Assessment of plasma dexamethasone levels after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test in adults with obesity

BACKGROUND

The 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test is the most frequently used screening test for Cushing's syndrome. It has been proposed that people with obesity may have insufficient plasma dexamethasone levels for the test which may result in false positives. We sought to compare the plasma dexamethasone levels after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test in healthy obese participants and in optimal-weight participants.

METHODS

A total of 30 optimal-weight participants (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 ) and 62 obese participants (BMI > 25 kg/m2 ) were enroled in the study. Obese participants were further divided into class 1 (25-29.9 kg/m2 ) and class 2 (>30 kg/m2 ). After a standard overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test, blood samples were obtained for serum cortisol and plasma dexamethasone levels. Plasma dexamethasone levels were quantified using liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

No significant difference in plasma dexamethasone levels were found between obese and optimal-weight participants (3.31 ± 1.35 vs. 2.82 ± 1.11 nmol/L, mean ± SD; p = .09 respectively). There were also no correlations found between sex, BMI, body surface area and plasma dexamethasone levels. There was also no significant difference in the proportion of participants who achieved a plasma dexamethasone level >3.3 nmol/L in comparison between obesity class 1, obesity class 2, and optimal-weight groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that obesity does not affect plasma dexamethasone levels. However, dexamethasone measurement may still be helpful in patients who are being investigated for Cushing's syndrome and suspected to have a false-positive DST.

Association of osteoporosis and sarcopenia with fracture risk in transfusion-dependent thalassemia

Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. They also have several potential factors associated with sarcopenia. There has been currently no study on sarcopenia and its association with falls and fractures in TDT. This study aims to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and sarcopenia in adults with TDT. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the hematologic clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Clinical data and laboratory testing were collected. Bone mineral density and morphometric vertebral fracture were assessed. Sarcopenia was defined using the 2014 and 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria. We included 112 TDT patients aged 35.1 ± 12.5 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 38.4%. Fragility fractures were found in 20.5% of patients. Lower BMI (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.72, P = 0.007) and hypogonadal state (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.09-12.74, P = 0.036) were independently associated with osteoporosis. According to the 2014 AWGS criteria, the prevalence of overall sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was 44.6% and 13.4%, respectively. Severe sarcopenia was strongly associated with fragility fractures (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.21-17.46, P = 0.025). In conclusion, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and sarcopenia were prevalent in adults with TDT. Severe sarcopenia was associated with fragility fractures. Early osteoporosis and sarcopenia screening and prevention may reduce fracture risk and its complications in these patients.

Calcitonin Changed During Pregnancy in MEN2A With MTC Patient: A Case Report

Background: The diagnosis of MTC during pregnancy was challenging. No definite calcitonin (Ct) cut-off level during pregnancy was defined. Moreover, cytology analysis accuracy in MTC was lower than other thyroid cancers. Stevenson et al. reported that the plasma Ct levels in pregnant women were much higher than normal women. The change in Ct levels during pregnancy was not well described. In this report, we present a case of a pregnant woman with recurrent MTC. The change in Ct levels during pregnancy, diagnosis methods, and proper management were presented here.

Clinical Case: A 31-year Thai woman, gravida 2, para 0 at 17 weeks of pregnancy, previously diagnosed with MTC and treated with total thyroidectomy and neck dissection seven years ago. During antenatal care at 14 weeks of pregnancy, the Ct level was 126 pg/ml (raised from 34 pg/ml seven years ago). The neck’s USG demonstrates vascularized hypoechoic lesion at the right thyroid bed with multiple nodules. The Ct wash-out test from this lesion was 200,000 pg/ml. The cytology study showed several clusters of atypical cells possessing monotonous round eccentric nuclei, and the IHC for Ct was positive. Genetic analysis revealed germline mutation in exon 10 of the RET proto-oncogene (NM_020975.4: c.1858T>G, p.C620G). Finally, MEN 2A with recurrent MTC was diagnoses during pregnancy. The other associate diseases were not found (normal urine metanephrines and plasma calcium levels). The Ct level raised highest to 324 pg/ml at 28 weeks of pregnancy and declined to 236 pg/mL a few days after delivery. Within six weeks, the Ct levels raised again (335 and 362 pg/ml at six weeks and three months after delivery).

After giving birth, she underwent neck dissection; The Ct level at one month after surgery was still elevated (85 pg/ml). The CT of the chest, abdomen, and bone scan revealed multiple LN and bone metastasis. She regularly followed up in the oncology clinic and did well until nowadays (two years after delivery). After birth, her son could not pass meconium. Causing underwent exploratory laparotomy with double end ileostomy at day nine of life. The histopathology study from serial bowel biopsy demonstrated aganglionosis of the entire colon, which compatible with Hirschsprung’s disease. Genetic study from colonic tissue and blood confirmed the diagnoses of MEN 2A like his mother. Total thyroidectomy before five years of age and investigate for other associated diseases were planned.

Conclusion: The Ct levels were elevated throughout the pregnancy. Transient declined of Ct levels during delivery and raised within six weeks suggest that pregnancy did not affect the Ct levels. In this report, we want to present the change of Ct levels during pregnancy, emphasize the diagnosis of MTC and MEN2A in pregnant women, which may change the patient’s prognosis. Not only in the patients but also in their families. Clinicians should be aware of the management of these patients.

Bilateral Carotid Body Paraganglioma

N/a.

Paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl and FH gene mutation

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

SUN-924 Functioning Abdominal Paraganglioma Presenting as Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background:

Functioning paraganglioma is a rare catecholamine-producing tumor that arises in the sympathetic nervous system. It usually presents with sustained or paroxysmal hypertension accompanied by episodes of its classic triad of headache, palpitation, and diaphoresis. However, a wide range of signs and symptoms may be present. We report an unusual manifestation as acute myocardial infarction, which accidentally diagnosed by the trigger response from metoclopramide injection.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old woman with medical history of well-control hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus for 8 years presented with typical angina pain for 1 hour. She denied history of chest pain or triad symptoms of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PCC/PGL). Her physical examination was unremarkable except severe hypertension, 206/89 mmHg, and occasional sinus tachycardia. Acute inferior wall myocardial infarction was proposed by an electrocardiogram study, acute ST elevation in lead II, III and aVF, and highly elevated cardiac enzymes. Echocardiogram and coronary angiography showed preserved left ventricle function (LV ejection fraction 70%) without regional wall motion abnormality. No evidence of coronary artery disease was found. During the catheterization, the cardiologist raised the possibility of the presence of PCC/PGL from her fluctuating blood pressure, 73/42 to 206/113 mmHg, after 10-mg metoclopramide injection to control her vomiting. Computer tomography of the abdomen showed a lobulated heterogeneous enhancing left para-aortic mass with internal necrosis, 6.1x4.9x4.1 cm in size, abutting left anterolateral aortic wall and encasing celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and left renal arterial wall. Her hormonal study showed 24-hour urine fractionated metanephrine/normetanephrine levels of 2,924 nmol (<1,777 nmol)/4,328 nmoL(< 3,279 nmol), respectively, and plasma free metanephrine/normetanephrine levels of 93.66 pg/mL (0-96.6 pg/mL)/233.61 pg/mL (0-163.05 pg/mL). She underwent surgical tumor removal with uneventful outcome and the pathology confirmed the diagnosis of functioning PGL. During 2-years follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic and her hormonal and functioning imaging study showed no recurrence. The genetic testing for PCC/PGL panel was negative.

Conclusion:

We present an unusual manifestation of PCC/PGL as acute coronary syndrome. The clinician should remind this tumor as the differential diagnosis, especially in a patient with negative coronary angiogram.

Changes in plasma aldosterone level after weight loss by bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients

BACKGROUND

Overactivation of renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system (RAS) is part of the pathogenesis of obesity-associated hypertension. Evidences have shown that weight loss can result in reduction in blood pressure and RAS. This study was aim to investigate changes of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study was done in 14 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients who were taking medications that can interfere with PAC and renin levels were excluded. Collection of blood samples were done at baseline and at 3 and 6-month post-bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

Four out of 14 patients had hypertension at baseline. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 56.7 ± 13.5 kg/m². PAC were significantly decreased at 3-and 6-month post-bariatric surgery from 14.3 ± 8.0 to 7.5 ± 5.5 [reduction of 36% from baseline (P < 0.01)] and 8.0 ± 6.6 ng/dl [reduction of 32% from baseline (P < 0.05)] respectively. The reduction of PAC at 3-month post-surgery was correlated with the reduction of body weight (r = 0.46, P < 0.05), waist circumference (r = 0.73, P < 0.05) and percent of body fat (r = 0.58, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Maximal reduction of PAC in obese patients underwent bariatric surgery occurred during the first 3 months after bariatric surgery. The reduction of PAC was associated with the reduction of body weight, waist circumference and percent of body fat suggesting the link between RAS and obesity-mediated hypertension.

SUN-232 Testosterone Deficiency among Thai Men with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hypogonadism among Thai men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: We have conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of low testosterone level and its associated factors among 200 Thai men with T2DM who attended at Diabetes Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between January 2014 and October 2017. The patient characteristics were collected and their symptoms about androgen deficiency, aging male symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and depression and quality of life were evaluated by using Thai version of ADAM, AMS, IIEF-15, PHQ-9 and WHOQOL BREF-THAI questionnaires, respectively. Blood tests for their total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free testosterone (cFT) and bioavailable testosterone (cBT) were calculated using Vermeulen’s method were performed. TT < 10 nmol/L, cFT < 0.23 nmol/L or cBT< 5.3 nmol/L were defined as testosterone deficiency. Results: Overall, 11.8 % of men with T2DM had testosterone deficiency (TT < 10 nmol/L). The prevalence of testosterone deficiency was similar among all three criteria. Of noted, 88.2% had secondary hypogonadism and all of them had mild symptoms of androgen deficiency. Waist circumference was significantly positive correlated with testosterone deficiency (OR 1.06, 95%CI) while SHBG levels was significantly negative correlated with testosterone deficiency (OR 0.95, 95% CI). There was no relationship between serum TT level and duration of diabetes, FPG and A1C. Conclusion: Testosterone deficiency among Thai men with T2DM was prevalent. Clinicians should beware of clinical manifestations of hypogonadism to detect and supplement testosterone accordingly.

SAT-324 An Unusual Association between Pheochromocytoma and Hyperparathyroidism in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Possible Co-Occurrence of Two Hereditary Endocrine Tumor Syndromes

Background: Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have increased risk of developing various types of endocrine tumors including pheochromocytoma; however, an association with hyperparathyroidism is a rare entity. We present an unusual combination of pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism in a NF-1 patient; a double mutation or digenic inheritance in hereditary endocrine syndromes is proposed. Clinical case: A 66-year-old woman with clinical features of NF1 presented with alteration of consciousness. Physical examination was unremarkable except a large lower abdominal mass and normotension. Severe hypercalcemia (15.02 mg/dL) with markedly elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH 1,550.6 pg/mL; 15-68.3) levels was revealed. A neck ultrasonography showed a 1.6-cm well-defined heterogeneous hypoechoic lesion at postero-inferior aspect of right thyroid lobe corresponding to the result from Tc99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy suggestive of parathyroid adenoma. CT whole abdomen revealed a huge uterine myoma and an accidental finding of a 2.5-cm well-defined enhancing nodule at right adrenal gland. Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed by an elevated of 24-h urine metanephrine (771.1 ug; < 276.1) with a normal level of 24 h-urine normetanephrine (273.7 ug; < 668.7). Genetic study showed a heterogeneous mutation at Gly681Ser in exon 11 of RET gene. The co-existence of NF1 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) was proposed. Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed and its pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Subsequently, total parathyroidectomy with thyroidectomy was done with its pathological study showing a parathyroid adenoma, multinodular goiter without the evidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma. The patient refused to perform the treatment for her myoma uteri. During the follow-up period, she has remained asymptomatic with calcium/vitamin D and thyroid hormone replacement without an evidence of pheochromocytoma or hyperparathyroidism recurrence. Conclusion: Our patient has the distinctive features of pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism in the patient carrying the double mutations in NF1 and RET gene. This gene-gene interaction may explain the phenotype variability among the affected patients with the hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes.

Prevalence of Somatic KCNJ5 Mutations in Thai Patients With Aldosterone-Producing Adrenal Adenomas

Somatic KCNJ5 mutations result in excess aldosterone production and are reported to be more common in Asia than elsewhere. To assess the prevalence of somatic KCNJ5 mutations in Thai patients with aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas (APAs) in a single tertiary center, we analyzed the paraffin-embedded tissue of KCNJ5 mutations from 96 patients with sporadic APAs who underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy at our center during 2007 to 2016. We also assessed the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and biochemistry and histologic differences among patients with and without somatic KCNJ5 mutations. Of the 96 patients with APA, 67 (70%) had somatic mutations of the KCNJ5 gene: 39 patients with p.G151R, 26 patients with p.L168R, one patient with p.T158A, and one patient with p.W126R. All patients presented with hypertension. Hypokalemia was documented in 98% of patients. The hypertension cure rate at 1 year after surgery was 35%. Patients with somatic KCNJ5 mutations required more potassium supplementation and had adrenal histology compatible with zona fasciculata–like cells compared with patients without the mutations (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in preoperative plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity, aldosterone/renin ratio, potassium level, treatment of hypertension, tumor size, and hypertension cure rate among patients in the KCNJ5-mutant and nonmutant groups. In a multivariate analysis, a higher PAC was associated with the presence of somatic KCNJ5 mutations. In summary, the prevalence of somatic KCNJ5 mutations in patients with sporadic APAs in Thailand, an Asian country with residents of different ethnic backgrounds, is comparable to previous reports in Asia.

In Thai Nationals, the ApoE4 Allele Affects Multiple Domains of Neuropsychological, Biobehavioral, and Social Functioning Thereby Contributing to Alzheimer's Disorder, while the ApoE3 Allele Protects Against Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Psychosocial Deficits

The apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (ApoE4) allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disorder (AD) and is associated with semantic and episodic memory deficits. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between ApoE alleles (E2, E3, E4) and genotypes and neuropsychological tests, behavioral functions, and dementia symptoms as assessed using Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). This study included 60 patients with Alzheimer's disorder (AD), 60 with mild cognitive disorder (MCI), and 62 normal volunteers. ApoE4 carriers and individuals with E3/E4 and E4/E4 genotypes show an increased incidence of AD, but not MCI. ApoE4 carriers and especially E4/E4 homozygotes show a worse outcome on the CERAD total score, Blessed Dementia Scale, and Short Blessed Test and lower scores on the Verbal Fluency Test, Boston Naming Test, Constructional Praxis Recall, and Word List Memory, Recall, and Recognition. ApoE4 carriers and E4/E3 heterozygotes show higher scores on the Clock Drawing Test. ApoE4 carriers show a worse outcome on the CERAD clinical history scores of memory, language, personality, ADL, orientation, and social skills, while allele AopE3 carriers show better scores on activities of daily living (ADL) and social skills. ApoE3 carriers show lower total weighted, irritability/aggression, and behavioral dysregulation scores on the Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia. The results show that in Thai individuals, the presence of ApoE4 allele is accompanied by a multifarious decline in neurocognitive functions and behavioral features and that ApoE3 may convey protection against neuropsychiatric symptoms and a decline in social skills. ApoE4 and especially the E4/E4 genotype may affect multiple domains of cognitive, biobehavioral, and social functioning thereby contributing to AD phenomenology.

Undercarboxylated osteocalcin is associated with insulin resistance, but not adiponectin, during pregnancy

In mice, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) improves beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity through adiponectin. In humans, levels of total osteocalcin (OC) and ucOC were negatively correlated with insulin resistance (IR) indices in patients with type 2 diabetes. Whether ucOC plays a role in glucose homeostasis and whether its effect is mediated through adiponectin during pregnancy is unclear. Serum levels of total OC, ucOC, and adiponectin were measured in 130 pregnant women with varying degrees of IR [gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), n = 74 and non-GDM, n = 56]. In all participants, total OC and ucOC levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and HOMA-%B, and negatively correlated with QUICKI. In contrast, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and positively correlated with QUICKI (P < 0.01, both). However, neither total OC nor ucOC was associated with adiponectin. Although none of these markers could help distinguish women with and without GDM, total OC and ucOC levels were significantly higher in non-GDM women who had 1 abnormal OGTT value than those who had all normal OGTT values. Total OC and ucOC levels were significantly correlated with insulin secretion and IR indices, but not adiponectin levels, in pregnant women. Changes in OC might be a sensitive response to increased IR during pregnancy, which was not mediated through adiponectin.

Changes in Testosterone Levels and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels in Extremely Obese Men after Bariatric Surgery

Objective. Obesity is a risk factor for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men. Weight loss has been shown to improve hypogonadism in obese men. This study evaluated the early changes in sex hormones profile after bariatric surgery. Methods. This is a prospective study including 29 morbidly obese men. Main outcomes were changes in serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (cFT), SHBG, estradiol, adiponectin, and leptin at 1 and 6 months after surgery. Results. The mean age of patients was 31 ± 8 years and the mean BMI was 56.8 ± 11.7 kg/m². Fifteen patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 14 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy. At baseline, 22 patients (75.9%) had either low TT levels (<10.4 nmol/L) or low cFT levels (<225 pmol/L). Total testosterone and SHBG levels increased significantly at 1 month after surgery (p ≤ 0.001). At 6 months after surgery, TT and cFT increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) and 22 patients (75.9%) had normalized TT and cFT levels. There were no changes in estradiol levels at either 1 month or 6 months after surgery. Conclusions. Increases in TT and SHBG levels occurred early at 1 month after bariatric surgery while improvements in cFT levels were observed at 6 months after bariatric surgery.

Concurrent bilateral pheochromocytoma and thoracic paraganglioma during pregnancy

Although hypertension occurring during pregnancies is not uncommon and its prognosis is generally excellent, some of its unusual causes can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially in undiagnosed cases. Here, we report a pregnant woman who presented with hypertension in her early pregnancy. It was subsequently found to be caused by bilateral pheochromocytoma. After removal of both tumors, catecholamine levels unexpectedly and unexplainably remained elevated. At 23 weeks of gestation, the fetus was found dead in utero. After the fetal death, additional studies were performed and revealed a thoracic paraganglioma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of three catecholamine-producing tumors occurring concurrently during a pregnancy. Genetic analysis helped identify this unprecedented condition; the patient harbored a heterozygous missense mutation c.482G>A in exon 3 of the VHL gene, indicating von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Physicians who care for hypertensive pregnant patients should be aware of this condition as its diagnosis would probably lead to a better outcome.