Endocrine Abstracts

Acromegaly and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO) are uncommon diseases with different pathogenetic mechanisms.We report two patients with acromegaly and TAO and speculate on a possible association.A 54 year old man with subclinical hypothyroidism and strongly positive thyroid microsomal antibodies presented with features of TAO.MRI of his orbits confirmed the diagnosis.Clinical examination also revealed features suggestive of acromegaly,which was co...

A recognised complication of small cell lung cancer is adrenocorticotrophic hormone hypersecretion (ACTH). The profound biochemical derangement and subsequent symptomatology can be resistant to established medical therapeutic interventions. Our case illustrates the role of low risk palliative laparascopic surgery for resistant disease.Mr SR, a 47yr ex-smoker presented with breathlessness and haemoptysis of 3 months duration, there was no past medical or ...

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the investigation of choice for patients with thyroid nodules in secondary care. Ideally the following standards should be met: assessment within 2 weeks of referral; FNAB performed in the first visit; consent obtained and documented; communication of the result in person.A cohort of 64consecutive patients (57 female) was identified. The median age was 49 (16-78). Thyroid function tests were normal in 89% of patien...

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the investigation of choice for patients with thyroid nodules in secondary care. Ideally the following standards should be met: assessment within 2 weeks of referral; FNAB performed in the first visit; consent obtained and documented; communication of the result in person.A cohort of 64consecutive patients (57 female) was identified. The median age was 49 (16-78). Thyroid function tests were normal in 89% of patien...

Several cases of subacute thyroiditis were noted over the autumn and winter period of 2000-1 in one endocrine referral centre. This study was undertaken to determine if the incidence of subacute thyroiditis was different from the previous year, whether a seasonal clustering had occurred and whether a specific viral pathogen was responsible.A diagnosis of subacute thyroididits was made if the patient had evidence of transient hyperthyroidism or biphasic ...

Ipilimumab and tremelimumab are monoclonal antibodies directed against the extracellular domain of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and have been used as the immunotherapies against immune checkpoints that suppress T cell activation. These anti-CTLA4 antibody-based therapies are effective in treating various cancers including metastatic melanoma. However, a few immune-related adverse events including hypophysitis and transient thyroiditis have been reported....

Introduction: It is currently unclear how hyperthyroidism and its treatment impact on the weight trajectory of an individual. Anticipated weight gain with the treatment of hyperthyroidism is one of the main concerns of patients.Methods: We prospectively examined the BMI changes that occurred with hyperthyroidism and its therapy and sought risk factors for treatment-related weight gain. An established institutional protocol for the management of hyperthyr...

Introduction: The commonest cause of orbitopathy is Graves’ disease but the differential diagnosis includes primary and secondary neoplasia, inflammatory, vascular and infective causes. We report an exceedingly rare case of orbitopathy as the presenting feature of Acromegaly.Case report: A 43 year old lady presented with ‘periorbital puffiness’ and irritable eyes. Clinical evaluation revealed orbitopathy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI...

Introduction: Part of the long-term management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is TSH suppression with supraphysiological doses of levothyroxine. Anecdotal experience suggests that GPs often are not aware of the differences in objectives between treating patients with DTC with suppressive doses of thyroxine and treating patients with primary hypothyroidism, thus leading to inappropriate adjustments of the dose of levothyroxine.Object...

Introduction: The aetiology of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is complex and includes genetic and environmental influences. Among potentially controllable risk factors smoking ranks highest. There is strong evidence that smoking cessation benefits patients with GO. The success of secondary prevention strategies depends largely on how the intervention is perceived by patients, especially when it involves lifestyle changes.Objectives: To determine patient p...