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Background A single center experience with sporadic pancreatic insulinoma was analyzed to develop an algorithm for modern surgical management. Methods Thirty-four patients undergoing surgery from 2001 to 2019 were reviewed. Results The majority underwent enucleation (10 laparoscopic, 15 open). Laparoscopy was performed in 22 patients with conversion to open in 11, mostly related to the proximity of the tumor to the pancreatic duct (n = 4). Tumors on the anterior and posterior surface of the pancreas in all anatomic locations were completed with laparoscopic enucleation. Overall, the clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) rate was 21%, with no difference between laparoscopic versus open enucleation (10% vs 20%, p = 0.50) or enucleation versus resection (16% vs 33%, p = 0.27). Laparoscopic enucleation had shorter median hospital length of stay (LOS) compared with open (4 vs 7 days, p = 0.02). Conclusions Laparoscopic enucleation does not increase the CR-POPF risk and provides an advantage with a shorter hospital LOS in select patients. Tumor location and relationship to the pancreatic duct guide surgical decision-making. These findings highlight tumor-specific criteria that would benefit from a minimally invasive approach.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is an essential procedure for thyroid nodules. Although, the efficacy of surgeon-performed thyroid FNA biopsies has been demonstrated in the literature, there are insufficient data regarding how to establish an efficient program with a low insufficiency rate within a group practice. METHODS: An endocrine surgery thyroid FNA biopsy program was established in 2000 by one surgeon, with training of additional partners during fellowship and upon recruitment. The results within 18 years were analyzed. The FNA biopsies were performed by endocrine surgeons under ultrasound guidance without on-site pathologist review. RESULTS: A total of 5,469 FNA biopsies were performed by 7 surgeons. The total number of FNA biopsies performed by each surgeon varied between 291–1,378. FNA biopsies were performed in 2 passes using 22-gauge needles under constant suction. The overall insufficiency rate was 4.3%, with individual surgeon rates ranging between 2.7% and 7.2%. The insufficiency rate for the whole team ranged between 3.3% and 5% when examined in 5-year blocks. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an establishment of a highly efficient thyroid FNA biopsy program within a group practice is possible with a structured endocrine surgical training and adoption of a standard technique.

Background Preoperative localization studies are essential for parathyroid re-exploration. When noninvasive studies do not regionalize the abnormal parathyroid gland, selective parathyroid venous sampling may be employed. We studied the utility of parathyroid venous sampling in reoperative parathyroid surgery and the factors that may affect parathyroid venous sampling results. Methods Patients with hyperparathyroidism and previous cervical surgery undergoing evaluation for reoperative parathyroidectomy over a 20-year period were identified. Patients with indeterminate or negative noninvasive studies underwent parathyroid venous sampling. Parathyroid hormone values were mapped with a ≥2-fold increase above peripheral signifying positive parathyroid venous sampling. These results were correlated with reoperative findings. Results Parathyroid venous sampling was positive in 113 of 140 (81%). Re-exploration occurred in 75 (66%). Parathyroid venous sampling correctly detected the region of abnormal glands in 58 (77%). With 1 gradient, 1 abnormal gland was found in 81%. With multiple gradients, 1 abnormal gland was found in 78%, most often at the site with the largest gradient. Eighty percent of patients who underwent reoperative parathyroidectomy were biochemically cured. Conclusion Parathyroid venous sampling can guide parathyroid re-exploration when noninvasive localizing studies are indeterminate. Expectation of 1 versus multiple remaining glands was key in interpreting the results.

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of and risk factors for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in adrenal incidentaloma (AI). Summary of background data AI guidelines are based on data obtained with old-generation imaging and predominantly use tumor size to stratify risk for ACC. There is a need to analyze the incidence and risk factors from a contemporary series. Methods This is a retrospective review of 2219 AIs that were either surgically removed or nonoperatively monitored for ≥12 months between 2000 and 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to define risk factors. ROC curves constructed to determine optimal size and attenuation cut-offs for ACC. Results 16.8% of AIs underwent upfront surgery and rest initial nonoperative management. Of conservatively managed patients, an additional 7.7% subsequently required adrenalectomy. Overall, ACC incidence in AI was 1.7%. ACC rates by size were 0.1%, 2.4%, and 19.5% for AIs of 6 cm, respectively. The optimal size cut-off for ACC in AI was 4.6 cm. ACC risks by Hounsfield density were 0%, 0.5%, and 6.3% for lesions of 20 HU, with an optimal cut-off of 20 HU to diagnose ACC. 15.5% of all AIs and 19.2% of ACCs were hormonally active. Male sex, large tumor size, high Hounsfield density, and >0.6 cm/year growth were independent risk factors for ACC. Conclusion This contemporary analysis demonstrates that ACC risk per size in AI is less than previously reported. Given these findings, modern management of AIs should not be based just on size, but a combination of thorough hormonal evaluation and imaging characteristics.

The present study examined how a multicomponent intervention embedded in a high school's extracurricular framework impacts students' acceptance of peers with intellectual disability (ID). Data were collected from eight high schools, three of which implemented the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program involving inclusive sports, clubs, and schoolwide events, and five of which did not. A pretest-posttest survey design was used to measure students' attitudes, perceptions, and interactions (n = 1,230). Lagged dependent variable modeling revealed that UCS participation significantly predicted improved attitudes toward peers with ID and perceptions of school social inclusion, as well as increased social interactions with peers with ID. Unified extracurricular activities may be the next step forward in promoting an inclusive school culture.

Background Care pathways facilitate standardized, evidence-based treatment to improve outcomes and value of care. Care pathways consist of multiple nodes representing decision points. Few studies investigate care pathway compliance. We demonstrate nodal care pathway analysis by reviewing compliance with our institutional multidisciplinary, evidence-based care pathways on the treatment of thyroid nodule to generate strategies to increase care pathway adherence and value of care. Methods Patients undergoing workup and treatment of structural thyroid disease between January 2018 and June 2018 were included in a retrospective analysis of enterprise-wide compliance with the following 3 care pathway nodes: (1) laboratory testing: only patients with abnormal results from thyroid-stimulating hormone testing should have T3/T4 measured. (2) imaging: neck computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography ordered for the workup of nodules were reviewed to determine clinical appropriateness. (3) operative treatment: the first 200 thyroid resections conducted in 2018 were reviewed to determine whether the indication and extent of the operation complied with the care pathway. Medicare fee schedules were used for financial calculations. Results Care pathway nonadherence occurred in 48% of the thyroid-stimulating hormone studies and 38% of the imaging studies obtained, with annual costs exceeding $120,000. Substantial care pathway nonadherence occurred in 3% of nodule-related operations. Conclusion Care pathway nodal analysis can identify areas of care pathway nonadherence. Nodal analysis should be considered for care pathway maintenance and generation of strategies of quality improvement.

OBJECTIVE Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values are believed to have a linear relationship in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and correlate with parathyroid gland size, with higher values predicting single-gland disease. In this modern series, these preoperative values were correlated with operative findings to determine their utility in predicting the gland involvement at parathyroid exploration. METHODS Two thousand consecutive patients who underwent initial surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed. All patients underwent a 4-gland exploration. Relationships between preoperative calcium and PTH values with the total gland volume of each patient were examined and stratified using the number of involved glands: single adenoma (SA), double adenoma (DA), and hyperplasia (H). RESULTS There were 1274 (64%) SA, 359 (18%) DA, and 367 (18%) H cases. There was a poor correlation between preoperative calcium and PTH values (R = 0.37) and both poorly correlated with the total gland volume (R < 0.40). Similarly, subgroup analysis using the number of involved glands showed poor correlation. The mean total gland volume was similar among all subgroups (SA = 1.28 cm3, DA = 1.43 cm3, and H = 1.27 cm3; P = .52), implying that individual glands were smaller in multigland disease. SA was found in 271 (53%) of patients with calcium levels of ≤10.5 mg/dL and 122 (78%) with levels of ≥12 mg/dL (P < .001). CONCLUSION This is the largest series correlating preoperative calcium and PTH values with operative findings of gland size and number of diseased glands. Although a lower calcium value predicts somewhat more multigland disease, the overall poor correlation should make the parathyroid surgeon aware that gland size and multigland disease cannot be predicted by preoperative laboratory testing.

Objective: Preservation of parathyroid function is one of the primary tenets of endocrine surgery. For patients with thyroid disease, an inadvertently compromised parathyroid gland is routinely autotransplanted into the neck at the time of surgery. By contrast, for patients with parathyroid disease secondary to hyperplasia, the timing of auto-transplantation needs to be further considered in order to balance the risks between persistent disease and permanent hypocalcemia. Cryopreservation preserves cellular function and permits the storage of parathyroid tissue for potential re-implantation at a later date in patients who develop hypoparathyroidism. Methods: In this paper, we review the process of cryopreservation, with particular emphasis on the regulatory issues involved in establishing a local service, tissue processing, billing and reimbursements, outcome (functionality), and complications. Results: A detailed description of the technique as performed at our institution is described and illustrated. Conclusion: Cryopreservation affords surgical insurance against the disastrous sequelae of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Our techniques are easy to adopt with only a modest initial investment of time and money, particularly for institutions that already cryopreserve other tissue types. Abbreviations: PTH = parathyroid hormone; RMPI = Roswell Park Memorial Institute; RPMI-SSS = RPMI-serum substitute supplement

The Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) is a rule‐out test for malignancy/noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary‐like nuclear features among patients with Bethesda category III/IV nodules, whereas the complimentary Xpression Atlas provides genomic insights from a curated panel of 511 genes among GSC suspicious and Bethesda category V/VI nodules. Together, they facilitate personalized treatment decisions based on genomic insights derived from the transcriptome of the biopsied target and extend the diagnostic and therapeutic reach of cytopathologists and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy sample collection.

With increasing recognition of more subtle presentations of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), laboratory values are frequently seen in a range that would be expected for patients who have familial hypercalcemic hypocalciuria (FHH). Calcium creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR) has been advocated as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between these two disorders. However, it is limited by an indeterminate range (0.01-0.02). The aim of this study is to assess the relevance of CCCR in a modern series of patients with surgically managed pHPT.We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1000 patients who underwent parathyroid surgery for pHPT over eleven years. CCCR was evaluated by degree of biochemical derangement, single versus multiple gland disease and interfering medications.Patient demographics and resected histopathology were typical for a current series of patients with pHPT. In retrospect, none of the patients were suspected to have FHH post operatively. CCCR was less than 0.01 for 19.0%, between 0.01-0.02 for 43.7% and greater than 0.02 in 37.3%. Distribution of CCCR for patients free from interfering medications and different histological subtypes were the same. One third of the cohort had mild calcium elevations, more typical for FHH. Of these, almost two thirds had a CCCR in a range suspect for FHH (0.02).To our knowledge this is the largest series to evaluate the validity of CCCR for patients with surgically confirmed pPHT. The utility of CCCR in screening for FHH is limited, as 63% of modern patients with confirmed pHPT have low values.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common cause of hypercalcemia and can result in bone density loss and kidney stones. Increasingly more patients are being diagnosed in an asymptomatic phase of the disease because calcium has become a routine component of automated chemistry panels; screening calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are being performed in patients with osteoporosis, osteopenia, and kidney stones. The best treatment for PHPT, and the only known cure, is surgical removal of the enlarged parathyroid gland(s). The optimal surgical approach for patients with PHPT has yet to be determined and is likely a combination of approaches depending on specific patient factors. There is an ongoing debate among experienced parathyroid surgeons regarding the extent of exploration during parathyroid surgery. The traditional approach of a bilateral, four-gland exploration was favored for many years before the development of preoperative localization scans and intraoperative PTH assays. Although more focused explorations became increasingly popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, the bilateral approach is coming back into favor due to the recognized incidence of multi-gland disease that is often difficult to detect before surgery. A complete knowledge of parathyroid embryology and anatomy is essential in the performance of a safe and successful four-gland parathyroid exploration. Furthermore, this can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion with complication rates comparable to more limited parathyroid explorations. This chapter focuses on the rationale, technique, and indications for bilateral parathyroid explorations.

Context Preoperative imaging is performed routinely to guide surgical management in primary hyperparathyroidism, but the optimal imaging modalities are debated. Objective Our objectives were to evaluate which imaging modalities are associated with improved cure rate and higher concordance rates with intraoperative findings. A secondary aim was to determine whether additive imaging is associated with higher cure rate. Design, Setting, and Patients This is a retrospective cohort review of 1485 adult patients during a 14-year period (2004-2017) at an academic tertiary referral center that presented for initial parathyroidectomy for de novo primary hyperparathyroidism. Main Outcome Measures Surgical cure rate, concordance of imaging with operative findings, and imaging performance. Results The overall cure rate was 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.95). Cure rate was significantly improved if sestamibi/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was concordant with operative findings (95.9% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.010). Adding a third imaging modality did not improve cure rate (1 imaging type 91.8% vs. 2 imaging types 94.4% vs. 3 imaging types 87.2%, P = 0.59). Despite having a low number of cases (n = 28), 4-dimensional (4D) CT scan outperformed (higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value) all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas. Conclusions Preoperative ultrasound combined with sestamibi/SPECT were associated with the highest cure and concordance rates. If pathology was not found on ultrasound and sestamibi/SPECT, additional imaging did not improve the cure rate or concordance. 4D CT scan outperformed all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas, but these findings were underpowered.

Background and aims The use of the word retard (“the r-word”) among adolescents sheds light on societal views about individuals with intellectual disability and the need to address the colloquial use of this word and its underlying stigma. Schools provide an important platform for intervening to promote social change among youth. The present study examined the impact of a schoolwide social inclusion program on students’ bystander behavior against the use of the r-word. Methods and procedures 1233 students from 5 high schools were surveyed about the prevalence of the r-word in their school, the contexts in which it is used, and their bystander behavior in response to the word. Approximately 40% of surveyed students participated in an R-word Campaign, Unified Sports team, and/or Unified Club as part of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program. Outcomes and results Students’ prosocialness, the context in which the r-word was used, and participation in UCS activities significantly predicted active bystander behavior in response to the r-word. Conclusions and implications By empowering students to be active bystanders against the use of the r-word in school, school-based interventions provide a promising avenue for addressing both the use of the r-word and its underlying stigma.

Introduction A comprehensive cervical ultrasound evaluation is essential in the operative planning of patients with thyroid disease. Reliance on radiographic reports alone may result in incomplete operative management as pathologic lymph nodes are often not palpable and evaluation of the lateral neck is not routine. This study examined the role of surgeon-performed ultrasound in the evaluation of patients who underwent lateral neck dissection for thyroid cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent therapeutic lymph node dissection for thyroid cancer between 2001 and 2016 at our tertiary referral center. All patients had surgeon-performed ultrasound preoperatively by 1 of 7 endocrine surgeons. These findings were compared with prereferral imaging studies to determine the value of surgeon-performed ultrasound to their overall treatment. Results Of 92 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with lateral neck dissection, 97% had prereferral imaging of the neck (ultrasonography, computed tomography, positron emission tomography). Of these patients, nodal disease was suggested by computed tomography scanning in 70.8% and by ultrasonography in 54%. Of all patients, 45% had positive lateral neck nodes detected only on surgeon-performed ultrasound despite prior neck imaging. Nodal disease was identified in 50% of patients with only 1 study and 50% of patients with greater than 1 study before surgeon-performed ultrasound. Of patients with nodes detected by surgeon-performed ultrasound, only 67% had a prereferral diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that reliance on standard preoperative imaging alone would have led to an incorrect initial operation in 45% of our patients. Awareness of the limitations of prereferral imaging is important for surgeons treating patients with thyroid and parathyroid disease. Surgeon-performed ultrasound is a useful tool in the diagnosis and accurate staging of patients.

This study examines the impact of the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program in high schools across the country. Data were analyzed from 2,774 students from 11 high schools implementing the program concerning their perceptions and attitudes toward including students with intellectual disability (ID). Students participating in 1 or more program activities reported increased visibility of and social interactions with students with ID in school. This, in turn, promoted more positive perceptions and attitudes regarding school and classroom inclusion. Participation in different activities had unique effects on students' perceptions of their school's inclusive environment and on their attitudes toward classroom inclusion. These findings support an ecological approach to social inclusion and for structured, schoolwide interventions embedded within normative school contexts.

Background At 12 months after a parathyroid operation, we expect cured patients to have biochemical profiles similar to those of healthy individuals. The aim of the current study was to compare the biochemical characteristics patients at 12 months after parathyroidectomy for primary sporadic hyperparathyroidism with those of healthy controls. Methods A total of 547 patients who underwent parathyroid neck operation for primary sporadic hyperparathyroidism from 2000–2014 were analyzed. A control group consisted of 74 healthy subjects. Calcium and parathyroid hormone were collected perioperatively. Graphic plots of the relationship between calcium versus parathyroid hormone (95% confidence intervals) were used to compare the biochemical profiles of patients after parathyroid operation and controls. Results Preoperatively, patients with primary sporadic hyperparathyroidism had a calcium level of 10.9 ± 0.5 mg/dL and parathyroid hormone level of 124.4 ± 68.5 pg/dL vs controls' values of 9.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL and 34.4 ± 13.4 pg/dL, respectively. Before operation, all primary sporadic hyperparathyroidism patients had calcium versus parathyroid hormone values outside the normal zone. At 12 months after operation, 335 (69%) patients showed normalization of the chemical profile; 13 (2.7%) had absolute elevation of calcium and parathyroid hormone, reflecting persistent disease; 2 (0.4%) patients had hypoparathyroidism after subtotal parathyroidectomy; and 149 (31%) had calcium and parathyroid hormone values outside the normal zone, not fitting into the above categories. There were no marked differences between patients with simple adenoma those with multiple-gland disease. Conclusion Longer follow-up might be needed for patients after parathyroid operation to confirm stabilization of biochemical profiles.

The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (1°HP) has become more complex, as fewer patients present with classic phenotype of concomitant elevation of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). In addition, the distinction between normal versus abnormal patients is challenging, with an increasing number of patients with 1°HP, who have calcium and/or PTH values within the “reference” range. Patients with “inappropriately” elevated PTH values relative to their serum calcium are considered to have 1°HP. The study population consisted of 1753 patients with pathologically proven 1°HP and 74 healthy control patients. Nomograms were created by plotting PTH versus calcium of the two groups. The 95 % confidence zone of calcium and PTH for normal individuals was plotted and compared to patients with 1°HP. The comparison of control and disease groups showed a clear demarcation zone on the plots of calcium versus PTH. In the group of 1°HP, 70 % had classic 1°HP presentation with the concomitant elevation of both calcium (≥10.5 mg/dL) and PTH (≥65 pg/dL). 21 % had “normocalcemic” HP with calcium ≤10.5 mg/dL and PTH ≥65 pg/dL. 6 % had “normohormonal” HP with calcium ≥10.5 mg/dL and PTH ≤65 pg/dL. 3 % had both calcium and PTH within the reference range. 68.5 % of patients had single adenoma, 16 % double adenoma, and 15.5 % hyperplasia. This nomogram serves as a diagnostic tool to distinguish normal patients from those with 1°HP, particularly those with atypical presentations. This recognition would permit previously observed patients to benefit from curative surgery.

Current guidelines increasingly suggest the use of thyroid lobectomy for indeterminate (Bethesda 3 and 4) and high-risk (Bethesda 5 and 6) thyroid nodules; however, the clinical reality is often very different. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of completion thyroidectomy (CTx) for indeterminate and high-risk thyroid nodules which are pre-operatively classified as suitable for unilateral resection (lobe eligible) based on current guidelines. Seven hundred consecutive patients with thyroid nodules and FNA cytology over four years (2015–2018) were reviewed. Distribution of the dominant nodules by Bethesda was: non-diagnostic 3.9%, benign 28.1%, atypia of unknown significance 19.0%, follicular neoplasm 23.6%, suspicious for malignancy 6.1% and malignancy 19.3%. Of 298 indeterminate nodules, 68.8% (205/298) had relative but independent indications for a total thyroidectomy (TTx) and the remainder were candidates for lobectomy. For these lobe eligible patients, the overall risk of ultimately needing a TTx was 19.4% (18/93), comprising 4.3% (4/93) from intra-operative findings and 15.7% (14/89) from final pathology. Similarly, of 170 high-risk nodules, 63.5% (108/170) had upfront indications for a TTx and the remaining 62 nodules were lobe eligible. Of the patients taken to the operating room for a lobectomy, 21.0% (13/62) were upgraded to a TTx intra-operatively and 26.5% (13/49) post-operatively. The lobe success rate for indeterminate nodules was 25.2% and for high-risk nodules was 21.2%. The rate of CTx, or the proportion of patients needing a second operation was 15.7% (14/89) and 26.5% (13/49), respectively. In counselling a patient for surgery, the risk of needing a more radical initial procedure or second surgery needs to be accurately explained. There are three points of care that can influence operative strategy, pre-operatively by way of high-risk clinical factors, intra-operatively via anatomical findings and post-operatively in response to unrecognized pathological features. Additionally, the patient’s personal value judgment and level of risk aversion should be taken into consideration.

Objective: While intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring with a ≥50% drop commonly guides the extent of exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has not been performed to determine whether other criteria yield better sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to identify the optimum percent change of IOPTH following removal of the abnormal parathyroid pathology, in order to predict biochemical cure. Secondary aims were to identify patient subgroups with increased area under the ROC curve (AUC) and the need for moderated criteria. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing primary parathyroid surgery for sporadic pHPT between 1999 and 2010 at a tertiary center for endocrine surgery. Eight hundred and ninety-six patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were included. Multigland disease (MGD) was defined as the intraoperative detection of more than 1 enlarged hypercellular gland or persistent disease after single gland excision. ROC analysis was used to determine the value with the best performance at predicting MGD, following bilateral exploration. Results: MGD was diagnosed in 174 patients (19.4%). ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.69. An IOPTH drop of 72% was the point of optimal discrimination with a sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 76% for predicting MGD. Subgroup analysis by preoperative calcium, preoperative PTH, localization studies, or pre- and post-excision IOPTH, did not identify any factors associated with an improved AUC. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to use ROC analysis in a large patient cohort. An IOPTH drop of 72% was found to have optimal discriminating ability. We failed to identify a subset of patients for whom there was substantial improvement in the AUC, sensitivity, or specificity. Abbreviations: AUC = area under the ROC curve; BE = bilateral neck exploration; FE = focal parathyroid exploration; IOPTH = intraoperative parathyroid hormone; MGD = multigland disease; MIBI = Tc99m-sestamibi I-123 subtraction single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography; pHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; ROC = receiver operating characteristic; SGD = single gland disease; US = surgeon-performed neck ultrasound

OBJECTIVES Report long-term outcomes of percutaneous intervention in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) from a single center over 16 years. BACKGROUND Outcome reports of percutaneous intervention for PVS resulting from PVI are limited. METHODS Retrospective review of all patients with PVS after PVI who underwent percutaneous intervention at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between January 2000 and December 2016. RESULTS A total of 205 patients underwent cardiac catheterization for PVS during the study period. Completely occluded veins which could not be recanalized occurred in six patients. Of the remaining 199 patients, 27 (14%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 172 patients with 276 veins for analysis. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 62 veins and stent implantation in 250 (primary in 214, to treat postdilation restenosis in 36). Re-intervention occurred in 45/62 (73%) balloon-dilated veins and 45/250 (18%) stented veins. Freedom from re-intervention at 1 and 5 years was 90 and 73% following stenting versus 40 and 23% following balloon dilation (p

Background Under recognition of primary hyperparathyroidism can lead to delays in diagnosis and surgical management. We aimed to establish a time course for primary hyperparathyroidism from initial hypercalcemia to surgery and evaluate the impact of guidelines for surgical referral on this time course. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism in 2013 at the Cleveland Clinic. Patients were stratified by adherence to 2008 indications for surgery guidelines, age, calcium values, osteoporosis, history of nephrolithiasis, 24-hour urinary calcium values, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results 219 patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism underwent initial surgery. Twenty-three (10.5%) normocalcemic patients were excluded. Time course from initial hypercalcemia to surgery was 3.9 years for 137 (70%) patients who met objective guideline criteria versus 3.8 years for 59 (30%) patients who did not meet objective guideline criteria (P = .87). Stratification by age 11.5 mg/dL revealed earlier times to surgery. However, osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, 24-hour urinary calcium values, and estimated glomerular filtration rate had no impact. Conclusion There is a delayed time course for patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism from initial hypercalcemia to surgery. Despite published objective criteria, one third of the patients who underwent surgery did not meet criteria, signifying the importance of clinician and patient decision making. Furthermore, patients with osteoporosis and nephrolithiasis who can significantly benefit from surgical cure have no apparent impact on the time to surgery. Overall, the objective guideline criteria have no effect in referral patterns suggesting a call for revision.

Introduction Although frequently used as an adjunct to cytology in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers, interpretation of thyroglobulin washout remains unclear. We aim to compare the utility of different analytic tools to develop recommendations for use in post-total thyroidectomy follow-up. Methods This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective study of patients who underwent lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsy with thyroglobulin washout between 2012 and 2018, during the post-total thyroidectomy follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. The utilities of thyroglobulin washout concentration, thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio, and absolute thyroglobulin content were compared. Results Sixty-four patients underwent 79 fine needle aspirations with thyroglobulin washout of cervical lymph nodes. Fifty-two lymph nodes were found to be metastatic and 27 benign. One patient had a pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis despite a thyroglobulin washout of 0. The optimal cutoffs of thyroglobulin washout, thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio, and absolute thyroglobulin content to predict metastatic involvement were 2.5 ng/ml (94% sensitive, 100% specific), 0.1 (100% sensitive and specific), and 12.5 (94% sensitive, 100% specific), respectively. The second measure lacked utility in patients with undetectable serum thyroglobulin. Conclusion The use of thyroglobulin washout concentration or thyroglobulin washout/serum thyroglobulin ratio has drawbacks based on variations in technique and clinical scenario. Absolute thyroglobulin content is an alternative that may be a more objective expression of thyroglobulin washout.

Recent research on the pathways to quality employment of persons with intellectual disability (ID) highlights the importance of specific skills needed for successfully gaining and maintaining employment, including adaptive skills such as social skills, self-determination and self-advocacy skills, and the finite skills that are relevant for specific occupations. This chapter provides a review of those skills and their relation to employment outcomes and strategies and techniques available for assessment of skills. The chapter also describes approaches to environmental assessment, reflecting the need to identify job opportunities and tailor skill development accordingly. The range of vocational training and job preparation programs that address relevant employment skills is examined, with attention paid to program context and its implications. Quality employment and its changing definition over the past decades are discussed, as well as the policy and program implications for providing opportunities for quality employment for all persons with ID. The chapter ends by looking ahead to the types of employment outcomes for persons with ID that could and should be expected in the twenty-first century.

Since neuroendocrine tumors have an indolent behavior, studies looking at oncologic outcomes should report a long-term follow-up. Over the years, we have been treating selected patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM) with laparoscopic ablation (LA) and reported favorable local tumor control. The aim of this study is to see whether this local efficacy translates into long-term oncologic outcomes. This was an IRB-approved study of patients who underwent LA for NELM at a single center. Overall and progression-free survivals were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards model. Study included 58 women and 71 men with a median age of 58 (IQR 47–67) years. Tumor type included carcinoid (n = 92), pancreatic islet cell (n = 28), and medullary thyroid cancer (n = 9). There was a median of 6 (IQR 3–8) tumors, measuring 1.6 (IQR 1.1–2.4) cm. At a median follow-up of 73 (IQR 34–135) months, local liver recurrence per patient, new liver recurrence, and new extrahepatic recurrence rates were 22, 68, and 33%, respectively. Local tumor recurrence per lesion was 5% (n = 42/770). Median overall survival was 125 months, with 5-year, and 10-year overall survivals being, 76%, and 59%, respectively; and median disease-free survival was 13 months, with 5-year, and 10-year progression-free survivals being 26%, and 6%, respectively. On Cox proportional hazards model, overall survival was independently predicted by tumor size, grade, and resection status of primary. To our knowledge, this is the largest single-center experience with the longest follow-up regarding the utilization of LA for NELM. Our results demonstrate that in selected patients, LA achieves a 95% local tumor control and 59% 10-year overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Some adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) who are competitively employed earn more than minimum wage, receive health benefits from their employers, and have work schedules that accommodate their financial and personal needs. However, most competitively employed adults with ID lack such benefits that are commonly associated with highquality competitive employment. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to look within the population of adults with ID who are competitively employed in order to understand factors related to high-quality competitive employment. METHODS: Respondents included a national sample of 153 parents/guardians of adult children (21 years of age or older) with intellectual disabilities who were competitively employed. These parents/guardians were drawn from a nationally representative sample of 1,055 households which included an adult with an intellectual disability. RESULTS: The results indicated that while high-quality competitive employment is attainable for adults with ID, most competitively employed adults with ID lack benefits including health insurance and salaries that are above minimum wage. Adaptive behavior was related to greater job quality. Also, beyond the influence of adaptive behavior, being at the same job for three or more years significantly predicted higher wages, more work hours, and greater likelihood of receiving health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Policies and programs should look beyond emphasizing competitive employment as the ultimate goal for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and should seek to promote access to high-quality competitive employment. Improving employment stability may contribute to this goal.

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of thyrotropin receptor messenger RNA (TSHR-mRNA) combined with neck ultrasonography (US) in the management of thyroid nodules with Bethesda III-V cytology. Methods Cytology slides of patients with a preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) and TSHR-mRNA who underwent thyroidectomy between 2002 and 2011 were recategorized based on the Bethesda classification. Results of thyroid FNA, TSHR-mRNA, and US were compared with the final pathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Results There were 12 patients with Bethesda III, 112 with Bethesda IV, and 58 with Bethesda V cytology. The sensitivity of TSHR-mRNA in predicting cancer was 33%, 65%, and 79 %, and specificity was 67%, 66%, and 71%, for Bethesda III, IV, and V categories, respectively. For the same categories, the PPV of TSHR-mRNA was 25%, 33%, and 79%, respectively; whereas the NPV was 75%, 88%, and 71%, respectively. The addition of neck US to TSHR-mRNA increased the NPV to 100% for Bethesda III, and 86%, for Bethesda IV, and 82% for Bethesda V disease. Conclusion This study documents the potential usefulness of TSHR-mRNA for thyroid nodules with Bethesda III-V FNA categories. TSHR-mRNA may be used to exclude Bethesda IV disease. A large sample analysis is needed to determine its accuracy for Bethesda category III nodules.

Objective: Primary paragangliomas of the thyroid gland are rare tumors with just 45 previously reported cases in the literature. While locally aggressive tumor behavior has been documented, there are no reported cases of a malignant thyroid paraganglioma. Methods: This report presents the case of a 73-year-old female who presented with a rapidly enlarging right thyroid mass. Results: At the time of initial resection, the mass had grossly invaded the trachea and esophagus and encased the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Central neck lymph node metastases were present. A right thyroid lobectomy with central neck dissection was performed, with a final histologic diagnosis of primary paraganglioma of the thyroid gland. Within 1 year, the patient showed local tumor recurrence that required a laryngeopharyngectomy with reconstruction. New cervical lymph node metastases had also developed, and within 1 year a solitary liver metastasis was identified and excised, confirming the malignant nature of the tumor. Conclusion: Thyroid paragangliomas are an extremely rare subset of thyroid tumors that have gained increasing recognition as a clinical entity in recent years. Recent case reports and a review of the literature emphasize that despite a tendency to display aggressive local behavior; distant metastatic spread was not reported for any of the 45 previously reported cases. This is the first case to show clearly malignant behavior in a thyroid primary paraganglioma with local recurrence as well as regional lymph node and distant tumor metastases. This case has important implications pertaining to patient postoperative management and emphasizes the importance of perioperative and postoperative surveillance for possible local recurrence or metastasis.

Research consistently demonstrates that children with developmental disabilities exhibit motor skill deficits, but motor skill interventions can positively affect motor abilities and other areas of development. These findings have particular relevance for children with disabilities in developing countries, where there is limited access to early intervention and education. In these settings, motor skill interventions may provide a means to address delays in development and positively affect perceptions of family and community members about their capacity to learn. To that end, this study examined the adaptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of implementing a motor skills intervention, the Special Olympics’ Young Athletes Curriculum (YA), in Kenya. Eighteen preschool-age children with intellectual and developmental disabilities participated in the YA intervention, which consisted of 187 motor activities delivered in 24 lessons across 8 weeks. The findings indicate that the YA intervention is ada...

Background Although the concept of surgeon-performed fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules is established, experience with surgeon-performed lymph node fine needle aspiration is scant. We aimed to study the efficacy of surgeon-performed lymph node fine needle aspiration in patients with thyroid pathologic conditions. Methods This is an institutional review board–approved study of patients with thyroid pathologic conditions who underwent surgeon-performed lymph node fine needle aspiration between 2002 and 2017. Efficacy and utility were analyzed. Results A total of 201 patients with benign nodular goiter ( n = 30) and thyroid cancer ( n = 200) underwent 230 lymph node fine needle aspirations (89 during preoperative workup, 141 at postoperative follow-up). Insufficient aspiration rate was 6% and indeterminate cytologic results 3%. In 91% of patients with suspicious lymph nodes, definite diagnosis could be obtained by fine needle aspiration; 51% ( n = 118) of fine needle aspirations indicated metastasis from thyroid cancer and 40% ( n = 91) benign findings. Sensitivity and specificity of lymph node fine needle aspiration in diagnosing nodal metastasis were 92% and 89%, respectively. Cytologic testing and thyroglobulin washout indicated 95% concordance. On logistic regression, spherical shape, microcalcifications, cystic appearance, and loss of hilum on ultrasound independently predicted lymph node metastasis. Conclusion Our data indicate that an adequate surgeon-performed lymph node fine needle aspiration is highly accurate in diagnosing nodal status in thyroid pathologic conditions. We recommend adoption of this technique, when feasible, to develop an efficient, comprehensive thyroid practice.

Patient-reported outcome measures are being used increasingly to assess disease severity and response to surgery. The purpose of this study was to create and validate a patient-reported outcome measure for symptoms of thyroid enlargement and hyperparathyroidism, 2 conditions where the presence of preoperative symptoms and response to surgery is often questioned.A questionnaire reviewing common symptoms was developed from a literature review and expert opinion. Internal validity, reliability, and initial responsiveness to surgery were evaluated.Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Parathyroid and Thyroid Disease (PROMPT) consists of 30 items: 10 compressive items and 20 hyperparathyroidism items; we evaluated 302 surveys collected over 10 months. PROMPT showed high internal consistency for compressive and hyperparathyroid constructs (Cronbach's α 0.84 and 0.95). Constructs were scored from 0-100, with greater scores corresponding to increased severity of symptoms. Preoperatively, patients with a goiter demonstrated greater compressive scores compared with other thyroid patients and hyperparathyroid patients (goiter, 47.5; nodule/other, 38.4; hyperparathyroid, 29.8; P.0001). PROMPT demonstrated high test-retest reliability with acceptable intraclass correlation coefficients for both compressive score and hyperparathyroid score (0.840 and 0.646). Hyperparathyroid scores improved 2 weeks after (48.6 postop, 44.0 preop, P = .0470).We validated a novel measure for symptoms of hyperparathyroidism and goiter. PROMPT demonstrates high internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and preliminary analysis, which suggests that it is sensitive to change after surgery.

We have previously shown that thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor messenger RNA (TSHR mRNA) is detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTmC). The aim of this study was to analyze the utility of TSHR mRNA status as a marker of tumor aggressiveness in patients with PTmC.Preoperative TSHR mRNA values were obtained in 152 patients who underwent thyroidectomy and were found to have PTmC on final pathology. Clinical parameters were analyzed from an institutional review board-approved database using χ(2) and t tests.Preoperatively, TSHR mRNA was detected in the peripheral blood in 46% of patients, which was less than that for macroscopic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (80%) but higher than for benign thyroid disease (18%) (P.001). The focus of cancer was larger in the TSHR mRNA-positive group compared to the negative group (0.41 vs. 0.30 cm, respectively, P = .015). The prevalence of tall-cell variant was higher in the TSHR mRNA positive group. The rates of lymph node (LN) metastasis (16% vs. 10%), multifocality (46% vs. 49%), and extra-thyroidal extension (10% vs. 5%) were similar between the TSHR mRNA-positive and-negative groups, respectively. In patients 45 years or older, rate of LN metastasis was higher in those who were TSHR mRNA positive (10%) versus negative (2%) (P = .039). TSHR mRNA positivity predicted a higher likelihood of radioactive iodine treatment (36% vs. 17%, P = .009) postoperatively.This study shows that TSHR mRNA, which is a marker of circulating thyroid cancer cells, is detectable in about half of patients with PTmC. The positivity of this marker predicts a higher likelihood of LN involvement in patients with PTmC who are 45 years or older.

Background Tc-99 sestamibi (MIBI) scan is the imaging study most frequently used in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Transcutaneous cervical ultrasonography (US) is the other modality used for preoperative localization. The aim of this study was to determine whether surgeon-performed neck US can be used as the primary localizing study in PHP. Methods This was a prospective study of 1,000 consecutive patients with first-time, sporadic PHP who underwent parathyroidectomy at a tertiary academic center. All patients had surgeon-performed neck US and MIBI before bilateral neck exploration. Results The findings at exploration were 72% single adenoma, 15% double adenoma, and 13% hyperplasia. When US suggested single-gland disease (n = 842), MIBI was concordant in 82.5%, discordant and false in 8%, negative in 7%, and discordant but correct in 2.5%. When US suggested multigland disease (n = 68), MIBI was concordant in 47%, discordant and false in 41%, and negative in 12%. When US was negative (n = 90), MIBI was positive and correct in 43%, negative in 31%, and positive but false in 26%. Surgeon-performed neck US identified unrecognized thyroid nodules in 326 patients (33%), which led to fine-needle aspiration biopsy in 161 (49%) patients and thyroid surgery in 103 (32%) patients, with a final diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 24 (7%) patients. Conclusion Our results show that MIBI provides additional useful information in only a minority of patients with a positive US in PHP. Nevertheless, MIBI benefits about half of patients with a negative US. Because one-third of this patient population has unrecognized thyroid nodules as well, we propose that the most cost-effective algorithm would be to do US first and reserve MIBI for US-negative cases.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has gained widespread acceptance. However, the optimal surgical approach to laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study is to analyze the patient and intraoperative factors affecting the feasibility and outcome of different surgical approaches to define an algorithm for bilateral adrenalectomy. Between 2000 and 2013, all patients who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy at a single institution were selected for retrospective analysis. Patient factors, surgical approach, operative outcomes, and complications were analyzed. From 2000 to 2013, 28 patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. Patient diagnoses included Cushing’s disease (n = 19), pheochromocytoma (n = 7), and adrenal metastasis (n = 2). Of these 28 patients, successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in all but 2 patients. Twenty-three out of the 26 adrenalectomies were completed in a single stage, while three were performed as a staged approach due to deterioration in intraoperative respiratory status in two patients and patient body habitus in one. Of the adrenalectomies completed using the minimally invasive approach, a posterior retroperitoneal (PR) approach was performed in 17 patients and lateral transabdominal (LT) approach in 9 patients. Patients who underwent a LT approach had higher BMI, larger tumor size, and other concomitant intraabdominal pathology. Hospital stay for laparoscopic adrenalectomy was 3.5 days compared to 5 and 12 days for the two open cases. There were no 30-day hospital mortality and 5 patients had minor complications for the entire cohort. A minimally invasive operation is feasible in 93 % of patients undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy with 65 % of adrenalectomies performed using the PR approach. Indications for the LT approach include morbid obesity, tumor size >6 cm, and other concomitant intraabdominal pathology. Single-stage adrenalectomies are feasible in most patients, with prolonged operative time causing respiratory instability being the main indication for a staged approach.

Background Over the last decade, robotic approaches have been described for removing adrenal tumors. Although there are reports comparing robotic and laparoscopic techniques in general, there are limited data on outcomes in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA). The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of robotic adrenalectomy (RA) versus laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for PHA. Materials and methods The records of 20 patients who underwent RA for PHA were compared with 16 patients who underwent LA between 2000 and 2014. Data were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained, IRB-approved adrenal database. Statistical analysis was performed using t test and the Fisher exact analysis. Continuous variables are reported as mean±SEM. Results Demographic and clinical parameters were similar between the groups. There were no conversions to open in either group. Estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complication rates were comparable. Operative time was shorter in the robotic versus laparoscopic group (130±8.94 vs. 159±11.1 min, P=0.0487). In follow-up, the improvement in patients' blood pressure after adrenalectomy, as assessed by the reduction in the number of antihypertensive medications, was similar between the 2 groups. However, 1 patient in the RA and 1 patient in the LA group were not cured, as determined by postoperative aldosterone:renin levels. The biochemical cure rate between the groups was similar (P=0.529). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing robotic versus laparoscopic resection of PHA. Our results show that the robotic approach was similar to laparoscopic regarding safety and efficacy. Operative time was shorter with the robotic approach, which could be related to more efficient dissection with wristed instrumentation.

Primary aldosteronism causes hypertension and hypokalemia and is often surgically treatable. Diagnosis includes elevated plasma aldosterone, suppressed plasma renin activity, and elevated aldosterone renin ratio. Adrenalectomy improves hypertension and hypokalemia. Postoperative plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity may be useful in documenting cure or failure.A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism from 2010 to 2016 was performed, analyzing preoperative and postoperative plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity, hypertension, and hypokalemia. The utility of postoperative testing was assessed. Clinical cure was defined as improved hypertension control and resolution of potassium loss. Biochemical cure was defined as aldosterone renin ratio reduction to23.6.Forty-four patients were included; 20 had plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity checked on postoperative day 1. In the study, 40/44 (91%) were clinically cured. All clinical failures had of biochemical failure at follow-up. Postoperative day 1aldosterone renin ratio23.6 had PPV of 95% for clinical cure. Cured patients had mean plasma aldosterone drop of 33.1 ng/dL on postoperative day 1; noncured patient experienced 3.9 ng/dL increase. A cutoff of plasma aldosterone decrease of 10 ng/dL had high positive predictive value for clinical cure.Changes in plasma aldosterone and plasma renin activity after adrenalectomy correlate with improved hypertension and hypokalemia. The biochemical impact of adrenalectomy manifests as early as postoperative day 1. We propose a plasma aldosterone decrease of 10 ng/dL as a criterion to predict clinical cure.

Surgeon-performed ultrasound is a necessary tool in the evaluation of patients with thyroid and parathyroid disease. On a daily basis, I am able to demonstrate to my residents and fellows key decisions that hinged upon the ultrasound evaluation performed by the surgeon that were not apparent by review of images or reports. For a surgical practice, both the indications for surgery as well as the extent of the surgical procedure are driven by the findings on ultrasound evaluation. This benefit is apparent when applied in the clinic as well as in the operating room setting. In addition to the ability to identify structural lesions, fine needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance is an invaluable adjunct for clinical decision-making.

BACKGROUND: The federal government has invested billions of dollars to promote employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. Despite this investment, the employment rate within this population has remained stable during the recent decades. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify characteristics of adults with intellectual disabilities who are employed, and to understand the paths towards employment for these individuals. METHODS: Respondents included a nationally representative sample of 1,055 parents/guardians of adult children (21 years of age or older) with an intellectual disability surveyed by Gallup. These parents/guardians were selected from approximately 341,000 households screened by Gallup. This methodology allowed for the inclusion of a sample of adults with ID who had never been in the labor force or even sought employment. RESULTS: Several characteristics are associated with greater likelihood of employment, including younger age, early work experience, higher levels of adaptive behavior, and absence of emotional and behavioral problems. These characteristics are especially predictive of employment in a competitive setting, and relatively less predictive of sheltered employment. There is very little movement between the two types of employment settings: very few people currently in competitive employment ever worked in a sheltered setting. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study have clear implications for policies and programs. Young adults with intellectual disabilities need early opportunities to work in community settings. These community-based experiences must provide them with the opportunity to develop necessary adaptive, behavioral, and emotional skills. Finally, policy makers must recognize that sheltered employment is not a stepping-stone to employment in a competitive setting.

The present study explored the prevalence of the r-word in schools and students' bystander behavior in response to hearing the word. In total, 2,297 students from 12 high schools across the country participated in this study. Results revealed the r-word was used frequently among high school students, most often toward individuals without intellectual disability (ID). Students were more likely to take an active bystander role when hearing the r-word used toward students with ID than when hearing it used toward students without ID. Students' gender and prosocialness also played a role in determining their bystander behavior in response to the r-word. This study has implications for reducing the use of the r-word and the stigma associated with ID.

Background: Iodine containing solutions have been utilized to help control hyperthyroidism for patients with Graves’ disease. Super saturated potassium iodide solution (SSKI) is traditionally given about 10 days prior to surgery for patients with Graves’ disease with the goal of decreasing thyroid hormone levels and gland vascularity in addition to any other medication they may be taking for symptoms. Despite the routine administrations, few studies have confirmed these findings. The purpose of this study is to look at a single institution retrospective cohort comparing those patients who undergo thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease with the pre-operative administration of SSKI as compared to those who do not. Methods: Single institution review of all patients at a single hospital system undergoing a total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease receiving SSKI. Results: A total of 386 patients had a total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease between 1999–2016. A total of 308 (79.8%) received SSKI. No statistical differences were noted between the two groups. Of those that received SSKI, there was a significant decreased in both T3 and T4 levels after receiving SSKI (P Conclusions: This study finds that SSKI assists with rendering patients euthyroid prior to total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease as well as decreases the vascularity of their thyroid glands.

There is controversy in the literature about whether robotic total thyroidectomy should be performed through unilateral or bilateral axillary incisions. The aim of this study was to perform a detailed critical analysis of the single-incision technique with a focus on postoperative pain, morbidity, and oncologic outcomes.Between June 2009 and May 2012, 30 patients underwent robotic neck surgery through a single axillary incision. The perioperative outcomes of 16 patients who underwent robotic total thyroidectomy were compared with 30 consecutive patients undergoing conventional total thyroidectomy. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database. All data are presented as mean values ± standard error of the mean.Both groups were similar regarding age, gender, body mass index, tumor size, and tumor type. For all patients, skin-to-skin operative time (OT) was less in the conventional group (139 ± 8 vs 183 ± 11 minutes, respectively; P = .002). In the robotic group, a significant improvement of the OT occurred after the 6th case: 245 ± 12 minutes for the first 6 cases versus 153 ± 10 minutes for the last 10 cases (P.001). Estimated blood loss was similar between groups. The median hospital stay was 1 day for both groups. The morbidity was 13% in the conventional and 19% in the robotic group (P = .631).Our results show that robotic total thyroidectomy through a single axillary incision is feasible, with similar short-term oncologic results. However, owing to the extent of dissection, the 2-week operative site discomfort is greater after robotic versus conventional total thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Employment has been recognized as an important goal for improving the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Governments at both the federal and state level have invested billions of dollars to encourage better outcomes for adults with ID as they transition out of high school and into the labor force. OBJECTIVE: Given these important efforts, this study documented the employment situation of working-aged adults with intellectual disabilities across the country. METHODS: Respondents included a nationally representative random sample of 1,017 parents/guardians of adult children (21 years of age or older) with an intellectual disability surveyed by Gallup. These parents/guardians were selected from approximately 341,000 households screened by Gallup. This methodology allowed for the inclusion of a sample of adults with ID who had never been in the labor force or even sought employment. RESULTS: The results indicate a troublingly low employment rate for adults with ID and a puzzlingly low number who are even in the labor force. CONCLUSIONS: The employment outlook for adults with ID will continue to be bleak until new ways are found to meaningfully incorporate this population into the labor force.

Background Cowden syndrome (CS) is dominantly inherited and predisposes patients to tumors in multiple organs. We characterized CS-associated malignant and benign thyroid disease. Methods Of data from 3,477 prospectively recruited CS patients with known genetic analysis, we analyzed 225 PTEN mutation+ patients whose treatment occurred at our center ( n = 25) or other hospitals nationwide ( n = 200). Results A total of 32 of 225 PTEN mutation+ patients (14%) had thyroid cancer: 52% papillary, 28% follicular-variant papillary, 14% follicular, and 6% anaplastic. Median age at diagnosis was 35 years compared with 49 years for Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results population data. Initial thyroid ultrasonography in 16 of 25 patients revealed thyroiditis/goiters in all >13 years age, leading to FNA in 7 (64%), thyroidectomy in 3 (27%), and new cancer diagnosis in 2 (18%). Three with severe autism required intraoperative sedation for ultrasonography. A total of 9 of 25 patients were monitored after multiple partial thyroidectomies for goiters by age 42 ( n = 5), thyroiditis, or cancer detected by age 36 ( n = 3). Conclusion PTEN mutation+ patients with CS have an enormous prevalence of thyroid disease. Earlier screening may be advisable because thyroiditis and nodules are seen by the time patients reach adolescence, and cancer diagnosis occurs on average 14 years earlier than expected. Furthermore, the risks observed may justify prophylactic total thyroidectomy in select, if not all, patients, particularly those with developmental disorders.

Background We aimed to validate a nomogram for diagnosing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), particularly when normocalcemic PHP and vitamin D (VitD25) deficiency coexist. Methods The nomogram calculates maximal upper limit of normal PTH unique for each person by maxPTH = 120 − [6*calcium] − [½*VitD25] + [¼*age]. PHP is suspected when serum PTH exceeds maxPTH. Normocalcemic PHP (NCPHP) was defined as always normal serum calcium (8.5–10.5 mg/dL) with PTH >60 pg/mL preoperatively and VitD25 deficiency as Results A total of 477 patients had operatively and histologically proven PHP. Overall and including those with classical presentation (high serum levels of calcium and PTH), the nomogram predicted PHP in 97% patients. A total of 66 had NCPHP: 47 with low VitD25 levels (20 ± 0.4 ng/mL) made initial PHP diagnosis challenging; 19 had normal VitD25 status. Although the level of serum calcium concentrations were equivalent in these 2 groups (10.1 ± 0.4 mg/dL), PTH was greater in patients with concurrent VitD25 deficiency (129 vs 97 pg/mL, P = .04). However, when used to calculate maxPTH, the nomogram predicted PHP correctly in all 66 NCPHP patients (100%). Conclusion The maxPTH nomogram functions as expected to classify patients with PHP and may aid in the diagnosis of NCPHP regardless of vitamin D status and repletion, reassuring primary providers and surgeons alike to embark on appropriate and timely PHP management.

The goal of any operation for well-differentiated thyroid cancer is to provide the best oncologic outcome, individualized to the patient, but avoid the morbidity of excessively radical procedures. Clinically involved central neck lymph nodes require removal. A major area of controversy is whether prophylactic central neck dissection is required for thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin. The exact definition of a prophylactic versus a therapeutic neck dissection varies. When neck dissection is performed, there is varied practice in terms of how thoroughly the central compartment is cleared of its nodal burden. There is also controversy as to whether a unilateral versus a bilateral central neck dissection should be performed. How to interpret or act on the final pathologic findings is also an area of controversy. Although any nodal involvement is staged as N1 disease, biologically the findings of microscopic nodal involvement are clearly different than that of nodal replacement or extranodal extension. In terms of gaining a better perspective into any of these areas, it is important to understand that with well-differentiated thyroid cancer, although this may impact the recurrence rate in the neck, given the excellent long-term survival, mortality is unlikely to be affected.