Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by end-organ resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH). PHB type 1b (PHP1b) presents with PTH resistance at the renal proximal tubule, sometimes with TSH resistance, usually in the absence of Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) clinical features.Case report: A 64-year-old male was referred to endocrinology department for hypocalcemia. He...

Introduction: Gynecomastia is a relatively common reason for consultation, with a high prevalence in the neonatal period, puberty and with aging. The diagnostic approach should be more thorough in normal-weight individuals with recent onset of gynecomastia, rapid growth of breast tissue, or in the setting of a large painful breast. Besides the evaluation of liver function, testosterone, estradiol, LH and β-hCG, testicular ultrasound evaluation is important to exclude test...

Introduction: Incidental diagnosis of thyroid nodules has increased in recent years, leading to thyroid cancer diagnosis inflation. Nonetheless, mortality rate for thyroid malignancies remains very low, suggesting that its treatment is unlikely to affect the overall prognosis in the majority of cases. Several thyroid imaging scores have been proposed to reduce unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. Our aim was to verify the usefulness of the EU-TIRADS score on sparing thy...

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a relatively recent and rare disease, frequently misdiagnosed. It is characterized as a generalized proliferation of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells and is recognized as a precursor lesion for pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, although the risk of progression to malignancy is considered low. Here we report a patient with ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome due to metastatic lung carcinoid tumors...

Introduction: Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) are generally safe and well tolerated, however, major side effects such as hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis may occur and patients should be provided information on the major symptoms of these conditions. Although rare, agranulocytosis appears to be more likely with propylthiouracil (PTU) at any dose than with low-dose Methimazole (MMI). Clinical Case: We describe the case of a 70-year-old woman referred to Endocr...

Introduction: Ectopic ACTH production accounts for up to 20 percent of ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS). Small cell carcinoma and carcinoid of the lung represents half of its cases. These patients lack some of the more obvious clinical features of cortisol excess. Therefore, this can cause a delay in the diagnosis of CS and these patients may be at high risk of life-threatening complications such as infections or thrombosis.Clinical case: Case of a 7...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->PROP1 (Prophet of Pit-1) mutations are the most frequent genetic cause of panhypopituitarism, a condition associated with a deficiency or inadequate production of hormones of the anterior pituitary. The PROP1 gene encodes a transcription factor involved in the ontogeny, differentiation and function of somatotrophs, lactotrophs and thyrotrophs. These mutations are characterized by a remar...

Introduction: Myxedema coma is the ultimate stage of severe long-standing hypothyroidism, representing a true endocrinological emergency. Many precipitating factors have been identified, including the initiation of certain drugs.Case report: An 89-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department due to an inaugural seizure. There was a history of progressive functional deterioration in the last 7 weeks, short after being diagnosed with lymph node ...

High protein diets are highly satiating but hard to maintain. By understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects we may be able to identify new anti-obesity therapies. Protein is broken-down into amino acids in the gut which are detected by a series of nutrient sensors. The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is primarily activated by calcium ions, but is positively allosterically modulated by aromatic amino acids, especially L-phenylalanine. Sti...

High protein diets are highly satiating but hard to maintain. By understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects we may be able to identify new anti-obesity therapies. Protein is broken-down into amino acids in the gut which are detected by a series of nutrient sensors. The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is primarily activated by calcium ions, but is positively allosterically modulated by aromatic amino acids, especially L-phenylalanine. Sti...