Roberto Vita1, Flavia Di Bari2, Giovanni Capodicasa2, Sarah Perelli2, Anna Maria Bonanno3, Antonio Ieni3, Mariacarla Moleti2, Francesco Vermiglio2,4, Giovanni Tuccari3, Salvatore Benvenga2,5,6. 1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy. rvita@unime.it. 2. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy. 3. Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Evolutive Age Gaetano Barresi - Section of Pathological Anatomy, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy. 4. Interdepartmental Program on New Models of Multidisciplinary Management in Endocrinology, University Hospital, A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy. 5. Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women's Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy. 6. Interdepartmental Program of Molecular & Clinical Endocrinology and Women's Endocrine Health, University Hospital, A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, Viale Gazzi, 98125, Messina, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To verify the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and the ultrasound characteristics (composition and volume) of thyroid nodules with respect to the area of residence in the province of Messina, some areas having environmental issues. METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration-interrogated nodules (n = 902) of 809 patients were evaluated upon stratification into 8 areas of residence. RESULTS: Overall, women were younger than men (55.3 ± 14.0 vs. 58.6 ± 12.6 years, P = 0.0083). Patients residing in three areas (one hosting two garbage dumps, one hosting a petrochemical complex and a thermoelectrical power plant, and one hosting several ceramic factories [CFA]) were younger than those residing in the city of Messina (MEA) (52.9 ± 13.4 vs. 57.7 ± 13.6 years, P < 0.0001). Also, patients residing in those three areas had a greater rate of AIT, diagnosed either ultrasonographically/serologically (22.2% of patients) or cytologically (26.3% of nodules), compared with MEA (11.7% of patients, P = 0.0007 or 20.2% of nodules, P = 0.0815). Rates of AIT ranged 12.5-28.6% in the remaining four areas. Overall, nodules in women were smaller than in men (3.6 ± 5.7 vs. 6.1 ± 9.4 ml, P = 0.0006). Compared with the other seven areas, patients living in CFA had the largest nodules (6.8 ± 6.8 ml, P = 0.0040-0.0291), with the nodule volume being inversely correlated to patient's age (r = -0.4955, P = 0.0431). CONCLUSION: Rates of AIT and associated ultrasound features of thyroid nodules vary in different areas of our province. Further studies correlating these rates and features with exposure to specific toxicants are warranted.
PURPOSE: To verify the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and the ultrasound characteristics (composition and volume) of thyroid nodules with respect to the area of residence in the province of Messina, some areas having environmental issues. METHODS: Fine-needle aspiration-interrogated nodules (n = 902) of 809 patients were evaluated upon stratification into 8 areas of residence. RESULTS: Overall, women were younger than men (55.3 ± 14.0 vs. 58.6 ± 12.6 years, P = 0.0083). Patients residing in three areas (one hosting two garbage dumps, one hosting a petrochemical complex and a thermoelectrical power plant, and one hosting several ceramic factories [CFA]) were younger than those residing in the city of Messina (MEA) (52.9 ± 13.4 vs. 57.7 ± 13.6 years, P < 0.0001). Also, patients residing in those three areas had a greater rate of AIT, diagnosed either ultrasonographically/serologically (22.2% of patients) or cytologically (26.3% of nodules), compared with MEA (11.7% of patients, P = 0.0007 or 20.2% of nodules, P = 0.0815). Rates of AIT ranged 12.5-28.6% in the remaining four areas. Overall, nodules in women were smaller than in men (3.6 ± 5.7 vs. 6.1 ± 9.4 ml, P = 0.0006). Compared with the other seven areas, patients living in CFA had the largest nodules (6.8 ± 6.8 ml, P = 0.0040-0.0291), with the nodule volume being inversely correlated to patient's age (r = -0.4955, P = 0.0431). CONCLUSION: Rates of AIT and associated ultrasound features of thyroid nodules vary in different areas of our province. Further studies correlating these rates and features with exposure to specific toxicants are warranted.
Authors: Clarice Umbelino de Freitas; Rosária A Grimaldi Campos; Mirta Alcira F Rodrigues Silva; Maria Rosana I Panachão; Jose Cássio de Moraes; William Waissmann; Antônio Roberto Chacra; Marina Y S Maeda; Regina S Minazzi Rodrigues; James Gonçalves Belchor; Sonia Oliveira Barbosa; Raimunda Telma M Santos Journal: Environ Res Date: 2010-01 Impact factor: 6.498
Authors: Patrice Dufour; Catherine Pirard; Patrick Petrossians; Albert Beckers; Corinne Charlier Journal: Environ Res Date: 2019-11-15 Impact factor: 6.498