Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are very rare tumours secreting biologically active gonadotropins. In males, typically, FSH levels are elevated, whereas LH and testosterone are variable. Herein, we present three males with elevated, normal or low testosterone at diagnosis.Cases: Case 1:42-year-old man with two-year history of visual impairment. Bitemporal hemianopia was confirmed. Imaging showed macroadenoma compressing optic chiasm...

Introduction: Despite the significant risk of regrowth of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs) after primary treatment, systematic data on the probability of further tumour progression and the effectiveness of management approaches are lacking.Aims: Assess the probability of further regrowth(s), predictive factors and outcomes of management approaches in patients with NFA diagnosed with adenoma regrowth after primary treatment (surgery combined or n...

Background: In patients with phaeochromocytoma, sudden and/or chronic exposure to catecholamines may predispose to cardiac pathology, including left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stress-induced cardiomyopathy and heart failure. We conducted the first prospective, multicentre study using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to describe the variety and incidence of cardiac abnormalities in phaeochromocytoma.Methods: Fifty ...

Pituitary non-functioning adenomas (NFAs), arising mostly from gonadotroph cells, represent the second most common type of pituitary tumour, after prolactinomas. NFAs are monoclonal in origin, but mutations of genes associated with hereditary pituitary syndromes (e.g. MEN1, AIP, CDKN1B, and PRKAR1A), classic oncogenes or tumour suppressor genes are rarely found. We therefore performed whole-exome sequence analysis to determine the tumourigenic events in pituitary NFAs using DN...

Acromegaly, a chronic disorder of excessive growth hormone secretion, leads to functional limitation and impaired mobility most commonly due to arthropathy. Patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly have reported persistent impairment in prior studies. We aimed to compare the functional differences in patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly to those with uncontrolled disease by means of validated questionnaires. Between March 2017 and May 2022, patients over ...

Acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) secretion. Arthropathy is a leading cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life in acromegalic patients, often persisting despite therapeutic interventions and biochemical control. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterise the extent and impact of arthropathy in terms of pain and functional impairment. Validated questionnaires, including DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Should...

One of the most prevalent clinical manifestations of acromegaly is arthropathy which persists despite adequate symptom and biochemical control, and contributes to impaired quality of life. Patients with acromegaly have high psychiatry morbidity and increased prevalence of depression and poor psychological wellbeing. In a large cohort we aim to determine the effects of joint disease and disease control on quality of life in acromegaly. Eighty-five patients (45 women; median age...

Background: Current conclusions on risk of second brain tumour following radiotherapy for pituitary adenoma or craniopharyngioma are challenged methodologically by small patient sample size, selection biases or lack of appropriate controls.Objective: To ascertain whether radiotherapy for pituitary adenoma or craniopharyngioma is associated with increased second brain tumour risk, through use of appropriate methodology.Design: Multi...

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=...

Background: The risk of a second brain tumour following radiotherapy for pituitary adenoma or craniopharyngioma in adults is currently unclear. Studies are methodologically limited by small patient sample size, few case events, selection biases or the use of inappropriate controls.Objective: To ascertain whether radiotherapy delivered to adults with pituitary adenoma or craniopharyngioma is associated with an increased second brain tumour risk using appr...