Robotic bilateral axillo-breast versus endoscopic bilateral areola thyroidectomy outcomes of 757 patients

BackgroundRemote endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) seem to be beneficial in selected situations to avoid anterior neck scars. There are limited data in the literature to determine whether RT via a bilateral axillo-breast approach (RT-BABA) is superior to ET via a bilateral areolar approach (ET-BAA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of RT-BABA versus ET-BAA.MethodsBetween May 2013 and May 2022, 757 patients who underwent RT-BABA or ET-BAA at a high-volume Chinese thyroid center were included. Intraoperative and postoperative outcome parameters were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The moving average method was used to evaluate the learning curve.ResultsThe proportion of patients older than 45 years was greater in the RT group than in the ET group (14.8% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001). The percentage of overweight patients was greater in the RT group (28.8% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.001). The number of patients treated for malignant lesions was higher in the RT group (86.8% vs. 75%, p < 0.001). The rate of thyroiditis was higher in the RT group (10.9% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001). Surgical time was significantly shorter in the RT group (140 vs. 165min, p < 0.001). Drainage volume was higher in the RT group (100 vs. 85ml, p < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the RT group (3.04 ± 0.44 vs. 3.67 ± 0.89 days, p < 0.001). The cost in the RT group was higher (49627 ± 2795 vs. 25094 ± 3368 yuan, p < 0.001). Transient vocal cord dysfunction was lower in the RT group (2.9% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of central lymph nodes sampled, positive lymph nodes, neural monitoring (EMG) results, and rate of transient hypoparathyroidism. The learning curve for RT was 26 cases, and the operative time for ET was constant throughout the study.ConclusionsRT-BABA is as safe and feasible as ET-BAA. RT-BABA performed better in some surgical outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the safety of RT-BABA

Critically evaluated key points on hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for only 3% of all thyroid carcinomas: 75% as sporadic MTC (sMTC) and 25% as hereditary MTC (hMTC) in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Early diagnosis is possible by determining the tumour marker calcitonin (Ctn) when clarifying nodular goitre and by detecting the mutation in the proto-oncogene RET in the MEN2 families. If the Ctn level is only slightly elevated, up to 30 pg/ml in women and up to 60 pg/ml in men, follow-up checks are advisable. At higher levels, surgery should be considered; at a level of > 100 pg/ml, surgery is always advisable. The treatment of choice is total thyroidectomy, possibly with central lymphadenectomy. In the early stage, cure is possible with adequate surgery; in the late stage, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an option. RET A mutation analysis should be performed on all patients with MTC. During follow-up, a biochemical distinction is made between: healed (Ctn not measurably low), biochemically incomplete (Ctn increased without tumour detection) and structural tumour detection (metastases on imaging). After MTC surgery, the following results should be available for classification in follow-up care: (i) histology, Ctn immunohistology if necessary, (ii) classification according to the pTNM scheme, (iii) the result of the RET analysis for categorisation into the hereditary or sporadic variant and (iiii) the postoperative Ctn value. Tumour progression is determined by assessing the Ctn doubling time and the RECIST criteria on imaging. In most cases, “active surveillance” is possible. In the case of progression and symptoms, the following applies: local (palliative surgery, radiotherapy) before systemic (tyrosine kinase inhibitors)

Measuring discrepancies between simple medullary and synchronous medullary/papillary thyroid carcinomas: a comparative cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo study the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas.MethodsThe clinical data of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) operated in our hospital (Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University) from February 2009 to February 2023 were evaluated using an analytical review approach. They were divided into an observation group (patients with synchronous MTC and papillary thyroid carcinoma PTC) and a control group (simple MTC) according to whether the clinical data were associated with MTC, in order to compare the clinical features, pathological types, stage characteristics and molecular biology characteristics of the two groups and to investigate the follow-up of the two groups.ResultsThe study included 122 MTC, 30 with synchronous MTC/PTC and 92 simple MTC. When the data were compared, the sex ratio, preoperative calcitonin level, preoperative CEA level, presence of calcifications in the MTC lesions, surgical methods, number of MTC lesions, presence of nodular goitre and presence of thyroiditis were higher in the observation group than in the control group. There was a significant difference between the groups when the MTC lesion diameter was ≤1cm in terms of preoperative CEA value (P<0.05); when the MTC lesion diameter was >1cm, there was a statistical difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative Ctn value (P<0.05). Type III was significantly different from the simple group, while type IV was more similar to the simple group. The preoperative serum Ctn value was positively correlated with maximum tumour diameter in both groups, although the correlation was stronger in the easy group. Preoperative CEA was positively correlated with maximum tumour diameter in both groups, with a stronger correlation in the combination group. Preoperative Ctn and CEA were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis in the simple group, whereas there was no apparent correlation with lymph node metastasis in the combination group. The cut-off value of preoperative serum Ctn for cervical lymph node metastases in the simple group was 39.2pg/ml and for lateral cervical lymph node metastases 195.5pg/ml. The cut-off value of preoperative serum Ctn for cervical lymph node metastases in the combination group was 60.79pg/ml and for lateral cervical lymph node metastases 152.6pg/ml. In the simple group, prognosis was significantly worse in the progression group (P<0.001), with no statistical difference between the remission and stable groups. In the combination group, the prognosis of the progression and stable groups was significantly worse than that of the remission group (P<0.001), with no statistical difference between the progression and stable groups.ConclusionIn patients with synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas, preoperative Ctn and CEA levels, calcifications, solitary lesions, combined goitre or thyroiditis differ significantly from simple MTC. Therefore, clinical management should pay attention to the above factors and early risk screening should be performed to improve prognosis as much as possible

Measuring synchronization in coupled simulation and coupled cardiovascular time series: A comparison of different cross entropy measures

Synchronization provides an insight into underlying the interaction mechanisms among the bivariate time series and has recently become an increasing focus of interest. In this study, we proposed a new cross entropy measure, named cross fuzzy measure entropy (C-FuzzyMEn), to detect the synchronization of the bivariate time series. The performances of C-FuzzyMEn, as well as two existing cross entropy measures, i.e., cross sample entropy (C-SampEn) and cross fuzzy entropy (C-FuzzyEn), were first tested and compared using three coupled simulation models (i.e., coupled Gaussian noise, coupled MIX(p) and coupled Henon model) by changing the time series length, the threshold value for entropy and the coupling degree. The results from the simulation models showed that compared with C-SampEn, C-FuzzyEn and C-FuzzyMEn had better statistical stability and compared with C-FuzzyEn, C-FuzzyMEn had better discrimination ability. These three measures were then applied to a cardiovascular coupling problem, synchronization analysis for RR and pulse transit time (PTT) series in both the normal subjects and heart failure patients. The results showed that the heart failure group had lower cross entropy values than the normal group for all three cross entropy measures, indicating that the synchronization between RR and PTT time series increases in the heart failure group. Further analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the normal and heart failure groups for C-SampEn (normal 2.13 ± 0.37 vs. heart failure 2.07 ± 0.16, P = 0.36). However, C-FuzzyEn had significant difference between two groups (normal 1.42 ± 0.25 vs. heart failure 1.31 ± 0.12, P < 0.05). The statistical difference was larger for two groups when performing C-FuzzyMEn analysis (normal 2.40 ± 0.26 vs. heart failure 2.15 ± 0.13, P < 0.01)

Measuring synchronization in coupled simulation and coupled cardiovascular time series: A comparison of different cross entropy measures

Synchronization provides an insight into underlying the interaction mechanisms among the bivariate time series and has recently become an increasing focus of interest. In this study, we proposed a new cross entropy measure, named cross fuzzy measure entropy (C-FuzzyMEn), to detect the synchronization of the bivariate time series. The performances of C-FuzzyMEn, as well as two existing cross entropy measures, i.e., cross sample entropy (C-SampEn) and cross fuzzy entropy (C-FuzzyEn), were first tested and compared using three coupled simulation models (i.e., coupled Gaussian noise, coupled MIX(p) and coupled Henon model) by changing the time series length, the threshold value for entropy and the coupling degree. The results from the simulation models showed that compared with C-SampEn, C-FuzzyEn and C-FuzzyMEn had better statistical stability and compared with C-FuzzyEn, C-FuzzyMEn had better discrimination ability. These three measures were then applied to a cardiovascular coupling problem, synchronization analysis for RR and pulse transit time (PTT) series in both the normal subjects and heart failure patients. The results showed that the heart failure group had lower cross entropy values than the normal group for all three cross entropy measures, indicating that the synchronization between RR and PTT time series increases in the heart failure group. Further analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the normal and heart failure groups for C-SampEn (normal 2.13 ± 0.37 vs. heart failure 2.07 ± 0.16, P = 0.36). However, C-FuzzyEn had significant difference between two groups (normal 1.42 ± 0.25 vs. heart failure 1.31 ± 0.12, P < 0.05). The statistical difference was larger for two groups when performing C-FuzzyMEn analysis (normal 2.40 ± 0.26 vs. heart failure 2.15 ± 0.13, P < 0.01)

Pedostratigraphy of Aeolian Deposition near the Yunxian Man Site on the Hanjiang River Terraces, Yunxian Basin, Central China

Since 2010, we have found stone artifacts at the Houfang and Dishuiyan loess sections on the second terrace of the Hanjiang River and the Wolonggang thick natural loess section on the fifth terrace of the same river near the Xuetangliangzi site. We dated Dishuiyan and Houfang loess sections by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermally transferred OSL (TT-OSL) methods respectively. Dating results showed that the loess–paleosol deposited on the second Hanjiang River terrace as L1, S1, L2, and S2 in sequence. We dated the Wolonggang loess section by high-resolution paleomagnetostratigraphic analyses. The Jaramillo subchron was found at this section. Correlating with the central Loess Plateau, we recognized the continuous loess–paleosol sequence from L9 to L15. Investigations showed that loess was continuously deposited on the terraces of the Hanjiang River at Yunxian Basin since at least 1200 ka

Video_1_Thirty synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas.mpg

Synopsis for table of contentsAn exceptional number of synchronous MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland is presented. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes and the clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.Background and objectivesThe synchronous occurrence of multiple neoplastic processes in the thyroid gland is unusual. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 30 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) in association with papillary (PTC).MethodRetrospective analysis of operated patients for thyroid tumors. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes: (type I) True mixed MTC/PTC, MTC and PTC closely intermingled. (Type II) Collision MTC/PTC, i.e. tumors that meet at the same site, invade each other and appear as a single mass in the thyroid gland, i.e. MTC and PTC merge. (Type III) Synchronous anatomically separate tumors in the same thyroid lobe, i.e. separated from each other by non-tumorous thyroid parenchyma. (Type IV) Synchronous tumors occurring in separate anatomical lobes or in the isthmus. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Location: Department of thyroid surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University. Time frame: 14 years (June 2008-November 2022).ResultsThirty patients were identified with an overall prevalence of 28621 (0.1%). 17 (56.7%) were male, 13 (43.3%) female, mean age 51.3 ± 11.0 years, mean BMI 23.6 ± 3.6kg/m2. Mean duration of symptoms was 11.2 ± 18.4 months. Mean calcitonin level was 133.7 ± 196.4 pg/ml. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was offered in 21 cases: 9 (42.9%) were suspected carcinoma, 9 (42.9%) PTC, 1 (4.8%) MTC, 2 (9.4%) MTC/PTC. Pathology revealed type I 4 (13.3%), type II 2 (6.7%), type III 14 (46.7%), type IV 10 (33.3%). The mean diameter of MTC was 1.6 ± 2.0cm, 18 (60%) were micro-MTC. The mean diameter of PTC was 0.9 ± 1.9 cm, 26 (86.7%) were micro-PTC. In 16 (53.3%) micro-PTC/-MTC occurred in synchronous sequence. Four patients had a recurrence: 2 had to be re-operated due to MTC recurrence, 2 died due to distant metastases (bone, liver).ConclusionWe report an exceptional number of MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. The clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.</p

Image_3_Thirty synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas.jpeg

Synopsis for table of contentsAn exceptional number of synchronous MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland is presented. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes and the clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.Background and objectivesThe synchronous occurrence of multiple neoplastic processes in the thyroid gland is unusual. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 30 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) in association with papillary (PTC).MethodRetrospective analysis of operated patients for thyroid tumors. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes: (type I) True mixed MTC/PTC, MTC and PTC closely intermingled. (Type II) Collision MTC/PTC, i.e. tumors that meet at the same site, invade each other and appear as a single mass in the thyroid gland, i.e. MTC and PTC merge. (Type III) Synchronous anatomically separate tumors in the same thyroid lobe, i.e. separated from each other by non-tumorous thyroid parenchyma. (Type IV) Synchronous tumors occurring in separate anatomical lobes or in the isthmus. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Location: Department of thyroid surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University. Time frame: 14 years (June 2008-November 2022).ResultsThirty patients were identified with an overall prevalence of 28621 (0.1%). 17 (56.7%) were male, 13 (43.3%) female, mean age 51.3 ± 11.0 years, mean BMI 23.6 ± 3.6kg/m2. Mean duration of symptoms was 11.2 ± 18.4 months. Mean calcitonin level was 133.7 ± 196.4 pg/ml. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was offered in 21 cases: 9 (42.9%) were suspected carcinoma, 9 (42.9%) PTC, 1 (4.8%) MTC, 2 (9.4%) MTC/PTC. Pathology revealed type I 4 (13.3%), type II 2 (6.7%), type III 14 (46.7%), type IV 10 (33.3%). The mean diameter of MTC was 1.6 ± 2.0cm, 18 (60%) were micro-MTC. The mean diameter of PTC was 0.9 ± 1.9 cm, 26 (86.7%) were micro-PTC. In 16 (53.3%) micro-PTC/-MTC occurred in synchronous sequence. Four patients had a recurrence: 2 had to be re-operated due to MTC recurrence, 2 died due to distant metastases (bone, liver).ConclusionWe report an exceptional number of MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. The clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.</p

Image_2_Thirty synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas.jpeg

Synopsis for table of contentsAn exceptional number of synchronous MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland is presented. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes and the clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.Background and objectivesThe synchronous occurrence of multiple neoplastic processes in the thyroid gland is unusual. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 30 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) in association with papillary (PTC).MethodRetrospective analysis of operated patients for thyroid tumors. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes: (type I) True mixed MTC/PTC, MTC and PTC closely intermingled. (Type II) Collision MTC/PTC, i.e. tumors that meet at the same site, invade each other and appear as a single mass in the thyroid gland, i.e. MTC and PTC merge. (Type III) Synchronous anatomically separate tumors in the same thyroid lobe, i.e. separated from each other by non-tumorous thyroid parenchyma. (Type IV) Synchronous tumors occurring in separate anatomical lobes or in the isthmus. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Location: Department of thyroid surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University. Time frame: 14 years (June 2008-November 2022).ResultsThirty patients were identified with an overall prevalence of 28621 (0.1%). 17 (56.7%) were male, 13 (43.3%) female, mean age 51.3 ± 11.0 years, mean BMI 23.6 ± 3.6kg/m2. Mean duration of symptoms was 11.2 ± 18.4 months. Mean calcitonin level was 133.7 ± 196.4 pg/ml. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was offered in 21 cases: 9 (42.9%) were suspected carcinoma, 9 (42.9%) PTC, 1 (4.8%) MTC, 2 (9.4%) MTC/PTC. Pathology revealed type I 4 (13.3%), type II 2 (6.7%), type III 14 (46.7%), type IV 10 (33.3%). The mean diameter of MTC was 1.6 ± 2.0cm, 18 (60%) were micro-MTC. The mean diameter of PTC was 0.9 ± 1.9 cm, 26 (86.7%) were micro-PTC. In 16 (53.3%) micro-PTC/-MTC occurred in synchronous sequence. Four patients had a recurrence: 2 had to be re-operated due to MTC recurrence, 2 died due to distant metastases (bone, liver).ConclusionWe report an exceptional number of MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. The clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.</p

Image_1_Thirty synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinomas.jpeg

Synopsis for table of contentsAn exceptional number of synchronous MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland is presented. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes and the clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.Background and objectivesThe synchronous occurrence of multiple neoplastic processes in the thyroid gland is unusual. We investigated the clinicopathological features of 30 medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) in association with papillary (PTC).MethodRetrospective analysis of operated patients for thyroid tumors. Synchronous PTC/MTC in the same thyroid gland were classified into 4 subtypes: (type I) True mixed MTC/PTC, MTC and PTC closely intermingled. (Type II) Collision MTC/PTC, i.e. tumors that meet at the same site, invade each other and appear as a single mass in the thyroid gland, i.e. MTC and PTC merge. (Type III) Synchronous anatomically separate tumors in the same thyroid lobe, i.e. separated from each other by non-tumorous thyroid parenchyma. (Type IV) Synchronous tumors occurring in separate anatomical lobes or in the isthmus. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Location: Department of thyroid surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University. Time frame: 14 years (June 2008-November 2022).ResultsThirty patients were identified with an overall prevalence of 28621 (0.1%). 17 (56.7%) were male, 13 (43.3%) female, mean age 51.3 ± 11.0 years, mean BMI 23.6 ± 3.6kg/m2. Mean duration of symptoms was 11.2 ± 18.4 months. Mean calcitonin level was 133.7 ± 196.4 pg/ml. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was offered in 21 cases: 9 (42.9%) were suspected carcinoma, 9 (42.9%) PTC, 1 (4.8%) MTC, 2 (9.4%) MTC/PTC. Pathology revealed type I 4 (13.3%), type II 2 (6.7%), type III 14 (46.7%), type IV 10 (33.3%). The mean diameter of MTC was 1.6 ± 2.0cm, 18 (60%) were micro-MTC. The mean diameter of PTC was 0.9 ± 1.9 cm, 26 (86.7%) were micro-PTC. In 16 (53.3%) micro-PTC/-MTC occurred in synchronous sequence. Four patients had a recurrence: 2 had to be re-operated due to MTC recurrence, 2 died due to distant metastases (bone, liver).ConclusionWe report an exceptional number of MTC/PTC in the same thyroid gland. This may be the most numerous case series reported in the literature. The clinical and pathological aspects as well as the results are presented.</p