Endocrine Abstracts

Splenunculi or accessory spleens are congenital foci of normal splenic tissue that are separate from the main body of the spleen. They are common, with a prevalence of 16% on contrast-enhanced abdominal CT, and present in 10–30% of post mortem examinations. They are benign, and important to recognise to avoid unnecessary investigations and surgery for suspected malignancies.Splenunculi are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. Typically on CT...

: The orally administered targeted therapies, Sunitinib and Everolimus lengthen progression free survival in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs). Choice of therapy has traditionally been on avoidance of deterioration in established co-morbidities. Sunitinib has been recognised to induce hypocalcaemia and the subsequent need for calcium supplementation has been reported. However, little has been documented about the utility and therapeutic significance of this effect....

Introduction: Long-term repression of the HPA axis is a major side effect of chronic glucocorticoid administration, even after attempted withdrawal of therapy, and complicates management in patients. We have previously shown that the effect of chronic glucocorticoid treatment in vitro is in part mediated by inhibition of expression the POMC transcription factors Neuro D1 and Tpit, and that this is sustained on treatment withdrawal. We have now furth...

Introduction: POMC is activated in ACTH-dependent Cushing’s Syndrome. We have previously shown that RNA interference (RNAi) targeting POMC coding and promoter sequences induces silencing of POMC and a reduction in ACTH. We have modified our most potent exonic sequence with locked nucleic acid (LNA) chemistry. This is purported to increase serum stability. Here we test whether the LNA confers stability without compromising siRNA silencing potency.<...

Introduction: Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a precursor polypeptide which is cleaved to make adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the anterior pituitary. It is activated in Cushing’s disease. Current therapies for Cushing’s disease are inadequate. RNA interference (RNAi) allows highly specific and effective suppression of gene expression by use of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs).Method: In the current study we employed custom designed siRNAs...

We present the case of 78-year-old female admitted to our hospital in January 2023 with recurrent hypoglycaemic episodes during fasting periods, particularly overnight and early morning. The patient had impaired hypoglycaemia awareness and cognitive decline. The only past medical history was of hypertension treated with bendroflumethiazide and amlodipine. During hospital stay, she experienced multiple hypoglycaemic episodes. Biochemical investigations revealed non-insulin-depe...

Introduction: The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented. Specific recommendations for the management of neuroendocrine disorders in the pandemic were rapidly released by Endocrine experts. To comply with COVID rules, NET patients, due to attend the endocrine unit in March 2020 for Somatostatin analogue therapy, were rapidly identified. 25 vulnerable patients had urgent domiciliary administration arranged. Other patients were taught to self-inject. Postal surveys wer...

Introduction: NETs are regarded as rare endocrine malignancies, which often present late. The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected this and patient care. The impact will have been felt in health service delivery and patient experiences. To understand NET patient perspectives and optimise care, we conducted a survey to review patient perception of: telemedicine-based care, delays to imaging, treatment, and the impact of COVID-19.Method: 70 NET patients tre...

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the delivery of health services. Here we review the patient perspective, on rapid changes in treatment delivery of testosterone preparations instituted in the first wave of the pandemic.Methods: 49 hypogonadal male patients were identified as attenders to the Endocrine unit for Nebido™ injection. They were temporarily switched to testosterone gel to rapidly comply with COVID rules. 8 weeks...

Choroidal metastases were first reported by Perls in 1872. The choroid is the most common ocular site for metastatic disease due to the abundant blood supply. Bilateral lesions are commonly associated with breast carcinoma (40–47%) and unilateral with lung (21–29%). Treatment frequently depends on the patient status but includes observation, systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy, plaque therapy, or photodynamic therapy. Neuroendocrine tu...