Endocrine Abstracts

Case history: 48 year old man presented in the endocrinology clinic for further evaluation of hypertension (HTN). He had a hospital admission 2 months ago with worsening dyspnoea and markedly elevated BP (236/149 mmHg). He denied any visual disturbances or chest pain. There were no symptoms to suggest any endocrinopathy. His PMH included previous inguinal hernia repair. He was not on regular medications and he had no allergies. He lived with his family, worked as a manager and...

Introduction: We describe a case of a 29 year old man who was referred to endocrinology services with a 4 month history of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and low testosterone. He denied symptoms suggestive of pituitary pathology. And he had no previous testicular infections or trauma. His past medical history included asthma, which was well controlled with b-agonist inhaler as required. He had normal development. He was a non smoker, abstinent from alcohol and a keen c...

We report the case of a 65 year old lady who was admitted to A&E with neurological symptoms (slurred speech, ataxia, intermittent confusion) and she was found to have low sodium (116 mmol/l). She reported 2–3 week history of lethargy and lightheadedness. There was no history of shortness of breath, cough, haemoptysis, weight loss, night sweats, altered bowel habits or excessive fluid intake. Her past medical history included hip osteoarthritis and dyslipidaemia. She l...

Background: Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is one of the few treatable causes of male infertility; spermatogenesis induction can be achieved with gonadotrophins or pulsatile GnRH. Treatment protocols are normally long, and outcome varies according to the underlying aetiology, age of onset and history of undescended testes. Regular follow-ups are needed to assess the response and monitor for adverse effects of therapy that could make the management challenging.<p class=...

Background: The short Synacthen test (SST) is used primarily to diagnose adrenal insufficiency (AI), with hyponatraemia being among the commonest indications. Given the national shortage of tetracosactide and following cases of test mismanagement highlighted by our Biochemistry department, we investigated the indications, appropriate patient selection and performance of this test.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 117 cases identified to have a SST per...

Background: Functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGA) are rare benign pituitary tumours. Several case reports suggest that FGA may present with features of ovarian hyperstimulation in women. However, a lack of aggregated clinical experience of FGA precludes the meaningful guidance of management in affected women.Methods: Case series of 7 women presenting at different UK sites with FGA induced ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).R...

Background: SIMBA is a simulation-based learning platform designed to increase clinicians’ confidence in managing various clinical scenarios. The restriction of face-to-face learning during the COVID-19 pandemic led to switching Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) to entirely virtual sessions.Objective: To explore SIMBA’s effectiveness to sustain medical education in endocrinology during the pandemic.<p class=...