Endocrine Abstracts

An established murine model of thyroid eye disease is induced by transfer of thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) primed T-cells to syngeneic recipients. Our aim was to extend the model to determine if: there are gender differences, Rundle's curve occurs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be applied as an in vivo marker. Orbital MRI on non-living mice used a surface coil and 1.5T MRI. 0.75mm slices have resolution sufficient to image ocular muscles. TSHR primed T-cells were gen...

With the right balance of daily medication, individuals with adrenal insufficiency can expect to have a normal life span and to lead busy and rewarding lives. Despite this, research finds that people with adrenal insufficiency often feel below par compared to healthy individuals.(1)(2) One recent study found that the rate of hospital admission for adrenal crisis is almost three times higher for women with autoimmune adrenalitis than it is for patients with secondary adrenal in...

Background: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) displays a wide phenotypic spectrum and is the most common deletion syndrome with an estimated incidence of one in 4000 children. Short stature is a phenotypic feature of the spectrum; uncommonly, GH deficiency (GHD) has been identified as a cause of short stature within this population.Patients and methods: We describe a case series of four 22q11DS patients with concurrent GHD that have been followed up in...

A 37-years-old man was referred to rheumatology with a 3 month history of widespread joint pains, worse on rising in the mornings with early morning stiffness lasting about 15 min. Hands were affected first followed by knees and hips. On further questioning, he also complained of generalised fatigue, loss of libido and thinning of the hair on his chest, as well as 15 kg weight loss over 6 months. He recalled a febrile illness with headache prior to the onset of his symptoms, b...

Introduction: Pituitary conditions are rare and diagnosis may be slow because symptoms are ambiguous. The treatment may be a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and medication so patients see many healthcare professionals. This survey sought to assess patient satisfaction with the information and support they receive from GPs, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiotherapists, specialist nurses, and other agencies (e.g. Pituitary Foundation (PF)).Method:...

Primary adrenal insufficiency is a relatively rare endocrine condition requiring life-long glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid replacement therapy. Unlike other endocrine conditions - such as diabetes - complications associated with early mortality are unusual and well-medicated patients can expect to have a normal life span. Nevertheless, patients typically report a variety of symptoms which reduce their quality of life.Data from an international survey...

Hyperthyroidism is a common disorder, most usually caused by Graves' Disease (GD), in which thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAB) mimic thyrotropin. Since the diagnosis of GD is made clinically and its signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of patients harboring an activating germline thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) mutation, incorrect diagnoses have been made. Point mutations in more than 30 residues, predominantly in exon 10, of the TSHR cause constitutivity making ...

A 56-year-old woman, recently commenced on immunotherapy as second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, presented at the hospital critically unwell with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (glucose 47 mmol/l, blood ketones 7.5 mmol/l, pH 6.95, bicarbonate 6.6 mmol/l). One week prior to presentation, she was clinically well with random glucose of 6.1 mmol/l. Following admission to Intensive Care Unit, she responded well to standard treatment for DKA and discha...

Section: Case history: 73-year old gentleman referred from GP with a two month history of worsening dizziness, malaise, postural hypotension and general deterioration and spiking pyrexia ranging 38-40°C over 3 weeks. PMH of NSCLC T2b N0- left lower lobectomy & chemotherapy 3 years prior.Section: Investigations and treatment: At re-presentation his CT TAP showed bilateral bulky adrenal glands but no other abnormality. The patient’s bloods sh...

Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism is often made incidentally following routine biochemical screening. Parathyroidectomy is usually carried out in patients at risk of disease progression or with clinical features that may improve and that is in line with NIH guidance. Current recommendations suggest that Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (MIP) should take place only if sestamibi and ultrasound findings are concordant. We studied the medical notes of 53 patients, aged ...