Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT211

Background and Aims: Chemotherapy often induces complications in multiple organs, necessitating early detection to optimize therapy and improve patient outcomes. However, assessing the structural and functional conditions of organs like the pancreas, kidneys, thyroid, nerves, and colon remains challenging. Multiparameter ultrasound (US) shows promise in providing precise information during cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to assess US utility in detecting complications early among diabetic patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: We included 12 diabetic and 10 non-diabetic patients undergoing chemotherapy. Routine clinical and laboratory tests, along with multiparameter abdominal US, were performed weekly. Assessments included colonic wall thickness, peristaltic waves, Doppler spectral analysis of mesenteric blood flow, bile duct measurements, and evaluations of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, and nerves.

Results: Key observations included:

1. Pancreas: Six patients showed increased pancreas size and two developed hypoechoic lesions within the first week. Pancreatic size decreased later (after 3 weeks), with one patient diagnosed with pancreatitis. 2. Kidneys: Early signs included elevated resistive index (RI) and increased parenchymal thickness, though velocities remained normal. 3. Thyroid: Three patients exhibited hypoechoic heterogeneous textures, while two showed reduced thyroid size by weeks 2-3. 4. Colon: Diabetic patients showed less colonic wall thickening (3-6 mm) versus controls (7-8 mm) and reduced peristalsis. Mesenteric Doppler revealed higher peak systolic velocities (up to 200 cm/sec) in diabetics compared to controls (140-170 cm/sec). 5. Neuropathy: Three patients presented with numbness in limbs. US revealed increased fascicle diameters (1.5-2.5 mm).

Conclusions: Multiparameter US markers provide critical insights into early chemotherapy-related complications across various organs, enabling timely therapy adjustments and improved prognosis. Monitoring with US is particularly effective for diabetic patients, revealing distinct changes and enhancing clinical care.

References: Bubnov R, Kotsyuba R. Early detection of colonic and gastric complications during chemotherapy with multiparameter ultrasound. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2023;35(Suppl. 2):12. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14637#nmo14637-sec-0101-title