Bartel, Twyla B.

ObjectiveFDG‐PET/CT (fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography) is effective to assess for occult neck nodal disease. We report risks and patterns of nodal disease based on primary site and nodal level from data on the dissected cN0 per the results from ACRIN 6685.Study DesignProspective nonrandomized enrollment included participants with first‐time head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and at least 1 cN0 neck side to be dissected.SettingTwenty‐four ACRIN‐certified centers internationally (American College of Radiology Imaging Network).MethodsA total of 287 participants were enrolled. Preoperative FDG‐PET/CT findings were centrally reviewed and compared with pathology. Incidence, relative risk, pattern of lymph node involvement, and impact upon neck dissection were reported.ResultsAn overall 983 nodal levels were dissected (n = 261 necks, n = 203 participants). The highest percentages of ipsilateral positive nodes by primary location and nodal level were oral cavity (level I, 17/110, 15.5%), pharynx (level II, 6/30, 20.0%), and larynx (level VI, 1/3, 33.3%).ConclusionLevels at greatest risk for nodal disease in cN0 in terms of ipsilateral neck dissection are level I (oral cavity), II (pharynx), and VI (larynx). These data should be considered when treating patients presenting with cN0. This is the first study to comprehensively report the incidence, location, and risk of metastases in cN0 in the FDG‐PET/CT era.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for the clinically N0 neck on the basis of neck dissection. METHODS Participants with newly diagnosed, first-time, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and at least one clinically N0 neck side for which dissection was planned were included. A total of 287 participants were prospectively enrolled from 23 American College of Radiology Imaging Network-qualified institutions. PET/CT was compared with findings at neck dissection. RESULTS PET/CT scans and pathology findings were available for 270 N0 neck sides from 212 participants. For visual assessment, the NPV specific to the clinical-N0 sides was 0.868 (95% CI, 0.803 to 0.925). For dichotomized maximum standardized uptake value, the NPVs specific to the nodal basins were 0.940 (95% CI, 0.928 to 0.952) and 0.937 (95% CI, 0.925 to 0.949) at prespecified cutoffs of 2.5 and 3.5, respectively. The optimal cutoff maximum standardized uptake value was determined to be 1.8, with an NPV of 0.942 (95% CI, 0.930 to 0.953). The PET/CT-informed surgical treatment plan was changed in 51 of 237 participants (22%) compared with the PET/CT-blinded surgical plan. In 34 participants (14%), this led to planned dissection of additional nodal levels. In 12 participants (5%), this led to fewer planned dissected nodal levels. Negative PET/CT scans in N0 necks was true negative in 87% and false negative in 13%. CONCLUSION [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT has high NPV for the N0 neck in T2 to T4 HNSCC. The surgical treatment plans on the basis of PET/CT findings may be changed in approximately 22% of this group. These findings suggest that [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT may assist the clinician in deciding on the best therapy for the clinically N0 neck in HNSCC. Well-designed clinical trials should be performed to test the outcome of omitting neck dissection by using PET/CT.

Abstract Background Revision parathyroid is challenging due to possible diagnostic uncertainty as well as the technical challenges it can present. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of distinguished experts from the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) Endocrine Section, the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons (BAETS), and other invited experts have reviewed this topic with the purpose of making recommendations based on current best evidence. The literature was also reviewed on May 12, 2017. PubMed (1946‐2017), Cochrane SR (2005‐2017), CT databases (1997‐2017), and Web of Science (1945‐2017) were searched with the following strategy: revision and reoperative parathyroidectomy to ensure completeness. Results Guideline recommendations were made in 3 domains: preoperative evaluation, surgical management, and alternatives to surgery. Eleven guideline recommendations are proposed. Conclusion Reoperative parathyroid surgery is best avoided if possible. Our literature search and subsequent recommendations found that these cases are best managed by experienced surgeons using precision preoperative localization, intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the team approach.