Coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Impact on presentation, management, and outcome

Background: The association between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and papillary thyroid car- cinoma (PTC) has been investigated for several years from different perspectives. In spite of that, there were only few attempts to design a common frame of references to understand the complex mutual interactions between the various pathways of inflammatory response and of thyroid tumor induction and progression. This study compares two independent groups of patients aiming to determine the frequency and the prognostic significance of CLT in patients with PTC. Material and methods: From January 2005 to September 2013, we conducted a retrospective study on 160 patients with PTC who underwent thyroidectomy. CLT was diagnosed histopathologically. Age, sex, tu- mor features (dimensions, angioinvasion, capsular infiltration, mono/multifocality and lymph node metastases) pathologic findings and outcome were considered. Mean follow-up (metastasis, completeness-of-resection, serum thyroglobulin levels, tumor recurrence) period was 61 months (ranged from 18 to 132 months). A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Patients were divided in 2 groups. In group A there were 90 patients affected by PTC alone, and in group B there were 70 patients affected with PTC associated with CLT. Our data showed that the presence of CLT correlate with a lower grade of PTC (p < 0.05). Considering the sex of the patients there were a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.02) and the presence of CLT associated with PTC was most representative in female patients. Conclusions: The presence of CLT in patients with PTC correlated with a lower grade of PTC, but it does not affect the overall survival of papillary thyroid cancers

Assessment of the awareness and management of sleep apnea syndrome in acromegaly. The COM.E.TA (Comorbidities Evaluation and Treatment in Acromegaly) Italian Study Group.

In 2007 the Italian COM.E.T.A. (COMorbidities Evaluation and Treatment in Acromegaly) study group started to assess the application in a clinical setting of the Versailles criteria for management of acromegaly complications by a first questionnaire focusing on cardiovascular co-morbidities. A further questionnaire on sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) was delivered by the COM.E.T.A. study group to 107 endocrine centers in Italy. The results of our survey suggest that SAS is a well-known comorbidity even if its estimated prevalence is lower than in the literature. Polysomnography is the preferred tool for diagnosis. Control of SAS is considered relevant both for quality of life and co-morbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure is the cornerstone of therapy, but patients' acceptance may be critical. Control of GH/IGF-I secretion is important to improve SAS. Management of SAS requires cooperation between specialists. ©2011, Editrice Kurtis

Assessment of the awareness and management of sleep apnea syndrome in acromegaly. The COM.E.TA (Comorbidities Evaluation and Treatment in Acromegaly) Italian Study Group

In 2007 the Italian COM.E.T.A. (COMorbidities Evaluation and Treatment in Acromegaly) study group started to assess the application in a clinical setting of the Versailles criteria for management of acromegaly complications by a first questionnaire focusing on cardiovascular co-morbidities. A further questionnaire on sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) was delivered by the COM.E.T.A. study group to 107 endocrine centers in Italy. The results of our survey suggest that SAS is a well-known comorbidity even if its estimated prevalence is lower than in the literature. Polysomnography is the preferred tool for diagnosis. Control of SAS is considered relevant both for quality of life and co-morbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure is the cornerstone of therapy, but patients' acceptance may be critical. Control of GH/IGF-I secretion is important to improve SAS. Management of SAS requires cooperation between specialists. \ua92011, Editrice Kurtis