3 research outputs found
Incidentalomas during imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism—incidence and clinical outcomes
Background: Imaging for pre-operative localisation of parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism is now
routine. This has led to the detection of incidental lesions (incidentalomas) in other organs, the nature of which is
not well characterised.
The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, characteristics and outcomes in patients who had incidental
findings on parathyroid imaging.
Methods: Records of patients who underwent imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism over 2 years were reviewed
to identify incidental lesions detected on parathyroid imaging. Patients with persistent or renal hyperparathyroidism
were excluded. Details on the management of detected incidentalomas were obtained from patient records.
Results: Incidentalomas were identified in 17 of 170 patients (10 %) undergoing parathyroid imaging. Incidentalomas
included thyroid (n = 11), breast (n = 3), lateral compartment of the neck (n = 1), lung (n = 1) and clavicle (n = 1). However,
no disease of clinical significance needing treatment was detected on further investigation.
Conclusions: Although a significant proportion of patients undergoing parathyroid imaging had incidental lesions
detected, these seem to be of little clinical significance. The morbidity and cost of further interventions on these
incidentalomas need to be weighed against the benefits of routine imaging in improving outcomes of first-time
surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Keywords: Parathyroid gland, Primary hyperparathyroidism, Imaging, Incidentaloma
Developing the Structure of a Cu CMP Model
Abstract: This paper discusses how we are using Cu CMP data to develop a Cu CMP model. CMP data were taken on a non-rotating wafer using a representative dual axis rotational polisher. The data are first analyzed using a mechanical model that incorporates Preston's law, rough surface contact mechanics, thin film fluid mechanics and basic load and moment balances. The limited success of this mechanical model, which was targeted at oxide CMP, motivated us to identify model elements that improve our understanding, including non-Prestonian behavior of the slurry and a thermally activated material removal process; i.e., chemically dominated. These model features were combined with simple mechanical model feature (load and moment balances), to successfully explain experimental observations