Citations

Abstract Disclosure: P. Hopmann: None. S. Lund: None. T. Foster: None. B. Dy: None. T. McKenzie: None. G. Johnson: None. R.A. Wermers: None. M. Lyden: None. Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that C11 choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Choline-PET/CT) can localize abnormal parathyroid glands in the re-operative setting. This study assesses a large volume of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT) who underwent Choline-PET/CT to confirm its utility in the setting of negative or equivocal conventional imaging. Methods: All patients who underwent Choline-PET/CT for evaluation of 1HPT from July 2017 to July 2024 at a single institution were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent parathyroidectomy and had lab testing to assess for cure (defined as >50% drop from baseline PTH and into normal range, or resolution of hypercalcemia at follow-up). Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), false negative rate (FNR), and accuracy were compared to conventional imaging (neck ultrasound, parathyroid scan, and parathyroid four-dimensional CT (4D-CT)). Subgroup analysis was conducted comparing sensitivity of modalities among index operations, and separately in re-operations. Results: 176 patients were identified. 85 underwent parathyroidectomy, 1 patient was excluded due to lacking data to evaluate for cure. Of 91 patients who did not undergo parathyroidectomy, 45 were non-localizing on all imaging, and 46 had positive Choline-PET/CT findings but opted against surgery due to mild disease or prohibitive re-operative risk. Of the included 84 parathyroidectomy patients, 61 failed to localize on at least one conventional modality, and 15 failed to localize on all conventional studies. 67 patients (80%) achieved cure, of whom 53 were re-operations (range of 1-4 prior operations, average 1.5). Choline-PET/CT outperformed conventional modalities across sensitivity, PPV, FNR, and accuracy. Among index operations, Choline-PET/CT had significantly higher sensitivity than conventional modalities (100% vs 27% for ultrasound, 30% for parathyroid scan, 29% for 4D-CT; p values ≤0.01). This was also true in re-operations (95% for Choline-PET/CT vs 13% for ultrasound, 30% for parathyroid scan, 32% for 4D-CT; p values <0.01). Conclusion: C11 choline-PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality in the re-operative setting and demonstrates utility for index operations. It provides localization when other modalities fail and allows for a high surgical cure rate. Further investigation into its utility as a primary imaging modality is warranted. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. M. Hussein: None. S. Fatima: None. F. Arshad: None. D. Rizwan: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. R. Haider: None. S. Batool: None. H. Jawad: None. N.U. saleem: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R. Kirchoff: None. R. Kirchoff: None. Background: With a global prevalence of 586,000 cases of thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer is the 10th most common malignancy. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, the incidence of thyroid cancer continues to increase in the United States. This study aims to assess disparities in mortality trends stratified by age, sex, race, geography, urbanization status, and location of death, to guide clinical decision making. Methodology: Mortality data on thyroid cancer were extracted from the CDC-WONDER database, from 1999 to 2020. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and crude mortality rates (CMRs) per 100,000 were stratified by age, sex, race, geography, urbanization status, and place of death. Joinpoint regression software was used to determine annual percent change (APC) and average APC. Results: From 1999 to 2020, a total of 46,777 deaths attributed to thyroid cancer occurred in the United States, among individuals aged ≥ 25 years. The overall AAMRs showed a positive trend, increasing from 0.6 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.5-0.6) in 1999, to 0.7 (95% CI: 0.7 - 0.7) in 2020. 56.63% of those deaths, or 26,493 deaths, occurred in women. When stratified by age group, the 85+ age group had the highest CMR of 9 (95% CI: 8.3-9.7). The racial group with the highest AAMRs were Whites, with an AAMR of 0.7 per 100,000. Mortalities in the South region accounted for 33.5% of total deaths. Moreover, metro areas also had higher mortality rates than non-metro areas. Information regarding place of death was only available for 8242 deaths, with 2763 of them occurring in medical settings. Conclusion: Mortality rates in all population groups increased from 1999 to 2020, with variations in mortality rates noted among them. Risk stratification of high-risk groups, such as older people and women, and targeted interventions are key for addressing disparities in mortality rates. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: C.A. Villavicencio Torres: None. S. Ahmadian: None. V.M. Fell: None. K. Moehnke: None. Y. Chai: None. R.L. Taylor: None. S.K. Grebe: None. A.D. Maus: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Current standard-of-care assessment of adrenal disorders relies on the venipuncture-based total cortisol measurements. Salivary cortisol (SalF) and cortisone (SalE) measurements have advantages such as a more accurate assessment of patients with cortisol-binging globulin abnormalities and the convenience of at-home non-invasive testing. Aims: This study aimed to compare concentrations of cortisol and dexamethasone between clinical (venipuncture-based) and saliva samples. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study (July 2024-January 2025) of adults undergoing overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) or cosyntropin stimulation test (CST). Saliva samples were collected alongside clinical samples. Saliva measurements included cortisol, cortisone, and dexamethasone (mass spectrometry), while clinical samples were tested for total cortisol (Roche immunoassay) and, in a subgroup, dexamethasone (mass spectrometry). Results: Of 241 patients (186 (77%) women, median age 53 years (IQR 39-66)), 178 (74%) provided samples as a part of DST and 63 (26%) as a part CST. An inability to provide sufficient saliva for analysis was found in 5 patients (2%). In patients undergoing DST, median post-dexamethasone serum total cortisol was 1.3 mcg/dL (IQR 0.8-2.2), and median serum dexamethasone (SerD) was 0.43 mcg/dL (IQR 0.3-0.6) based on clinical samples, while median SalF was 10.2 ng/dL (IQR 6.6-23.6), SalE was 78.6 ng/dL (IQR 52.8-131.1), and saliva dexamethasone (SalD) was 60 ng/dL (IQR 41-93). SalE (r=0.92, p<.0001) demonstrated a stronger correlation than SalF (r=0.85, p<.0001) when compared with post-dexamethasone serum total cortisol measurements. SalD (r=0.85, p<.0001) correlated with SerD measurements. In patients undergoing CST, median baseline serum total cortisol was 7.2 mcg/dL (IQR 4.6-10) based on clinical samples, while median baseline SalF was 86.6 ng/dL (IQR 38.3-166.3), and median SalE was 707 ng/dL (IQR 347-906). Median peak 60-minute serum total cortisol was 21.5 mcg/dL (IQR 18-24), while SalF was 870.4 ng/dL (IQR 440-2904) and SalE was 2501 ng/dL (IQR 1770-3193). Both baseline (r=0.92, p<.0001) and 60 min peak post-cosyntropin SalE (r=0.84, p<.0001) demonstrated a strong correlation with venipuncture-based measurements. SalF had a weaker than SalE correlation at both baseline (r=0.88, p<.0001) and 60 min peak post-cosyntropin (r=0.79, p<.0001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that salivary measurements of cortisone, cortisol and dexamethasone strongly correlate with standard-of-care venipuncture concentrations following DST and CST. SalE showed the stronger than SalF correlation with venipuncture-based serum total cortisol concentrations. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. S. Cheema: None. S. Fatima: None. R. Noor: None. H. Javaid: None. P.K. Singh: None. H. Jawad: None. R. Haider: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. T. Ashraf: None. F. Naveed: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R. Kirchoff: None. Introduction: The health of a nation is often a reflection of the equity within its systems. Yet, when we examine the United States, one of the most developed nations globally, a concerning picture emerges in the realm of public health significant racial and ethnic disparities in disease outcomes. Among these, endocrine- related mortality, which includes conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hormonal imbalances, stands as a silent yet significant contributor to health inequities. Using data from the CDC WONDER database, this study seeks to explore these trends in depth, not just to identify the gaps but to shed light on the lived experiences of marginalized communities who bear the brunt of these inequities to pave the way for more equitable healthcare interventions. Methods: This descriptive study analyzes Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Endocrine-Related Mortality in the United States from 1999-2022, utilizing data from CDC Wonder database. We searched the Center for Disease Control database from 1999 to 2022 for mortality statistics with an underlying cause of death. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) was calculated per 1,000,000 deaths. We evaluated the AAMR using demographic variables such as race/ethnicity, geographic density, gender, age (25 or above), place of death, and the US Census Region. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression software. Mortality rates by age, demographics, and place of death were examined. Statistical analysis calculated endocrine-related mortality rates and trends, with findings deemed significant at P < 0. 05. Results: Between the years 1999 to 2022, 837203 deaths were recorded to be caused by endocrine-related disorders. An overall rising mortality trend from 1999-2022 among all races and ethnicities is noted, except in Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, and Hispanic patients, which shows a rise till 2020 followed by fall in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) in 2022. A significant dip in mortality rate was seen in 2017 in all racial and ethnic groups. American Indian or Alaska Natives showed highest AAMR (181.87, 95% CI 178.06-185.69) followed by Black or African Americans (149.78, 95% CI 148.9-150.64), Hispanic or Latinos (112.33, 95% CI 111.59-113.07), Whites (94.31, 95% CI 66.6-68.25), Asian or Pacific Islanders (67.45, 95% CI 66.6-68.25). American Indians or Alaska Natives exhibit the steepest rise over time (APC -0.32 TO 8.85) from 1999-2022. Conclusions: Mortality due to endocrine-related disorders has dramatically increased over time. Significant disparities have been noted among different races and ethnic groups, with the highest rate among Americans and the lowest among Asians. This underscores the need for targeted interventions for specific racial groups to reduce the mortality burden of endocrine-related diseases. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. R. Haider: None. S. Cheema: None. S.M. Irshad: None. M.U. Hussain: None. A. Ullah: None. A.Z. Khan: None. F. Naveed: None. H. Jawad: None. F. Naveed: None. M.F. Hemida: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Khawar: None. H. Ahmad: None. F. Ahmed: None. R.W. Kirchoff: None. R. Alcaraz: None. Background: Hypertension has been a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for ages. Coupled with endocrine disorders, it poses a greater risk of indisposition to the U.S population. This CDC wonder analysis explores the trends and patterns of these disorders, stratified by states and rural/urban. Methods: To attain this objective, this retrospective study has utilized data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database to assess endocrine disorder-related mortality rates in the pediatric population from 1999 to 2011. Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) and Annual Percent Change (APC) were used to evaluate trends and produce age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 people. Data was stratified by year, sex, race/ethnicity, state-wise and geographical regions. Statistical significance and confidence intervals were used to assess the reliability of the observed trends. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 2383332 deaths in the United States were attributed to endocrine-related mortality with underlying hypertension. The Overall AAMR initially rose steeply from 10.7 in 1999 to 24.9 in 2001 (APC: 34.3; 95% CI: 9.5 to 56.7), followed by a period of further steady increase in AAMR till 36.5 in 2018 (APC: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.6 to 2.1). This progressive increase in AAMR then sharply spiked from 2018 onwards, reaching 51.7 in 2020 (APC: 18.1*; 95% CI: 9.3 to 23.5). Notable discrepancies were observed in urbanization. Non-metropolitan areas showed a higher AAMR (35.5) than metropolitan (31.5). State-level analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity, including Mississippi as the state of the highest AAMR (58.6). Conclusion: The concerning rise of AAMR in non-metropolitan areas and Mississippi calls for more targeted health-care policies. These findings underscore the need for geographically tailored public health interventions to address disparities in endocrine disorder-related mortality in these groups. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: R. Haider: None. M. Waqas: None. S. Khan: None. A. Ullah: None. M. Khawar: None. A. Qadeer: None. M. Talha: None. A. Batool: None. A. Khan: None. M.Z. Haider: None. R.W. Kirchoff: None. Background: Hypothyroidism and heart failure (HF) contribute significantly to mortality among older adults. Understanding mortality trends, including demographic, geographic, and socio-economic disparities, is crucial to inform healthcare policies and resource allocation. Methods: This study analyzed age adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) from 1999 to 2022 for adults aged 55-85+ years. Age adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) per 1,000,000 population were stratified by gender, race, geographic location, and urbanicity. Trends were evaluated using Average Annual Percentage Change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), examining periods of decline and increase. Results: Between 1999 and 2022, 105,008 deaths were recorded among older adults (55-85+ years) due to hypothyroidism and heart failure (HF). The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) initially declined from 1999 to 2016, marked by a significant drop between 2005 and 2008 (APC = -6.0, 95% CI: -7.6 to -3.0). However, mortality trends reversed post-2016, with a sharp increase (APC = 6.7, 95% CI: 5.5 to 8.4). Age-specific trends revealed declining crude mortality rates (CMR) across all groups until 2016, followed by increases, particularly in the 65-74 and 75-84 age brackets, with APCs of 14.1 (95% CI: 7.8 to 27.8) and 8.9 (95% CI: 3.8 to 21.8), respectively. Gender disparities showed men and women had similar trends, with declines until 2015-2016 followed by surges, with APCs of 6.8 (95% CI: 5.2 to 9.1) and 6.6 (95% CI: 4.6 to 11.1), respectively. Racial disparities highlighted steady declines until 2016, followed by increases in non-Hispanic Whites (APC = 10.4, 95% CI: 5.2 to 23.2) and Hispanics (APC = 7.5, 95% CI: 6.0 to 10.1). Geographically, the Midwest exhibited the highest AAMR (71.1), while the Northeast showed the lowest (51.4). State-level disparities revealed North Dakota with the highest AAMR (129.5), contrasting with Nevada, which had the lowest (20.4). Urban-rural differences showed similar trends, with notable AAMR increases in both settings post-2016. These results underscore significant demographic and regional disparities in hypothyroidism and HF-related mortality. Conclusion: While mortality from hypothyroidism and HF among older adults declined until 2016, trends have since reversed across all demographic and geographic strata. Addressing these rising rates require targeted interventions focusing on high-risk groups and areas. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: S. Ahmadian: None. C.A. Villavicencio Torres: None. V.M. Fell: None. K.L. Moehnke: None. Y. Chai: None. R.L. Taylor: None. S.K. Grebe: None. A.D. Maus: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Salivary cortisol (SalF), and cortisone (SalE) interpretation can be influenced by intra-individual variability arising from cortisol secretion cyclicity, assay performance, and sampling techniques. No studies to date have examined the impact of sampling on intra-individual variability. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of adults evaluated with total serum cortisol measurements as a part of the overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) or cosyntropin stimulation test (CST), November 2024- January 2025. Participants were provided with two cotton swabs (salivettes) and asked to collect two consecutive saliva samples immediately after the venipuncture for total cortisol. Each cotton swab was kept in the mouth for 2-2.5 minutes. Saliva was tested for SalF and SalE by mass spectrometry. Variability was examined based on cortisol tertiles. Results: A total of 78 paired saliva samples were obtained from 60 participants (45 [75%] women; median age 55 years [IQR 39-66]), who were undergoing either DST (42 [70%]) or CST (18 [30%]). A total of 10 (17%) saliva samples did not contain a sufficient sample for analysis during the first or second saliva collection (7 [12%] from DST group, and 3 [5%] from CST group).Among 53 patients undergoing DST, the median serum total cortisol was 1.3 mcg/dL [IQR 0.9-3], the median first SalF was 20 ng/dL [IQR 7-28], the median second SalF was 12 ng/dL [IQR 6-23], and the median variability was 11% [IQR 3-22%]. The median first SalE was 69 ng/dL [IQR 54-185], while the median second SalE was 63 ng/dL [IQR 56-178], with a median variability of 6% [IQR 4-10].In patients undergoing CST, peak median serum total cortisol was 20 mcg/dL [IQR 18-24], median first SalF was 809 ng/dL [IQR 536-1227], and median second SalF was 1063 ng/dL [IQR 667-1503], with the median variability of 14% [IQR 8-22]. The median first SalE was 2507 ng/dL [IQR1697-2966], while the median second SalE was 2485 ng/dL [IQR 1530-2976], with a median variability of 9% [IQR 3-12].When examining intra-individual variability of SalF, the variability was lowest in the middle tertile, corresponding to serum cortisol of 1.8-8.9 mcg/dL, at 9% [IQR 5-16]. Variability was higher in the lowest tertile (14% [IQR 0-52]) and the highest tertile (12% [IQR 6-16]). Overall, the variability of SalE was lower than that of SalF: 7% [IQR 4-13] in the lowest tertile, 5% [IQR 2-9] in the middle tertile, and 10% [IQR 4-12] in the highest tertile. Conclusion: We show that saliva sampling may impact the results, with 17% patients providing insufficient sample for analysis, and variability of 9-14% for SalF and 5-10% for SalE. Same time-point sampling-related variability should be considered in interpretation of SalF and SalE measurements. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: M. Kakakhel: None. F. Saleem: None. A. Ullah: None. K. Abdul Rehman: None. M.H. Alsaadi: None. H. Ahmad: None. A. Qadeer: None. R. Haider: None. M. Khawar: None. H. Jawad: None. J. Ikram: None. M. Filal: None. F. Ahmed: None. R.W. Kirchoff: None. Background: Thyroid disorders are common endocrine disorders including thyrotoxicosis, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Although it affects an estimated 200 million people globally, the epidemiology of this condition remains underexplored. Here we aimed to investigate mortality trends attributable to thyroid disorders in the US stratified by year, sex, race, and region. Methods: Using data from the CDC WONDER database, we calculated the crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 individuals (≥25 years) and used Joinpoint regression to determine annual and average annual percent change (AAPC) in the mortality trends. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 561,089 deaths were recorded among patients with thyroid disorders in the United States, with an overall increasing trend in mortality (AAPC = 0.78). The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) declined gradually from 1999 to 2018 (APC = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.22) before rising sharply from 2018 to 2020 (APC = 13.05, 95% CI: 6.39 to 20.12). Females had a higher AAMR (139.75) than males (81.99). Among racial and ethnic groups, Whites exhibited the highest AAMR (124.09), followed by American Indian or Alaskan Natives (121.36), Hispanics (89.13), Black or African Americans (88.44), and Asian or Pacific Islanders (59.36). Regional disparities showed the highest AAMR in the Midwest (130.45) and the lowest in the South (109.40). West Virginia (199.93) and North Dakota (198.82) reported the highest state-level AAMRs, while Nevada (60.18) and Florida (65.49) had the lowest. Non-metropolitan areas experienced higher mortality rates (141.04) than metropolitan areas (112.21), underscoring significant geographical and demographic variations in thyroid disorder-related mortality. Conclusion: Adults in the US have shown a rising trend in Thyroid-related deaths, with the highest mortality rates seen in females, Whites, and people living in the Midwest and Non-metropolitan areas. Our study also highlights the disparities across different demographics. Policy makers should focus on equitable access to healthcare to control this increasing mortality. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

ABSTRACT At the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) in Bellevue, Washington, June 2025, two inaugural events—the Clinical Anatomy Fireside Chat (CAFC) and the Clinical Anatomy Symposium: Head and Neck 2025 (CAS)—fostered rich dialogue on the evolving role and operational definition of clinical anatomy. Experts from various clinical and anatomical disciplines explored the meaning of clinical anatomy, highlighting the absence of a universal definition despite its frequent use in education and research. Through these interdisciplinary discussions, a consensus emerged: clinical anatomy is not defined solely by the possession of clinical credentials but by the integration of anatomical knowledge and clinical relevance, achieved most effectively through collaboration. Clinical anatomy education and research require different depths of clinical knowledge depending on the audience and objective, and meaningful collaboration can bridge gaps in expertise. The symposium further illustrated that high‐quality clinical anatomy emerges from mutual respect and reciprocal insight between clinicians and anatomists. This article presents a consensus statement developed by AACA representatives and invited speakers, affirming that collaboration is not only foundational to the practice of clinical anatomy but also fundamental to its definition. These conclusions aim to guide future educational models, research strategies, and interdisciplinary partnerships in the field of clinical anatomy.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is becoming an increasingly relevant tool in hospital medicine, but its effective application in inpatient perioperative medicine remains to be determined. Much of the POCUS literature describes its use by anesthesiologists to evaluate cardiac function, volume status, pulmonary findings, and gastric volume. Objective: To identify, evaluate, and synthesize all available literature investigating the use of point-of-care ultrasound and associated clinical outcomes in inpatient perioperative medical management. Patients and Methods: A systematic review was designed using the PRISMA guidelines with sources of literature including Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. Literature search was conducted for published works between 1 January 2002 to 8 February 2024. Results: Three hundred sixty-seven abstracts were identified in our search, and, ultimately, 24 studies were included in this review. Most studies were done by anesthesiology evaluating cardiopulmonary and gastric POCUS. Studies supported using POCUS to expedite cardiac examination, promptly diagnose postoperative pulmonary complications, and optimize surgical timing. Conclusions: POCUS is a versatile tool in the perioperative setting; however, few studies were powered to assess clinical outcomes, and even fewer showed conclusive evidence of improved clinical outcomes. Furthermore, only two studies evaluated the use of POCUS specifically by acute care providers; more extensive studies are needed from their perspective as they take on increasing perioperative responsibilities.