Rathke's cleft cyst discovered with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Rathke's cleft cysts are thought to have a benign clinical outcome apart from associated hypopituitarism and visual defects. Synchronous central nervous system lesions, including pituitary adenoma and intracerebral aneurysms, are rarely reported. Diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst after presenting with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured arterial aneurysm is reported only once before.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-year-old Sri Lankan female presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured anterior communication artery aneurysm. She underwent pterional craniotomy and aneurysm clipping. She was found to have partial cranial diabetes insipidus and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. She had a cystic lesion occupying enlarged sella turcica with characteristics of a Rathke's cleft cyst. Subsequently, she underwent trans-sphenoidal excision of the sellar lesion. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

Rare co-occurrence of a Rathke's cleft cyst and an anterior communicating artery aneurysm would have been missed if subtle manifestations atypical for subarachnoid hemorrhage were not further pursued. This could have led to progressive visual deterioration and hypopituitarism.

2021 Asia-Pacific Graves' Disease Consortium Survey of Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Graves' Disease

AIM

Although Graves' disease (GD) is common in endocrine practices worldwide, global differences in diagnosis and management remain. We sought to assess the current practices for GD in countries across Asia and the Pacific (APAC), and to compare these with previously published surveys from North America and Europe.

METHODS

A web-based survey on GD management was conducted on practicing clinicians. Responses from 542 clinicians were received and subsequently analysed and compared to outcomes from similar surveys from other regions.

RESULTS

A total of 542 respondents participated in the survey, 515 (95%) of whom completed all sections. Of these, 86% were medical specialists, 11% surgeons, and 3% nuclear medicine physicians. In addition to serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine assays, most respondents would request TSH-receptor autoantibody (TRAb) measurement (68%) during initial work-up. Thyroid ultrasound is requested by about half of respondents (53%), while the use of nuclear medicine scans is limited. The preferred first-line treatment is anti-thyroid drug (ATD) therapy (79%) with methimazole (MMI) or carbimazole (CBZ), followed by radioiodine (RAI; 19%) and surgery (2%). In case of surgery, one-third of respondents would opt for a subtotal rather than a total thyroidectomy. In case of mild Graves orbitopathy (GO), ATDs (67%) remains the preferred treatment, but a larger proportion of clinicians prefer surgery (20%). For a patient with intention to conceive, the preferred treatment pattern remained unchanged, although propylthiouracil (PTU) became the preferred ATD-agent during the first trimester. In comparison to European and American practices, marked differences were noted in the relatively infrequent usage of nuclear medicine scans and the overall higher use of a ATDs and β-blockers and adjunctive ATD-treatment during RAI in the APAC-group.

CONCLUSION

Although regional differences regarding the diagnosis and management of GD are apparent in this first pan-Asia-Pacific survey, this study reveals the overall approach to the management of this disease in Asia-Pacific generally tends to fall between the trends appreciated in the American and European cohorts.

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism due to an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour causing elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate: a case report

Background

The source of excess androgen can be obscure in postmenopausal women with new-onset hyperandrogenism. If serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is raised, it is presumed to be of adrenal origin because DHEAS is exclusively produced from adrenal cortical cells. This reports an elderly female presenting with new-onset hyperandrogenism due to an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour, associated with increased serum DHEAS levels.

Case description

A 76-year-old female with long-standing diabetes and hypertension presented with hirsutism and male type alopecia for six months. She had menopause at 55 years of age. There was a pelvic mass on examination. Total testosterone was 6.106 ng/ml (0.124–0.357) and DHEAS was > 1000 µg/dL (35–430). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed a heterogeneously enhancing complex mass measuring 11 × 8 cm in the left adnexal region. Adrenal glands were normal. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. Both testosterone and DHEAS normalised following surgery. Histology revealed a sex cord-stromal tumour, likely a steroid cell tumour with malignant potential. Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron emission tomography did not show any additional lesions.

Conclusions

Due to the lack of sulfotransferase in ovarian tissue, markedly elevated DHEAS originating from an ovarian neoplasm is unusual. This phenomenon has not been described except in a patient with a steroid cell tumour causing Cushing syndrome and hyperandrogenism. The mechanism of this rare occurrence remains elusive. Knowledge of this unusual presentation would enable the clinicians to be cautious in localising the androgen source in women with hyperandrogenism.

Parathyroid carcinoma during pregnancy: a novel pathogenic CDC73 mutation - a case report

BACKGROUND

Parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon cause of PTH-dependent hypercalcemia. Only a handful of cases have been reported of parathyroid carcinoma during pregnancy.

CASE PRESENTATION

Twenty-four - Year - old female presented with proximal myopathy was found to have hypercalcemia. Her serum corrected total calcium was - 15 mg/dl (8.5 - 10.3), serum phosphate - 2.3 mg/dl (2.5 - 4.5), intact PTH - 118 pg/ml (20 - 80), Vitamin D - 15 ng/ml and Urine Ca/Cr ratio - 2.1 (0.1 - 0.2). Her CECT-neck revealed a well-defined mass lesion posterior to the right lobe of the thyroid - 2.6 cm × 2.5 cm × 2.9 cm in size. She was started on vitamin D supplementation, and she underwent right lower focal parathyroidectomy. Her PTH levels normalized following surgery. Her histology revealed an atypical parathyroid adenoma. She was treated with calcium and vitamin D. Her follow up was uneventful. One year following initial surgery the patient became pregnant and at 16 weeks of POA, the patient presented with a rapidly enhancing neck mass for one week duration. Her biochemical investigations were suggestive of a recurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism. Her ultrasound scan of the neck revealed a well-defined discreate hypoechoic nodule, superior to the thyroid isthmus which was confirmed by a non-contrast MRI scan of the neck. She underwent an uncomplicated second trimester parathyroid tumour excision with normalization of post op PTH. Her histology revealed a parathyroid carcinoma with vascular and capsular invasion. Her genetic studies revealed a novel frameshift mutation of the CDC73 gene. She was treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation and closely followed up with ionized calcium and PTH levels which were normal throughout the pregnancy. She had an uncomplicated caesarean section at a POA of 37 weeks. Currently she is twelve weeks post-partum, in remission of disease.

CONCLUSION

This case shows the importance of stringent follow up of atypical parathyroid adenoma patients, the benefit of second trimester surgery in management of hypercalcemia due to parathyroid carcinoma during pregnancy and the importance of identifying the novel CDC73 gene mutation.

Sexual dysfunction among men with diabetes; a cross-sectional study at a specialised diabetes clinic in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Male sexual dysfunction in diabetes is often an unrevealed clinical issue. Though many publications report the prevalence, there is limited data on its associations, impact, and health-seeking behaviour. The objectives were to assess the prevalence of male sexual dysfunction, its associations, impact and treatment-seeking among men with diabetes in a selected tertiary care Diabetes Clinic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, from January to September 2020. Men with diabetes aged 18 to 70 years undergoing annual assessment were recruited consecutively. Socio-demographic and clinical information were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation, mental health and quality of life were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires. Cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests and total testosterone levels were performed. Penile colour Doppler ultrasonography was performed on consenting participants with erectile dysfunction. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact for dichotomous variables and independent sample t-test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twelve participants were recruited with a mean age of 54.1 (SD = 10.1) years. Erectile dysfunction was present in 168 (79.2%), (mild: 45, mild-moderate: 56, moderate: 26, severe: 41). Premature ejaculation was present in 26 (18.7%). Libido was low among 16%. Sexual dysfunction was not revealed to a health provider by 85.6% despite 60.5% experiencing psychological and/or relationship effects. Out of 18 who sought treatment, only 4 achieved a good response. Mean age (55.4 ± 9.5 vs 48.7 ± 10.6 years, p < 0.001) and duration of diabetes (10.9 ± 7.6 vs 5.8 ± 4.6 years, p < 0.001) were higher while eGFR was lower (73.9 ± 27.7 vs 100.51 ± 28.08 years, p < 0.008) among those with ED compared to those without. Diabetic retinopathy (4% vs 42%, p < 0.001), peripheral neuropathy (17.9% vs 38.4%, p = 0.041) and lower limb arterial disease (0% vs 12.2%, p = 0.04) were associated with ED. Arterial insufficiency was seen among 50% of the participants who underwent penile colour Doppler ultrasonography.

CONCLUSIONS

Male sexual dysfunction is a pervasive yet underappreciated problem in diabetes care despite its effect on the individual. Patient and disease characteristics would guide the identification of high-risk individuals for targeted screening in clinical practice.

A novel mutation of SLC12A3 gene causing Gitelman syndrome

A 48-year-old patient with a history of diabetes mellitus, presented to a surgical ward with abdominal pain. She was found to have hypokalemia. Her younger sister had passed away due to sudden cardiac death at the age of 25 years. Further evaluation revealed an elevated trans-tubular potassium gradient suggestive of renal potassium loss, normal blood pressure, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, and alkalosis. Moreover, there was evidence of secondary hyperaldosteronism. Genetic studies revealed two heterozygous mutations of the SLC12A3 gene, including a novel mutation which has not been reported before anywhere in the world. She was treated with intravenous potassium supplementation and was later converted to oral potassium and oral magnesium supplementation with spironolactone. Her potassium and magnesium levels normalized and glycaemic control also improved. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia found in Gitelman syndrome may be associated with insulin resistance and correction of electrolytes can lead to better glycaemic control.

Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Vitamin D in COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency may increase the susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to determine the association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, its severity, mortality, and role of vitamin D in its treatment.

METHODS

We searched CINAHL, Cochrane library, EMBASE, PubMED, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 30, 2021, for observational studies on association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and susceptibility to COVID-19, severe disease, and death among adults, and, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing vitamin D treatment against standard care or placebo, in improving severity or mortality among adults with COVID-19. Risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and AUB-KQ1 Cochrane tool for RCTs. Study-level data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3 and R (v4.1.0). Heterogeneity was determined by I2 and sources were explored through prespecified sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses, and meta-regressions.

RESULTS

Of 1877 search results, 76 studies satisfying eligibility criteria were included. Seventy-two observational studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1 976 099). Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency increased the odds of developing COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 1.46; 95% CI, 1.28-1.65; P < 0.0001; I2 = 92%), severe disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.52-2.38; P < 0.0001; I2 = 81%), and death (OR 2.07; 95% CI, 1.28-3.35; P = 0.003; I2 = 73%). The 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were lower in individuals with COVID-19 compared with controls (mean difference [MD] -3.85 ng/mL; 95% CI, -5.44 to -2.26; P ≤ 0.0001), in patients with severe COVID-19 compared with controls with nonsevere COVID-19 (MD -4.84 ng/mL; 95% CI, -7.32 to -2.35; P = 0.0001) and in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (MD -4.80 ng/mL; 95% CI, -7.89 to -1.71; P = 0.002). The association between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and death was insignificant when studies with high risk of bias or studies reporting unadjusted effect estimates were excluded. Risk of bias and heterogeneity were high across all analyses. Discrepancies in timing of vitamin D testing, definitions of severe COVID-19, and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency partly explained the heterogeneity. Four RCTs were widely heterogeneous precluding meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Multiple observational studies involving nearly 2 million adults suggest vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency increases susceptibility to COVID-19 and severe COVID-19, although with a high risk of bias and heterogeneity. Association with mortality was less robust. Heterogeneity in RCTs precluded their meta-analysis.

A challenging case of Cushing's disease complicated with multiple thrombotic phenomena following trans-sphenoidal surgery; a case report

BACKGROUND

Cushing's syndrome occurs due to overproduction of cortisol from adrenal glands. Endogenous hypercortisolemia can occur secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) dependent as well as independent causes. The presence of non-specific symptoms and signs contributes to a delay in diagnosis. Early identification and prompt definitive management is crucial. It is important to be alert about the post-operative complications including multiple thrombotic phenomena, which can add to the mortality. We report a case of Cushing's disease in a young female managed with trans-sphenoidal surgery, followed by a challenging post-operative period complicated with multiple thrombotic phenomena, ultimately succumbed.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 32-year-old Sri Lankan female presented with overt features of Cushing's syndrome and diagnosed to have ACTH dependent Cushing's disease with pituitary microadenoma. She underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery, following which she developed fatal multiple complications including diverticular rupture and ischemic colitis, needing hemicolectomy, followed by a parieto-occipital infarction.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights important and aggressive complications associated with Cushing's syndrome giving rise to a challenging post-operative course. Diverticular rupture had been described in association with hypercortisolemia and this case adds to the existing literature. Post-operative ischemic colitis and stroke which contributed to the death of this patient could have been due to the procoagulant state associated with Cushing's syndrome, with a high risk during the immediate post-operative period. This emphasizes the need to consider post-operative thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing surgery for Cushing's syndrome.

Prevention and management of COVID-19 among patients with diabetes: an appraisal of the literature

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as one of the greatest challenges faced by humankind in the recent past. People with diabetes and related comorbidities are at increased risk of its complications and of COVID-19-related death. Older age, multi-morbidity, hyperglycaemia, cardiac injury and severe inflammatory response are predictors of poor outcome. The complex interplay between COVID-19, diabetes and the effects of related therapies is being explored. Most patients experience a mild illness with COVID-19, while people with diabetes are at increased risk of severe disease. Optimising glycaemic control and adopting measures to prevent disease spread are critical aspects. The management of mild disease is supportive, while very many immunomodulatory and antiviral therapies are being investigated for the treatment of severe disease. Several of these agents have specific considerations for use in people with diabetes. Since mass population lockdowns are considered a key step in controlling disease spread, it follows that, in addition to the direct vulnerability to severe COVID-19, people with diabetes can be affected by limited access to healthcare, insulin, other medications and blood glucose monitoring equipment. Measures to prevent disease spread at the individual and community level are the key to mitigating the rapidly escalating pandemic, while agents for chemoprophylaxis and vaccines are being explored. People with diabetes should be recognised as a vulnerable group for complicated disease and are at risk during times of disturbed social systems. Strategies are needed to safeguard the health of patients with diabetes during the pandemic. This review summarises the current knowledge and perceived challenges for prevention and management of COVID-19 in people with diabetes.

The Impact of SARS-Cov-2 Virus Infection on the Endocrine System

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has spread across the globe rapidly causing an unprecedented pandemic. Because of the novelty of the disease, the possible impact on the endocrine system is not clear. To compile a mini-review describing possible endocrine consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we performed a literature survey using the key words Covid-19, Coronavirus, SARS CoV-1, SARS Cov-2, Endocrine, and related terms in medical databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedARXiv from the year 2000. Additional references were identified through manual screening of bibliographies and via citations in the selected articles. The literature review is current until April 28, 2020. In light of the literature, we discuss SARS-CoV-2 and explore the endocrine consequences based on the experience with structurally-similar SARS-CoV-1. Studies from the SARS -CoV-1 epidemic have reported variable changes in the endocrine organs. SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the ACE2 system in the pancreas causing perturbation of insulin production resulting in hyperglycemic emergencies. In patients with preexisting endocrine disorders who develop COVID-19, several factors warrant management decisions. Hydrocortisone dose adjustments are required in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Identification and management of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency is crucial. Patients with Cushing syndrome may have poorer outcomes because of the associated immunodeficiency and coagulopathy. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be associated with increased susceptibility or severity to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and replacement may improve outcomes. Robust strategies required for the optimal management of endocrinopathies in COVID-19 are discussed extensively in this mini-review.

Consensus Recommendations on GLP-1 RA Use in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: South Asian Task Force

The advent of incretin mimetics such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has enriched the armamentarium for diabetes management owing to their glycaemic as well as extra-glycaemic benefits. The approval status and availability of this class of drugs vary widely across the globe. Being a relatively newer class of drug with numerous benefits, several national and international guidelines are working towards addressing clinical questions pertaining to the optimal use of GLP-1 RAs for the management of diabetes. Although the newer class of drugs are associated with significant benefits such as patient-centric approach, these drugs demand the providers to be vigilant and knowledgeable about the medication. The South Asian population is at higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their genetic predisposition and lifestyle changes. Hence, prevention and management of T2DM and its associated complications in this population are of paramount importance. The current report aims to present an overview of current knowledge on GLP-1 RAs based on pragmatic review of the available clinical evidence. In addition, this report is a consensus of expert endocrinologists representing South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Maldives on essential recommendations related to the use of GLP-1 RAs in a real-world scenario.

Safe and pragmatic use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies consensus statement

Diabetes prevalence shows a continuous increasing trend in South Asia. Although well-established treatment modalities exist for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, they are limited by their side effect profile. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) with their novel insulin-independent renal action provide improved glycemic control, supplemented by reduction in weight and blood pressure, and cardiovascular safety. Based on the clinical outcomes with SGLT2i in patients with T2DM, treatment strategies that make a "good clinical sense" are desirable. Considering the peculiar lifestyle, body types, dietary patterns (long duration religious fasts), and the hot climate of the South Asian population, a unanimous decision was taken to design specific, customized guidelines for T2DM treatment strategies in these regions. The panel met for a discussion three times so as to get a consensus for the guidelines, and only unanimous consensus was included. After careful consideration of the quality and strength of the available evidence, the executive summary of this consensus statement was developed based on the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology protocol.