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Biomedical subjects

C D Shriver

Publications and source records attributed to C D Shriver.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The utility of a rapid parathyroid assay for uniglandular, multiglandular, and recurrent parathyroid disease.

The rapid parathyroid hormone assay (rPTH) is an effective tool in minimally invasive resections of parathyroid adenomas. However, there are relatively few reports examining its utility in the full spectrum of parathyroid disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the rapid parathyroid hormone assay in uniglandular, multiglandular, and recurrent hyperparathyroidism. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing parathyroid resection from June 2001 to March 2003 was undertaken. All patients underwent preoperative localization studies. Rapid parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were drawn immediately prior to and 10 minutes following parathyroid resection. A decline of > or = 50 per cent rPTH qualified as a successful/complete resection. Additional intraoperative samples were drawn as needed for patients with multiglandular disease. Of 46 treated patients who were examined (average age, 54 years), 30 had single, 12 patients had multigland disease, and 4 had recurrent/persistent hyperparathyroidism. Thirty-seven patients had primary hyperparathyroidism (32 with single and 3 with double adenomas; 2 with hyperplasia), 4 patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism, and 5 tertiary hyperparathyroidism. All procedures were considered successful, as every patient exhibited a postresection decrement in rPTH exceeding 50 per cent (average decrement, 91%). Although 2 patients exhibited a postoperative PTH increase exceeding 50 per cent of the preoperative value, all remained asymptomatic and eucalcemic (median follow-up, 21.5 months). The rPTH assay is an effective tool in determining success of parathyroidectomy in patients with primary uni- and multiglandular as well as recurrent hyperparathyroidism. It can be used to achieve minimally invasive neck dissections or guide surgical decision-making in more complex cases.

Calcium↗

Delayed nephrectomy in grade V renal injury with two interesting anatomic variations.

The decision to perform early nephrectomy in hemodynamically stable grade V injury rather than to provide supportive nonoperative care is not universally accepted. The management of isolated grade V renal injury, as well as the management of coexisting abdominal trauma that requires operative intervention, is an area of controversy. We present the case of a grade V renal injury that was initially managed expectantly at a level I trauma center. After transfer to our facility, nephrectomy was performed. The case illustrates the merit of prompt definitive surgical treatment.

Adult↗

Expression of the sodium iodide symporter and thyroglobulin genes are reduced in papillary thyroid cancer.

Altered expression of the gene encoding the sodium iodine symporter (NIS) may be an important factor that leads to the reduced iodine accumulation characteristic of most benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Both up- and down-regulation of NIS gene expression have been reported in thyroid cancer using several different methods. The goal of the present study was to accurately identify alterations in NIS gene expression in benign and malignant thyroid nodules using an accurate real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay system. Total RNA was prepared from 18 benign thyroid nodules, 20 papillary thyroid cancers, and 23 normal thyroid samples from 38 subjects. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure NIS and thyroglobulin (TG) mRNA expression in normal thyroid tissue and in each nodular tissue sample. Papillary thyroid cancer samples had significantly lower NIS mRNA expression (72 +/- 41 picogram equivalents [pg Eq]), than did benign nodules (829 +/- 385 pg Eq), or normal tissues (1907 +/- 868 pg Eq, P = 0.04). Most important, in the paired samples, NIS gene expression was decreased in each papillary thyroid cancer compared with normal tissue (69% median decrease; range, 40-96%; P = .013). Eleven of the 12 benign nodules also demonstrated lower NIS gene expression than the normal tissue (49% decrease; range, 2-96%; P = .04). Analysis of the paired samples demonstrated that Tg mRNA expression was significantly lower in each of the thyroid cancer samples than in corresponding normal tissue (759 +/- 245 pg Eq vs. 1854 +/- 542 pg Eq, P = .03). We have demonstrated a significant decrement in NIS gene expression in all papillary thyroid cancers and in over 90% of benign nodules examined compared with adjacent normal thyroid tissue, using a highly accurate quantitative RT-PCR technique. Similarly, thyroid cancers demonstrated significantly lower TG mRNA expression than corresponding normal thyroid. Reduced NIS expression may be an important factor in the impairment of iodine-concentrating ability of neoplastic thyroid tissues.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗

Decision making on surgical palliation based on patient outcome data.

BACKGROUND: Strategies for the effective application of palliative procedures are infrequently standardized and incompletely understood. The effect on patient outcome as determined by elements such as resolution of chief complaints, quality of life, pain control, morbidity of therapy, and resource utilization should predominate decisions regarding surgical palliative care. METHODS: Articles published between 1990 and 1996 on the surgical palliation of cancer were identified by a MEDLINE search and reviewed for designated parameters considered important for good palliative care. RESULTS: A total of 348 citations were included. Entries considered these fundamental elements: cost (2%); pain control (12%); quality of life (17%); need to repeat the intervention (59%); morbidity and mortality (61 %); survival (64%); and physiologic response (69%). Established methods for quality of life and pain assessment were sporadically utilized. CONCLUSIONS: In the current surgical literature, there is uncommon reporting of the range of data required to recommend sound palliative surgical choices.

Humans↗

Desmoid tumors of the chest wall.

Desmoid tumors are rare soft tissue neoplasms derived from fascial or musculoaponeurotic structures. These tumors are histologically benign but may behave aggressively at the local level with multiple recurrences after complete resection being common. Chest wall desmoids account for approximately 20% of all patients with desmoid tumors. Patients with these lesions are often asymptomatic and thus commonly present with lesions greater than 10 cm in size. The treatment for these neoplasms remains margin negative surgical excision, and, given the often large size at presentation, may require extensive chest wall resection. When this is required, chest wall reconstruction with either prosthetic material and/or autologous tissue may be performed. There may be recurrence in as many as 75% of patients. Neither adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy have been shown to reduce the rate of recurrence. Recurrence should also be treated with surgical resection because patients who undergo complete surgical resection of recurrence are as likely to remain disease free after resection as patients who present with primary disease.

Biopsy↗

Cyclical mastalgia: premenstrual syndrome or recurrent pain disorder?

Approximately 8-10% of premenopausal women experience moderate to severe perimenstrual breast pain or cyclical mastalgia, monthly. This mastalgia can occur regularly for years until menopause, can interfere with usual activities, and is associated with elevated utilization of mammography among young women. Although mastalgia is a well documented symptom in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), it is unknown whether PMS is necessarily present in women with cyclical mastalgia. The present study prospectively examined mastalgia and its relationship to PMS. Thirty-two premenopausal women reporting recent mastalgia completed breast pain and menstrual symptom scales daily for 3-6 months. Eleven women (34.4%) met criteria for clinically significant cyclical mastalgia, reporting an average of 10.2 days of moderate-severe mastalgia monthly. Five women (15.6%) met criteria for PMS. Mastalgia was not significantly associated with PMS: 82% of women with clinical cyclical mastalgia did not have PMS. Cyclical mastalgia, although by definition associated with the menstrual cycle, is not simply premenstrual syndrome, and merits further investigation as a recurrent pain disorder whose presentation, etiology, and effective treatment are likely to differ from those of PMS.

Adult↗

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer: the role of previous biopsy on patient eligibility.

Several reports have demonstrated the accurate prediction of axillary nodal status with radiolocalization and selective resection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with breast cancer (BC). Because of concerns over lymphatic disruption, several authors have proposed that prior excisional breast biopsy is a contraindication for SLN biopsy. Clear unfiltered 99mtechnetium-sulfur colloid (1.0 mCi) was injected around the perimeter of the breast lesion (palpable and nonpalpable) or prior biopsy site. Resection of the radiolocalized SLN was then performed. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed immediately after SLN biopsy in the first 57 patients. Eighty-two BC patients underwent SLN biopsy. The SLN was localized in 98 per cent (80 of 82). The type of previously performed diagnostic biopsy or the location of the primary lesion did not influence the ability to localize the sentinel lymph node. In the 57 patients who had axillary lymph node dissection, metastatic disease was identified in 23 per cent (13 of 57). Axillary nodal status was accurately predicted in 98 per cent (56 of 57). Early experience with radiolocalization and selective resection of SLN in BC remains promising. By demonstrating the effective localization of the SLN regardless of the extent of prior biopsy, these data support expanding the number of patients potentially eligible for SLN biopsy.

Axilla↗

Clinical evaluation of mastalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an accurate and reproducible method to quantify a patient's subjective experience of breast pain. DESIGN: Prospective diary study. SETTING: Military tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty female military health care beneficiaries from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, gynecology and general surgery clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Daily mastalgia was recorded using a visual analog scale and menstrual symptoms were measured using a daily questionnaire. These measures were correlated with results of a screening questionnaire completed prior to study entry. RESULTS: Patients identified as having cyclical mastalgia based on the screening questionnaire (n= 15) were found to have higher peak perimenstrual mastalgia according to their daily diaries than patients who did not meet diagnostic criteria (n=15) (5.3+/-0.7 vs 3.5+/-0.5, P<.001). Applying the same criteria used in the screening questionnaire to the diary data, 17 of 30 patients met diagnostic criteria for cyclical mastalgia. The ability of the screening questionnaire to predict the results of the prospective diary data was calculated, and positive and negative predictive values were 73% and 60%, respectively. Most patients with cyclical mastalgia also have other perimenstrual psychological and somatic complaints, although a subset of patients has high levels of mastalgia with minimal associated symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate assessment of mastalgia cannot be done with a retrospective questionnaire and requires prospective diary evaluation, owing to the variable and subjective nature of symptoms and recall bias. A daily visual analog scale provides reproducible results and is easy for patients to use.

Breast↗

Ultrasonographically guided injection improves localization of the radiolabeled sentinel lymph node in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several reports have demonstrated the accurate prediction of axillary nodal status (ANS) with radiolocalization and selective resection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in breast cancer. To date, no technique has proven to be superior in localizing the SLN. METHODS: 1.0 mCi of clear unfiltered 99mtechnetium sulfur colloid was injected under ultrasonographic (US) guidance around the perimeter of the breast lesion (palpable and nonpalpable) or previous biopsy site. Resection of the radiolocalized nodes was performed, followed by complete axillary lymph node dissection (AXLND). RESULTS: Forty-two breast cancer patients underwent SLN biopsy after US-guided radiopharmaceutical injection. The SLN was localized in 41 patients (98%). The type of previously performed diagnostic biopsy did not influence the ability to localize the sentinel lymph node. Pathology revealed nodal metastasis in 7 of the 41 evaluable patients (17%). ANS was accurately predicted in 40 of 41 patients (98%). CONCLUSIONS: Early experience with radiolocalization and selective resection of SLN in breast cancer remains promising. Use of US-guided injection facilitates localization of the SLN, perhaps as a result of more accurate placement of the radionuclide marker. Use of this technique allowed for effective management of patients regardless of tumor size or the extent of prior biopsy, thereby expanding the potential number of eligible patients for SLN biopsy.

Analysis of Variance↗

Diagnosis and management of the autonomously functioning thyroid nodule: the Walter Reed Army Medical Center experience, 1975-1996.

In order to characterize the clinical and laboratory features of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs), and to assess optimal diagnosis and management of patients with this disorder, we performed a retrospective analysis of 49 such patients over a 22-year period encompassing January 1975 to November 1996. The following data were analyzed: thyroid hormone levels, thyroid scintiscan, radioiodine uptake, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, triiodothyronine (T3) suppression testing, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test, and thyroid ultrasound. Clinical outcomes assessed included persistent hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and nodule shrinkage after treatment, or in patients followed without definitive therapy, nodule growth, spontaneous degeneration, and progression to hyperthyroidism. Biochemical hyperthyroidism, often subclinical, was found in 73.5% of patients at presentation and in an additional 24.4% of patients during subsequent follow-up. The introduction of sensitive thyrotropin (TSH) testing during the period of study resulted in a decrease in the use of the T3-suppression test and TRH stimulation test from 100% and 20%, respectively, in the period from 1976-1980, to 4% each in the period from 1991-1996. T3-thyrotoxicosis occurred in 12.2% of patients. Thyrotoxicosis at any time during the course of follow-up was positively correlated with nodule size at diagnosis. Definitive therapy, used in 42.8% of patients, consisted of radioiodine ablation (38.1%) or thyroidectomy (61.9%). No patient had recurrence of thyrotoxicosis after definitive therapy, but 25% became hypothyroid. During follow-up for a mean of 30.9 months, nodules enlarged in 25% of patients overall, or 33% of patients not receiving definitive therapy. Cystic degeneration was documented in 26.5% of patients, although this change rarely reversed subclinical hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis of an AFTN requires a demonstration of TSH-independent nodular hyperfunction. The introduction of sensitive TSH assays has simplified the evaluation of AFTN patients and revealed a high prevalence of subclinical thyroid hyperfunction in this disorder. In view of current increased awareness of adverse consequences associated with subclinical hyperthyroidism and the rarity of spontaneous resolution of hyperthyroidism in AFTN patients (despite a propensity for spontaneous hemorrhage), definitive therapy is recommended. Both radioiodine and hemithyroidectomy have high cure rates and a low posttreatment incidence of hypothyroidism.

Adult↗

Cyclical mastalgia: prevalence and impact in an outpatient breast clinic sample.

BACKGROUND: A descriptive study was conducted to examine prevalence of premenstrual breast symptoms, impact of cyclical mastalgia on various activities, and associated patterns of health care utilization among breast clinic outpatients. STUDY DESIGN: Patients (n = 231, age < 55 years) completed a questionnaire about lifetime and current premenstrual breast discomfort (cyclical mastalgia). RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent reported having regularly experienced cyclical breast symptoms; 48% have asked a health care provider about their mastalgia. Young women (< or = 35 years) were more than three times as likely to have had a mammogram (75%) if they regularly experienced cyclical mastalgia than if they did not (24%; p < 0.05). Current moderate to severe mastalgia lasting 5 days or more monthly was reported by 30% of women. This "clinical" level of mastalgia interferes with usual sexual activity for 33%, with physical activity for 29%, with social activity for 15%, and with work for 15% of these women. CONCLUSIONS: Reported prevalences of mastalgia obtained in this sample are higher than those reported in British studies; possible reasons for these differences are discussed. Cyclical mastalgia is a common problem sometimes severe enough to interfere with normal activity levels, and it is related to excessive use of mammography among young women. Although largely ignored both scientifically and clinically in the United States, this condition merits further biopsychosocial investigation.

Adult↗

Malignant hepatic hilar tumors: can ultrasonography be used as an alternative to angiography with CT arterial portography for determination of resectability?

Nineteen consecutive patients with malignant hilar obstruction were imaged with angiography, CT portography, and ultrasonography with color and spectral Doppler technique; all had surgical pathologic correlation. At surgery, 12 of 19 patients (63%) were found to have portal vein involvement; 15 of 19 (79%) had parenchymal invasion; and 11 of 19 (58%) had lobar atrophy. Level of biliary obstruction was determined in seven of 19 patients (37%) without drainage catheters. No difference was found between ultrasonography and angiography with CT portography for diagnosis of atrophy, level of bile duct obstruction, hepatic involvement, or venous invasion. Extrahepatic metastases in nine of 19 patients (47%) were poorly predicted by both CT portography and ultrasonography.

Adult↗