ABSTRACT Primary hypothyroidism is a common disorder in clinical practice. The management of most cases of hypothyroidism is usually straightforward, but the best approach in some special situations may raise questions among physicians. This position statement was prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism to guide the management of three special situations, namely, hypothyroidism in the elderly, subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with heart disease, and difficult-to-control hypothyroidism. The authors prepared the present statement after conducting a search on the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO and selecting articles with the best evidence quality addressing the selected situations. The statement presents information about the current approach to patients in these special situations.

ABSTRACT This position statement was prepared to guide endocrinologists on the best approach to managing thyroid disorders during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The most frequent thyroid hormonal findings in patients with COVID-19, particularly in individuals with severe disease, are similar to those present in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome and require no intervention. Subacute thyroiditis has also been reported during COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the COVID-19 pandemic may follow usual practice; however, should avoid frequent laboratory tests in patients with previous controlled disease. Well-controlled hypo and hyperthyroidism are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity. Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism during the pandemic should be preferably treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), bearing in mind the possibility of rare side effects with these medications, particularly agranulocytosis, which requires immediate intervention. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism (radioiodine therapy or surgery) may be considered in those cases that protective protocols can be followed to avoid COVID-19 contamination or once the pandemic is over. In patients with moderate Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) not at risk of visual loss, glucocorticoids at immunosuppressive doses should be avoided, while in those with severe GO without COVID-19 and at risk of vision loss, intravenous glucocorticoid is the therapeutic choice. Considering that most of the thyroid cancer cases are low risk and associated with an excellent prognosis, surgical procedures could and should be postponed safely during the pandemic period. Additionally, when indicated, radioiodine therapy could also be safely postponed as long as it is possible.

ABSTRACT Objective To retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of patients with low and intermediate risk thyroid carcinoma treated with total thyroidectomy (TT) and who did not undergo radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) and to compare them to patients receiving low dose of iodine (30 mCi). Subjects and methods A total of 189 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients treated with TT followed by 30mCi for RRA or not, followed in two referral centers in Brazil were analyzed. Results From the 189 patients, 68.8% was ATA low-risk, 30.6% intermediate and 0.6% high risk. Eighty-seven patients underwent RRA and 102 did not. The RRA groups tended to be younger and had a higher frequency of extra-thyroidal extension (ETE). RRA did not have and impact on response to initial therapy neither in low (p = 0.24) nor in intermediate risk patients (p = 0.66). It also had no impact on final outcome and most patients had no evidence of disease (NED) at final follow-up. Recurrence/persistence of disease was found in 1.2% of RRA group and 2% in patients treated only with TT (p = 0.59). Conclusions Our study shows that in low and intermediate-risk patients, RRA with 30 mCi seems to have no major advantage over patients who did not undergo RRA regarding response to initial therapy in each risk group and also in long term outcomes.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effects of a unique fixed combination levothyroxine/liothyronine (LT4/LT3) therapy in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Subjects and methods This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Adults with primary hypothyroidism (n = 32, age 42.6 ± 13.3, 30 females) on stable doses of LT4 for ≥ 6 months (125 or 150 μg/day) were randomized to continue LT4 treatment (G1) or to start LT4/LT3 therapy (75/15 μg/day; G2). After 8 weeks, participants switched treatments for 8 more weeks. Thyroid function, lipid profile, plasma glucose, body weight, electrocardiogram, vital signs, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated at weeks 0, 8 and 16. Results Free T4 levels were significantly lower while on LT4/LT3 (G1: 1.07 ± 0.29 vs. 1.65 ± 0.46; G2: 0.97 ± 0.26 vs. 1.63 ± 0.43 ng/dL; P < 0.001). TSH and T3 levels were not affected by type of therapy. More patients on LT4/LT3 had T3 levels above the upper limit (15% vs. 3%). The combination therapy led to an increase in heart rate, with no significant changes in electrocardiogram or arterial blood pressure. Lipid profile, body weight and QoL remained unchanged. Conclusions The combination therapy yielded significantly lower free T4 levels, with no changes in TSH or T3 levels. More patients on LT4/T3 had elevated T3 levels, with no significant alterations in the evaluated outcomes. No clear clinical benefit of the studied formulation could be observed. Future trials need to evaluate different formulations and the impact of the combined therapy in select populations with genetic polymorphisms.

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da injeção percutânea de etanol (IPE) no tratamento de nódulos tireoidianos benignos. Sujeitos e métodos Foram avaliados 120 pacientes com nódulos benignos de tireoide. Todos realizaram dosagens de TSH, T4 livre, ecografia cervical (US) e cintilografia de tireoide (em pacientes com TSH suprimido). A aplicação de etanol estéril a 99% foi guiada por US e o volume de etanol injetado correspondeu a um terço do volume nodular calculado. A resposta foi considerada completa (redução de 90%); parcial (redução entre 50 e 90%) ou ausência de resposta (redução menor que 50%). Nos nódulos autônomos, foi avaliada a normalização do TSH. Resultados Entre os nódulos estudados, 30,8% eram sólidos, 56,7% eram mistos, 12,5% eram císticos e 21,6%, nódulos hiperfuncionantes. O volume inicial dos nódulos tratados variou de 0,9 a 74,8 mL (média 13,1 ± 12,4 mL). Foram realizadas de 1 a 8 sessões de IPE (média 2,8), com aplicação média de 6,2 mL de etanol por paciente. Após dois anos de seguimento, 17% dos pacientes obtiveram resposta completa (redução de 94%), 53% obtiveram resposta parcial (redução de 70%) e 30% não responderam. Houve redução de volume nos nódulos autônomos em 70% dos casos, e 54% normalizaram o valor do TSH. Os efeitos colaterais registrados foram decorrentes apenas do desconforto no local de aplicação. Conclusão Este trabalho mostrou que a IPE é um procedimento seguro e eficaz para tratamento de nódulos benignos, sólidos ou mistos de tireoide. Na maioria dos casos, ocasiona redução do volume nodular, com melhora dos sintomas compressivos e normalização da função tireoidiana. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):912-7

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Subjects and methods We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. Results Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. Conclusion This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):912-7

Objetivo Determinar, na América Latina, como os endocrinologistas lidam com cenários clínicos relacionados ao hipotireoidismo durante a gravidez. Materiais e métodos Em Janeiro de 2013, foi enviado, para 856 membros da Sociedade Latino-Americana de Tireoide (LATS), um questionário eletrônico sobre práticas relacionadas ao manejo do hipotireoidismo durante a gestação. Subsequentemente, as respostas foram analisadas. Resultados Duzentos e noventa e três médicos, de 13 países, responderam ao questionário. Todos estavam diretamente envolvidos no manejo de hipotireoidismo materno e 90,7% eram endocrinologistas. As recomendações de iniciar terapia com levotiroxina para uma mulher com hipotireoidismo franco durante a gravidez e o manejo na fase de pré-concepção de pacientes eutireoidianas com conhecida autoimunidade em hiperestimulação ovariana variaram amplamente. Para mulheres com hipotireoidismo conhecido, apenas 34,6% dos respondedores aumentariam a dose de levotiroxina em 30-50% assim que a gravidez fosse confirmada. Em relação ao rastreamento, 42,7% dos respondedores realizam avaliação universal. Setenta por cento recomendam TSH < 2,5 mUI/L no primeiro trimestre e TSH < 3 mUI/L no terceiro trimestre como alvos. Conclusão Observamos problemas no diagnóstico e manejo do hipotireoidismo durante a gestação, enfatizando a necessidade, na América Latina, de melhoria na educação médica continuada em áreas como tireoiodopatias na gestação. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):906-11

Objective To determine how endocrinologists in Latin America deal with clinical case scenarios related to hypothyroidism and pregnancy. Materials and methods In January 2013, we sent an electronic questionnaire on current practice relating to management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy to 856 members of the Latin American Thyroid Society (LATS) who manage pregnant patients with thyroid disease. Subsequently, we have analyzed responses from physician members. Results Two hundred and ninety-three responders represent clinicians from 13 countries. All were directly involved in the management of maternal hypothyroidism and 90.7% were endocrinologists. The recommendation of a starting dose of L-thyoxine for a woman diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy, preconception management of euthyroid women with known thyroid autoimmunity and approach related to ovarian hyperstimulation in women with thyroid peroxidase antibodies were widely variable. For women with known hypothyroidism, 34.6% of responders would increase L-thyroxine dose by 30-50% as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. With regard to screening, 42.7% of responders perform universal evaluation and 70% recommend TSH < 2.5 mUI/L in the first trimester and TSH < 3 mUI/L in the second and third trimester as target results in known hypothyroid pregnant women. Conclusion Deficiencies in diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy were observed in our survey, highlighting the need for improvement of specialist education and quality of care offered to patients with thyroid disease during pregnancy in Latin America. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):906-11

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a prevalência de doença celíaca (DC) em adultos com doenças autoimunes de tireoide (DAT) que foram atendidos em um serviço de endocrinologia de um hospital universitário do sul do Brasil. Sujeitos e métodos: Entre os anos de 2007 a 2011, 254 pacientes com DAT foram consecutivamente incluídos, sendo 143 (56,3%) desses diagnosticados com doença de Graves e 111 (43,7%) com doença de Hashimoto. Todos os pacientes responderam a um questionário relatando sintomas que poderiam ser associados com DC, e amostras de soro para a pesquisa de anticorpo antiendomisial (EmA-IgA) foram coletadas. Os pacientes com sorologia positiva foram encaminhados para endoscopia gastrointestinal com biópsia duodenal. Resultados: No total, 254 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 222 (87,4%) mulheres com média de idade 45,4 ± 13,43 anos (18 a 79 anos). EmA-IgA foi positivo em sete (2,7%) pacientes e cinco fizeram endoscopia com biópsia. Desses, três (1,2%) tiveram o diagnóstico de DC confirmada. Todos os três pacientes com DC apresentaram altos títulos de EmA-IgA, eram mulheres e tinham doença de Hashimoto. Assim como outras pacientes com DAT, os pacientes celíacos tinham sintomas gastrointestinais inespecíficos, como queimação e distensão gástrica. Em nosso estudo, um em cada 85 pacientes com DAT tiveram o diagnóstico de DC confirmado. Conclusão: Em nosso estudo, foi observada prevalência de 1,2% (1:85) de DC confirmada entre os pacientes com DAT, sendo todas mulheres e com doença de Hashimoto. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(6):625-9

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in adults with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) from the endocrinology outpatient setting in a university hospital in Southern Brazil. Subjects and methods: From the years 2007 to 2011, 254 patients with ATD were enrolled consecutively, Grave’s disease was diagnosed in 143 (56.3%) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 111 (43.7%) of them. All patients answered a questionnaire related to symptoms that could be associated with CD and serum samples to screen for IgA anti-endomysial (EmA-IgA) were collected. EmA-IgA-positive patients were offered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum. Results: A total of 254 patients were included; 222 (87.4%) female, mean age 45.4 ± 13.43 years (18 to 79 years). EmA-IgA was positive in seven patients (2.7%) and five done endoscopy with biopsy. Of these, three diagnosis of CD was confirmed (1.2%). All the three patients with CD had higher EmA-IgA titration, were female and had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Like other patients with ATD, CD patients had nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn and gastric distention. In our study, one in each 85 patients confirmed the diagnosis of CD. Conclusion: We found a prevalence of 1.2% (1:85) of confirmed CD among Brazilian patients with ATD. Although some IgA-EmA positive patients had Graves’ disease and one was male, all three patients with confirmed CD were female and had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(6):625-9

Nódulos tireoidianos são muito frequentes, sobretudo quando se empregam métodos sensíveis de imagem. Embora o câncer seja proporcionalmente raro, sua incidência vem aumentando, especialmente de tumores pequenos, cuja evolução clínica é incerta. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide evolui bem quando adequadamente tratada, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. Por outro lado, um percentual não desprezível apresenta recidivas e alguns eventualmente não respondem às terapias convencionais, evoluindo para óbito. Assim, o desafio é distinguir os pacientes merecedores de condutas mais agressivas e, ao mesmo tempo e não menos importante, poupar a maioria de tratamentos e procedimentos desnecessários. Atualizamos o Consenso Brasileiro publicado em 2007, ressaltando os avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos que os participantes, de diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, consideram mais relevantes para prática clínica. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão da literatura pertinente.

Thyroid nodules are frequent findings, especially when sensitive imaging methods are used. Although thyroid cancer is relatively rare, its incidence is increasing, particularly in terms of small tumors, which have an uncertain clinical relevance. Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer exhibit satisfactory clinical outcomes when treatment is appropriate, and their mortality rate is similar to that of the overall population. However, relapse occurs in a considerable fraction of these patients, and some patients stop responding to conventional treatment and eventually die from their disease. Therefore, the challenge is how to identify the individuals who require more aggressive disease management while sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary treatments and procedures. We have updated the Brazilian Consensus that was published in 2007, emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic advances that the participants, representing several Brazilian university centers, consider most relevant in clinical practice. The formulation of the present guidelines was based on the participants' experience and a review of the relevant literature.

Exames laboratoriais são fundamentais para o diagnóstico acurado e o monitoramento custo-efetivo das disfunções tireoidianas. Quando há alta suspeita clínica, as dosagens hormonais apenas confirmam o diagnóstico. No entanto, na maioria dos pacientes, a sintomatologia é sutil e inespecífica, de forma que apenas testes bioquímicos podem detectar o transtorno. O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma análise crítica do uso apropriado dos principais testes de função tireoidiana, entre eles a dosagem sérica do hormônio estimulante da tireoide (TSH), dos hormônios tireoidianos e dos anticorpos antitireoidianos. Mediante um levantamento na base de dados do MedLine, são discutidas as principais armadilhas e interferências relacionadas ao uso cotidiano desses testes e apresentadas recomendações para otimizar a utilização dessas ferramentas diagnósticas na prática clínica.

Laboratory tests are essential for accurate diagnosis and cost-effective management of thyroid disorders. When the clinical suspicion is strong, hormonal levels just confirms the diagnosis. However, in most patients, symptoms are subtle and unspecific, so that only biochemical tests can detect the disorder. The objective of this article is to do a critical analysis of the appropriate use of the most important thyroid function tests, including serum concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid hormones and antithyroid antibodies. Through a survey in the MedLine database, we discuss the major pitfalls and interferences related to daily use of these tests and recommendations are presented to optimize the use of these diagnostic tools in clinical practice.

INTRODUÇÃO: O hipertireoidismo é caracterizado pelo aumento da síntese e liberação dos hormônios tireoidianos pela glândula tireoide. A tireotoxicose refere-se à síndrome clínica decorrente do excesso de hormônios tireoidianos circulantes, secundário ao hipertireoidismo ou não. Este artigo descreve diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas para o manejo da tireotoxicose. OBJETIVO: O presente consenso, elaborado por especialistas brasileiros e patrocinado pelo Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, visa abordar o manejo, diagnóstico e tratamento dos pacientes com tireotoxicose, de acordo com as evidências mais recentes da literatura e adequadas para a realidade clínica do país. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Após estruturação das questões clínicas, foi realizada busca das evidências disponíveis na literatura, inicialmente na base de dados do MedLine-PubMed e posteriormente nas bases Embase e SciELO - Lilacs. A força das evidências, avaliada pelo sistema de classificação de Oxford, foi estabelecida a partir do desenho de estudo utilizado, considerando-se a melhor evidência disponível para cada questão. RESULTADOS: Foram definidas 13 questões sobre a abordagem clínica inicial visando ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento que resultaram em 53 recomendações, incluindo investigação etiológica, tratamento com drogas antitireoidianas, iodo radioativo e cirurgia. Foram abordados ainda o hipertireoidismo em crianças, adolescentes ou pacientes grávidas e o manejo do hipertireoidismo em pacientes com oftalmopatia de Graves e com outras causas diversas de tireotoxicose. CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico clínico do hipertireoidismo, geralmente, não oferece dificuldade e a confirmação diagnóstica deverá ser feita com as dosagens das concentrações séricas de TSH e hormônios tireoidianos. O tratamento pode ser realizado com drogas antitireoidianas, administração de radioiodoterapia ou cirurgia de acordo com a etiologia da tireotoxicose, as características clínicas, disponibilidade local de métodos e preferências do médico-assistente e paciente.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical syndrome resulting from excessive circulating thyroid hormones, secondary to hyperthyroidism or due to other causes. This article describes evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of thyrotoxicosis. OBJECTIVE: This consensus, developed by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Department of Thyroid Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, aims to address the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyrotoxicosis, according to the most recent evidence from the literature and appropriate for the clinical reality of Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After structuring clinical questions, search for evidence was made available in the literature, initially in the database MedLine, PubMed and Embase databases and subsequently in SciELO - Lilacs. The strength of evidence was evaluated by Oxford classification system was established from the study design used, considering the best available evidence for each question. RESULTS: We have defined 13 questions about the initial clinical approach for the diagnosis and treatment that resulted in 53 recommendations, including the etiology, treatment with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery. We also addressed hyperthyroidism in children, teenagers or pregnant patients, and management of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and various other causes of thyrotoxicosis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism usually offers no difficulty and should be made with measurements of serum TSH and thyroid hormones. The treatment can be performed with antithyroid drugs, surgery or administration of radioactive iodine according to the etiology of thyrotoxicosis, local availability of methods and preferences of the attending physician and patient.

OBJETIVO: Aderência ao tratamento do hipotiroidismo é comprometido pelo uso diário de levotiroxina, e doses semanais poderiam ser uma alternativa. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo randomizado, crossover. Quatorze mulheres foram selecionadas para receber LT4 diariamente ou semanalmente. Após seis semanas, houve inversão do regime de tratamento. Avaliações tireoideanas foram realizadas antes, após 42 e 84 dias. Avaliação de sintomas de hipertireoidismo e ecocardiograma foi realizada antes e após quatro horas de LT4. RESULTADOS: Com dose semanal, os níveis de fT4 foram mais elevados logo após a dose de LT4, e menores após sete dias; após seis semanas, houve diminuição de T3. TSH permaneceu inalterado e não houve manifestações ecocardiográficas ou de hipertireodismo. CONCLUSÃO: Dose semanal de LT4 leva à elevação de fT4, sem manifestações de hipertireoidismo, e parece ser uma alternativa segura para o tratamento do hipotireoidismo.

OBJECTIVE: Compliance to levothyroxine treatment in hypothyroidism is compromised by daily schedule, and a weekly dose may be an alternative. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study. Fourteen females were assigned to daily or weekly doses of LT4. After six weeks, they switched regimens. Thyroid parameters were measured at baseline, and after 42 and 84 days. Echocardiogram and hyperthyroidism symptoms were evaluated before and four hours after LT4 intake. RESULTS: In the weekly dose treatment, fT4 levels were higher after taking LT4, and lower seven days after the last dose; by the 6th week there was a small decrease in T3 levels. TSH remained unchanged and there were no hyperthyroidism symptoms or echocardiographic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Weekly dose leads to transient increases in fT4, without hyperthyroidism or cardiac symptoms. That approach seems to be a safe alternative for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Os nódulos tireoidianos constituem a principal manifestação clínica de uma série de doenças da tireóide com uma prevalência de aproximadamente 10% na população adulta. O maior desafio é excluir o câncer da tireóide, que ocorre em 5 a 10% dos casos. Os carcinomas diferenciados respondem por 90% dos casos de todas as neoplasias malignas da tireóide. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado apresenta, geralmente, um bom prognóstico quando tratada adequadamente, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. No entanto, alguns indivíduos apresentam doença agressiva, desafiando o conhecimento atual e ilustrando a complexidade do manejo dessa neoplasia. No presente trabalho, reunimos 8 membros do Departamento de Tireóide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia & Metabologia, para elaborarmos, por consenso, as diretrizes brasileiras no manejo dos nódulos tireoidianos e do câncer diferenciado da tireóide. Os membros participantes representam diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, refletindo diferentes abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas. Inicialmente, cada participante ficou responsável pela redação de determinado tema a ser enviado ao Coordenador, que, após revisão editorial e elaboração da primeira versão do manuscrito, enviou ao grupo para sugestões e aperfeiçoamentos. Quando concluído, o manuscrito foi novamente enviado e revisado por todos. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão pertinente da literatura.

Thyroid nodules are a common manifestation of thyroid diseases. It is estimated that ~10% of adults have palpable thyroid nodules with the frequency increasing throughout life. The major concern on nodule evaluation is the risk of malignancy (5-10%). Differentiated thyroid carcinoma accounts for 90% of all thyroid malignant neoplasias. Although most patients with cancer have a favorable outcome, some individuals present an aggressive form of the disease and poor prognostic despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Here, a set of clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of patients with thyroid nodules or differentiated thyroid cancer was developed through consensus by 8 member of the Department of Thyroid, Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. The participants are from different reference medical centers within Brazil, to reflect different practice patterns. Each committee participant was initially assigned to write a section of the document and to submit it to the chairperson, who revised and assembled the sections into a complete draft document, which was then circulated among all committee members for further revision. All committee members further revised and refined the document. The guidelines were developed based on the expert opinion of the committee participants, as well as on previously published information.

A terapêutica com drogas antitireoidianas pode ser acompanhada de efeitos colaterais. Propiltiouracil (PTU) pode induzir vasculites anticorpo anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) positivas, na maioria das vezes relacionadas ao subtipo mieloperoxidase (ANCA-MPO). O nosso objetivo é relatar o caso de uma paciente com doença de Graves que desenvolveu auto-imunidade induzida por PTU, com manifestações cutâneas, pulmonares e renais, associadas à positividade do ANCA. O exame anátomo-patológico pulmonar revelou hemorragia difusa e a biópsia renal demonstrou glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal. Foi tratada com pulsoterapia com corticóides e ciclofosfamida, com boa evolução clínica. Este caso enfatiza a necessidade de detecção e tratamento precoce deste efeito adverso relativamente raro do PTU.

Antithyroid drugs sometimes cause severe complications. Propylthiouracil (PTU) can be associated to ANCA positive vasculitis, most often related to myeloperoxidase subtype (ANCA-MPO). Our objective is to describe a female patient with Graves' disease, who developed PTU induced-autoimmune disease, with cutaneous, pulmonary, and renal lesions, associated with ANCA. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at the kidney biopsy. She was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy and cyclophosphamide, with clinical improvement. This case highlights the need for greater awareness of this relatively rare adverse effect of propylthiouracil.

O objetivo deste artigo é realizar uma atualização sobre a ação de antidepressivos, com destaque aos inibidores seletivos de recaptação de serotonina (ISRS) na função tireoidiana de pacientes com depressão. Sete ensaios clínicos investigaram o efeito dos ISRS sobre a função tireoidiana. Apesar das diferenças metodológicas, o principal achado foi a tendência à diminuição dos níveis plasmáticos de tiroxina, não necessariamente relacionada com a resposta clínica, e sem efeito sobre a tireotropina na maioria das pesquisas. Os estudos sugerem que os ISRS promovem efeitos na função tireoidiana em alguns pacientes com depressão, especificamente diminuição nos níveis plasmáticos de tiroxina. Porém, observou-se que a relação entre o uso de antidepressivos ISRS e a função tireoidiana não está suficientemente esclarecida. Mesmo nos casos de alteração nos níveis plasmáticos dos hormônios tireoidianos em resposta a ação dos ISRS, esta pode ser uma ação não específica sobre a função tireoidiana.

This article aims at updating antidepressant action, especially using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, on thyroid function in depressed patients. Seven clinical trials investigated the status of thyroid hormones after treatment with SSRIs. Despite methodological differences, the main finding indicated a tendency towards decreased serum thyroxine levels, The majority of studies could not find a positive relationship between lower serum thyroxine level and a favorable treatment response. Also, an effect on thyrotropin could not be found. Those study results suggest SSRIs promote effects on thyroid function in some depressed patients, specifically decreased serum thyroxine levels. However, the relation between SSRIs antidepressant use and thyroid function is not clear. Even when there was a change in serum thyroid hormone levels due to SSRI therapy, this could be a non-specific effect on thyroid function.