Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Prolonged therapy (≥ 3 months) with high-dose corticosteroids (≥ 7.5 mg Prednisolone or 1–1.5 mg Dexamethasone daily) can result in adrenal atrophy and secondary adrenal failure. Abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroids after prolonged use can lead to adrenal insufficiency, corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of the initial disease. A safe flexible management plan is required for each patient. We illustrate with two cases.<p class="ab...

Introduction: Mild hypercalcaemia can occur in patients with Graves’ disease. Postulated mechanisms include increased bone resorption and mobilisation of calcium from the bones in response to increased interleukin-6 and catecholamine levels. The coexistence of primary hyperparathyroidism and Graves’ disease is rare. Hypercalcaemia with suppressed or unsuppressed parathyroid hormone levels should prompt a search for non-parathyroid or parathyroid causes, respectively....

Introduction: Limbic encephalitis is characterised by seizures, changes in personality and memory impairment. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis is rare. We present an interesting case.Case: A 57-year-old gentleman presented with seizures and a cardiac arrest. He had a past history of excess alcohol intake and had been taking excess alcohol prior to this event. Physical examinat...

Introduction: Klinefelter’s syndrome (KFS) is associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies; including leukemia, breast cancer and mediastinal germ cell tumours. Testicular tumours are uncommon. Epidermoid cysts are benign tumours of hair-growing areas. Testicular epidermoid cysts are very rare and account for 1–2% of all testicular tumours. We report a rare case of bilateral epidermoid cysts in a patient with Klinefelter’s syndrome.<p class="abs...

Introduction: Approximately 700 000 women give birth in England and Wales each year with up to 5% of these women having either pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes (GDM). Women who have diabetes during pregnancy, it is estimated that approximately 87% have GDM. It is well recognised that early diagnosis of diabetes aids in timely intervention to reduce long-term complications.Objectives: To assess the screening for diabetes mellitus in post-deli...

Introduction: Single-electrolyte derangement is a common biochemical finding. Multiple-electrolytes derangement is less common and require multiple and simultaneous corrective therapies. We present a patient who had multiple admissions with multiple-electrolytes derangement, which after further evaluation required a single therapeutic intervention.Case: A 26-year-old lady had eight admissions over three years with abdominal pain and vomiting. During each...

Introduction: Single-electrolyte derangement is a common biochemical finding. Multiple-electrolytes derangement is less common and require multiple and simultaneous corrective therapies. We present a patient who had multiple admissions with multiple-electrolytes derangement, which after further evaluation required a single therapeutic intervention.Case: A 26-year-old lady had eight admissions over three years with abdominal pain and vomiting. During each...

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare metabolic condition in adults caused by over secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. The characteristic skeletal and organ overgrowth and dental mal-occlusion issues are so insidious that they go unnoticed by the patient and family. The dentist may be the first healthcare provider to see these patients, thereby proving instrumental in early diagnosis. We report two cases of acromegaly: one case identified by a dentist and anothe...

Introduction: Persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism or raised levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) despite adequate levothyroxine replacement (>1.6 µg/kg body weight) suggest treatment-refractory hypothyroidism. Adherence to treatment and conditions that might impair absorption or increase demand for levothyroxine should be explored.Case: A 51-year-old man presented with raised TSH levels despite being on 425 mg daily of levothyroxine. He...

Background: The prevalence of iodine-based contrast media-induced (ICM-induced) thyroid dysfunction varies (1-15%). Contrast-induced hyperthyroidism is predominantly found in iodine-deficient regions and in patients with underlying nodular goitre or latent Graves’ disease. Beta-blockers are first-line therapy, but anti-thyroid medication are used for severe symptomatic cases.Case Report: A 79-year-old man presented with a 4-day history of bilious vo...