Endocrine Abstracts

Parathyroid cysts are rare, usually asymptomatic and typically present as a neck lump. They are most commonly detected in middle-aged women and can occasionally present with compressive symptoms. True parathyroid cysts are non-functional and benign in nature, allowing a more conservative approach to their management in many patients. We present the case of an 82-year-old lady with a past medical history of a presumed parathyroid cyst which was drained by the ENT surgeons. Thre...

Case history: We report a 56-year-old man who was referred to the Endocrinology Clinic with hypokalaemic hypertension. He had a history of bladder cancer 9-years previously, treated with surgery, chemotherapy and BCG therapy. At referral, he was taking Amlodipine 10 mg and Doxazosin 8 mg twice daily with average home blood pressure readings of 160/90 mmHg.Investigations: Aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), taken on Doxazosin with potassium 3.6 mmol/l was 3...

A 61-year-old lady presented with rapid onset of lethargy and reduced mobility with inability to use stairs over 1 month. Prior to this, she was fit and well and was a lifelong non-smoker. At presentation, she was overweight and had evidence of skin bruising and severe proximal myopathy of her legs. A midnight cortisol was >1710 nmol/l with a corresponding ACTH of 610 nmol/l confirming ACTH dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Serum potassium was 2.6 mmol/l and a new diagnos...

Introduction: The traditional approach to mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas has been through a median sternotomy. With improved localization techniques it has become possible to use less invasive approaches to access the mediastinum. We present our recent experience of three cases of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas successfully treated using a manubriotomy approach which provides good access to the superior and anterior mediastinum.Method: All pa...

Insulinomas, although rare, cause significant morbidity. They are frequently small at diagnosis. Whilst this means they are frequently curable by surgery, it makes localisation of the tumour difficult. However the importance of accurate pre-operative localisation is essential especially since laparoscopic surgery has been developed, which allows a minimally invasive approach to be used, but makes it vital that multiple tumours are identified pre-operatively.<p class="abste...