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Thyroid nodules in acromegaly
Amelia Rogozinski1, Alejandra Furioso, Patricia Glikman
1División Endocrinología, Hospital J. M. Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina. ameliasu2000@yahoo.com.ar
Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia
|August 23, 2012
Summary
Acromegaly patients have a high prevalence of thyroid nodules (67%). Malignant cytology and differentiated thyroid carcinoma were more common in these patients, necessitating regular thyroid screening.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone, is associated with various endocrine complications.
- Thyroid nodular disease is a known complication, but its prevalence and risk in acromegaly require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid nodular disease in patients with acromegaly.
- To assess the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules found in acromegalic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy for nodule characterization.
- Cytological and histopathological analysis of nodules.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of nodular thyroid disorder (67%) in acromegalic patients.
- Significantly higher rates of high-risk and malignant cytology in acromegalic patients compared to non-acromegalic controls (25% vs. 9%).
- Differentiated thyroid carcinoma detected in 11% of acromegalic patients.
Conclusions:
- Strong recommendation for periodic thyroid ultrasound screening in acromegaly patients.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is advised for nodules >10 mm and all suspicious nodules regardless of size.
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