Everything points to adhesive capsulitis, as you say. The age, the sex, the clinic... the DM....

A 60-year-old, insulin-dependent diabetic woman presents with right-sided, nocturnal-predominant omalgia of several weeks' duration. She does not report any trauma. Physical examination shows active and passive limitation of all the arcs of movement of the shoulder. Which clinical picture do you suspect as the first diagnostic possibility?

A malignant tumor located in the proximal epiphysis of the humerus.

A degenerative acromioclavicular arthrosis process.

Simultaneous acute shoulder arthritis and multiple mononeuropathy in a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patient - First case report.

Diabetes is a common disorder that leads to the musculoskeletal symptoms such as the shoulder arthritis. The involvement of peripheral nervous system is one of the troublesome for the patients as it provokes chronic sensory symptoms, lower motor neuron involvement and autonomic symptoms. In the course of the disease there has been several types of neuropathies described. A 41-year-old male patient was admitted to the internal medicine department because of the general weakness, malaise, polydypsia and polyuria since several days. The initial blood glucose level was 780mg/dl. During the first day the continuous insulin infusion was administered. On the next day when he woke up, the severe pain in the right shoulder with limited movement, right upper extremity weakness and burning pain in the radial aspect of this extremity appeared. On examination right shoulder joint movement limitation was found with the muscle weakness and sensory symptoms in the upper limbs. The clinical picture indicated on the right shoulder arthritis and the peripheral nervous system symptoms such as the right musculocutaneous, supraspinatus, right radial nerve and left radial nerve damage. We present a first case report of simultaneous, acute involvement of the shoulder joint and multiple neuropathy in a patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, presumably in the state of ketoacidosis.

Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder and treatment with protease inhibitors in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: report of 8 cases.

To describe our experience with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients receiving protease inhibitor therapy who presented with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Between July 1996 and December 1999, 8 HIV-infected patients (7 male) treated with protease inhibitors who presented with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder were retrospectively identified. Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis relied on clinical features including shoulder pain and both active and passive restricted range of motion (ROM). All available clinical and radiographic data were reviewed. Onset of symptoms was insidious, and at presentation, patients complained of shoulder pain, which was bilateral in 4 of the 8 cases. Physical examination showed global restriction of active and passive ROM of the glenohumeral joint. The mean delay between initiation of HIV protease inhibitors and onset of shoulder pain was 14 months (range 2 to 36). The protease inhibitor therapy always included indinavir. No underlying condition associated with secondary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, including shoulder trauma, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, pulmonary or cardiac diseases could be identified. In all 8 patients, despite continuation of therapy with indinavir, both shoulder pain and restricted ROM completely resolved, after a mean disease course of 7.4 months. Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder seems to be a new adverse event of HIV protease inhibitor therapy. In all reported cases, patients were treated with indinavir. Further observations will be necessary to confirm adhesive capsulitis as a side effect.

Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis: a common cause of shoulder pain.

Osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is a frequent cause of shoulder pain and can result in significant debilitation. It is the most common disorder of the acromioclavicular joint and may arise from a number of pathologic processes, including primary (degenerative), posttraumatic, inflammatory, and septic arthritis. Patients often present with nonspecific complaints of pain located in the neck, shoulder, and/or arm, further complicating the clinical picture. A thorough understanding of the pertinent anatomy, disease process, patient history, and physical examination is crucial to making the correct diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan. Initial nonoperative management is aimed at relieving pain and restoring function. Typical treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections. Patients who continue to exhibit symptoms after appropriate nonsurgical treatment may be candidates for operative resection of the distal clavicle through either open or arthroscopic techniques.

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Physical exam findings include restricted range of motion in all planes of movement in both active and passive range of motion. This contrasts with conditions such as shoulder impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tendinitis in which the active range of motion is restricted but passive range of motion is normal. Some exam maneuvers of the shoulder may be impossible due to pain. Causes The causes of adhesive capsulitis are incompletely understood; however, there are several factors associated with higher risk. Risk factors for secondary adhesive capsulitis include injury or surgery leading to prolonged immobility. Risk factors for primary, or idiopathic adhesive capsulitis include many systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, stroke, lung disease, connective tissue diseases, thyroid disease, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and Dupuytren's contracture. Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for the condition. Primary

Chronic shoulder pain: part I. Evaluation and diagnosis.

Shoulder pain is defined as chronic when it has been present for longer than six months. Common conditions that can result in chronic shoulder pain include rotator cuff disorders, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthritis. Rotator cuff disorders include tendinopathy, partial tears, and complete tears. A clinical decision rule that is helpful in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears includes pain with overhead activity, weakness on empty can and external rotation tests, and a positive impingement sign. Adhesive capsulitis can be associated with diabetes and thyroid disorders. Clinical presentation includes diffuse shoulder pain with restricted passive range of motion on examination. Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis presents with superior shoulder pain, acromioclavicular joint tenderness, and a painful cross-body adduction test. In patients who are older than 50 years, glenohumeral osteoarthritis usually presents as gradual pain and loss of motion. In patients younger than 40 years, glenohumeral instability generally presents with a history of dislocation or subluxation events. Positive apprehension and relocation are consistent with the diagnosis. Imaging studies, indicated when diagnosis remains unclear or management would be altered, include plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans. Plain radiographs may help diagnose massive rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, and shoulder arthritis. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography are preferred for rotator cuff disorders. For shoulder instability, magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram is preferred over magnetic resonance imaging.

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Under the microscope, the appearance of the affected shoulder joint capsule tissue is very similar to the appearance of the tissue which stops the fingers from moving in Dupuytren’s contracture, a fairly common condition where the little finger curls into the palm. Diagnosis Adhesive capsulitis can be diagnosed by history and physical exam. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion, as other causes of shoulder pain and stiffness must first be ruled out. On physical exam, adhesive capsulitis can be diagnosed if limits of the active range of motion are the same or similar to the limits to the passive range of motion. The movement that is most severely inhibited is external rotation of the shoulder.

Frozen Shoulder -- Differential Diagnosis

Adhesive capsulitis, particularly in early (freezing) stage might be a diagnostic challenge as it may mimic subacromial pathology and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Presentations mentioned above may result in the delay in diagnosis of AC in the early phases. Regarding shoulder impingement and rotator cuff pathology, patients report predominantly pain with less pronounced passive range of motion. However, several facets help to distinguish frozen shoulder from other shoulder disorders. Regarding the causes other than AC, patients often state lifting a heavy object or performing repetitive overhead movements. In contrast, frozen shoulder patients usually describe spontaneous onset without an apparent cause or a history of overuse activity. Extra precaution should be paid in case of the history of malignancy. Common conditions that may mimic early adhesive capsulitis:

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

Prognosis Most cases of adhesive capsulitis are self limiting, but may take 1 to 3 years to fully resolve. Pain and stiffness may not completely resolve in 20 to 50 per cent of affected people. Epidemiology Adhesive capsulitis newly affects approximately 0.75% to 5.0% percent of people a year. Rates are higher in people with diabetes (10–46%). Following breast surgery, some known complications include loss of shoulder range of motion (ROM) and reduced functional mobility in the involved arm. Occurrence is rare in children and people under 40. with the highest prevalence between 40 and 70 years of age. The condition is more common in women than in men (70% of patients are women aged 40–60). People with diabetes, stroke, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or heart disease are at a higher risk for frozen shoulder. Symptoms in people with diabetes may be more protracted than in the non-diabetic population. See also Calcific tendinitis Milwaukee shoulder syndrome References

Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder

The condition often resolves itself over time without intervention but this may take several years. While a number of treatments, such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, steroids, and injecting the shoulder at high pressure, may be tried, it is unclear what is best. Surgery may be suggested for those who do not get better after a few months. About 4% of people are affected. It is more common in people 40–60 years of age and in women. Signs and symptoms Symptoms include shoulder pain and limited range of motion although these symptoms are common in many shoulder conditions. An important symptom of adhesive capsulitis is the severity of stiffness that often makes it nearly impossible to carry out simple arm movements. Pain due to frozen shoulder is usually dull or aching and may be worse at night and with any motion.

Capsule of the glenohumeral joint

Clinical significance Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder syndrome is a common shoulder capsule pathology that results when injury, surgery, or other chronic health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis damage or loosen the shoulder joint. As a result of the damage, the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and taut, leading to stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder area. Range of motion can usually be restored by treating the affected area with heat and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in addition to light stretching and or a disciplined physical therapy program. In extreme cases where medication and physical therapy prove to be ineffective in treating the condition, arthroscopic surgery (known as Arthroscopic Capsular Release) can be performed to loosen the capsule by removing regions of thickened scar tissue within and around the shoulder joint. References Upper limb anatomy

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint and osteomyelitis of the proximal clavicle caused by prevotella melaninogenicus: a case with several features delaying diagnosis.

A 50-year-old woman with noninsulin-dependent diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver from hepatitis-B infection presented with right-sided neck and severe shoulder pain. Minimal tenderness and swelling of the right sternoclavicular joint were noted. After 8 days, extensive studies, and several attempts at therapy to relieve the shoulder pain, the right sternoclavicular joint had become more swollen, extremely tender, warm, and erythematous. An arthrotomy of the right sternoclavicular joint revealed pyoarthosis of the joint and osteomyelitis of the adjacent clavicle. Both tissue and blood cultures grew Prevotella melaninogenicus. A site of origin for the infection was never found. The patient had an uneventful recovery after treatment with open drainage and parenteral antibiotics. Although this anaerobic organism is known to cause infection at other joint sites, this seems to be the first report of infection of the sternoclavicular joint and proximal clavicle by Prevotella melaninogenicus.This case illustrates the following: 1) neck and shoulder pain may be the presenting symptoms of occult septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint, 2) clinical signs of infection, such as fever and leukocytosis, may be absent in the setting of anaerobic joint infections, 3) an arthrotomy should be performed as soon as an infection of the sternoclavicular joint is suspected, 4) anaerobic as well as aerobic cultures should be taken when evaluating septic arthritis 5) 2 or more weeks may be required for identification of an anaerobic organism, such as Prevotella melaninogenicus.

The clinical picture of the painful diabetic shoulder--natural history, social consequences and analysis of concomitant hand syndrome.

Sixty diabetic patients with shoulder pain were followed in order to trace the natural history of the disease. The triad of painful shoulder, hand syndrome and restricted hip joint mobility was strongly correlated to the duration of diabetes and retinopathy. Painful shoulder with restricted mobility (58%) and tendinitis (28%) predominated. Hand syndrome was found in 62% and restricted hip joint mobility in 42%. Ninety percent of painful shoulders with restricted mobility had difficulties in the activities of daily living in the acute phase. There was functional limitation of shoulder mobility in 17% of painful shoulders with restricted mobility at the end of the study. The duration of diabetes and the duration of shoulder symptoms were correlated. In 25%, working capacity was affected by the painful shoulder. A serious risk of developing shoulder symptoms persisting for more than 2 years was associated with insulin treatment, diabetes lasting more than 10 years, proliferative retinopathy and painful shoulder with restricted mobility.

Atypical presentation of carcinoid tumor with unresolved right shoulder pain: a case report.

Carcinoid tumors are variants of neuroendocrine tumors that typically arise from the gastrointestinal tract and the bronchus, but they can involve any organ. Unresolved right shoulder pain manifesting as the first clinical presentation of carcinoid tumor with unknown primary origin is a rare clinical entity. To the best of our knowledge, herein we present the first case report describing metastasis to the right shoulder joint in a patient who presented with bone pain as the first clinical manifestation of metastatic carcinoid tumor of unknown primary origin. Metastasis to the right scapula as the first presentation of an underlying carcinoid tumor in the primary bronchus has been reported previously. A 72-year-old Caucasian woman presented with pain in her right shoulder after a fall. She delayed seeking medical attention for 4 weeks for personal reasons. Her physical examination revealed no erythema or swelling of the right shoulder. However, tenderness was noted on the right subacromial bursa and the right acromioclavicular joint. Her drop arm test was positive. An X-ray of the right upper extremity showed no fracture. She did not respond to methylprednisolone injections or physical therapy. Because of the unresolved right shoulder pain with disturbance of her daily activities, magnetic resonance imaging of the right shoulder was ordered, which revealed permeative destruction of the right scapula. Because the permeative destruction of the bone could have been an osteolytic malignant feature, positron emission tomography-computed tomography was performed, which produced a scan showing osseous metastasis to the right scapula, multiple liver metastases and a 1.7 cm right-lower-lobe pulmonary nodule. Her serotonin and chromogranin A levels were significantly elevated. The patient was treated with palliative cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy followed by locoregional treatments for metastatic carcinoid tumor. She had mild improvement in her right shoulder pain, as well as better range of motion and improved quality of life, before she died less than 2 years after her diagnosis. Our present case report emphasizes the protean manifestations of carcinoid tumors with the importance of early diagnosis of bone metastases from these tumors, because early diagnosis plays a major role in choosing the therapeutic regimen and prognosticating the course of the disease. The treatment goals for high-grade, poorly differentiated carcinoid tumors of unknown origin are decreasing the tumor load while controlling symptoms with chemotherapy and local modality treatments.

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

Calcific tendinitis is a common disease that predominantly affects individuals aged between 40 and 60 years. Women seem to be more affected than men. Various factors have been suggested to play a role in this condition, such as abnormal activity of the thyroid gland, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes), and genetic predisposition. Various etiological hypotheses have been advanced: the degenerative and multiphasic theories are the two most accredited ones. Clinically, calcific tendinitis is characterized by severe, disabling pain which occurs spontaneously, usually in the morning. There can be concomitant stiffness, giving rise to a frozen shoulder-like clinical picture. Conventional radiography of the shoulder is the most appropriate imaging approach. Most cases resolve spontaneously. Many conservative treatments have been reported in the literature, showing varying levels of evidence of efficacy. Arthroscopic surgery is the orthopedic specialist's last option. It is to be noted that post-surgical pain can persist for many weeks after the operation. Finally, it is important not to forget the variant characterized by osteolytic involvement of the greater tuberosity, which has been associated with a worse clinical outcome, both after conservative treatment and after surgery.

Translational manipulation after failed arthroscopic capsular release for recalcitrant adhesive capsulitis: a case report.

This article reports the use of translational manipulation after failed arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis. The patient was a 40-year-old woman, insulin-dependent diabetic with the insidious onset of right shoulder adhesive capsulitis. The patient underwent physical therapy 3 times a week for 6 weeks with minimal changes in her range of motion or pain. After failing physical therapy, the patient had arthroscopic capsular release and long-lever arm rotational manipulation of the right shoulder. The patient participated in physical therapy again, failing to regain her range of motion. Subsequently, the patient underwent interscalene block and translational manipulation by the same therapist followed by physical therapy. The patient's range-of-motion measures, strength testing, pain scale measurements, and functional scoring were recorded throughout her rehabilitation. She returned 2 years postdischarge for the same tests and measurements. Adhesive capsulitis in association with diabetes mellitus poses a serious treatment dilemma. Arthroscopic release may have limited benefits secondary to limited release and/or postoperative pain limiting rehabilitation. Translational manipulation under interscalene block may be considered in this difficult treatment group.

Rheumatologic aspects of painful conditions affecting the shoulder.

Patients with shoulder arthritis present to the orthopedic surgeon due to joint pain and loss of shoulder motion. A differential diagnosis is established, based on the history and physical examination and selected laboratory tests and roentgenograms. Synovial fluid analysis is often very helpful in the diagnosis of shoulder arthritis and critical for differential diagnosis of inflammatory, degenerative, and septic arthritis. Shoulder involvement in primary osteoarthritis is uncommon. The shoulder is rarely the initial joint involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Several uncommon conditions, e.g., amyloid arthropathy and reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, may present early and frequently in the form of shoulder pain. The results of treatment are determined by etiology of shoulder joint disease. Patients with shoulder involvement in rheumatoid arthritis generally respond to the basic management for rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapy to improve the range of motion of the shoulder and anti-inflammatory medications, including intra-articular corticosteroids, are helpful in most cases.

Subacromial bursitis

Early / initial Middle / intermittent Late / return to function Prognosis In 1997 Morrison et al. published a study that reviewed the cases of 616 patients (636 shoulders) with impingement syndrome (painful arc of motion) to assess the outcome of non-surgical care. An attempt was made to exclude patients who were suspected of having additional shoulder conditions such as, full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff, degenerative arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, instability of the glenohumeral joint, or adhesive capsulitis. All patients were managed with anti-inflammatory medication and a specific, supervised physical-therapy regimen. The patients were followed up from six months to over six years. They found that 67% (413 patients) of the patients improved, while 28% did not improve and went to surgical treatment. 5% did not improve and declined further treatment.

DISCUSSION ON THE PAINFUL SHOULDER.

Three or four definite types are separated from among the many examples of painful shoulder and their treatment is debated:- (1) ADHESIONS AROUND THE JOINT.: Characterized by limitation of movement at the shoulder-joint, through the outer half of its range. Curable by manipulative surgery. (2) TENDONITIS.: Characterized by painful movements through a small arc in the middle of the normal range. Curable in the hyperacute patient by operation, in the acute by rest in partial abduction with the assistance of time. (3) OSTEO-ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER-JOINT.: Characterized by painful extremes of movement. Incurable but capable of alleviation by physiotherapy. (4) SUBACUTE ARTHRITIS OF THE SHOULDER-JOINT.: Characterized by muscle spasm at the commencement of movement. To be treated by rest on an abduction splint, and the eradication of septic foci.

Isolated spontaneous biceps abscess causing septic shock in a diabetic patient: A rare case report.

Intramuscular abscesses, particularly in the biceps brachii, are an extremely rare phenomenon. When present they are usually secondary to trauma, intramuscular injections, or systemic disease. A 56 year old diabetic woman presented to our emergency department with a 3 day history of fever, cough, and a painful left shoulder. Although she had a mechanical fall 2 weeks prior, she denied any pain in her shoulder immediately after the fall. She also denied any history of drug abuse or recent intramuscular injection. On examination she looked acutely unwell and was in acute septic shock requiring inotropic support. Computed tomography of her shoulder showed a large intramuscular abscess in her left biceps brachii muscle. She was immediately taken to the operating theatre for open exploration and washout of the abscess. The multiloculated abscess was tracking into the glenohumeral joint. Post operatively she showed significant clinical improvement and after a 2 week course of intravenous antibiotics recovered well and was discharged from hospital. Intramuscular abscesses are usually seen in patients who are immunocompromised. Intramuscular needle injections and haematomas secondary to trauma are also risk factors. To the best of our knowledge, there have only been 4 published reports in the English literature of intramuscular abscess formation in the biceps brachii. We report a case of a seemingly spontaneous intramuscular biceps abscess in a diabetic patient presenting with septic shock.

The painful diabetic shoulder.

Different types of shoulder affection were studied in 62 diabetic patients with shoulder pain. Three groups of shoulder joint disorder were found: painful shoulder with restricted mobility (62%), tendinitis without mobility restriction (27%), and a small group with mixed diagnoses. Sixty per cent had hand symptoms and 38% had restricted mobility of their hip joints. High frequencies of retinopathy and neuropathy were found. Affection of the shoulder joint was seen with almost the same frequency in insulin-dependent as in non-insulin-dependent patients, but after a shorter duration of diabetes in the latter. A group of patients with the triad shoulder pain, hand symptoms and restricted mobility of the hip joints had a significantly higher frequency of proliferative retinopathy than patients with shoulder pain only. The long duration of diabetes, the high frequency of insulin treatment and classical late complications indicate that diabetic patients with painful shoulder and restricted mobility are suffering from clinically advanced diabetes mellitus.

Addressing neurodynamic irritability in a patient with adhesive capsulitis: a case report.

Patients with adhesive capsulitis are commonly seen by physical therapists. Pain and limited shoulder motion from adhesive capsulitis have at times been linked to neural irritation. The purpose of this case is to describe the examination and intervention of a patient with adhesive capsulitis who appeared to have a coexisting, underlying neural irritation. This paper emphasizes how the neurological component must initially be identified and addressed for a successful outcome. A 47-year-old female presented with reduced shoulder motion and function, upper extremity neural irritation, diffuse weakness, altered sensation in the involved extremity, and symptoms reproduced with upper limb neurodynamic testing. Her reduced shoulder range of motion was accompanied by limited glenohumeral glides and a report of local neck stiffness. Symptoms began several months earlier after an apparent electrical shock injury to the arm that caused symptoms and guarding of the shoulder. Intervention initially addressed the underlying neural component with spinal mobilizations while avoiding further irritation. Interventions were progressed to include mobilization and exercise to address shoulder mobility. The patient's neurodynamic irritability, distal symptoms, and neck stiffness were normalized within the first weeks of care. Subsequently, interventions were directed at the shoulder. Outcomes over an 12-week time frame included reduced pain from 10/10 to 2/10. Passive range of motion increases included flexion from 121 to 160°, abduction from 71 to 121°, and external rotation from 18 to 60°. Disability scores on Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) dropped from initially 68·3 to 18·3% at discharge. She ultimately regained full upper extremity function. Therapists should be cognizant of possible neural irritation in shoulder disorders, which may contribute to conditions such as adhesive capsulitis. Identifying neural irritation is critical when determining which interventions will achieve optimal outcomes without aggravating the condition.

[The frozen shoulder].

Painful stiffness of the shoulder is an ill-defined clinical entity that is difficult to assess and delicate to treat. The nomenclature used is broad and includes terms such as frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, focal algodystrophy, stiff shoulder, contracted shoulder, and others. Apart from its idiopathic form, the disease can be initiated by trauma, infection, tumour, radiation, systemic and local metabolic disturbances. Pathoanatomically, the common denominator is an inflammatory vascular proliferation followed by thickening, scarring, and retraction of the joint capsule. The inflammatory process often starts at the rotator interval and may extend to the subacromial space. Clinical diagnosis is based on history and physical examination. Generally the onset of pain precedes the perception of a reduced range of motion by weeks or months. In early stages of the disease, the inflammatory type of pain dominates, i.e., the patient's main complaint ist pain at night. In the later stage, range of motion gradually decreases. Patients do not often complain about reduced motion, probably because of its slow onset. Treatment options are a combination of mobilisation exercises with intra-articular steroids, hydraulic distension of the joint capsule, manipulation under anaesthesia, arthroscopic and/or open arthrolysis. The appropriate choice of protocol is just as important as its correct timing. In the inflammatory phase, aggressive treatment protocols are probably contraindicated. Complications of invasive protocols are rare but deleterious and therefore have to be taken into consideration. New anti-anglogenetic agents may enhance functional results and shorten the rehabilitation phase.

InternalMed_Harrison

Often referred to as “frozen shoulder,” adhesive capsulitis is characterized by pain and restricted movement of the shoulder, usually in the absence of intrinsic shoulder disease. Adhesive capsulitis may follow bursitis or tendinitis of the shoulder or be associated with systemic disorders such as chronic pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, and diabetes mellitus. Prolonged immobility of the arm contributes to the development of adhesive capsulitis. Pathologically, the capsule of the shoulder is thickened, and a mild chronic inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis may be present.

Chiropractic management of a 46-year-old type 1 diabetic patient with upper crossed syndrome and adhesive capsulitis.

To discuss the treatment of a patient with type 1 diabetes presenting with chronic neck and shoulder pain by using chiropractic manipulation and an active rehabilitation program with emphasis on correcting postural imbalances. A 46-year-old insulin dependant (type1) diabetic female presented with neck and right shoulder pain of 6 to 8 months duration. Her history included similar left-sided complaints 2 years prior at which time she underwent 3 months of rehabilitation at a local medical center, which improved her condition. Over time her pain resolved but the residuals of restricted left shoulder range of motion remained. The patient had postural changes consisting of forward head posture, rounded shoulders and internally rotated arms. Treatment included spinal manipulation, ultrasound and active rehabilitation consisting of at home exercises initially and followed with in office low-tech rehabilitation. Rehabilitation was primarily aimed at improving postural abnormalities, muscle imbalances and abnormal movement patterns. The patient improved with this course of treatment. Chiropractic care including active rehabilitation may be helpful in treating diabetic patients suffering from chronic neck and shoulder problems.

Range of motion of diabetic frozen shoulder recovers to the contralateral level.

Objective To determine whether frozen shoulder heals equally well in patients with and without diabetes and whether dependency on insulin affects the outcome. Methods We retrospectively examined 178 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder; 27 patients had diabetes. We evaluated range of motion, pain, and functional results. The mean follow-up was 9.7 years (SD, 7.1 years). Results In the presence of frozen shoulder, range of motion did not differ between patients with and without diabetes. At follow-up, range of motion in all directions of both the affected and unaffected shoulders of patients with diabetes was inferior to that of patients without diabetes. Among patients with diabetes, range of motion of the once-frozen shoulder reached the level of the unaffected shoulder. Patients with and without diabetes experienced similar pain except during exertion. The Constant-Murley score was not significantly different between the two groups, and insulin dependency did not lead to worse outcomes. Conclusion Frozen shoulder heals well in patients with diabetes.

Fracture-dislocation of the shoulder in a 32-month-old child.

A case of fracture-separation and dislocation of the proximal humeral epiphysis, a rare injury, is reported. The patient, a 32-month-old girl suspected of being an abused child, was reported to have fallen from her crib 2 days earlier. She had a painful, swollen, slightly ecchymotic left shoulder, which she held in the neutral position and refused to move. Radiographs showed a healing, nondisplaced radial fracture and fracture-separation of the proximal humeral epiphysis, which was dislocated into an anterior subglenoid location. Surgery under general anesthesia showed the humeral head to lie in a subglenoid position and the distal fragment of the separated epiphysis to have penetrated the posterior lateral capsule. The reduction was stabilized with a single, percutaneous, smooth Kirschner wire and shoulder immobilized in a Velpeau cast for 3 weeks. At 2 year follow-up, the patient has painless, full range of motion, the epiphysis is open, and the length of the humerous appears normal.

[Rapid destructive arthropathy of the shoulder].

Within the general context of rapid destruction of the humeral head, destructive arthropathy of the shoulder, described here in six cases, is a diagnosis of elimination. Being neither infectious inflammatory, microcrystalline, nor neurological, this curious variety of degenerative pathology of the shoulder involves the following: 1) a particular group of sufferers: women aged 65 to 81 years; 2) prior signs, at least radiological, of deterioration in the rotator cuff; 3) rapid erosive osteolysis of the head of the humerus reducing its radiological area by 25 per cent in less than six months; 4) early narrowing of the scapulo-humeral joint space (Ist to 9th month); 5) transient appearance of calcium debris in the area of the joint; 6) a synovial effusion in some cases, often bloody. The destruction phase is associated with pain lasting from two months to two years. However at the stage of stable sequelae, pain is moderate or minimal. Differential diagnosis with destructive arthropathy due to articular chondrocalcinosis and necrosis of the head of the humerus is particularly discussed. The cause of rapid destruction is unknown. It may be multifactorial: advanced age (constant), osteoporosis, fragility of articular cartilage as evidenced by multiple localizations of osteoarthrosis (4 cases out of 6), enzymes in the bloody effusion, trauma (3 cases out of 7), and intra-articular injections of corticosteroid derivatives, in particular fluorinated (3 cases out of 7) may possibly play a role.

Brodie's Abscess of the Proximal Humerus Metaphysis: A Case Report.

Primary subacute pyogenic osteomyelitis, or Brodie's abscess was initially documented by Sir Benjamin Brodie in 1832. We present a case report with a 6-months follow-up period, demonstrating the successful diagnosis and surgical treatment of a focal lesion of the proximal metaphysis of the right humerus in a 21-years-old female. The pathology of hematologic osteomyelitis and its role in the development of a subacute abscess along with a review of literature and an in detail description of the pathogenesis of Brodie's abscess is discussed and submitted. A 21- years -old healthy female with a history of fall sustaining injury to the right shoulder one 1 year back followed by which she presented to the outpatient clinic with a swelling over her right shoulder. The patient was managed conservatively with analgesics and was relieved of pain over a course of one 1 week of medications, the patient now presents with pain and swelling in the right shoulder joint on and off since the episode of fall one 1 year back, which had increased over a period of past one 1 week. A week before the most recent presentation she started experiencing some discomfort and pain in her right shoulder. No recent trauma was reported. A mild swelling appeared over the proximal part of the humerus. There were no constitutional symptoms of fever or any illness reported. On examination, there was noted a painful restriction of ROM at the right shoulder joint with no rotator cuff injury. Laboratory investigations were suggestive of raised inflammatory markers. Radiograph of the right shoulder taken in the true antero-posterior view with the shoulder in the neutral rotation was suggestive of an oval lucency with surrounding sclerosis in the proximal metaphyseal region of the humerus. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the right shoulder joint showed features consistent with Brodie's abscess in the proximal metaphyseal region of the humerus. Surgical debridement of the abscess was planned. The right shoulder of the patient was immobilized by a universal shoulder immobilizer for 3 days post -operatively and then Pphysiotherapy for shoulder range of movements was started. Infectious parameters decreased and there were no complications in the postoperative period. Regular follow follow-up for two 2 weeks showed clinical improvement. At 6 months follow- up, the patient had made full recovery with radiographic improvement. Brodie's abscess was first described by Sir Benjamin Brodie in 1832. Primary hematogenous subacute osteomyelitis is rarely seen in the proximal metaphysis of the humerus. With appropriate surgical debridement and aggressive antibiotic cover, a near 100% success rate is observed in the treatment of Brodie's abscess with no residual deformities in the affected bones or restrictions in the range of movements in the neighboring joints.

Over My Shoulder (Mike + The Mechanics song)

Track listings UK CD1 "Over My Shoulder" – 3:34 "Something to Believe In" – 4:19 "Always the Last to Know" – 4:10 UK CD2 "Over My Shoulder" – 3:34 "Something to Believe In" – 4:19 "Word of Mouth" – 3:55 "Over My Shoulder" (live) – 5:25 UK cassette and limited-edition 7-inch single "Over My Shoulder" – 3:34 "Something to Believe In" – 4:18 Charts and certifications Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Release history References 1994 songs 1995 singles Atlantic Records singles Mike + The Mechanics songs Song recordings produced by Christopher Neil Songs written by Mike Rutherford Songs written by Paul Carrack Virgin Records singles

Acromioclavicular joint pain in patients with adhesive capsulitis: a prospective outcome study.

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis is a clinical diagnosis based on history and physical examination. Afflicted patients exhibit active and passive loss of motion in all planes and a positive capsular stretch sign. The effect of adhesive capsulitis on acromioclavicular biomechanics leading to tenderness has not been documented in the literature. This study reports on the incidence of acromioclavicular tenderness in the presence of adhesive capsulitis. Furthermore, we note the natural history of such acromioclavicular joint pain in relation to that of adhesive capsulitis. Over a 2-year period (2005-2007), 84 patients undergoing initial evaluation for adhesive capsulitis were prospectively examined with the use of validated outcome measures and physical examination. Acromioclavicular joint tenderness results were compared and analyzed on initial evaluation and final follow-up of at least 1 year. Forty-eight patients (57%) with adhesive capsulitis had acromioclavicular joint pain on examination. At final follow-up, as range of motion improved, a significant increase in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons/Penn shoulder score and decrease in number of patients with acromioclavicular pain was noted with only 6 patients with residual pain (P<.05). In the presence of adhesive capsulitis, there is not only compensatory scapulothoracic motion but also acromioclavicular motion. This often results in transient symptoms at the acromioclavicular joint, which abate as the frozen shoulder resolves and glenohumeral motion improves. This is important to recognize to avoid unnecessary invasive treatment of the acromioclavicular joint when the patient presents with adhesive capsulitis.

Tuberculosis of the shoulder joint.

Skeletal tuberculosis is less common than the pulmonary form. The involvement of the shoulder joint is infrequent. We report our experience treating tuberculosis of the shoulder in 11 patients. There were seven men and four women, ranging in age from 19 to 55 years (average 28.09 years). The duration of their complaints at presentation ranged from 3 to 24 months. The most common presentation was pain, which was seen in 10 joints. All of the patients had mild to moderate restriction of motion of the shoulder. On laboratory examination, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased mildly. No patient had an active tuberculosis lesion or history of pulmonary disease. The diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and radiographic features, and was confirmed by open biopsy. The diagnosis was not confirmed by biopsy in one patient, but the family history and clinical and radiological features were highly suggestive of tuberculosis. Surgical debridement was done in two patients and open biopsy in eight patients in order to obtain samples for pathology. Arthrodesis was done in only one patient. In all patients, treatment began with a four-drug regimen for 2 months, followed by a two-drug regimen for 10 months. The mean follow-up period after the end of treatment was 28.72 months (range, 22-52 months). At the time of the last visit, all the lesions had healed without recurrence. Five cases had a painless, mobile shoulder, while three had mildly restricted shoulder motion without pain, and three had residual limitation of motion of the affected shoulder. Tuberculosis of the shoulder can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. If not diagnosed early, bony tuberculosis may reduce the quality of life. Therefore, tuberculosis should be suspected in cases of long-standing pain in the shoulder. It is necessary to keep tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of several osseous pathologies. Arthrodesis should be reserved only for lesions that fail to heal after adequate chemotherapy and rehabilitation.

Shoulder Arthrogram -- Introduction

The American College of Radiology, ACR, has criteria for selecting the imaging modalities of choice for patients with traumatic or atraumatic shoulder pain. Imaging examination choices are based upon the etiology of the shoulder pain, whether traumatic or atraumatic, the duration of symptoms, the age of presentation, and any clinical or radiographic suspicions for a particular condition. [15] Again, the initial imaging modality of choice for traumatic or atraumatic shoulder pain should be radiography. Indications for conventional radiographs include evaluation for dislocation or fracture following trauma, evaluation of calcific tendinitis, crystal deposition disease, osteoarthritis, suspicion of a bony neoplasm, particularly with a patient with a non-diagnosis of cancer, suspicion for septic arthritis, or suspected humeral head avascular necrosis. The next imaging choice should be guided by the clinical scenario and findings from the plain films. [16]


The verification of the presence of thyroglobulin in blood and the development of techniques by which it can be determined have provided a new procedure for monitoring patients with papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma. Thyroglobulin is synthesized in the follicular cells and then secreted into the circulation, therefore, after total thyroidectomy it should disappear, if this does not occur we must think about the existence of remnants of metastatic tissue.

A 35-year-old woman consults for a right thyroid nodule detected incidentally one morning when she observed in the mirror a lump on the anterior aspect of the neck. After the pertinent studies, it was decided to operate on the patient, performing a total thyroidectomy with emptying of the central lymph node component. The pathologist's report was that the 2.3 cm thyroid nodule was entirely occupied by a papillary thyroid carcinoma, tall cell variant, without vascular infiltration but with capsular infiltration. Thyroglobulin concentrations 24 h after thyroidectomy are 14 ng/mL. What would be the next step you would take in this patient?

Refer patient back to surgeon for right laterocervical lymph node stripping.

Initiate treatment with a dose of TSH-suppressing levothyroxine and schedule for review 6 months later with a new analytical determination of thyroglobulin and cervical ultrasound.

Request a PET-CT scan for lymph node involvement.

Delay initiation of TSH replacement-suppressive treatment with levothyroxine and refer the patient to the Nuclear Medicine service for administration of an ablative dose of 100 mCi of I131.

Computed tomography of the thyroid

The thyroid cancer recurrence rate is reported to range from 7 % to 14 %. Recurrence is usually detected within the first decade after initial disease diagnosis. Large lymph node metastasis is considered the strongest predictor for thyroid cancer recurrence. Post-treatment surveillance for recurrent disease depends on cancer type and staging. Patients with DTC are usually treated with total thyroidectomy and RAI ablation. Patients should have baseline neck US evaluation at 6–12 months after the RAI ablation and then periodically, depending on the patient's risk for recurrent disease and thyroglobulin (Tg) status. After the first post-operative RAI ablation, further RAI imaging is not necessary if the patient has normal neck US, undetectable Tg level under TSH stimulation, and negative antithyroglobulin (TgAb). Annual neck US with or without FNA, along with measurement of serum Tg and serum TgAb, is usually sufficient for post-treatment surveillance in those patients. Moreover, annual

Computed tomography of the thyroid

The American College of Radiology (ACR) flowchart and recommendations for ITNs detected by CT or MRI offer general guidance and are not applicable to all patients. The recommendations are primarily based on the presence or absence of suspicious features, nodule size, patient's age, patient's life expectancy, and patient's comorbidities. Suspicious features that can be detected on CT scans include signs of local invasion and abnormal lymph nodes. Abnormal lymph nodes may show cystic components, calcifications, and/or increased enhancement. Mere nodal enlargement is less specific for thyroid cancer metastasis; however, further evaluation should be considered if the ITN has ipsilateral jugulo-digastric lymph nodes > 1.5 cm on the short axis or > 1 cm for other groups. Cervical Level IV and VI lymphadenopathies raise a higher suspicion of thyroid carcinoma metastasis. Almost all patients with ITNs and suspicious imaging features should be evaluated with a neck ultrasound. Patients with

Recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer after optimized surgery.

Recurrence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) after optimized surgery requires a full understanding of the disease, especially as it has changed in the last 15 years, what comprises optimized surgery, and the different types and implications of disease relapse that can be encountered. PTC has evolved to tumors that are much smaller than previously seen, largely due to various high quality imaging studies obtained for different reasons, but serendipitously identifying thyroid nodules that prove to be papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC). With rare exception, these cancers are cured by conservative surgery without additional therapy, and seldom result in recurrent disease. PTC is highly curable in 85% of cases because of its rather innocent biologic behavior. Therefore, the shift in emphasis from disease survival to recurrence is appropriate. As a result of three technologic advances-high-resolution ultrasound (US), recombinant TSH, and highly sensitive thyroglobulin (Tg)-disease relapse can be discovered when it is subclinical. Endocrinologists who largely control administration of radioactive iodine have used it to ablate barely detectable or even biochemically apparent disease, hoping to reduce recurrence and perhaps improve survival. Surgeons, in response to this new intense postoperative surveillance that has uncovered very small volume disease, have responded by utilizing US preoperatively to image this disease, and incorporated varying degrees of lymphadenectomy into their initial treatment algorithm. Bilateral thyroid resection-either total or near-total thyroidectomy-remains the standard for PTC >1 cm, although recent data has re-emphasized the value of unilateral lobectomy in treating even some PTC measuring 1-4 cm. Therapeutic lymphadenectomy has universal approval, but when lymph nodes in the central neck are not worrisome to the surgeon's intraoperative assessment, although that judgment in incorrect up to 50%, whether they should be excised has reached a central point of controversy. Disease relapse can occur individually or in combination of three different forms: lymph node metastasis (LNM), true soft tissue local recurrence, and distant disease. The latter two are worrisome for potentially life-threatening consequences whereas nodal metastases are often persistent from the initial operation, and mostly comprise a biologic nuisance rather than virulent disease. A moderate surgical approach of bilateral thyroid resection, with usual central neck nodal clearance, and lateral internal jugular lymphadenectomy for node-positive disease can be performed safely, and with about a 5% recurrence rate.

Papillary thyroid cancer

Arguments for total thyroidectomy are: Reduced risk of recurrence, if central compartment nodes are removed at the original surgery. 30-85% of papillary carcinoma is multifocal disease. Hemithyroidectomy may leave disease in the other lobe. However, multifocal disease in the remnant lobe may not necessarily become clinically significant or serve as a detriment to patient survival. Ease of monitoring with thyroglobulin (sensitivity for picking up recurrence is increased in presence of total thyroidectomy, and ablation of the remnant normal thyroid by low dose radioiodine 131 after following a low iodine diet (LID). Ease of detection of metastatic disease by thyroid and neck node ultrasound. Post-operative complications at high-volume thyroid surgery centers with experienced surgeons are comparable to that of hemithyroidectomy. Arguments for hemithyroidectomy:

Thyroid disease

Surgery Thyroid surgery is performed for a variety of reasons. A nodule or lobe of the thyroid is sometimes removed for biopsy or because of the presence of an autonomously functioning adenoma causing hyperthyroidism. A large majority of the thyroid may be removed (subtotal thyroidectomy) to treat the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease, or to remove a goiter that is unsightly or impinges on vital structures. A complete thyroidectomy of the entire thyroid, including associated lymph nodes, is the preferred treatment for thyroid cancer. Removal of the bulk of the thyroid gland usually produces hypothyroidism unless the person takes thyroid hormone replacement. Consequently, individuals who have undergone a total thyroidectomy are typically placed on thyroid hormone replacement (e.g. Levothyroxine) for the remainder of their lives. Higher than normal doses are often administered to prevent recurrence.

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of nodal metastatic disease.52Imaging After the first posttreatment scan, lowand some intermediate-risk patients with negative TSH-stimulated Tg and cervical ultrasound do not require routine diagnostic whole-body radioiodine scans. However, diagnostic whole-body scans 6 to 12 months after remnant ablation may be of value in the follow-up of patients with highor intermediate-risk patients with higher risk features. Other scenarios for follow-up scans include patients with abnormal uptake outside the thyroid bed on posttherapy scan, those with poorly informative postablation scans (e.g., due to high thyroid bed uptake), and patients with Tg antibodies.Cervical ultrasound be performed to evaluate the thyroid bed and central and lateral cervical nodal compartments at 6 and 12 months after thyroidectomy and then annually for at least 3 to 5 years, depending on the patient’s risk for recurrent disease and Tg status. Sonographically suspicious nodes ≥8 to 10 mm on the smallest diameter

Computed tomography of the thyroid

In cases of elevated thyroglobulin with negative neck US and iodine whole body scintigraphy (WBS), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is the next modality of choice. Dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma usually has avid FDG-PET uptake and a negative radioiodine scan, typically does not respond to RAI therapy, and has a poorer prognosis. There is not yet consensus in the research literature on whether cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) or an 18FDG-PET/CT scan should be performed as the first-line imaging modality for such patients. Enhanced CT scan was thought to be more sensitive for detection of lymph node metastases. Nonetheless, scans using modern PET/CT equipment are as reliable as a proper routine staging CT scan. Many lesions can be found on 18FDG-PET/CT scanning despite the lack of IV contrast injection. However, differentiation between local recurrence versus lymph node metastases and detection of direct involvement of the aerodigestive axis or vascular

[Diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in the case of differentiated thyroid cancer].

For early diagnosis of thyroid cancer, ultrasonography (US) and US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy are the methods of choice. Thyroid scintigraphy using Tc-99m pertechnetate can underline the necessity of surgery in case of hypofunctioning nodules. Treatment of thyroid cancer includes total thyroidectomy and staging lymphadenectomy, in the case of lymph node metastases, radical neck dissection of the ipsilateral side. Four weeks after surgery, if TSH exceeds a value of 50 mU/l, with the exception of papillary thyroid cancer pT1a (TNM 1997), radioiodine remnant ablation using activities between 2960 and 3700 MBq I-131 is performed in all other cases. As growth of benign and malignant thyroid cells depends on TSH stimulation, thyroid hormone therapy using TSH suppressive doses (TSH, <0.03 mU/l) follows radioiodine remnant ablation. Additional fractionated external radiation therapy (50 Gy) may be administered in advanced cases (e.g., pT4 N1M0; TNM 1997). Standard follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer includes measurement of serum thyroglobulin, US of the neck and I-131 whole-body scintigraphy (I-131 WBS). With about 98% the sensitivity of thyroglobulin is very high under TSH stimulation. In case of elevated thyroglobulin, US is the method of choice to detect local recurrences and lymph node metastases of the neck. At defined intervals of follow-up or in case of increasing thyroglobulin, I-131 WBS will be performed under TSH stimulation. With the availability of recombinant TSH (exogenous TSH stimulation) the need to withdraw thyroid hormone over a period of 3-4 weeks (endogenous TSH stimulation) is no longer necessary to perform I-131 WBS. However, in about 20-40% of cases or in the course of disease after several radioiodine therapies, recurrences or metastases may be or become iodine negative. In this case, cationic complexes such as Tc-99m Sestamibi or Tc-99m Tetrofosmin are available to detect less differentiated metastases. In the course of dedifferentiation of malignant thyroid cells, the ability of iodine uptake decreases and uptake of glucose increases. This elevated glucose metabolism can be imaged using FDG PET. Today the combination of PET (metabolic imaging) and CT (morphologic imaging) using PET/CT fusion imaging is the method of choice to image iodine-negative metastases.

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patients will have benign adenomas. Total thyroidectomy is recommended by some surgeons in older patients with follicular lesions >4 cm because of the higher risk of cancer in this setting (50%) and certainly should be performed in patients with atypia on FNA, a family history of thyroid cancer, or a history of radiation exposure. Intraoperative frozen-section examination usually is not helpful, but it should be performed when there is evidence of capsular or vascular invasion or when adjacent lymphadenopa-thy is present. Total thyroidectomy should be performed when thyroid cancer is diagnosed. There is debate among experts about whether patients with minimally invasive follicular can-cers should undergo completion thyroidectomy because the prognosis is so good in these patients. A diagnosis of frankly invasive carcinoma or follicular carcinoma with angioinvasion, with or without capsular invasion, necessitates completion of total thyroidectomy primarily so that 131I can be used to

Papillary thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid carcinomas are also discovered when a hard nodule is found in multinodular goiter, when enlarged cervical lymph nodes are detected, or when there are unidentified metastatic lesions elsewhere in the body. Expanding lesions found in the thyroid gland, especially if they are painful, should be examined as they may indicate the presence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Other clinical signs that could indicate papillary thyroid are fixation to the trachea, a firm neck mass, damage to recurrent laryngeal or cervical sympathetic nerves. Five percent of the population can have thyroid nodules, and the majority will be benign. Appropriate workup includes an ultrasound of the neck, followed by lab studies. Patients will usually meet with both an endocrinologist and a surgeon (head and neck surgeon or endocrine surgeon).

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Further measure-ments are guided by response to therapy. Patients are considered to have an excellent response to treatment if suppressed Tg is <0.2 ng/mL and stimulated Tg is <1 ng/mL with negative imag-ing. In these patients, Tg levels can be followed every 12 to 24 months while on thyroid hormone as their risk of recurrence is low (1–4%). Patients with structurally or biochemically incomplete (negative imaging but suppressed Tg ≥1 ng/mL or stimulated Tg ≥10 ng/mL or rising anti-Tg levels) or indeter-minate responses (nonspecific imaging findings, suppressed Tg detectable but <1 ng/mL, and stimulated Tg detectable but <10 ng/mL or stable or declining anti-Tg levels) require addi-tional investigations.40 Tg measurements in FNAB aspirates have also been shown to be useful in the detection of nodal metastatic disease.52Imaging After the first posttreatment scan, lowand some intermediate-risk patients with negative TSH-stimulated Tg and cervical ultrasound do not require routine

Thyroid nodule

Malignancy Only a small percentage of lumps in the neck are malignant (around 4 – 6.5%), and most thyroid nodules are benign colloid nodules. There are many factors to consider when diagnosing a malignant lump. Trouble swallowing or speaking, swollen cervical lymph nodes or a firm, immobile nodule are more indicative of malignancy, whereas a family history of autoimmune disease or goiter, thyroid hormonal dysfunction or a soft, painful nodule are more indicative of benignancy. The prevalence of cancer is higher in males, patients under 20 years old or over 70 years old, and patients with a history of head and neck irradiation or a family history of thyroid cancer. Solitary thyroid nodule

Computed tomography of the thyroid

Role of imaging Surgery is the primary mode of treatment for DTCs. Post total thyroidectomy radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation is an option, especially in patients with distant metastasis, tumours larger than 4 cm, or extra-thyroidal disease extension. Ultrasound examination is usually adequate in evaluating primary tumours and cervical lymph nodes. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI is indicated if there is a concern for local invasion that may alter the patient's staging as well as surgical approach (Figs. 4, 55 and 6)6) . Some thyroid primaries may be small, diffuse, or multifocal and therefore may be occult on imaging (Fig. 4) .

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to be discontinued for 2 weeks to allow TSH levels to rise before treatment. Levels >30 mU/L are considered optimal, based on noncontrolled studies. A low-iodine diet also is recommended during this 2-week period. The usual protocol involved administering a screening dose of 1 to 3 mCi and measuring uptake 24 hours later. After a total thy-roidectomy, this value should be <1%. A “hot” spot in the neck after initial screening usually represents residual normal tissue in the thyroid bed. Some investigators recommend omitting the scanning dose altogether to minimize thyrocyte “stunning” and subsequent requirement for higher treatment doses. Others recommend scanning only if the size of the remnant cannot be determined by the operative report or ultrasound, or if the results would alter the decision to treat or the dose to be administered. Current guidelines recommend using either 123I or low-activity 131I (1to 3-mCi dose) and delivering a therapeutic dose within 72 hours.The recommended

Thyroid cancer

Treatment Thyroidectomy and dissection of central neck compartment is initial step in treatment of thyroid cancer in the majority of cases. Thyroid-preserving operations may be applied in cases, when thyroid cancer exhibits low biological aggressiveness (e.g. well-differentiated cancer, no evidence of lymph-node metastases, low MIB-1 index, no major genetic alterations like BRAF mutations, RET/PTC rearrangements, p53 mutations etc.) in patients younger than 45 years. If the diagnosis of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (e.g. papillary thyroid cancer) is established or suspected by FNA, then surgery is indicated, whereas watchful waiting strategy is not recommended in any evidence-based guidelines. Watchful waiting reduces overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer among old patients.

Papillary thyroid cancer

Gross disease (diameter over 1.0 centimeters) - total thyroidectomy, and central compartment lymph node removal is the therapy of choice. Additional lateral neck nodes can be removed at the same time if an ultrasound guided FNA and thyroglobulin TG cancer washing was positive on the pre-operative neck node ultrasound evaluation.

Papillary thyroid cancer

The so-called lateral aberrant thyroid is usually a lymph node metastasis from a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Papillary microcarcinoma is a subset of papillary thyroid cancer defined as measuring less than or equal to 1 cm. The highest incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma in an autopsy series was reported by Harach et al. in 1985, who found 36 of 101 consecutive autopsies to have an incidental microcarcinoma. Michael Pakdaman et al. report the highest incidence in a retrospective surgical series at 49.9 percent of 860 cases. Management strategies for incidental papillary microcarcinoma on ultrasound (and confirmed on FNAB) range from total thyroidectomy with radioactive iodine ablation to observation alone. Harach et al. suggest using the term "occult papillary tumor" to avoid giving patients distress over having cancer. It was Woolner et al. who first arbitrarily coined the term "occult papillary carcinoma" in 1960, to describe papillary carcinomas ≤ 1.5 cm in diameter.

Update in utility of secondary node dissection for papillary thyroid cancer.

Detection of recurrent/persistent thyroid cancer has improved significantly in the past decade. Disease is detected earlier in recently treated patients and localized in patients long out from initial treatment. This update reviews recent literature regarding the utility of secondary node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Outcomes include disease-free status measured biochemically and clinically. The utility of secondary node dissection as measured by clinically detectable disease exceeds 70% for all series and 90% for most. The utility as measured biochemically is more modest, with rates of biochemical cure ranging from 27-81% depending upon strictness of definition and patient selection. In predominately radioiodine scan-negative patients, using the strictest definition of biochemical cure, undetectable stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) of less than 0.5 ng/ml, a rate of 27% is reported. Biochemical cure rates are reportedly 30-51% for stimulated Tg of less than 2 ng/ml and 56-71% for basal Tg of less than 2 ng/ml, with higher preoperative Tg levels less likely to achieve biochemical cure. Radioiodine-avid disease appears more amenable to cure, with 81% of patients achieving negative stimulated Tg after repeat I131 treatment and radio-assisted surgery. Complication rates of secondary nodal surgery appear similar to initial surgery in experienced hands; however, bilateral reoperative central neck dissection is associated with significantly higher complication rates than unilateral. Surgical resolution of clinically detectable disease is likely. Biochemical cure rates are more modest, with the greatest likelihood of biochemical cure occurring in patients with radioiodine-avid disease. In radioiodine-negative patients, there may be a higher likelihood of biochemical cure for those with lower preoperative detectable Tg levels.

Exophytic and ulcerated local recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma with spectacular response to external beam radiotherapy.

A 60-year-old female patient with a history of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma was referred to the endocrinology clinic for an exophytic and ulcerated lesion at the right base of the neck. Twelve years earlier she had undergone a total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. Four years after the total thyroidectomy she had a lymph node dissection of the neck and was then treated twice with 100 mCi 131I. Five years after the second dose of 131I she was lost to followup. Before she was lost to followup the serum thyroglobulin (Tg) after recombinant TSH administration was 84 ng/ml (normal values < 2 ng/ml) and there was no uptake on a radioiodine whole body scan. Neck ultrasonography and MRI revealed a 1.7 by 1.7 cm mass in the region where the right lobe of the thyroid gland is. Surgical removal of the lesion was not possible since the neoplasm infiltrated the adjacent vital structures. The disease was treated with external beam radiation therapy. Two years later the patient is still alive and local control of the disease is achieved. In selected patients where other therapeutic modalities such as surgery, levothyroxine suppression therapy or radioactive iodine are not an option or ineffective, external beam radiotherapy can likely prolong survival.

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regarding risk of malignancy. Ultrasound is also especially help-ful for assessing cervical lymphadenopathy (Fig. 38-11) and to guide FNAB. An experienced ultrasonographer is necessary for the best results.Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies provide excellent imaging of the thyroid gland and adjacent nodes and are particularly useful in evaluating the extent of large, fixed, or substernal goiters (which cannot be evaluated by ultrasound) and their relationship to the airway and vascular structures. Noncontrast CT scans should be obtained for patients who are likely to require subsequent RAI therapy. If contrast is necessary, therapy needs to be delayed by several months. Combined PET-CT scans are increasingly being used for Tg-positive, RAI-negative tumors.Benign Thyroid DisordersHyperthyroidism. The clinical manifestations of hyperthy-roidism result from an excess of circulating thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism may arise

Euthyroid status after total thyroidectomy due to functioning lung metastases from a clear cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Although functioning thyroid cancer metastases have been reported, they have almost never been reported for the clear cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Here we describe a patient with disseminated lung metastases of the clear cell variant of PTC who presented in the euthyroid state despite discontinuance of levothyroxine after total thyroidectomy. A 49-year-old woman underwent total thyroidectomy for the clear cell variant of PTC in March 2002. Levothyroxine replacement was initiated after total thyroidectomy, but the patient was lost to follow-up 5 years after the operation. She did not take any levothyroxine for 4 years. Upon presentation to our institution, her initial thyroid function tests were a serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) of 4.51 mIU/L (0.30-5.00), total triiodothyronine of 82 ng/dL (60-181), and free thyroxine of 1.21 ng/dL (0.89-1.76). The results of workups, including thyroid ultrasonography, chest computed tomography (CT) scan, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)/CT, revealed that she had multiple metastases in the cervical lymph nodes and both lungs. She received 0.9 mg of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) for 2 consecutive days followed by administration of 200 mCi 131I. A therapeutic whole body scan after 131I administration demonstrated intense uptake in the whole lung fields, suggesting functioning lung metastases. It is extremely rare for metastatic PTC, even though it is a well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones to result in euthyroid state after total thyroidectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of functioning lung metastases of the clear cell variant of PTC after total thyroidectomy that produced enough thyroid hormone to restore a euthyroid state. Functioning metastases from recurred PTC, particularly of the clear cell variant, are very rare. When they occur, rhTSH is required to prepare these patients for treatment with ablative doses of radioactive iodine (131I).

Radioguided sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The ATA guidelines do not recommend prophylactic central compartment neck dissection in patients with T1-T2 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with no clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis, however patients' staging is recommended. Lymph node metastasis may be present also in small PTC, but preoperative ultrasound identifies suspicious cervical lymphadenopathy in 20-30% of patients. The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) remain open to debate. It has been shown that the identification rate of SLN in PTC patients is improved using a radiotracer compared to a dye technique. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the role of radioguided SLNB (rSLNB) in the treatment of PTC patients. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and Embase database to identify all original articles regarding the application of rSLNB in PTC patients. The primary outcome was false negative rate (FNR) of the rSLNB; the secondary outcomes were SLN intraoperative identification rate (IIR), site of lymph node metastasis, and persistent disease during follow up. Twelve studies were included. Most of PTC patients were T1-T2. The overall SLN IIR, SLN metastatic rate, and FNR were 92.1%, 33.6%, and 25.4%, respectively. Overall, lymph node metastasis were found in the central compartment (23.0%) and in the lateral compartments (10.6%). The persistent disease in patients who underwent SLNB associated to lymph node dissection (LND) in the same compartment of the SLN regardless of the SLN status was 0.6%. In all PTC patients, also in T1-T2 stage, due to the high FNR the SLNB performed alone should be abandoned and converted into a technique to guide the lymphadenectomy in a specific neck compartment (i.e., central or lateral) based on the radioactivity, regardless of the SLN status, for better lymph node staging and selection of patients for postoperative radioiodine ablation.

Thyroid lymph nodes

The thyroid lymph nodes are deep anterior cervical lymph nodes found near the thyroid gland on the neck. Lymphatics of the head and neck

Identification of a neck lump as a lymph node metastasis from an occult contralateral papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid: key role of thyroglobulin assay in the fine-needle aspirate.

Thyroglobulin (Tg) assay of material from fine-needle aspiration of neck masses can help distinguish neck masses of thyroid origin from other masses. We describe its utility in a patient with an unusual constellation of findings, a neck lump identified as a lymph node metastasis from a contralateral occult papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A 56-year-old woman was referred to our center for evaluation of a 15-mm right lateral cervical neck mass which was strongly hypoechoic, not homogenous and contained several microcalcifications. There was no family history of thyroid disease, the patient was euthyroid and was not taking medications for thyroid disorders. On physical examination the thyroid was slightly enlarged and was normal on ultrasound except for a 1 x 3 mm hypoechoic nodule in the middle of the left lobe. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the right lateral cervical mass was performed with the Tg concentration of the FNAB washout liquid being >300 ng/mL and the cytology showing lymphoid elements mixed with polymorphous epithelial cells with atypical nuclei, suggesting lymph node metastasis from a cancer of epithelial origin. A lymph node metastasis from a papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (micro-PTC) was the presumptive diagnosis with the preoperative staging being Tx N1b. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection. At pathology, the right cervical mass was confirmed as lymph node metastasis of a PTC, and a unifocal micro-PTC was found in the middle left lobe. The patient was readmitted for a therapeutic (131)I dose (4810 MBq). At the time of (131)I administration, the whole-body scan showed only minimal thyroid bed uptake and serum Tg was <1 ng/mL. She was maintained on l-thyroxine treatment (150 microg/d). Five year later she did not have evidence of recurrent or residual PTC. We describe the first case of contralateral lymph node metastasis from a unifocal micro-PTC identified by the detection of high Tg levels in the wash-out liquid of FNAB.

["Occult" carcinoma of the thyroid: clinical, morphological, and biologic characteristics for a correct therapeutic regime].

The "occult" carcinoma of the thyroid is still a highly controversial topic. The controversies not only regard its diagnosis, treatment, natural history and, therefore, its biological potential, but also aspects of a nosological nature in that there is still no unequivocal acceptance of its originality, thus leading to discussions focused on its precise definition. On the basis of our experience and other published data, we have reached the following conclusions: a) the term "occult" carcinoma of the thyroid must be used to describe a neoplasia which does not exceed 1.5 cm in diameter, irrespective of the presence or otherwise of laterocervical adenopathy, and leaving aside the fact that it can be identified using clinical and instrumental tests; b) high-resolution echography and echo-guided FNA are fundamental instruments for a correct and early preoperative diagnosis; c) the clinical, morphological and, above all, biological (a very slowly evolving neoplasia) characteristics make the occult carcinoma of the thyroid seem to be a tumour with its own nosological identity; d) on the strength of the latter, and in particular in view of its natural history, conservative surgery (lobectomy with isthmectomy), in the differentiated forms, might play a primary role in the treatment of occult carcinoma of the thyroid in the very near future. However, at present complete thyroidectomy represents the treatment of choice even in differentiated forms, whereas lobectomy is only reserved for incidental cases of occult carcinoma discovered during the final histological test; e) lymphadenectomy is indicated in the event of lymph node involvement, not to achieve a longer survival rate but to reduce the incidence of recidivation in the form of lymph node metastases. In these cases, even the mere removal of macroscopically damaged lymph nodes is sufficient to ensure the virtual absence of recidivation on which, it is worth noting, metabolic radio-iodotherapy is efficacious in the large majority of cases.

Management of thyroid cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. This paper provides recommendations on the management of thyroid cancer in adults and is based on the 2014 British Thyroid Association guidelines. Recommendations • Ultrasound scanning (USS) of the nodule or goitre is a crucial investigation in guiding the need for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). (R) • FNAC should be considered for all nodules with suspicious ultrasound features (U3-U5). If a nodule is smaller than 10 mm in diameter, USS guided FNAC is not recommended unless clinically suspicious lymph nodes on USS are also present. (R) • Cytological analysis and categorisation should be reported according to the current British Thyroid Association Guidance. (R) • Ultrasound scanning assessment of cervical nodes should be done in FNAC-proven cancer. (R) • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) should be done in suspected cases of retrosternal extension, fixed tumours (local invasion with or without vocal cord paralysis) or when haemoptysis is reported. When CT with contrast is used pre-operatively, there should be a two-month delay between the use of iodinated contrast media and subsequent radioactive iodine (I131) therapy. (R) • Fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography imaging is not recommended for routine evaluation. (G) • In patients with thyroid cancer, assessment of extrathyroidal extension and lymph node disease in the central and lateral neck compartments should be undertaken pre-operatively by USS and cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) if indicated. (R) • For patients with Thy 3f or Thy 4 FNAC a diagnostic hemithyroidectomy is recommended. (R) • Total thyroidectomy is recommended for patients with tumours greater than 4 cm in diameter or tumours of any size in association with any of the following characteristics: multifocal disease, bilateral disease, extrathyroidal spread (pT3 and pT4a), familial disease and those with clinically or radiologically involved nodes and/or distant metastases. (R) • Subtotal thyroidectomy should not be used in the management of thyroid cancer. (G) • Central compartment neck dissection is not routinely recommended for patients with papillary thyroid cancer without clinical or radiological evidence of lymph node involvement, provided they meet all of the following criteria: classical type papillary thyroid cancer, patient less than 45 years old, unifocal tumour, less than 4 cm, no extrathyroidal extension on ultrasound. (R) • Patients with metastases in the lateral compartment should undergo therapeutic lateral and central compartment neck dissection. (R) • Patients with follicular cancer with greater than 4 cm tumours should be treated with total thyroidectomy. (R) • I131 ablation should be carried out only in centres with appropriate facilities. (R) • Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) should be checked in all post-operative patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), but not sooner than six weeks after surgery. (R) • Patients who have undergone total or near total thyroidectomy should be started on levothyroxine 2 µg per kg or liothyronine 20 mcg tds after surgery. (R) • The majority of patients with a tumour more than 1 cm in diameter, who have undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy, should have I131 ablation. (R) • A post-ablation scan should be performed 3-10 days after I131 ablation. (R) • Post-therapy dynamic risk stratification at 9-12 months is used to guide further management. (G) • Potentially resectable recurrent or persistent disease should be managed with surgery whenever possible. (R) • Distant metastases and sites not amenable to surgery which are iodine avid should be treated with I131 therapy. (R) • Long-term follow-up for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is recommended. (G) • Follow-up should be based on clinical examination, serum Tg and thyroid-stimulating hormone assessments. (R) • Patients with suspected medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) should be investigated with calcitonin and carcino-embryonic antigen levels (CEA), 24 hour catecholamine and nor metanephrine urine estimation (or plasma free nor metanephrine estimation), serum calcium and parathyroid hormone. (R) • Relevant imaging studies are advisable to guide the extent of surgery. (R) • RET (Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase receptor) proto-oncogene analysis should be performed after surgery. (R) • All patients with known or suspected MTC should have serum calcitonin and biochemical screening for phaeochromocytoma pre-operatively. (R) • All patients with proven MTC greater than 5 mm should undergo total thyroidectomy and central compartment neck dissection. (R) • Patients with MTC with lateral nodal involvement should undergo selective neck dissection (IIa-Vb). (R) • Patients with MTC with central node metastases should undergo ipsilateral prophylactic lateral node dissection. (R) • Prophylactic thyroidectomy should be offered to RET-positive family members. (R) • All patients with proven MTC should have genetic screening. (R) • Radiotherapy may be useful in controlling local symptoms in patients with inoperable disease. (R) • Chemotherapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may help in controlling local symptoms. (R) • For individuals with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, initial assessment should focus on identifying the small proportion of patients with localised disease and good performance status, which may benefit from surgical resection and other adjuvant therapies. (G) • The surgical intent should be gross tumour resection and not merely an attempt at debulking. (G).

Cervical lymph nodes

Clinical significance Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) affects the cervical lymph nodes which become swollen. The characterization of cancerous lymph nodes on CT scan, MRI or ultrasound is difficult, and usually requires confirmation by other nuclear imaging techniques such as PET scans. Tissue diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (which has a high rate of accuracy), may also be required. Involvement of the cervical lymph nodes with metastatic cancer is the single most important prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and may be associated with a halving of survival. Where the cancer has penetrated the capsule of the lymph gland (extracapsular extension) survival may be decreased by a further 50%. Other important factors are the level, the number of nodes and their size, which are also correlated with the risk of distant metastases. Cervical lymph node metastasis is also a common feature of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Additional images References

Papillary thyroid cancer

Patients are administered hormone replacement levothyroxine for life after surgery, especially after total thyroidectomy. Chemotherapy with cisplatin or doxorubicin has proven limited efficacy, however, it could be helpful for patients with bone metastases to improve their quality of life. Patients are also prescribed levothyroxine and radioiodine after surgery. Levothyroxine influences growth and maturation of tissues and it is involved in normal growth, metabolism, and development. In case of metastases, patients are prescribed antineoplastic agents which inhibit cell growth and proliferation and help in palliating symptoms in progressive disease. After successful treatment, 35 percent of the patients may experience a recurrence within a 40-year span. Also, patients may experience a high incidence of nodule metastasis, with 35 percent cases of cervical node metastases. Approximately 20 percent of patients will develop multiple tumors within the thyroid gland.

How Many Nodes to Take? Lymph Node Ratio Below 1/3 Reduces Papillary Thyroid Cancer Nodal Recurrence.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for the majority of thyroid malignancies; risk of PTC recurrence over a 30-year period is approximately 30%, of which 70% occur as nodal metastases. Patients with nodal disease who are treated with therapeutic dissection are at higher risk for recurrence, but optimal nodal yield has not been defined. We aim to determine variables predictive of nodal recurrence of PTC within the first 5 years of surgery, with a focus on lymph node ratio (LNR), to inform clinical decision-making. Retrospective chart review identified 41 patients with nodal recurrence of PTC and 284 without nodal recurrence following thyroid surgery from 2000 to 2015. Cohorts were compared with regards to clinical history, surgical findings, and tumor characteristics. The fraction of the patients who underwent therapeutic central or lateral lymph node dissection was significantly higher in the nodal recurrence cohort. Maximum tumor size, presence of extrathyroidal extension, largest lymph node focus, LNR, postoperative thyroglobulin level, and administration of postoperative radioactive iodine were significantly increased in the PTC nodal recurrence group. LNR greater than 0.3 held the highest level of significance as a binary cutoff and captured the larger proportion of patients in the nodal recurrence cohort (68.3%). This study demonstrates characteristics to help assess risk of nodal recurrence of PTC and suggests LNR of lower than 0.3 is optimal to reduce risk of recurrence. The next steps include cohort studies to validate findings and weight variable analysis to optimize the extent of surgical therapeutic dissection. 4 Laryngoscope, 132:1883-1887, 2022.

The Role of Intraoperative Thyroglobuline Level of Lymph Node in the Management of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (Determination of a Cutoff Point).

Some studies have shown that a preoperative high concentration of thyroglobulin (Tg) in wash out of fine-needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph nodes mandate therapeutic lymph node dissection. However, there is disagreement about the minimum concentration of Tg which could have diagnostic value. Hence, according to our literature review, this study is the first one which designed to do intraoperatively. Therefore, this study was conducted and aimed to determine the clinical diagnostic value of Tg lymph nodes in the diagnosis of metastatic thyroid cancer. In a cross-sectional study, 65 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who were thyroidectomy candidates were chosen and during surgery, before the removal of lymph nodes in the neck, fine-needle sampling was performed and the level of Tg in the samples, nature of the sample sent for biopsy and Tg levels in affected and unaffected lymph nodes were determined. The mean levels of washout Tg in malignant and nonmalignant lymph nodes were 622.1 ± 66.2 and 1.38 ± 0.43 ng/ml, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was significant (<iP</i < 0.001). The Tg cut-off point for the detection of lymph node metastases was 0.7 ng/dl, and according to it, Tg washout sensitivity was 93.8%, specificity of 92.4%, false positives 7.76%, false negatives 6.3%, positive predictive value was 92.3%, and negative predictive value was 93.8% and accuracy was 93.1%. Based on the results, Tg level of cervical lymph nodes in patients with PTC is a suitable criterion for the diagnosis of lymph node which can be determined through fine-needle biopsy. Therefore, it is suggested that in patients with suspicion of lymph nodes involvement during surgery, fine-needle biopsy and determination of the Tg level performed.

Computed tomography of the thyroid

despite the lack of IV contrast injection. However, differentiation between local recurrence versus lymph node metastases and detection of direct involvement of the aerodigestive axis or vascular structures are not technically possible in the absence of IV contrast administration. For these reasons, 18FDG-PET/CT utilizing contrast administration should be considered for most patients with extensive disease.

[Abnormal uptake of l-131 in the lung in a patient with thyroid cancer: is it metastasis or not?].

A 66-year old woman with a background of cystic bronchiectasis in the right lung in her childhood was referred to Endocrinology for a study of multinodular goiter. The patient did not report any personal or family backgrounds of thyroid cancer. The analysis showed the following hormone levels: Free T4 1.14 μg/dl (LN: 0.9-1.7) and TSH 2.45 μU/ml (LN 0.3-4.5). The ultrasound showed several left thyroid lobe nodes smaller than 1cm, hypoechogenic and well-defined and a larger one in the right thyroid lobe of 1.5 cm, hypoechogenic, with increase of central vascularization, microcalcifications and absence of halo. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) was performed on this node. The result of the puncture was suspicion of malignancy, which is why it was decided to perform surgical treatment by total thyroidectomy. Initial staging according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) was pT1NxM0. The pathology report revealed several foci of follicular and papillary microcarcinoma of 0.1 to 0.4 cm in both thyroid lobes. The patient was treated with suppressive doses of oral levothyroxine to avoid tumor growth. Four months after the surgery, she received an ablative dose of radioactive iodine (due to the multifocality of the tumor and the lack of knowledge on the lymph node involvement). One year later, a thyroid ultrasound was performed that did not show suspicious images of malignancy. Levels of Tg after TSHr (that were undetectable) and a total diagnostic body scan with TSHr were performed. These showed an abnormal deposit of the radiotracer in the right lung having heterogeneous characteristics that suggested the possibility of metastases.