Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: We present a rare cause of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia and implications of the same during pregnancy.Case report: A 22-year-old primigravida was referred to the antenatal endocrine clinic with a longstanding history of hypoparathyroidism with hypocalcaemia. She had short stature and extended digits relative to her height. She has been taking alfacalcidol 0.5 μg once a day and adcal D3 tablets and blood tests revealed low normal...

Introduction: Phaeochromocytoma is a rare condition. It presents with non-specific symptoms of palpitations, headache and hypertension. Such symptoms in a patient with background of previous medullary thyroid carcinoma cannot be ignored and would warrant further investigation to exclude MEN II.Case report: A 45-year-old gentleman presents with labile hypertension, headaches and palpitations. He has a history of a recurrent medullary thyroid carcinoma pre...

Introduction: Acute left ventricular failure is rarely caused by phaeochromocytoma. The rarity and severity of this presentation may result in delayed investigation and incorrect management.Case Report: A 22 year old woman was admitted with headache, vomiting, back pain and malaise. She was initially treated for suspected septic shock with intravenous antibiotics and fluids. Within 24 hours of admission, she rapidly deteriorated and developed pulmonary o...

Introduction: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is common amongst elderly men, and usually treated with the testosterone blocker, finasteride. However, the treatment of such a condition alongside hypo-pituitarism and low testosterone levels presents with a therapeutic dilemma.Case report: An 88-year-old gentleman who was admitted following recurrent episodes of confusion and falls was found to have a serum sodium level of 114 mmol/l, serum osmolality of 258 m...

Introduction: Cerebral ischaemic events in young patients due to patent foramen ovale are rare. A more plausible diagnosis had clouded the initial management and diagnosis of such a case in a young male patient.Case report: A 19-year-old gentleman was admitted with vomiting and profound hyponatraemia of 99 mmol/l. He was diagnosed to have Addison’s disease (with positive adrenal antibodies) following a flat short synacthen test. He warranted ITU adm...