Morning exercise affects the absorption of oral levothyroxine: a single center pilot study

PURPOSE

Levothyroxine (LT4) is the first-line hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Several factors which have an influence on oral LT4 absorption have been previously described; however, the influence of exercise on oral LT4 absorption has not been reported, yet. It was aimed to investigate the possible effect of morning exercise, right after LT4 ingestion, on the absorption of LT4 tablets in this study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with primary hypothyroidism who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were offered to participate in a 6-week morning exercise programme and those who agreed to participate were enrolled in our study. Patients were required to have a walk for 30 min with a regular speed right after taking their daily LT4 treatments and start having breakfast the first hour after LT4 intake. Pre- and post-exercise TSH levels were recorded and TSH percentage change was calculated.

RESULTS

All patients had decreased TSH levels after the exercise programme. There was a significant decrease in TSH levels (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation between TSH percentage change and daily dose of LT4 per kg of body weight was also shown.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study which demonstrates the significant positive effect of morning exercise on the absorption of LT4 tablets. In addition to that, it was also found that as the daily dose of LT4 increases, the percentage decrease of TSH level becomes greater.

N-Nitrosomorpholine-induced oncocytic transformation in rat endocrine organs

BACKGROUND

N-Nitrosomorpholine (NMO) is one of the most common N-nitroso compounds. An oncocytic transformation has been demonstrated in renal tubules of NMO-treated rats. In our study, we aimed to investigate the potential transformation of oncocytic cells in 6 endocrine organs, i.e., thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, pancreas, testis, and bone, of NMO-exposed rats.

METHODS

Thirty male rats were born and raised. Fifteen of them were given a single dose of 320 mg NMO per kg body weight, dissolved in drinking water, by a gavage tube. At the end of 52 weeks, the animals in both series were killed. Right after the killing, 6 different endocrine organs (hypophysis, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal gland, bone [femur], and testicles) of each animal were excised.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of oncocytic cell development in the control group. In contrast, oncocytes were observed in 8 out of 13 NMO-treated rats: 2 in the adrenal sections, 1 in the thyroid sections, 3 in the pituitary sections, and 2 in the pancreas sections. Thesticle and bone sections were completely normal.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that NMO induced an oncocytic change in pancreas, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands. To date, no identified specific environmental risk factors that lead to an oncocytic transformation in endocrine glands have been reported previously. Given the increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment, personal care products, manufactured goods, and food sources, there is a need to advance our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying oncocytosis in endocrine organs.

A Significant Association between Parathyroid Adenoma Volume and Bone Mineral Loss at Distal Forearm

INTRODUCTION

The cortical bone is the most severely affected site in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and thus, a low bone mineral density (BMD) is predominantly observed in distal forearm. Several studies have investigated potential associations between the weight of the gland and bone mineral loss. In this study, we wanted to investigate the relationship between parathyroid adenoma (PTA) volume and bone mineral loss.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of PHPT who were operated at our hospital, and with a histologically proven single PTA were retrospectively analyzed. Z-scores were used as the main variable in our analysis to eliminate the effects of age, sex and gonadal status on BMD.

RESULTS

Total of 153 patients who met the inclusion criteria were eligible for the study. A significant negative correlation between the PTA volume and z-score for distal third of the radius (DR) (p = 0.006, r = -0.297) was shown. The cut-off value of gland volume for predicting cortical bone mineral loss was 9043.2 mm3. There was also a significant negative correlation between the 24-hour urine calcium and z-scores for lumbar vertebrae and total hip. A significant negative correlation was found between preoperative 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and the PTA weight.

CONCLUSIONS

As the first study that evaluated any possible association between the volume of a parathyroid adenoma and bone mineral loss in patients with PHPT, we found a significant negative correlation between DR z-scores and resected gland volume. Since the volume of a PTA can also be determined by a preoperative US, our findings may be helpful during the preoperative evaluation of a patient with a preliminary diagnosis of PHPT.

A reference center study in thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas: clinicopathological, therapeutic and long-term follow-up outcomes

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyze the clinicopathological features, diagnostic steps, and therapeutic results of TSHomas and to reveal the effective factors on remission.

METHODS

The clinical, radiological, and pathological features and surgical and endocrinological results of 41 TSHoma cases followed between 2005 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The factors affecting the surgical cure were investigated by comparing the groups with and without remission.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients (23 male,18 female) were included in the study and the mean age was 42 (31.5-49). Palpitation and headache were the most common complaints. The time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 8 (3-20) months. There were 8 patients with a preoperative clinical and biochemical diagnosis of TSH + GH co-secretion. In the TRH stimulation test, a blunted TSH response was obtained in 18 patients (90.0%). Complete suppression could not be obtained in any of the patients who underwent the T3 suppression test. The median maximum tumor diameter was 19.0 mm (6.8-41). There was microadenoma in 4 (9.8%) patients and macroadenoma in 37 patients (92.8%). Remission was achieved in 31 (75.6%) of 40 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS). The Ki-67 labeling index was 2% (1.00-4.00) in the entire patient group. Preoperative use of antithyroid drugs appears to be significantly associated with surgical cure.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of TSHoma is still full of challenges and dynamic tests remain important. Recognition and good management of inappropriate TSH secretion states affect subsequent surgical outcomes.

Clinicopathological Features of Insulinoma: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with an incidence of 1-4 cases per million. Here we present our 10 years of experience in 13 cases of insulinoma. We retrospectively reviewed all insulinoma patients diagnosed and treated between 2012 and 2022. Clinical and pathological features, diagnostic methods, and follow-up results of insulinoma patients were discussed. A total of 13 patients were included in this study (7 men, and 6 women). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 58 (36.5-70.5) years. There is only one patient diagnosed with MEN-1 syndrome. The mean time from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis was 15 (7-27.5) months. In the prolonged fasting test, symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred in all patients within 48 h. The median size of lesions was 15 (12-24) mm, and 46.2% of these lesions were isolated in the pancreatic tail. Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT detected lesions with 100% accuracy. Three patients met the criteria for malignant insulinoma. Octreotide LAR was given to 1 patient with metastatic disease and 1 patient who did not accept surgery. The metastatic patient received 8 cycles of Lu treatment and died after 51 months of follow-up. The diagnosis of insulinoma can be challenging. The 48-h fasting test period provided sufficient information for the diagnosis of insulinoma. Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT may be an alternative in cases where cross-sectional imaging cannot localize the pancreatic lesion.

Recurrent Cushing's Disease in Adults: Predictors and Long-Term Follow-Up

Cushing's disease (CD) is characterized by endogenous hypercortisolism that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Due to high recurrence rates in CD, the determination of high-risk patients is of paramount importance. In this study, we aimed to determine recurrence rates and clinical, laboratory, and histological predictors of recurrence in a high volume single-center. This retrospective study included 273 CD patients operated in a single pituitary center between 1997 and 2020. The patients with early postoperative remission were further grouped according to recurrence status (recurrent and sustained remission groups). Demographic, radiologic, laboratory, pathologic, and follow-up clinical data of the patients were analyzed and compared between groups. The recurrence rate was 9.6% in the first 5 years; however, the overall recurrence rate was 14.2% in this study. Higher preoperative basal ACTH levels were significantly correlated with CD recurrence even with ACTH levels adjusted for tumor size, Ki-67 levels, and tumoral invasion. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients with ACTH levels higher than 55 pg/ml, tumor diameter>9.5 mm, and if adrenal axis recovery was before 6 months. The severity of hypercortisolism, morbidities, and demographic factors except age were not predictive factors of recurrence. Based on our study data, younger age at diagnosis, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, higher preoperative ACTH levels, larger tumor size, invasive behavior, higher Ki 67 index, and early recovery of the adrenal axis during the postoperative period attracted attention as potential predictors of recurrent disease.

The acromegaly treatment satisfaction questionnaire (Acro-TSQ): turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability study

PURPOSE

The patient-reported outcome becomes important to evaluate the situation perceived by the patients and to develop new strategies. This study aims to adapt the Acromegaly Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (Acro-TSQ), which was specially developed for patients with acromegaly, into Turkish by conducting a validity and reliability study.

METHODS

After the translation and back-translation process, Acro-TSQ was filled in by face-to-face interviews with 136 patients diagnosed with acromegaly and currently receiving somatostatin analogue injection therapy. Internal consistency, content validity, construct validity, and reliability of the scale were determined.

RESULTS

Acro-TSQ had a six-factor structure and explained 77.2% of the total variance in the variable. The Cronbach alpha value calculated for internal reliability showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.870). Factor loads of all items were found to be between 0.567 and 0.958. As a result of EFA analysis, one item fell into a different factor in the Turkish version of the Acro-TSQ, different from its original form. CFA analysis shows that acceptable fit values are obtained for fit indices.

CONCLUSION

The Acro-TSQ, a patient-reported outcome tool, shows good internal consistency, and good reliability, suggesting it is an appropriate assessment tool for patients with acromegaly in the Turkish population.

Frontal QRS - T angle is associated with severity and prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism

INTRODUCTION

The pathological effects of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) on the right ventricle are one of the most important determinants of mortality in patients with APE. Frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa) predicts ventricular pathology and poor prognosis in many different cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated whether there is a significant relationship between fQRSTa and APE severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 309 patients were included in this retrospective study. The severity of APE was classified as massive (high risk), submassive (intermediate risk), or nonmassive (low risk). fQRSTa calculated from standard ECGs.

RESULTS

fQRSTa was significantly higher in massive APE patients (p < 0.001). fQRSTa was also found to be significantly higher in the in-hospital mortality group (p < 0.001). fQRSTa was an independent risk factor for the development of massive APE (odds ratio:1.033; 95% CI: 1.012-1.052; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that increased fQRSTa predicts high-risk APE patients and mortality in APE patients.

The association of bone mineral density Z-score with the early postoperative remission and characteristics of bone mineral loss in patients with Cushing's disease: a retrospective study

AIM

To investigate the association of bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores with early-postoperative remission rate and clinical parameters in patients with Cushing's disease (CD).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the records of patients diagnosed with CD. After the exclusion of 230 patients, 87 CD patients were finally enrolled. BMD was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4) and left femur. Early-postoperative remission was defined as a morning cortisol concentration on the first day after surgery of less than 5 μg/dL. The diagnosis of BMD "below the expected range for age" was defined as a Z-score≤-2.00 standard deviations.

RESULTS

DXA results were not significantly associated with early postoperative remission. They also did not significantly differ between eugonadal and menopausal groups. Preoperative morning cortisol significantly negatively but weakly correlated with Z-score of the total femur, while preoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone/cortisol ratio positively but weakly correlated with DXA results of L1-4.

CONCLUSION

The severity of bone loss was not significantly related to the failure of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease.

The association of bone mineral density Z-score with the early postoperative remission and characteristics of bone mineral loss in patients with Cushing's disease: a retrospective study

AIM

To investigate the association of bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores with early-postoperative remission rate and clinical parameters in patients with Cushing's disease (CD).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the records of patients diagnosed with CD. After the exclusion of 230 patients, 87 CD patients were finally enrolled. BMD was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4) and left femur. Early-postoperative remission was defined as a morning cortisol concentration on the first day after surgery of less than 5 μg/dL. The diagnosis of BMD "below the expected range for age" was defined as a Z-score≤-2.00 standard deviations.

RESULTS

DXA results were not significantly associated with early postoperative remission. They also did not significantly differ between eugonadal and menopausal groups. Preoperative morning cortisol significantly negatively but weakly correlated with Z-score of the total femur, while preoperative adrenocorticotropic hormone/cortisol ratio positively but weakly correlated with DXA results of L1-4.

CONCLUSION

The severity of bone loss was not significantly related to the failure of transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease.

Association of ultrasonographically determined anatomical location of Bethesda 3 thyroid nodules with differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

The size of a thyroid nodule and certain sonographic features, such as marked hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications, taller-than-wide shape, microlobulated, or irregular margins, indicate the greater malignancy risk. The frequency of the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) category among cytology reports from thyroid fine-needle aspirations ranges from 0.8% to 28%, whereas the risk of malignancy of these nodules varies from 6% to 97%. This retrospective analysis investigated whether the preoperative ultrasonographic location of Bethesda 3 thyroid nodules is a predictive risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

METHODS

A total of 387 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for a nodule with AUS/FLUS cytology and diagnosed with a DTC at five tertiary referral centers between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The location of the thyroid nodule with AUS/FLUS cytology was categorized into two groups: one group was composed of the isthmus, upper lobe, middle lobe, and lower lobe, whereas the latter consisted of right lobe, left lobe, and isthmus.

RESULTS

DTC was diagnosed in 40.6% (n = 157) of the operated nodules. Multiple logistic regression analysis has revealed that hypoechogenicity of the nodule (odds ratio [OR] = 2.929, p < 0.001) was the only independent predictive factor for the malignancy of the nodules with AUS/FLUS, whereas the location of the nodule, age, and sex were not significantly independent risk factors. Multifocality and contralateral benign nodules were independent predictive factors for multicentricity (OR = 3.5, p = 0.002; OR = 5.5, p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As the first study investigating the association between a Bethesda 3 nodule location and the risk of malignancy by evaluating postoperative cytology reports, the results showed that nodule location with AUS/FLUS on fine-needle aspiration biopsy was not a predictive risk factor for the diagnosis of DTC.

The Comparison of Gender Dysphoria, Body Image Satisfaction and Quality of Life Between Treatment-Naive Transgender Males With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among trans men has been reported as higher than among the cisgender population, which varies between 14.4% and 58%. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the association of oligo-anovulation and/or features of hyperandrogenism with the scores on the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale (UGDS), the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) in treatment-naive trans men with PCOS seeking help for gender transition. The study sample consisted of trans men who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) between December 2019 and November 2020. To assess body dissatisfaction and psychological functioning, the UGDS, BIS, and SF-36 were administered to all transgender individuals as part of the routine assessment procedure. A total of 49 treatment-naive trans men were included in our study; 38.8% (n=19) of the participants were diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The scores of UGDS and BIS were significantly lower in the PCOS group compared with the non-PCOS group (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Among the eight parameters within SF-36, general health, emotional role, and vitality scores were significantly higher in the PCOS group (p=0.031, p=0.015, and p=0.006, respectively). Our study is the first study that demonstrates significantly lower GD, higher body image satisfaction and quality of life in trans men with PCOS compared with those without PCOS. Our findings are promising for larger prospective cohort studies to develop a consensus on the management of PCOS in trans men.

May the SAGIT® instrument be used as a preoperative prognostic tool in patients with acromegaly?

BACKGROUND

The SAGIT® instrument has been developed for acromegaly to assist clinicians in staging the disease accurately, assessing the response to therapy, and adjusting the treatment. We aimed to evaluate the preoperative utility of the SAGIT® instrument and to discover a cut-off value for predicting the surgery outcome and long-term prognosis of patients with acromegaly.

METHODS

A total of 832 patients with acromegaly were identified from the medical record system. Acromegaly diagnosis was confirmed by elevated IGF-1 levels according to the age-adjusted upper limit of normal, lack of suppression of GH concentration to <0.4 μg/L following a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and the existence of a pituitary adenoma demonstrated by MRI. The SAGIT® instrument comprises five key components of acromegaly: signs and symptoms (S), associated comorbidities (A), GH levels (G), IGF-1 levels (I), and the features of the tumor (T). The initial postoperative remission was evaluated 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A final cohort of 132 patients has been included in our study. Median preoperative SAGIT scores were significantly different (10.00 [9.00 - 11.00] to 11.00 [10.00 - 13.00], [p = 0.002]) between patients who achieved initial remission at 3 months and those who were not in remission. The threshold SAGIT score distinguishing between initial remission and nonremission groups was 10 with an AUC of 0.660 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our retrospective cohort study, the findings suggested that the SAGIT® instrument may be a beneficial preoperative tool to predict the initial remission postoperatively and long-term prognosis of the patients with acromegaly.

CUSHING'S SYNDROME DUE TO PRIMARY BILATERAL MACRONODULAR ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA AND METACHRONOUS PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

Introduction

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is one of the uncommon causes of endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS).Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is another adrenal tumor which is derived from neural crest arising in the adrenal medulla. Here we are reporting a case with recurrent overt CS due to PBMAH, 2 years after unilateral adrenalectomy, concomitant with recently developed PCC.

Case Presentation

A 43-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with a 30 kg weight gain, proximal muscle weakness, menstrual irregularity, easy bruising and excessive hair growth on face and body.The lab results were compatible with a diagnosis of solely ACTH-independent CS. Screening showed bilateral macronodular lesions and she underwent right adrenalectomy. Postoperatively, she had lost weight and her well-being had improved; 2 years later, she developed CS and paroxysmal hypertension. The left adrenal gland was laparoscopically removed. Histopatologically, the lesion was reported as a typical PCC and macronodular-micronodular hyperplasia of the adrenal tissue surrounding that lesion.

Conclusions

Pheochromocytoma with synchronous ACTH-independent CS originating from the same adrenal gland is very rare. To the best of our knowledge,our case is the first one describing the coexistence of overt ACTH-independent CS due to PBMAH and metachronous PCC.The importance of detailed re-evaluation of patients with recurrent ACTH-independent CS is highlighted here.

Undescribed polyether ionophores from Streptomyces cacaoi and their antibacterial and antiproliferative activities

Polyether ionophores represent a large group of naturally occurring compounds mainly produced by Streptomyces species. With previously proven varieties of bioactivity including antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral and anti-tumor effects, the discovery of undescribed polyethers leading to development of efficient therapeutics has become important. As part of our research on polyether-rich Streptomyces cacaoi, we previously performed modification studies on fermentation conditions to induce synthesis of specialized metabolites. Here, we report four undescribed and nine known polyether compounds from S. cacaoi grown in optimized conditions. Antimicrobial activity assays revealed that four compounds, including the undescribed (6), showed strong inhibitory effects over both Bacillus subtilis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth. Additionally, K41-A and its C15-demethoxy derivative exhibited significant cytotoxicity. These results signified that selectivity of C15-demethoxy K41-A towards cancer cells was higher than K41-A, which prompted us to conduct mechanistic experiments. These studies showed that this uninvestigated compound acts as a multitarget compound by inhibiting autophagic flux, inducing reactive oxygen species formation, abolishing proteasome activity, and stimulating ER stress. Consequently, the optimized fermentation conditions of S. cacaoi led to the isolation of undescribed and known polyethers displaying promising activities.

Xanthomatous Hypophysitis Secondary to a Ruptured Rathke's Cleft Cyst: A Case Report

Hypophysitis (HP) is a rare disease which develops secondary to chronic or acute inflammation of the pituitary gland and may cause symptoms related to pituitary dysfunction and mass compression. Lymphocytic HP is the most common subtype of primary HP, while xanthomatous HP (XHP) is considered the rarest form, with 35 reported cases, to date. A 35-year-old woman was initially admitted to a Gynecology clinic with a 2-year history of amenorrhea and headache. She was started on cabergoline 0.5 mg twice a week for macroprolactinoma. Due to persistent amenorrhea with low gonadotropins, she was referred to our Endocrinology clinic. Her pituitary function profile revealed panhypopituitarism and a 13×11×12 mm sized sellar mass with diffuse enhancement which sustained toward the infundibulum and dura was observed on the gadolinium-enhanced pituitary MRI. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for tumor resection and thick yellowish fluid draining from the lesion was observed. The histopathological diagnosis was reported as a rupture of an Rathke’s cleft cyst and an XHP. The surgery did not improve the symptoms/pituitary functions, however, headache recovered immediately after the first dose of high dose methylprednisolone treatment. The inflammatory process in a xanthomatous lesion may actually be a secondary response to mucous fluid content release from a ruptured cyst, thus recommended to classify XHP as secondary hypophysitis. Since the differentiation of XHP from other pituitary tumors may be challenging preoperatively, surgery is the major diagnostic tool and also, the most recommended therapeutic option.

COVID-19, Anxiety, and Hopelessness: Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers in Turkey

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of intense anxiety and hopelessness experienced by healthcare workers during the pandemic on their quality of life. This cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between August 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020, with 729 healthcare workers in Turkey. The study showed that hopelessness, the weekly working time, fatigue, and the workload of healthcare workers negatively affected their quality of life, those who found the pandemic measures inadequate had a lower quality of life and higher hopelessness levels, and those who needed knowledge on various issues to improve their skills had lower quality of life and higher levels of anxiety and hopelessness. Increasing the measures to make healthcare workers feel competent and ready during the COVID-19 pandemic and meet their information needs to improve their skills will reduce their anxiety and hopelessness and improve their quality of life. Identifying the factors affecting anxiety, hopelessness, and quality of life will help achieve sustainable success in the delivery of health services and promote employee health and safety.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine may trigger subacute thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis is the most common cause of painful thyroiditis, which usually occurs after an acute viral upper respiratory tract infection. Rare cases of subacute thyroiditis have been reported after administration of viral vaccines. Here, we report four cases of subacute thyroiditis after administration of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®). We describe the clinical, laboratory and imaging features of five cases of subacute thyroiditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®). COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®)-associated subacute thyroiditis may present with clinical findings typical of classic subacute thyroiditis such as fever, neck pain, weakness, and tremor within a few days following vaccination. Subacute thyroiditis may be focal or may progress with diffuse bilateral involvement. Depending on the extent of subacute thyroiditis involvement, significant increases in acute-phase reactants can be observed. COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech®) associated subacute thyroiditis responds quite well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of developing subacute thyroiditis after vaccination.

Diagnosis of Levothyroxine Pseudo-malabsorption: The Results of Standardised Testing Protocol

The levothyroxine absorption test for the assessment of pseudo-malabsorption in patients with refractory hypothyroidism has not been standardised. The aim of this observational study was to describe a protocol for levothyroxine (LT-4) absorption test in patients with refractory hypothyroidism, to report possible side effects and to emphasise the importance of pseudo-malabsorption in the differential diagnosis. The results of 10 patients, who underwent LT-4 absorption tests because thyroid stimulating hormone suppression could not be achieved despite the need for LT-4 >3 mcg/kg/day, were retrospectively analysed. When compared with basal free T4 (fT4), a statistically significant increase in fT4 was observed after the first hour (p=0.012). fT4 reached its peak level and plateau at the 4th hour. The fT4 peak level increased 3.25 times compared to baseline. The shorter LT-4 absorption test with low doses may provide an alternative method to the commonly used longer protocols with higher doses to rule out malabsorption. Key Words: Levothyroxine absorption test, Pseudo-malabsorption, Resistant hypothyroidism.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus in Turkey: a multi-center study from Kocaeli

Aims

The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and disease control of the patients with diabetes mellitus in Kocaeli.

Methods

This study was carried out in six leading central hospitals in five major districts of Kocaeli. The study was conducted between June 2020 and November 2020. The patients who had previous admissions to these clinics within 6 months prior to the pandemic were enrolled in the study.

Results

A total of 283 patients were enrolled in the study, among them 151 (53%) patients were female, 268 (95%) had type 2 DM and remaining 5% had type 1 DM. The median weight of the patients was similar between the previous and last visits (84 kg vs 83 kg, p = 0,88). Laboratory parameters of previous and current visits revealed that mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels were not significantly changed. The number of the patients who had controlled blood pressure was significantly decreased. The number of those who had neuropathic complains and the severity of dyslipidemia significantly increased during pandemic period.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that despite decreased compliance with diet and exercise, and difficulty in accessing medication, there was no significant change in weight, FPG and HbA1c levels in diabetic patients. Since cultural differences, education level and socioeconomic opportunities differ between societies, national and international studies will be more accurate to evaluate the effects of epidemics on the course of chronic diseases.

The association between insulin-like growth factor 1 levels within reference range and early postoperative remission rate in patients with Cushing's disease

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and glucocorticoids (GC) was examined in various studies. Long-term GC treatment was shown to decrease GH concentration and, interestingly, to increase IGF-1 concentration. We performed a retrospective study in order to examine how preoperative IGF-1 concentrations vary within the reference range and if tertiles of age- and sex-adjusted normal IGF-1 are predictive for early postoperative remission in the patients with Cushing's Disease (CD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with CD were retrospectively evaluated. After the exclusion of 67 patients, a final cohort of 250 CD patients were included. Age- and sex-adjusted normal IGF-1 levels were divided into tertiles (T1, T2 and T3). Early postoperative remission was defined as a nadir morning cortisol concentration measured within the first 3 consecutive days following surgery of less than 5 µg/dL (138 nmol/L).

RESULTS

Early postoperative remission rate was the lowest in T1 and highest in T3; 49.1% (n = 28) versus 77.3% (n = 75), p = .001, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the remission rate in T3 was three times higher than that in T1 (p = .003). Cortisol and ACTH concentration were significantly higher and GH concentrations were significantly lower in T1 compared to those in the other two tertiles.

CONCLUSIONS

As the first study evaluating the correlation between early postoperative remission rate in patients with CD and the tertiles of normal age- and sex-adjusted IGF-1 levels, we have shown that higher IGF-1 levels could predict better outcome in CD.

Infiltration of thyroid papillary cancer tissue with myeloid leukemic cells: a case report

BACKGROUND

Extramedullary leukemia, also known as myeloid sarcoma, is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia and often accompanies bone marrow involvement. Myeloid infiltration of the thyroid gland is extremely rare. Here, a unique case in which thyroid cancer tissue was infiltrated with myeloid cells is presented.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of thyroid papillary cancer infiltrated by blastic cells and bilateral breast and axillary myeloid sarcoma in a 30-year-old Caucasian female patient with a history of osteosarcoma and MDS-RAEB2. The patient firstly received 6 cycles of chemotherapy for osteosarcoma, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed after anthracycline-based chemotherapy due to MDS-RAEB2. The patient remained in remission on follow-up in terms of both osteosarcoma and MDS-RAEB2. Malignant features (Bethesda VI) were observed in the fine needle aspiration biopsy performed from a newly developed firm, fixed thyroid nodule approximately 4-5 cm in length in the left thyroid lobe. Because of the Bethesda VI thyroid nodule, the patient underwent total thyroidectomy. In the pathological evaluation, CD34-, CD117-, MPO-, and HLA-DR-positive blastic cells which infiltrated into follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma were detected. In the evaluation performed due to blastic cell infiltration, multiple lesions showing increased 18-fluorodeoxyglucose activity in bilateral breast and axillae were detected. Myeloid sarcoma was found as a result of tru-cut biopsy from these lesions. A fungal cystic lesion was detected in the frontal region of the patient who developed altered consciousness after the second cycle of treatment of myeloid sarcoma. During her follow-up in the intensive care unit, she died of cranial septic embolism and acute infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we present a very interesting case that is the first. A staged approach to diagnosis with methods including immunohistochemical staining, radiological imaging methods, and cytogenetic and molecular analyses can help make the definitive diagnosis.

Primary hypothalamic lymphoma with clinical findings mimicking pituitary apoplexy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare but well-known extra-nodal lymphoma, which usually presents with non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. PCNSL is generally located around the ventricle and is often detected as multiple lesions. It is rarely seen in the area of the hypothalamus.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 48-year-old Caucasian woman with progressive short-term memory deterioration, headache, mental confusion, diabetes insipidus (DI) and hypopituitarism. Early findings were suggestive of a pituitary apoplexy. The results of tests performed during the initial admission at the tertiary health center revealed hypernatremia, hypopituitarism and DI. Intravenous hydrocortisone treatment was initiated for the secondary adrenal insufficiency, and 75 mcg/day of levothyroxine was started for the secondary hypothyroidism on the fourth day following hydrocortisone treatment. A daily dose of 120 mg desmopressin melt tablet was started twice a day for polyuria/polydipsia after the patient's volume status was balanced. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a mass lesion in the hypothalamic area, which was surrounded by marked edema. Anti-edema treatment was initially started considering the suggestion by our neurosurgery team. The patient's clinical and laboratory findings improved after the initiation of the anti-edema therapy. Afterwards, a biopsy was performed, which diagnosed a malignant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Subsequently, intravenous high-dose methotrexate-based therapy was started; however, after the second cycle of chemotherapy, the patient died due to sepsis.

CONCLUSION

In this report, we present a case of hypopituitarism that developed due to the mass effect of hypothalamic lymphoma with clinical findings of pituitary apoplexy. Intracranial masses may cause obvious endocrinological findings related to hypopituitarism, while vague findings may also be observed due to partial failure. Therefore, it is important to perform a comprehensive endocrinological examination at the time of diagnosis in patients with intracranial masses.

Awareness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in diabetic patients

Purpose

In our study, it was aimed to evaluate the awareness of diabetic patients about vaccination status and vaccines.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2019 and February 2019. A survey questioning the level of knowledge about and vaccination status for influenza and pneumonia vaccines was applied by face-to-face interviews with patients with diabetes mellitus who admitted to the diabetes outpatient clinic. All results were evaluated with SPSS-20.0.

Results

A total of 202 patients [66 male (32.7%) and 136 female (67.3%) patients; with a mean age of 57.7 ± 11.3 years and mean duration of diabetes 10.7 ± 7.9 years] were recruited in the study. Majority of the patients (92.6%) were type 2 DM patients. 59.4% of the patients had never been vaccinated. The rate of those who had pneumonia vaccine was very low, only 14.7%. The vast majority of the patients had knowledge about vaccines and their most common source of information was nurses. 53% of patients believed that diabetic patients should be vaccinated regularly. 16.8% of the patients were reluctant to have the recommended vaccine. The factor with greatest impact on this was that they did not consider the vaccine necessary. 52.5% of the patients recommended to be vaccinated had the recommended vaccine. 26.4% of the patients who were not enthusiastic about the recommended vaccine had pneumococcal vaccine after being informed about the vaccine.

Conclusion

It was observed that the information given about vaccines positively affected the vaccination rate. The main barrier to vaccination was the lack of information about the need for influenza vaccination. Designing strategies and training programs for healthcare professionals and patients should be the main goal to improve vaccination coverage and vaccination rates.

Differentiation of insulinoma from accessory spleen by 99mTc-labelled heat-denaturated red blood cell scintigraphy: case report

BACKGROUND

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors harboring overexpression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on their cell membrane. Because some organs, such as the spleen, adrenal glands and liver, physiologically express SSTR, it might be challenging to distinguish some pancreatic NETs located in the pancreatic tail from the accessory spleen next to the splenic hilum. In this manuscript, we report a case with hypoglycemia attack and 2 different masses displayed by Gallium 68-tetraazacyclododecane tetraacetic acid-octreotate (⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 63-year-old woman presented to the hospital with confusion and profuse sweating. Biochemical diagnosis of insulinoma was established. ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT revealed two masses with increased tracer uptake located adjacent to the splenic hilum and inferior pole of the spleen which were initially reported as two separate accessory spleens. Then, ^99mTc-labelled heat-denaturated red blood cell (^99mTc-HDRBC) scintigraphy-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT was performed to distinguish a NET in the pancreatic tail from accessory spleen at the splenic hilum. Enhanced tracer uptake remained in the inferior pole of spleen, but not in the splenic hilum. The lesions were suggestive of insulinoma in the pancreatic tail and an accessory spleen adjacent to the inferior pole of the spleen.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 10% of the population have an accessory spleen which can show similar imaging characteristics with pancreatic NETs, especially if located in the pancreatic tail. In our presented case, ^99mTc-HDRBC scintigraphy-SPECT/CT is a useful nuclear medicine method to differentiate a NET in the pancreatic tail from accessory spleen at the splenic hilum which may avoid unnecessary surgeries in the presence of enhanced tracer uptake or vice versa.

Cushing's disease due to a pituitary adenoma as a component of collision tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Background

The coexistence of two morphologically different tumors attached to each other creates a very rare type of tumor called a collision tumor. Collision tumors containing pituitary adenoma–sellar meningioma have only been described in four cases to date; we discuss a fifth case harboring a collision tumor comprising a pituitary corticotroph adenoma and a sellar meningioma in the same anatomic position.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old Caucasian woman presented with menstrual irregularity, severe weakness of the proximal muscles, and 10–15 kg weight gain within a year. Basal plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels were 17.7 mg/dL and 58 pg/mL, respectively. Her diurnal cortisol rhythm was impaired (plasma cortisol at 23:00, 18.2 mg/dL) and after a 48-hour, 2-mg dexamethasone suppression test, plasma cortisol level was 13.6 mg/dL. The results were consistent with a diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. We then performed a nocturnal 8-mg dexamethasone suppression test and the suppression of cortisol was not greater than 50% (21.4 to 19.3). A pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tuberculum sellae meningioma arising from within the sellar region. An operation was chosen in order to examine whether the tumor was an adrenocorticotrophic hormone/corticotropin-releasing hormone-secreting lesion or if there were any microadenomas that could be observed during the operation. Via an extended endoscopic endonasal approach the meningioma was resected successfully. Unexpectedly, our patient complained of nausea and vomiting postoperatively. Plasma cortisol was 2.6 mg/dL and orally administered hydrocortisone treatment was initiated immediately. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor generally consisted of a pituitary corticotroph adenoma infiltrated by meningioma. Our patient maintained hydrocortisone treatment for 11 months. At the latest visit, she had lost 12 kg, and her hypertension, menstrual irregularity, and weakness of the proximal muscles had disappeared. Her mental and physical wellbeing were restored.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Cushing’s disease due to a pituitary corticotroph adenoma adjacent to a meningioma. Even if a high-dose dexamethasone suppression test fails to suppress basal cortisol level, the importance of considering a suprasellar/sellar meningioma a possible component of a collision tumor presenting as adrenocorticotrophic hormone-dependent Cushing’s syndrome is highlighted here.

Thyroid gland metastasis from breast cancer: a case report

Primary cancer metastasis to thyroid gland is rare. The most common metastatic tumors of the thyroid gland are from lung, breast and renal cell carcinoma. In this case report, a patient with breast cancer metastasized to the thyroid gland is presented. A 38-year-old female patient was diagnosed with breast cancer, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging for breast cancer staging revealed fluoro-2deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake in the thyroid nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the nodule revealed atypia of undetermined significance (Bethesda III). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, simultaneous breast conserving surgery and total thyroidectomy were performed. Immunohistochemical staining of the pathological specimens revealed breast cancer that had metastasized to the thyroid gland. Immunohistochemical methods helped distinguishing primary thyroid cancer from metastasis. Also, nodules that showed activity involvement were detected randomly in PET-CT, and had to be evaluated in terms of malignancy.

Metastatic MEN1 Syndrome Treated with Lutetium-177 - A Case Report

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant endocrine tumour syndrome characterised by three main manifestations: primary hyperparathyroidism (78–94%), gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) (35–78%) and pituitary adenomas (20–65%). For metastatic and inoperable GEP-NETs, there are some interventional and medical therapies. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) and Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu) is one of the important radiotherapies. Herein we describe a case of MEN1 syndrome with inoperable metastatic GEP-NETs who had excellent response to the treatment with six cycles of ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE. The patient was admitted to our clinic with widening of hands and feet, polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, vomiting and constipation. His laboratory and screening findings were consistent with primary hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, secondary hypogonadism and central diabetes insipidus. He underwent 3.5 parathyroidectomy and hypophysis adenomectomy. Under treatment with lanreotide and cabergoline, he developed metastatic duodenal NET. PRRT with ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE was administered in six cycles and an excellent response was displayed without any side effect. In conclusion, the dramatic response of the patient to PRRT with ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE, described in our case report and recent published articles indicating the beneficial efficacy and limited adverse effects of ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE, should encourage clinicians to use PRRT for inoperable or metastatic NETs.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as a primary renal tumor with multiple pulmonary and bone metastases: a case report

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy. Distant metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma is infrequent and the metastasis rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma is lower than that of follicular thyroid carcinoma. Distant metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma are usually seen in the lungs and bones; however, renal metastasis is very rare.

Case presentation

Here we describe an 85-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with right flank pain 10 years ago. We describe a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting as a primary renal tumor with extensive pulmonary and bone metastases. Abdominal screening with computed tomography revealed a mass on her right kidney, which was considered a primary renal cell carcinoma and she underwent a right nephrectomy. Unexpectedly, papillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis was diagnosed from demonstrative histopathological findings, such as positive immunoperoxidase staining for thyroglobulin. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Unenhanced thoracic computed tomography and skeletal scintigraphy revealed bilateral multiple nodules in her lungs and bone metastasis on T10 vertebra and right sacroiliac joint. Initially, 30 Gy radiotherapy was implemented to her T9–10 vertebrae and then she was treated with a total of 800 mCi radioactive iodine for ablation. A radioactive iodine whole body scan was performed after each 200 mCi and continuous progression was shown in each scan. After she was lost to follow-up for 3 years, she referred to our clinic again with a draining mass on her neck and we planned radiotherapy to this giant mass.

Conclusion

Our patient was surprisingly still alive after metastatic disease was diagnosed 10 years ago and she had no major complaint other than a draining mass on her neck. Our primary aim by sharing this case is to underline potential renal metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma. In other words, when approaching primary renal tumors, possible distant metastases of other organs need to be kept in mind for differential diagnosis. In addition, it should be noted that if managed appropriately, the long-term survival in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with multiple organ metastases could be encouraging.

The analgesic effect of lornoxicam when added to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of lornoxicam (L) on sensory and motor block onset time, tourniquet pain, and postoperative analgesia, when added to lidocaine in intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA).

METHODS

Forty-five patients undergoing hand surgery were randomly and blindly divided into three groups as to receive either i.v. saline and IVRA with lidocaine 0.5% (Control group, n=15), i.v. saline and IVRA lidocaine 0.5% with lornoxicam (L-IVRA group, n=15), or intravenous lornoxicam and IVRA lidocaine 0.5% (L-IV group, n=15). Sensory and motor blocks onset time, and tourniquet pain was measured after tourniquet application at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min, and analgesic use were recorded during operation. After the tourniquet deflation, at 1, 30 min, and 2, 4 h, visual analogue scales score, the time to first analgesic requirement, total analgesic consumption in first 24 h, and side effects were noted.

RESULTS

Sensory and motor block onset times were shorter and the recovery time prolonged in the Group L-IVRA compared with the other group (P=0.001). A decreased tourniquet pain, a prolonged time first analgesic requirement [229 (85) min vs 28 (20) and 95 (24) min, P=0.0038) and less postoperative analgesic requirements during 24 h were found in Group L-IVRA compared with the other groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of lornoxicam to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia shortens the onset of sensory and motor block, decreases tourniquet pain and improves postoperative analgesia without causing any side effect.