BackgroundGray-scale, B-mode ultrasound (US) imaging is part of the standard clinical procedure for evaluating thyroid nodules (TNs). It is limited by its instrument- and operator-dependence and inter-observer variability. In addition, the accepted high-risk B-mode US TN features are more specific for detecting classic papillary thyroid cancer rather than the follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer or follicular thyroid cancer. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a technique that can non-invasively assess properties of tissue microarchitecture by exploiting information contained in raw ultrasonic radiofrequency (RF) echo signals that is discarded in conventional B-mode imaging. QUS provides quantitative parameter-value estimates that are a function of the properties of US scatterers and microarchitecture of the tissue. The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess the performance of QUS parameters in evaluating benign and malignant thyroid nodules.MethodsPatients from the Thyroid Health Center at the Boston Medical Center were recruited to participate. B-mode and RF data were acquired and analyzed in 225 TNs (24 malignant and 201 benign) from 208 patients. These data were acquired either before (167 nodules) or after (58 nodules) subjects underwent fine-needle biopsy (FNB). The performance of a combination of QUS parameters (CQP) was assessed and compared with the performance of B-mode risk-stratification systems.ResultsCQP produced an ROC AUC value of 0.857 ± 0.033 compared to a value of 0.887 ± 0.033 (p=0.327) for the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) and 0.880 ± 0.041 (p=0.367) for the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk-stratification system. Furthermore, using a CQP threshold of 0.263 would further reduce the number of unnecessary FNBs in 44% of TNs without missing any malignant TNs. When CQP used in combination with ACR TI-RADS, a potential additional reduction of 49 to 66% in unnecessary FNBs was demonstrated.ConclusionThis preliminary study suggests that QUS may provide a method to classify TNs when used by itself or when combined with a conventional gray-scale US risk-stratification system and can potentially reduce the need to biopsy TNs.
Purpose of review Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is well established and commonly encountered but is associated with several diagnostic and management challenges. The present review discusses recent evidence published related to the effects of amiodarone on the thyroid gland and thyroid function. Recent findings Retrospective studies to evaluate amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in children show the occurrence of potential clinically significant changes within 2 weeks of amiodarone initiation that may not be detected if standard adult guidelines for thyroid hormone monitoring are followed. A small study evaluating beta-glucuronidase activity in amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) demonstrated higher levels in patients with AIT type 2 compared to type 1. New data have suggested the incidence of agranulocytosis may be higher in patients on thionamides with AIT compared to hyperthyroidism because of other causes. In a small study, investigators demonstrated the use of a combination of intravenous and oral steroids to treat refractory AIT which needs to be evaluated in further controlled trials. Finally, recent data demonstrated a possible mortality benefit of surgery over medical therapy for AIT in patients with moderate to severe reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction. Summary Recent research regarding the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction were reviewed.
Community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is considered an underreported entity in India. In this case report, the authors describe a thirty-five year old immunocompetent male presenting with severe respiratory distress requiring intubation. On further work up, a CT thorax showed features consistent with necrotizing pneumonia. The morphology and sensitivity pattern of the organism found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood culture were consistent with MRSA. The patient's stay in the hospital was complicated by acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis with CPK levels of 9995 U/L. The patient was started on dialysis and improved there after. This case brings to light that CA-MRSA is becoming a problem in developing nations where antibiotics are frequently used empirically with little laboratory guidance. It also is a rare reporting of rhabdomyolysis due to CA-MRSA.
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