Clinical Thyroidology for the Public summarizes selected research studies discussed in the previous month’s issue of Clinical Thyroidology, an official publication of the American Thyroid Association. Editor-in-chief, Alan Farwell, MD, FACE
Volume 18 Issue 4
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Clinical Thyroidology for the Public Volume 18 Issue 4 (PDF file, 2.24 MB)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Web Format
THYROID NODULES
Can radiofrequency ablation effectively treat autonomously functioning thyroid nodules?
While most thyroid nodules work normally, 5-7% work on their own and do not turn off, leading to an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule (AFTN). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an alternative treatment for thyroid nodules. In this study, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of RFA in reducing the size of AFTNs and resolving hyperthyroidism while minimizing complications such as permanent hypothyroidism.
Dhanasekaran M, et al. Outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for autonomously functioning thyroid adenomas—Mayo Clinic experience. J Endocr Soc 2024;8(12)
THYROID AND PREGNANCY
Does the history of pregnancy and pregnancy loss affect the development of thyroid problems?
Abnormal thyroid function can result in irregular menses, infertility, and pregnancy complications. However, it is unclear whether the reverse is true, where female reproductive health conditions affect thyroid function. The authors of this study explored possible associations between the number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and menopause and thyroid status over 12 years of follow up.
Shariatzadeh S, et al. Female reproductive system and thyroid dysfunction: findings from a 12-year follow-up in the Tehran Thyroid Study. Thyroid 2024;34(11):1424-1434. doi: 10.1089/thy.2024.0245. PMID: 39463260.
THYROID CANCER
Are thyroid cancer presentations and treatment results different for Asian patients?
A variety of studies have shown that thyroid cancer is more common in patients that identify as non-Hispanic Whites and Asian American and/or Pacific Islander (AAPI) as compared to other ethnicities. This study subdivides AAPI patients into various ethnicities to see if there is a difference in the stage at presentation or treatment responses of thyroid cancer when comparing different ethnicities.
Zhao HH and Wilhelm SM. Exploring ethnic diversity and clinical outcome variabilities in well-differentiated thyroid cancer among the Asian population. Surgery 2025;177:108827; doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.05.049. PMID: 39384480.
THYROID CANCER
What is the TSH target in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer?
For low-risk thyroid cancer, the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommend starting thyroid hormone treatment after the patients undergo either total thyroidectomy or lobectomy to keep the TSH in the low normal range. However, the evidence behind this recommendation is limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether maintaining the TSH in the high normal range increases the recurrence risk as compared to the currently recommended low-normal TSH goal in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer after thyroid surgery.
Qiang JK, et al. Association between serum thyrotropin and cancer recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer: a population- based retrospective cohort study. Thyroid. Epub 2024 Dec 26; doi: 10.1089/thy.2024.0330. PMID: 39723994.
CONTRAST-INDUCED THYROTOXICOSIS
Is methimazole effective in preventing contrastinduced thyrotoxicosis?
Contrast media commonly used in some radiological studies, such as CT scans, contain very high amounts of iodine. Getting these high levels of iodine during these scans can cause a short-lived thyrotoxicosis in some patients. The current study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of MMI in preventing contrast induced thyrotoxicosis.
Ayalon-Dangur DI, et al. Methimazole for prevention of iodinated contrast media induced exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis in susceptible patients. Endocr Pract. Epub 2024 Nov22:S1530-891X(24)00833-4;
THYROID SURGERY
Does thyroid surgery increase the risk of chronic kidney disease?
A potential complication of thyroid surgery is hypoparathyroidism caused by damage to the parathyroid glands causing hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). Post-surgical permanent hypoparathyroidism is much more serious and can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study was done to understand the risk of developing hypoparathyroidism and CKD after total thyroidectomy.
Reinke R, et al. Increased risk of chronic kidney disease after total thyroidectomy: a nationwide matched cohort study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Epub 2024 Aug 10:dgae534; doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgae534. PMID: 39126399.
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