Endocrine Abstracts

A forty-three year old woman (SR) presented to her GP in 2004 with persistent back pain. Following MRI, an incidental right adrenal mass was discovered. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in the private sector and histology was consistent with a phaeochromocytoma. No further biochemical investigations were performed at that stage. Six years later, her fourteen year old daughter presented with a solitary neck lump. Fine needle aspiration was inconclusive and subsequent le...

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide - related peptide (PRP) (formerly known as growth hormone releasing hormone-like peptide GHRHLP) can act as a hypophysiotropic factor in several teleosts by stimulating growth hormone (GH) secretion. However, as yet, no information on this peptide as a regulator of reproduction exists. Recently, the full-length PRP cDNA was cloned in the blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) and was found to be expressed in the brain...

A 31-year-old German lady attended A&E with a 1 week history of bilateral leg swelling. The leg swelling had been gradual in onset and was not associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or haemoptysis. She had no history of renal or cardiac disease. Her only past medical history was of mild indigestion. She did not have any regular medication use. On examination she was systemically well but had bilateral pitting lower limb oedema. Blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg (comp...

A 67-year-old lady with no significant past medical history presented with a left-sided neck swelling. An FNA under ultrasound scan guidance revealed malignant cells of indeterminate origin. Left neck exploration revealed an enlarged left lobe of thyroid and a retrosternal mass extending into the aortic arch. A left thyroid lobectomy and removal of retrosternal mass was performed and the histology showed a thyroid colloid goitre and low grade paraganglioma respectively. She wa...

We audited the management of adrenal incidentaloma (AI) in our hospital.29 patients (12 male) were referred with AI, mean age 68y (48–87 years). Mode of detection: 7 ultrasound (2 no mass on subsequent CT/MRI), 20 CT, 1 MRI and 1 lumbar XR. Site of tumour: 18 right, 7 left, 1 bilateral, 1 N/A. Size: <4 cm in 17, 4–6 cm in 4, >6 cm in 2, “large” in 1, not stated in 4. History: 8 had clinical features of possible hormone excess....

The novel somatostatin receptor agonist SOM230 (pasireotide) binds with high affinity to somatostatin receptors sst1, sst2, sst3 and sst5. Acting principally through the latter, it inhibits basal and CRH-stimulated ACTH secretion from the AtT20 mouse corticotroph cell line and ACTH release from a proportion of human corticotroph adenomas both in vitro and in vivo. Data suggesting an additional antiproliferative effect has led to SOM230 being explored as a potenti...

Introduction: A recent meta-analysis has suggested that combined replacement with Liothyronine (T3) and Levothyroxine (T4) confers no additional benefit to patients with hypothyroidism but patients still occasionally request this treatment approach.Aim: To analyse the indications and biochemical characteristics of patients on T4/T3 combination therapy for Hypothyroidism in our cohort of patients.Methodology: A retrospective search ...

Background: Metformin is increasingly used in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but there remain differences in opinion as to its precise role in terms of clinical benefit. We retrospectively reviewed the effects of metformin on menstrual regularity, fertility, weight and hirsutism in 244 patients with PCOS treated routinely with metformin in our clinics.Results: Patients were of median age 27 years (range 12–47) with median BMI of ...

Introduction: Levothyroxine is the first choice treatment for patients with hypothyroidism However, some people would continue to have symptoms of thyroid disease despite biochemical control on levothyroxine. Others might be intolerant to levothyroxine.Aim: The aim of this audit is to evaluate UHL endocrinology practice against local and national guidelines with regards to prescribing and monitoring of liothyronine treatment in 2019.<p class="abstext...

Introduction: The hypercortisolaemic state of Cushing’s syndrome can lead to ophthalmic complications. We present two case reports of rare association of central serous retinopathy (CSR) and Cushing’s syndrome.Case 1: A 46-year-old man presented with gradual deteriorating vision. He was diagnosed with CSR and was referred to the Endocrine department for screening for Cushing’s given suspicious clinical features. Past history included hyper...