Do Near-Infrared Intra-Operative Findings Obtained Using Indocyanine Green Correlate with Post-Thyroidectomy Parathyroid Function? the Icgpredict Study.

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) still remains a significant complication after thyroidectomy. Intra-operative imaging modalities, such as near-infrared fluorescence using indocyanine green (ICG), may assist in identifying and preserving the parathyroid glands (PGs). The purpose of this study was to test the association between the intra-operative ICG staining scoring system and 24-hour postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, as well as its capability for intra-operative PG identification.

METHODS

This was a prospective study, recruiting patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy by the same surgical team, from December 2018 to April 2019. Intra-operative angiography was performed after infusion of ICG solution (5 mg). Two minutes later, images were acquired using the near-infrared system.

RESULTS

Sixty patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The percentage of temporary postoperative hypoPT (defined as PTH <14 pg/mL) was 11.66%. No association between intra-operative ICG staining score (expressed as the number of PGs scoring <2 per patient) and 24-hour postoperative PTH (r = 0.011; P = .933) or serum calcium concentrations (r = 0.127; P = .335) was observed. There was also no correlation between the location of PGs scoring ≤2 and postoperative PTH (P = .257) or serum calcium levels (P = .950). Moreover, with regard to secondary endpoint, ICG correctly identified PGs in 98.3% of cases. ICG score was not affected by age, gender, duration of operation, or thyroid gland pathology. No allergic reactions attributed to ICG administration were observed.

CONCLUSION

The intra-operative ICG staining scoring system did not predict 24-hour postoperative PTH and serum calcium levels. However, this modality may assist in intra-operative PG identification during a total thyroidectomy.