Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is a rare, but complex endocrine disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symptoms, signs and sequelae of the disease in a major patient group in the post-Chernobyl era using a new questionnaire instrument.Methods: A random sample of 25 patients with symptomatic permanent hypoparathyroidism was chosen out of a group of 158. The patients underwent physical examination, determination of parathyr...

Thyroid nodule is a potential thyroid cancer and hence prompt assessment of all cases is mandatory. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a simple and reliable test in the management of thyroid nodule.This is a prospective audit of all new patients with thyroid nodules referred to our endocrine unit in the period between November 2000 to March 2002. 64 patients were identified, 57(89%) of which were females. The mean average age was 49. Thyroid function test w...

Objective: Despite being the most common endocrine malignancy, the management of thyroid cancer in the UK remains sub-optimal, with reduced survival rates compared with Western Europe. The British Thyroid association published national guidelines in March 2002 to help standardize and improve the management and survival of thyroid cancer in the UK. We have audited the management of thyroid cancer in a large district hospital comparing the results to the standards set by the Bri...

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the investigation of choice for patients with thyroid nodules in secondary care. Ideally the following standards should be met: assessment within 2 weeks of referral; FNAB performed in the first visit; consent obtained and documented; communication of the result in person.A cohort of 64consecutive patients (57 female) was identified. The median age was 49 (16-78). Thyroid function tests were normal in 89% of patien...

Urticaria and pruritis are rare skin manifestations of thyrotoxicosis, we present a case where the presenting symptom was generalized distressing urticarial rash.CaseA 39-year-old male presented with a history of itchy urticarial rash all over the body, treated unsuccessfully with antihistamines. Ten weeks after its onset he developed weight loss, palpitations and irritability. Blood tests showed him to be thyrotoxic (TSH 0.02 mIU/...