Prevalence of DICER1 variants in large multinodular goiter: thyroid function, clinical and imaging characteristics.

Objective: Mutations in DICER1 are found in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and in multinodular goiter (MNG) at a younger age with other tumors, which characterizes DICER1 syndrome. DICER1 is one driver to DTC; however, it is also found in benign nodules. We speculated that patients with mutations in DICER1 may present long-lasting MNG.

Is there a role for diagnostic scans in the management of intermediate-risk thyroid cancer?

Radioiodine (RAI) is selectively recommended for intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC). The information gleaned from pretherapy stimulated thyroglobulin levels (sTg) and diagnostic 131I whole-body scans (DxWBS) to guide therapy remains controversial. The present study aimed at evaluating the impact of preablation sTg and DxWBS in the management of intermediate-risk DTC.

Molecular profile of Hürthle cell carcinomas: recurrent mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Objective: Genomic alterations in Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCC) include chromosomal losses, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and changes in the expression profile of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. This study aimed at characterizing the mutational profile of HCC.

Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 40 HCC using a 102-gene panel including, among others, the MAPK, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch pathways.

Does autoimmune thyroid disorder act as a predisposing factor in the development of oral lichen planus?

Considering previous data from our clinic, as had consistently demonstrated a significant number of OLP patients also reporting thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in particular), the present study investigated the prevalence of OLP in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.

Is There a Difference Between Minimal and Gross Extension into the Strap Muscles for the Risk of Recurrence in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas?

The morbidity of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is primarily related to locoregional recurrences and distant metastases. The definition of minimal extrathyroidal extension (mETE) has been recently revised. The presence of mETE does not impact mortality and is generally not considered to be a predictor for the risk of recurrence.

Laser Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Pilot Study With a Preliminary Analysis of the Employed Energy.

Background And Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided laser ablation of benign thyroid nodules (TNs) under different amounts of applied energy.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Thirty-four euthyroid patients with 5-18 ml TNs were enrolled: 21 (laser ablation) and 13 (clinical follow up) patients with a mean age of 56.2 ± 12.

Color Duplex Doppler US can Follow up the Response of Radioiodine in Graves' Disease by Evaluating the Thyroid Volume and Peak Systolic Velocity.

Purpose:  The objective of this study was to prove the efficacy of Doppler ultrasonography (US-Doppler) in the follow-up of patients with GD treated with radioactive iodine.

Methods:  97 patients (77 female and 20 male) with a mean age of 42 years (SD ± 15) and with prior diagnosis of GD were treated with radioiodine. In total, 88.

Diagnostic performance of thyroid ultrasound in Hürthle cell carcinomas.

Objective: Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCCs) of the thyroid have been recently reclassified as a separate entity due to their distinct clinical and molecular profiles. Few studies have assessed the ability of preoperative characteristics in differentiating HCCs from Hürthle cell adenomas (HCAs) due to the low prevalence of both lesions. This study aimed to compare the preoperative features of HCCs and HCAs and evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound in distinguishing between both.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Introduction: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).

Objective: The objective was to assess the safety and actions of LLLT 6 years after completion of the RCT.

Materials And Methods: Forty-three participants were invited to participate in this study 6 years after completion of the RCT.

High prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women living in adequate iodine area.

Objectives: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with obstetric and neonatal adverse outcomes. Serum thyroglobulin (sTg) and thyroid volume (TV) are optional tools to urinary iodine concentration (UIC) for defining iodine status. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the iodine status of pregnant women living in iodine-adequate area by spot UIC and correlation with sTg, TV and thyroid function.

Oncogenic mutations in KEAP1 disturbing inhibitory Nrf2-Keap1 interaction: Activation of antioxidative pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) encodes Nrf2, transcription factor of antioxidative genes. In the presence of reactive oxygen species, Keap1 (Kelch-ECH-associating protein-1) inhibitor complex undergoes conformational changes disrupting Keap1-Nrf2 binding and Nrf2 translocates into nucleus. We evaluated the presence of mutations in NFE2L2 and KEAP1 in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) and correlated them with clinical presentation.

The End-Diastolic Velocity of Thyroid Arteries Is Strongly Correlated with the Peak Systolic Velocity and Gland Volume in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Background: The end-diastolic velocity (EDV) of thyroid arteries reflects peripheral blood flow resistance.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate EDV correlations with other Doppler sonography parameters and with clinical and biochemical variables in a sample of patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).

Methods: A sample of 48 CAT hypothyroid patients receiving treatment with stable doses of levothyroxine was selected.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D and TSH as Risk Factors or Prognostic Markers in Thyroid Carcinoma.

Objective: The increasing incidence of thyroid nodules demands identification of risk factors for malignant disease. Several studies suggested the association of higher TSH levels with cancer, but influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) is controversial. This study aimed to identify the relationship of thyroid cancer with higher TSH levels and hypovitaminosis D and to evaluate their influence on prognostic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC).

Evaluation of Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator Gene in Human Multinodular Goiter.

BACKGROUND DREAM (Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonistic Modulator) is a neuronal calcium sensor that was suggested to modulate TSH receptor activity and whose overexpression provokes an enlargement of the thyroid gland in transgenic mice. The aim of this study was to investigate somatic mutations and DREAM gene expression in human multinodular goiter (MNG). MATERIAL AND METHODS DNA and RNA samples were obtained from hyperplastic thyroid glands of 60 patients (54 females) with benign MNG.

Suppurative thyroiditis due to aspergillosis: a case report.

Introduction: Aspergillus, a nosocomial agent, is the most common fungal cause of suppurative thyroiditis. Most patients with Aspergillus thyroiditis have disseminated infection, primarily with lung compromise. Late diagnosis and treatment, severity of immunosuppressive state and thyroid hormone overload contribute to extremely high mortality rates.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on the serum TGF-β1 concentrations in individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with hypothyroidism resulting from chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).

Background Data: Certain data indicate that LLLT is effective in patients with hypothyroidism caused by CAT; however, the mechanisms of action of LLLT in thyroid tissue are unknown. Cytokines could play a role in the response to LLLT.

Pre-operative role of BRAF in the guidance of the surgical approach and prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: The p.V600E BRAF and RAS mutations are found in 30-80% of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). BRAF mutation has been associated with poor prognosis.

New mutation in the PTEN gene in a Brazilian patient with Cowden's syndrome.

Cowden syndrome is characterized by hamartomatous polyps, trichilemmomas, increased risk of developing neoplasms, and is associated with germline mutations in the PTEN gene. We searched for germline mutations in PTEN in a 49-year-old female patient who presented trichilemmoma with previous history of breast carcinoma, and thyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule. We also searched for somatic mutations in breast and thyroid tumoral tissues.

Thyroid disturbance related to chronic hepatitis C infection: role of CXCL10.

Association between autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and hepatitis C is controversial, but may occur or worsen during alpha-interferon treatment. The mechanism responsible for autoimmune diseases in infected patients has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of AITD in chronic hepatitis C and the association of chemokine (CXC motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10) and AITD.

BRAF: a tool in the decision to perform elective neck dissection?

Background: Some studies have demonstrated a correlation between the presence of a BRAF mutation and aggressive characteristics, including lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) has been proposed for treatment of PTC. Given the potential complications of CND, we undertook a prospective study to determine the correlation between the BRAF mutation and lymph node metastasis.