Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Permanent hypoparathyroidism can result from immune-mediated destruction of the parathyroid glands. Alternatively it may result from activating antibodies to the calcium sensing receptor that decrease parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism is a common feature of poliglandular autoimmune syndrome type I. Other causes, all very rare, include irradiation and storage of infiltrative diseases of the parathyroid glands. Neurological signs of h...

Introduction: Anorchia or vanishing testis syndrome is defined as the absence of testicular tissue in genetic and phenotypic males. To establish this diagnosis certain criteria must be present, namely non palpable testis during examination under anaesthesia and blind ending spermatic vessels visualized within the retroperitoneu, or the spermatic vessels and vas deferens exiting a closed internal inguinal ring. Bilateral congenital anorchia affects one in 20 000 males.<p cl...

Aim: To evaluate the serum levels of resistin and adiponectin, and the potential relationship between these adipokines, thyroid function, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).Methods: patients with AIT (58 females; 47.7±16.7 years) were studied; 33 of them had also SCH. These patients were diagnosed by a positive result in an anti-peroxidase...

Introduction: POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes) syndrome is a rare multisystemic disease. Diagnosis requires two major criteria and at least one minor criterion. Major criteria include polineuropathy and a monoclonal plasma proliferative disorder (almost always lambda). Minor criteria include osteosclerotic bone lesions, Castleman disease, organomegaly (including lymphadenopathy), oedema, pleural effusion or ascites, e...

Introduction: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disease, with a reported incidence of 0.1/million per year. This disorder accounts for approximately 12–17% of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Small cell lung carcinoma is responsible for about 20% of cases, although ectopic ACTH hypersecretion occurs in only 0.5–2% of these tumours. Hypercortisolaemia is usually severe and of rapid onset. Optimal treatment is surgical excision of the tumou...

Introduction: The recognition of thyroid microcarcinoma has been increasing in recent years probably as a result of the widespread use of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of small non palpable nodules and possibly of a more extensive histological examination.Objectives: To describe clinical and histological characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and compare them according to its size (< or ≥5 mm).<p clas...

Introduction: Given the significant impact of thyroid function on body weight, energy metabolism and adipocytes physiology, our aim was to study the impact of subclinical thyroid dysfunction in plasmatic levels of adipokines and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1).Methods: We evaluated 98 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease divided into three groups: 30 who were euthyroid (TSH=0.35–4.94 UI/ml), 35 with subclinical hypothyroidism (hypoSC,...

Introduction: Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis(AIT) is a condition fraught with difficulties from the diagnostic and therapeutic standpoints. It can be developed precociously or years after the beginning amiodarone uptake and after its suspension. AIT is subdivided in three different forms. Type 1 is developed in subjects with underlying thyroid disease, being caused by an exacerbation by iodine load of thyroid autonomous function. Type 2 is a form of destructive thyroiditis ...

Introduction: The stromal luteoma of the ovary is a rare tumour occurring mostly in post menopausal women. Endocrine symptoms and sometimes virilizing signs may be observed, although abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most frequent manifestation. This tumour is surrounded by ovarian stroma being entirely composed of luteinized cells devoid of crystals of Reinke. Hyperthecosis of ovarian stroma is often observed. Its evolution is always benign.Case report: ...

Introduction: Obesity has been associated with increased androgenicity in women, however there are conflicting data on this subject. Objectives: To determine whether any androgen is independently related to body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) or age. To access if there is an association between elevated plasma androgen levels and the presence of either morbid obesity or metabolic syndrome (MS).Design and Methods: A total of 148 obese women we...