraoperative quick PTH was 81% in hypocalcemic compared with 39% in normocalcemic patients (P < 0.001), and it was 83% in symptomatic compared with 42% in asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Mean proportion decline of quick PTH after unilateral lobectomy was 20%, significantly lower than the 53% registered after total thyroidectomy (P = 0.005). Analysis of variation of intraoperative quick PTH with the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve showed a 75.7% decline as the cut-off value predicting postoperative hypocalcemia with the highest accuracy (91.4%) (sensitivity: 81.5% specificity: 96.3% positive likelihood ratio: 22; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2). Regarding the prediction of postoperative symptoms, a 79.5% decline was the most accurate (92.6%) cut-off point (sensitivity: 76.2% specificity: 98.3% positive likelihood ratio: 46; negative likelihood ratio: 0.2).ConclusionsQuick PTH monitoring during total thyroidectomy is a useful means for identifying low-risk patients for postoperative hypoparathyroidism and candidates for early, safe discharge. Furthermore, it is an objective method complementary to the surgeon’s judgement of the intraoperative function of parathyroid glands, which should be implanted in the event of a 75%–80% decline.

Effects of Weight Loss on Structural and Functional Alterations of Subcutaneous Small Arteries in Obese Patients

Structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, as indicated by an increased media:lumen ratio, are frequently present in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients and may represent the earliest alteration observed. In addition, media:lumen ratios of small arteries have a strong prognostic significance. However, no data are available about the structure of small resistance arteries of obese patients, particularly after weight loss. We have investigated 27 patients with severe obesity. Twelve of them were normotensive, and 15 were hypertensive. All of the obese patients underwent bariatric surgery. We compared results obtained with those observed in 13 normotensive lean controls and in 13 hypertensive lean patients. All of the subjects and patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgical intervention. In 8 obese patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and structural parameters were measured. A concentration-response curve to acetylcholine was performed to evaluate endothelial function. Obese patients, independent from the presence of hypertension, show the presence of an increased media:lumen ratio and media cross-sectional area, together with an impaired endothelial-dependent vasodilatation. After surgical correction of obesity and consistent weight loss, a significant improvement of microvascular structure and of some oxidative stress/inflammation markers were observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that the presence of obesity is associated with structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, mainly characterized by hypertrophic remodeling. Weight loss may improve microvascular structure.

Real-time elastography: a useful tool for predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic cytologic findings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of sonography and sonographic elastography in thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic cytologic findings.

Oral Liquid l-Thyroxine (l-T4) May Be Better Absorbed Compared to l-T4 Tablets Following Bariatric Surgery

Drug malabsorption is a potential concern after bariatric surgery. We present four case reports of hypothyroid patients who were well replaced with thyroxine tablets to euthyroid thyrotropin (TSH) levels prior to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. These patients developed elevated TSH levels after the surgery, the TSH responded reversibly to switching from treatment with oral tablets to a liquid formulation.

Clinical Appraisal of 99mTechnetium-Sestamibi SPECT/CT Compared to Conventional SPECT in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Concomitant Nodular Goiter

BACKGROUND Although 99m Technetium-sestamibi scintigraphy with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and, recently, hybrid SPECT/computed tomography (CT) have been claimed to be the preoperative methods of choice for parathyroid localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and concomitant nodular goiter (NG), they have never been compared in this setting. We aimed at testing the hypothesis that SPECT/CT may be superior to SPECT for parathyroid localization in patients with PHPT and NG. METHODS Thirty-three patients with PHPT and NG (one or more nodular lesions based on cervical ultrasound) who underwent open parathyroidectomy during 2004-2009 were reviewed. All patients had preoperative 99m Tc-sestamibi planar scintigraphy and SPECT (18 patients) or SPECT/CT (15 patients) after cervical ultrasound. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) (for both correct neck side and quadrant identification) were calculated for the two procedures through comparison with intraoperative findings. In addition, operative times were assessed if the surgery was only for PHPT and not for the six patients who also had thyroidectomy. RESULTS The sensitivity of SPECT/CT for correctly identifying the neck side containing an abnormal parathyroid was 93.7% versus 80% for SPECT (p = 0.21, not significant [ns]). The specificity and PPV for this attribute were 92.9% and 93.7%, respectively, for SPECT/CT versus 87.5% and 88.9%, respectively, for SPECT (p = 0.75 and 0.8, ns). SPECT/CT showed higher sensitivity than SPECT (87.5% vs. 55.6%; p = 0.0001) and higher PPV (87.5% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.0022) for correctly identifying the neck quadrant affected by PHPT. The specificity for this was 95.5% for SPECT/CT versus 88.5% for SPECT (p = 0.26, ns). Mean operative time was shorter after SPECT/CT than after SPECT (38 vs. 56 minutes; p = 0.034). One of the patients having SPECT/CT had double adenomas, and two had ectopic parathyroid glands, all of which were recognized preoperatively by this technique. Two of the patients having SPECT had double adenomas, and two had ectopic glands, none of which were recognized preoperatively. No patient had persistent or recurrent PHPT. CONCLUSIONS SPECT/CT is superior to SPECT for preoperative imaging of patients with PHPT and NG. We recommend the routine use of SPECT/CT for work-up of all such patients, particularly if minimally invasive parathyroid surgery is planned.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells, microvascular density and fibrosis in obesity before and after bariatric surgery.

Abstract It is not known whether, in obesity, the capillary density or the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are reduced, or whether fibrosis of small vessels is also present. In addition, possible effects of weight reduction on these parameters have never been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated EPCs and capillary density in 25 patients with severe obesity, all submitted to bariatric surgery, and in 18 normotensive lean subjects and 12 hypertensive lean patients as controls. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during bariatric surgery. In five patients, a second biopsy was obtained after consistent weight loss, about 1 year later, during a surgical intervention for abdominoplasty. EPCs and capillary density were reduced in obesity, and EPCs were significantly increased after weight reduction. Vascular collagen content was clearly increased in obese patients. No significant difference in vascular collagen was observed between normotensive obese patients and hypertensive obese patients. After pronounced weight reduction, collagen content was nearly normalized. No difference in stress–strain relation was observed among groups or before and after weight loss. In conclusion, our data suggest that microvascular rarefaction occurs in obesity. EPCs were significantly reduced in obese patients. Pronounced weight loss induced by bariatric surgery seems to induce a significant improvement of EPC number, but not of capillary rarefaction. A pronounced fibrosis of subcutaneous small resistance arteries is present in obese patients, regardless of the presence of increased blood pressure values. Consistent weight loss induced by bariatric surgery may induce an almost complete regression of microvascular fibrosis.

Prognostic Variables for Cancer-Related Survival in Node-Negative Colorectal Carcinomas

Background/Aim: The efficacy of adjuvant treatment in node-negative colorectal carcinoma is unproven. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of routinely detectable clinicopathological variables in order to identify subgroups of node-negative colorectal cancer patients at a high risk of a recurrence. Methods: Seventy-three patients who did not receive radio- or chemotherapy were selected among 112 node-negative colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative resection. Follow-up was a minimum of 5 years or until death. The influence of 17 demographic, clinical, and pathological variables on the 5-year cancer-related survival was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The compliance with follow-up was 99%. The 5-year survival rate was 81%. Univariate analysis showed that T4 lesions (p < 0.001), age >70 years (p = 0.008), lymphatic invasion (p = 0.001), and neural invasion (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with a decreased survival. T4 stage (hazard ratio 12.75, p < 0.001) and age >70 (hazard ratio 3.08, p = 0.04) significantly affected the cancer-related survival on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Node-negative colorectal cancer patients with T4 carcinoma or those aged over 70 years have a higher risk of recurrences after resection. They should receive adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment compatible with their performance status.

Preoperative predictors of sternotomy need in mediastinal goiter management

The objective of this study was to identify the preoperative risk factors for patients in need of a sternotomy in the management of mediastinal goiters in order to provide better preoperative planning and patient consent.

Duodenal Switch Without Gastric Resection after Failed Gastric Restrictive Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Several surgical treatments have been proposed for patients in whom gastric restrictive operations have failed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of duodenal switch (DS) with restoration of normal gastric capacity in such patients. Methods: Between May 2001 and May 2003, 11 DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity were performed without other gastric procedures in patients who had had previous gastric restrictive operations which had failed because of inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Data were collected and follow-up was 2 years for all patients. Results: At the original operation, mean BMI was 47.3 (range 38-53) kg/m2, and mean age was 42 years. 7 of the 11 patients (63.6%) had previous vertical banded gastroplasty, and 4 of the 11 (36.4%) had previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Mean percentage weight regain and mean BMI at the time of DS were 92.1% and 44.6 (range 35-53) kg/m2 respectively. After the second operation, mean BMI at 6 months was 35.4 kg/m2, at 12 months 31.7 kg/m2 and at 24 months 28.6 kg/m2. The % excess weight loss was 41.1 after 6 months, 56.6 after 12 months and 69.6 after 2 years. There was minor morbidity and no mortality. Conclusion: After this experience, we suggest that patients with failed gastric restrictive operations (weight regain or inadequate weight loss) may undergo DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity. This second operation proved to be safe and effective.

Thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic lymph nodes after rhTSH stimulation

Thyroglobulin measurement in the washout of the needle used in fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been proposed for the early detection of lymph node metastasis both in patients with or without serum thyroglobulin antibodies; however, up to now, there have been no reports that recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) stimulation modifies thyroglobulin measurement in lymph node aspirates.