The cost of screening for synchronous thyroid disease in patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: To use decision analysis to compare the costs associated with minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with regard to treatment of incidental synchronous thyroid disease.

Design: We developed a decision tree model to evaluate the cost of managing thyroid pathology in primary hyperparathyroidism with the following 3 approaches: MIP, MIP with preoperative ultrasonography, and routine BNE with intraoperative thyroid evaluation. We tested the robustness of the optimal decision with sensitivity analyses.

The effect of single agent oral fusaric acid (FA) on the growth of subcutaneously xenografted SCC-1 cells in a nude mouse model.

Objective: To determine whether oral administration of fusaric acid (FA) inhibits tumor growth in an animal model of head and neck cancer (HNSCC).

Design: In vivo murine model, two arm controlled study.

Methods: Thirty-eight (38) 5-week-old athymic nude mice were randomly assigned to a fusaric acid treatment group (1 mg/mL) (n = 19) or a sterile saline group (n = 19).

Operative time analysis of miniplate fixation of the mandible.

Our purpose in this study was to report and compare operating room times for the various methods of mandible fracture repair. We describe a methodology of treatment in selected patients, using efficient repair techniques; namely, miniplate fixation with four-screw mandibular occlusion. We report our outcomes in successful healing, occlusion, complications, and operating times.

Perioperative parathyroid hormone assay for diagnosis and management of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between perioperative changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and the likelihood of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Study Design: In a series of 78 patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy, PTH levels were measured before surgery and at 10 minutes after removal of the thyroid gland.

Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized collection of serum from 78 consecutive total or completion thyroidectomy procedures performed by a single surgeon was carried out over 18 months.

Pediatric temporal bone fractures in a rural population.

Objective: To examine pediatric temporal bone fractures in a rural population.

Study Design And Setting: A retrospective chart review of pediatric temporal bone fractures between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2000, at a rural academic medical center.

Results: A total of 108 patients were identified.

Synchronous thyroid pathology in patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: Thyroid and parathyroid pathology may coexist; classically, this is described in multiple endocrine neoplasia. Other nonsyndromic scenarios result in pathologies of these endocrine organs coexisting. This can create a challenge in the clinical decision making and management of these patients.

Calciphylaxis.

Calciphylaxis is a condition with a generally poor prognosis about which relatively little is known. Possible improvement in prognosis is noted if the diagnosis can be made early to avoid progression of soft tissue lesions and resulting complications. The mainstays of therapy are wound care and therapy aimed at controlling infection and the progression of disease.

Parathyroid carcinoma.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a relatively rare tumor that is prone to recurrence and poor loco-regional control. This article discusses the epidemiology, presentation, operative findings, pathology,management, genetics, outcome, and other aspects of parathyroid carcinoma.