Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The assessment of pituitary function is often achieved by means of sequential determinations (pool) of hormone levels such as prolactin and gonadotrophins. For the determination of prolactin levels the guidelines of the Endocrine Society are clear in recommending a single sample determination.Objective: To evaluate differences between single sample and pool (0′, 20′ and 60′) determinations for assessing prolactin, FSH and ...

Introduction: Amenorrhoea and galactorrhoea are manifestations that may allow earlier diagnosis of pituitary tumors associated with excess somatotropin (ST) and prolactin (PRL) levels.Objective: To evaluate clinical, analytical and imaging characteristics of ST and PRL producing tumors and its affect on diagnosis.Methods: Retrospective study including acromegalic patients diagnosed between 1982 and 2012. Information on clinical, an...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->Elevated levels of somatotropin (ST) and IGF1 in acromegalic patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The normalization of ST and IGF1 allows the reversal of most of their negative effects.Objective: To evaluate characteristics present at diagnosis, predictive of cure, after surgery, in patients with ST-producing tumors.Meth...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by GH hypersecretion resulting in increased IGF1 levels. The actions of these hormones result into a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations.Objective: To evaluate clinical and analytical parameters, imaging, and treatment outcome in a population of acromegalic patients.Methods: Retrospective study of ...

Introduction: Diffuse lipomatosis of the thyroid is a very rare disease, characterized by extensive infiltration of thyroid parenchyma by mature adipose tissue. It is not accompanied by accumulation of amyloid fibrils.Clinical report: Male, 47 years old, followed in Endocrinology by hypothyroidism, since 13 years old, medicated with levothyroxine, with unremarkable growth and pshicomotor development. In 2002, thyroid echography showed a solid and heterog...

Introduction: The association between autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and endogenous hypercortisolism is rare. The latter is usually misinterpreted as iatrogenic in the case of patients taking exogenous systemic corticosteroid therapy. The excess endogenous glucocorticoids may play an important role in suppressing autoimmune activity. Similarly, the abrupt resolution of endogenous hypercortisolism may lead to a rebound worsening of autoimmuni...

Introduction: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is currently believed to be the most frequent form of secondary endocrine hypertension, accounting for 5–10% of all hypertensive patients. After confirming the diagnosis, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the most accurate means of distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral adrenal disease.Case report: Female patient, 36 years-old, referred to an Endocrinology appointment in May 2009 due to lef...

Introduction: The continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is an alternative to multiple daily injection therapy in type 1 diabetes and its use is increasingly common due to the beneficial effects on the glycemic control of the patient.Aims: To find differences on outcomes of CSII therapy between genders. Patients and methods: Patients on CSII therapy in our department were included in the study and we recorded outcomes regarding the following set...

Clinical caseIntroduction: Insulinoma is a rare disorder with an estimated incidence of 1 case per 250 000 people per year.Case report: 37 years old female, with a history of irritable bowel syndrome, dyslipidemia and kidney stones. In December 2010, she developed a headache, dizziness and visual disturbances, predominantly in the evening and amnesia for some of the episodes. Initially interpreted as peripheral vertiginous syndrome, because of recurrence...

Introduction: Pituitary adenomas are frequent brain tumors, with prevalence of about 1:1000. Most occur sporadically. The familial forms represent 5% of cases. These can be found associated with other endocrine neoplasia (MEN 1, Carney complex, MEN 4) or as a clinical isolated entity – FIPA. This is characterized by the presence of pituitary tumors in two or more family members, in the absence of features of other endocrine syndromes. AIP gene mutation, which may or may n...