Endocrine Abstracts

Gynaecomastia is common, occurring in 30–50% of healthy men, and its aetiology is usually benign. Clinical features inclusive of recent onset, rapid progression, and loss of libido and muscle strength, indicate the need to exclude a malignant aetiology.A 48-year-old man presented with an 18-month history of such clinical features. Investigations revealed cortisol 1136 nmol/l, 17-hydroxyprogesterone 6.6 nmol/l, androstenedione 13.3 nmol/l, DHEAS 21.8...

A 48-year-old female received radioiodine ablation therapy for thyrotoxicosis secondary to a solitary toxic nodule. The subsequent unexpected requirement for replacement thyroxine was explained by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with an anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody level of 692.3 IU/ml. Thirty months later she presented with debilitating left facial pain and painful sensory symptoms of her left arm and leg. She was euthyroid taking thyroxine 75 μg daily with a fT4</...

A 34-year-old female presented with an 18 months history of secondary amenorrhoea, hirsutism, weight gain and low mood. Examination confirmed typical stigmata of Cushing’s syndrome with skin thinning, purpura, acne, facial plethora, central adiposity and hypertension. Investigations revealed fT4 14.7 pmol/l, fT4 4.1 pmol/l, TSH 0.71 μ/l, prolactin 377 μIU/ml, FSH 3.5 μ/l, LH 2.2 μ/l, oestradiol 140 pmol/l, testosterone 5.1 nmol/l,...