Endocrine Abstracts

A 37 year old lady presented to her GP with increasing lethergy, bloating and low mood associated with her menstrual periods. Her GP undertook a hormonal screen including androgen profile which revealed elevated 17-Hydroxyprogesterone 25.5 nmol/L (0.1–8.5). The rest of her androgen profile was normal. As a teenager she suffered with acne and hirsutism, for which she had laser therapy, but this had resolved. Periods were regular, every 28 days with 1–2 days menstruati...

The intrinsic selectivity and flexibility of bioorthogonal click chemistries make them an almost ideal synthetic methodology for the creation of radiolabeled PET imaging agents. One type of bioorthogonal reaction, the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction between tetrazine and TCO, has particularly appealing characteristics for in vivo pretargeting applications. Simply put, the thrust of pretargeted imaging is to harness the exquisite tumor-targeting properties...

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can have multiple effects on growth, sexual development, fertility and overall health. Sub-optimal adherence to treatment regimens during adolescence and puberty can have lifelong consequences. We present the case of 20-year-old male who was diagnosed at birth. His parents are first cousins, and his two siblings also have CAH. Initial treatment comprised hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone and administration ...

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is a diagnosis of exclusion. It accounts for 30% of cases of secondary amenorrhoea in women of reproductive age. It is caused by abnormal signalling between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland due to deficient pulsatile secretion of GnRH. This reduced secretion of GnRH leads to levels of LH and FSH that are insufficient to maintain full folliculogenesis and normal ovulatory ovarian function, with consequent oestrogen deficiency. There are many caus...

Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in clinical practice and second most common endocrine referral. Acute severe hyponatremia is potentially life-threatening and must be treated promptly and aggressively. SIADH, Cortisol deficiency, Liver Disease, Heart disease, certain medications and excess alcohol intake can frequently lead to hyponatremia. We present a case of 41 year old male known to have alcoholic liver disease and depression who present...

Insulinomas, uncommon neuroendocrine tumours, may produce insulin-induced hypoglycemia. It causes neuroglycopenia and autonomic sympathetic dysfunction. Glucose immediately relieves these sensations. Hypoglycemia without plasma sulfonylurea and increased C-peptide is diagnostic. The tumour must be found before surgery.Introduction: Hypoglycemia is caused by insulinomas. Insulinoma, the most frequent functional pancreatic tumour, occurs just four times pe...

Introduction: Prolactinoma are the commonest functioning pituitary tumors. Pressure symptoms such as headache and visual field defect are common in patients with macroprolactinoma. Early investigation and intervention can deter permanent visual impairment, pituitary apoplexy and panhypopituitarism.Case vignette: 27-year-old lady presented to ophthalmologist with two months history of headache with visual impairment on the right side. She was found to hav...

A 32-year-old female was referred with abnormal thyroid function tests after investigation for nonspecific joint symptoms and exhaustion in 2010. Initial biochemistry showed TSH 0.03 mU/l(0.2-5), Free T4 75 pmol/l(9-24). At her endocrine appointment she reported loose stools, tremors, exertional dyspnea and a peculiar sensation in neck in keeping with thyrotoxicosis. Since puberty, she had problems acquiring weight. Repeat thyroid function demonstrated TSH <0.01 mU/land Fr...

Case History: A 19-year-old female presented with painful left shoulder after slipping whilst doing press-ups. Plain x-ray showed a proximal humeral fracture, as well as a large bone cyst raising concerns of a pathological fracture. She had no past medical history and was not taking any regular medications. On further questioning she did complain of a 2 year history of bilateral painful shoulders and left knee pain. Family history was significant for her father suffering prima...

Case history: 21-year-old male presented in November 2006 with visual loss, headaches and fatigue. No previous past medical history. Visual field testing confirmed a left temporal hemianopia with right temporal upper quadrantanopia.Investigations: Brain imaging revealed a large macroadenoma with suprasellar and lateral extension. Hormone testing demonstrated abnormalities in TSH 5.13 mU/L, Free T4 7.1 pmol/l, random Cortisol 64nmol/l and Testosterone 2.3...