Introduction: This video details how to perform real-time intraoperative mapping angiograms of the parathyroid glands (iMAP). Using indocyanine green and fluorescence imaging, the aim of this technique is to enhance the observation of parathyroid vessels, which are often difficult to see with the naked eye. Materials and Methods: We describe the technique itself, show the kind of images that we can get in real time and discuss the advantages and limits of this novel technique, with several illustrating examples. Results: Either by showing directly the pedicle getting into the parathyroid or by showing the general pattern of vascular arborization, without showing precisely the pedicle of the parathyroid, the iMAP can be useful to guide the dissection in real time, and/or more generally, it can help to improve one's knowledge of vascular anatomy of the parathyroids. This technique is, however, demanding with the current devices, and technical improvements, especially on image processing, are necessary to make it more widely acceptable. Conclusions: Performing real-time iMAPs is feasible and potentially useful. Refinements may make this technique easier. The clinical utility is still to be evaluated. Fares Benmiloud has perceived consulting fees from Fluoptics, outside the present video. Runtime of video: 8 mins 3 secs.
Introduction: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is one of the most common complications after total thyroidectomy. In recent years, several techniques have been employed, trying to save parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery, such as autofluorescence and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. In this study, we present a systematic approach to a parathyroid function saving total thyroidectomy using autofluorescence and quantified ICG angiography. Materials and Methods: Step-by-step video demonstration of a total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer utilizing parathyroid autofluorescence and ICG angiography. Results: A systematic step-wise approach to a total thyroidectomy using autofluorescence and quantified ICG angiography is demonstrated. The set moments of deployment, settings of the camera, and a standardized workflow model for parathyroid autofluorescence and ICG angiography are noted. Conclusion: A systematic approach to parathyroid autofluorescence and quantified ICG angiography during total thyroidectomy may eventually guide the surgeon in early identification of the parathyroid glands and the need for parathyroid autotransplantation, thereby predicting and preventing postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The authors have no related personal conflicts of interest to declare that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. For this study, the Quest Spectrum was used. The authors have no conflicts with this or any other commercial entity. This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public or commercial sector. Runtime of video: 9 mins 59 secs This video was presented at the Third Symposium on Parathyroid Fluorescence 2021.
Introduction: Lateral neck metastases occur in ~15% of papillary thyroid cancer and in ~40% of medullary thyroid cancer. We present herein a systematic approach to a standard comprehensive lateral neck dissection, with attention to specific areas where thyroid cancer lymph node metastases may be missed during surgery. Materials and Methods: Video demonstration of a comprehensive levels 2a, 3, 4, and 5b lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer. Results: A systematic step-wise approach to a standard comprehensive lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer, inclusive of levels 2a, 3, 4, and 5b, is demonstrated. Areas where thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph nodes can be missed are noted, including low level 4 nodes and carotid-vertebral nodes, level 5B nodes, and subdigastric level 2 nodes medial to the carotid artery. Conclusion: A step-wise systematic approach to a comprehensive lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer may lower the risk for missed thyroid cancer lateral neck lymph node metastases. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 8 mins 35 secs.
Introduction: Currently, B-mode ultrasound (US) is the primary imaging modality in diagnosing thyroid nodules (TNs). B-mode is a two-dimensional US (2D US) imaging display. Recent studies suggest a role for strain and shear wave elastography for evaluating TN as well. Three-dimensional US (3D-US) has the potential to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and precision for thyroid cancer (TC) detection. Materials and Methods: An experienced ultrasonographer (G.A.) evaluated the patient using the following techniques: B-mode, strain and shear wave elastography, and 3D-US followed by fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Laboratory measurements were performed at LabCorp. Informed consent was obtained. Case: A 28-year-old woman referred for hypothyroidism. Her primary doctor initiated levothyroxine 50 mcg daily 6 months prior. At the time of her visit, her thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 2.8 (0.45-4.5 uIU/mL) and both thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies were elevated, suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her thyroid US showed a heterogeneous gland with an isoechoic TN in the right lobe measuring 7.7 × 6.3 × 7 mm. Strain elastography showed diffuse and patchy tissue stiffness throughout the gland, suggestive of tissue fibrosis caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This study did not distinguish target TN from the surrounding tissue. Shear wave elastography of the TN revealed moderately increased stiffness compared with surrounding tissue. The shear wave velocity (SWV) measurement for the TN was 3.1 m/s. 3D-US examination demonstrated an isoechoic TN with irregular margins, and the volume was 0.119 cm3. FNAB of the TN was performed. Cytopathology was diagnostic for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), Bethesda Category VI. Subsequent total thyroidectomy confirmed a 7 mm PTC with positive surgical margins caused by thyroid capsule invasion and no clear-cut evidence of extra-thyroid extension. Discussion: This case showcases the recent technological advances in TN imaging. Our objective is to provide an improved approach to TN management. The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System stratifies the malignancy risk of TN primarily based on the size and B-mode US features. This model does not recommend FNAB for any TN <10 mm regardless of malignancy risk.1 This is our observation that with 3D-US the size cutoff of TN might not be an issue as with B-mode or elastography. Irregularities of the TN can be seen with 3D-US with small and large nodules equally. The finding of irregular margins on 3D-US and consulting with the patient lead us to perform FNAB. Recent publications in the journal of VideoEndocrinology showed utilizations of 3D-US in diagnosing parathyroid adenomas and TNs. 3D-US technology improves view of the target lesion by adding a third dimension, coronal view, to the transverse and longitudinal views of B-mode US.2,3
Introduction: B-mode ultrasound (US) technology is an integral part of diagnosing and assessing risk stratification of thyroid nodules (TNs). The addition of shear wave elastography and three-dimensional (3D) US imaging may improve risk stratification for thyroid cancer (TC). Materials and Methods: The patient was evaluated in our clinic with US imaging including B-mode, shear wave elastography, 3D-US, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Laboratory measurements were performed at LabCorp. The patient gave informed consent. Case: A 20-year-old female referred for hypothyroidism who was on levothyroxine 25µg daily. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.870 (0.45-4.5 µIU/mL). Thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody were elevated, suggestive of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her thyroid ultrasongraph showed a heterogeneous thyroid gland with a hypoechoic TN in the right lobe measuring 9.2 × 8.9 × 9 mm. Shear wave elastography examination was suggestive of a hard TN. The shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements for the target TN was 3.9 m/s. 3D-US examination demonstrated a hypoechoic TN with irregular margins and a volume of 0.322 cm3. FNAB of right TN was performed. The cytopathology was read as malignant (Bethesa Category VI), diagnostic for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). She underwent total thyroidectomy. Surgical pathology report showed an 8 mm PTC in the right lobe and 2 mm PTC in the left lobe with a background of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There were 3/10 positive lymph nodes (LNs) for metastases. The largest metastatic LN measured 5 mm at level 6. Discussion: This case illustrates recent advances in US technology. For decades, clinicians relied on B-mode US to assess the risk for TC. This case illustrates important challenges and advances in US technology. Current ACR-TIRADS guideline for TN management is based on B-mode US features and TN size.1 In our experience, including additional factors such as elastography, 3D-US, and laboratory evaluation helps to improve our diagnostic accuracy. In this case, her laboratory was suggestive of autoimmune thyroid disease. This information was helpful to put this patient in a higher risk category. Recent large studies reported an association between differentiated TC and autoimmune thyroid disease and/or TSH when all Bethesda classifications were included.2-4 Shear wave elastography examination showed that this TN had a high SWV, suggestive of a hard TN, which is suspicious for malignancy. Several recent publications have reported that elastography can assess the malignant potential of TN.5-10 In our prospective study, we reported that in a single cutoff analysis for predicting malignancy in TNs, a maximum SWV of 3.54 m/s had the best sensitivity. With greater SWV values, specificity increased but sensitivity decreased.6 3D-US technology enhances our ability to visualize
Ultrasound technology is becoming an integral part of diagnosing parathyroid adenomas. Careful ultrasound evaluation with b-mode, shear wave elastography, and three-dimensional (3D) of parathyroid adenomas may improve localization and outcome. Introduction: A 60-year-old woman was referred for the evaluation of hyperparathyroidism. This patient gave her informed consent. She had a history of hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. She was being treated with levothyroxine 50 mcg daily. Routine testing revealed hypercalcemia. The serum calcium was 11.2 (nL range 8.7-10.2 mg/dL), creatinine was 0.69 (nL range 0.57-1.00 mg/dL), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) was 70 (nL range 15-65 pg/mL), phosphorus was 2.7 (nL range 2.5-4.5 mg/dL), vitamin D was 38.7 (30-100 ng/mL), and 24 hours urine calcium was 362.9 (100-300 mg/24 hour). The neck ultrasound showed two lesions one superior/posterior and the other in the inferior/posterior aspect of the right thyroid lobe measuring 11.6 × 4.4 × 9.7 mm and 14.6 × 5.0 × 10.0 mm, respectively. Both lesions resembled parathyroid adenomas. Shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements for the superior and inferior lesions were 1.67 and 1.77 m/second, respectively. For the adjacent thyroid tissue SWV was 2.3 m/second, significantly higher. 3D ultrasound examination demonstrated a polar artery in both lesions. A sestamibi scan showed a probable right parathyroid adenoma and she was referred for surgery. She was found to have two right parathyroid adenomas in the superior and inferior poles corresponding with the ultrasound finding. Intraoperative PTH level decreased from 139.9 to 17 pg/mL postresection. Six weeks after surgery, her calcium and PTH were normal. Materials and Methods: This patient was evaluated in our clinic with ultrasound imaging, including b-mode, shear wave elastography (SWE), and 3D ultrasound. Discussion: Most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have a single parathyroid adenoma. Other causes include glandular hyperplasia, multiple adenomas, and parathyroid carcinoma.1,2 This case shows two parathyroid adenomas in the neck posterior to the right thyroid lobe. The role of ultrasound in diagnosing parathyroid adenomas is becoming more prominent because of improved technology, low cost, and noninvasive nature. With this case we illustrate that SWE can be an added value to b-mode ultrasound in diagnosing parathyroid adenomas. Our previous publication in the Journal of European Radiology reported that SWV measurement of parathyroid adenomas may enhance other sonographic parameters to predict the diagnosis. In our view, parathyroid adenomas appear to have a more homogenous texture and lower tissue stiffness when compared with the thyroid gland.3 This case confirms our prior findings. It can be challenging to differentiate parathyroid adenomas from lymph nodes (LNs) and ectopic thyroid tissue at level 6, with b-mode ultrasound. A combi