Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports最新文献

{"title":"MEN2 phenotype in a family with germline heterozygous rare RET K666N variant.","authors":"A La Greca, D Dawes, M Albuja-Cruz, C Raeburn, L Axell, L Ku, C Klein, C Marshall, L Fishbein","doi":"10.1530/EDM-24-0009","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-24-0009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline-activating pathogenic variants in the RET proto-oncogene. MEN2A is the most common subtype, with a risk for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), whereas MEN2B is less common and associated with MTC and PHEO along with mucosal neuromas. Little is known about the specific RET germline heterozygous variant K666N. This variant has been described in very few families, and in most cases, patients were diagnosed with a very indolent MTC as the only feature. There is one case of MTC and bilateral PHEO. The RET K666N variant is not stratified yet by the American Thyroid Association, and data are limited on pathogenicity; therefore, appropriate screening and treatment of asymptomatic RET K666N carriers are unclear. Here, we report a family with a heterozygous germline RET K666N variant. The proband was identified when she experienced cardiogenic shock and multi-organ failure after an elective hysterectomy and subsequently was found to have PHEO, with genetic testing revealing the RET K666N germline variant. Patient consent was obtained through IRB protocol COMIRB #15-0516.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>The specific RET germline heterozygous variant K666N is rare and described in very few families, and in most cases, patients were diagnosed with a very indolent MTC as the only feature. Our proband is much younger and has PHEO, MTC, and PHPT. The RET K666N germline variant appears to be a low penetrance variant for MEN2.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378119/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142134115","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sidonia and Nicu de Barcsy: a famous mother with post-partum hirsutism after giving birth to a famous son with idiopathic short stature.","authors":"Wouter W de Herder","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0095","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>At the end of the 19th century, an 18-year-old lady gave birth to a well-proportioned, though very small, son. After delivery, the mother developed a full-grown beard, whereas the son always remained of small stature. The mother developed diabetes mellitus and died, aged 59, from a complicated severe cold. The son died at the age of 91 because of chronic kidney disease. The differential diagnosis in the son is isolated growth hormone deficiency. The mother might have suffered luteoma of pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor(s). The two cases are apparently coincidental/not related in pathophysiology.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Hirsutism occurring directly postpartum can have several causes. Patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency can live a long life without the substitution of growth hormone. Coincidence does not necessarily imply correlation. In the past, patients with endocrine disorders like severe hirsutism or small stature were employed at circuses and fairs to entertain the audience as curiosities.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142074079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A tale of two sisters - delayed diagnosis of genetic hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.","authors":"F Stringer, C Preston, R MacIsaac, F Inchley, L Rivera-Woll, S Farrell, N Sachithanandan","doi":"10.1530/EDM-24-0007","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-24-0007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Congenital hyperinsulinism is the leading cause of persistent hypoglycaemia in infants and children; however, it is uncommon to be diagnosed in adulthood. We describe the cases of two sisters who presented with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia aged 47 and 57 years old, who were subsequently diagnosed with compound heterozygous likely pathogenic variants in the ABCC8 gene, a known cause of monogenic congenital hyperinsulinism. We discuss the typical presenting features, investigation findings, and treatment strategies for patients with this condition.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare cause of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia diagnosed in adulthood. Clinical presentation is similar to an insulinoma, and imaging modalities may assist in differentiation. There are minimal medical therapies currently available for patients non-responsive to diazoxide (such as those with ABCC8 and KCNJ11 variants). Continuous glucose monitoring can be helpful in giving patients autonomy in managing their disease, as well as relieving anxiety and fear associated with hypoglycaemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141996618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transient synovitis associated with leuprolide depot (Lupron).","authors":"Erica A Steen, Susan A Phillips","doi":"10.1530/EDM-24-0031","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-24-0031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>A 6.6-year-old female presented to endocrinology with precocious puberty for evaluation and management. Workup was initiated, and a diagnosis of central precocious puberty was confirmed. A decision was made to initiate pubertal blockade using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy with depot leuprolide acetate injections every 3 months. The patient received the first depot leuprolide acetate injection in the right ventrogluteal area. Six hours following the injection, the patient was reported to be inconsolable in pain, which was localized to the right hip site of the earlier injection and associated with a refusal to ambulate. The pain and discomfort continued to progress over the next 24 h despite an alternating regimen of Tylenol and ibuprofen prompting admission to the emergency department. Vital signs demonstrated a low-grade fever and elevated C-reactive protein. An ultrasound of the right hip demonstrated fluid accumulation within the joint. Over the next week, the patient was unable to walk independently and required assistance for activities of daily living. By 2 weeks after the injection, the pain began to remit, and the patient resumed activities of daily living. Following consultation with allergy, a decision was made to continue GnRHa suppressive therapy with an alternative analog (Triptodur). The patient tolerated subsequent treatment without reaction.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have a generally good safety profile, there is a history of both local and systemic hypersensitivity reactions associated with their use. Despite the long-acting formulation of depot leuprolide acetate, the systemic reaction in this case appears to be self-limited. Discontinuation of therapy or a change to an alternative formulation of GnRHa analog should be considered based on the need for therapy versus the potential risk of rechallenge.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378123/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141996619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insulinoma presenting with anti-insulin antibodies.","authors":"Rikako Nakajima, Daisuke Sato, Ichirota Togashi, Hiroto Idesawa, Jun Ito, Kei Ito, Masanao Fujii, Hiroaki Yagyu","doi":"10.1530/EDM-24-0062","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-24-0062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>An 89-year-old woman presented with a 6-year history of occasional episodes of impaired consciousness that were relieved by ingestion of a snack. Three months before presenting to our hospital, she had been hospitalized in a local hospital with subdural hematoma caused by a head contusion, where previously unrecognized hypoglycemia was discovered. Fasting plasma glucose concentration was 37 mg/dL, with a relatively high serum level of insulin (34.9 µU/mL). Computed tomography showed a 14 mm hyperenhancing tumor in the tail of the pancreas and she was referred to our hospital for further investigation. A prolonged fasting test revealed the plasma glucose concentration reduced to 43 mg/dL (2.4 mmol/L) at 8 h after the last meal. Serum insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide concentrations were 21.1 µU/mL, 16.9 pmol/L, and 2.72 ng/mL, respectively. Subsequent intravenous administration of 1 mg of glucagon increased the plasma glucose concentration to 76 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L). Moreover, the insulin-to-C-peptide molar ratio was 0.14. These data indicated the presence of insulinoma. Interestingly, serum anti-insulin antibodies were elevated (21.1 U/mL), although she had no history of taking exogenous insulin injection, alpha lipoic acid, or sulfhydryl group-containing agents. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing revealed HLA-DRB1*0407 and HLA-DRB1*1405 alleles. Treatment with diazoxide prevented hypoglycemia, but was discontinued due to weight gain and leg edema. Elevated serum anti-insulin antibodies persisted almost 1 year after the diagnosis of insulinoma. We present a rare case of insulinoma concomitant with serum anti-insulin antibodies.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Insulinoma presenting with concomitant anti-insulin antibodies appears rare. Insulin/C-peptide molar ratio and serum insulin concentration are useful for differentiating insulinoma and autoimmune syndrome. Flash glucose monitoring systems appear suitable for evaluating treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141917623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia that required immediate surgery after a long-term asymptomatic state: recommendation for early intervention.","authors":"Takashi Kurihara, Kanta Fujimoto, Toshio Iwakura, Yuji Hataya, Daisuke Yamashita, Naoki Matsuoka","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0148","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>An 82-year-old woman with a 60-year history of a lung tumor presented with hypoglycemia. Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) was suspected; however, her hypoglycemia stabilized with supplemental food. She was discharged, based on her wishes, and planned to undergo surgery later. After discharge, the hypoglycemia worsened rapidly and required immediate resection. Postoperatively, the hypoglycemia resolved. Western immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of big insulin-like growth factor 2, confirming NICTH. This patient experienced the rapid progression of symptoms after an unprecedentedly long-term asymptomatic state. Therefore, when NICTH is suspected, early intervention is recommended regardless of the presence of asymptomatic state.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>In patients with NICTH, the onset of hypoglycemia is usually within a year of tumor detection, and few reports regarding long-term asymptomatic NICTH have been documented. NICTH can cause rapidly progressive symptoms after a long-term asymptomatic state, as in this case, and an asymptomatic state does not preclude the necessity for intervention, especially when patients are at risk for malnutrition. Tumor resection is the only curative treatment for patients with NICTH, but there is no consensus regarding the timing of surgery. However, considering the possibility of rapid symptom progression, patients should be examined and treated in a timely manner.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11378120/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141983473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel splicing variant in ABCA1 in the first reported Hong Kong Chinese patient with high-density lipoprotein deficiency.","authors":"Cheuk Lik Wong, Ling Yin Hung, Wai Kwan Carol Siu, Vicki Ho Kee Tam, Chloe Miu Mak","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0102","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Very low HDL-C levels (less than 20 mg/dL), however, were uncommonly seen and can be due to genetic defects involving the metabolic pathway of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). We encountered a 50-year-old Chinese man who was only noticed to have extremely low HDL-C levels after surviving recurrent episodes of myocardial infarction. Further workup revealed the undetectable level of apolipoprotein A-I, the absence of HDL on gel electrophoresis, and a novel heterozygous splicing variant in the ABCA1 gene, which was predicted to be pathogenic by in silico analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported Hong Kong Chinese with ABCA1 deficiency and probable Tangier disease. The association of ABCA1 deficiency/Tangier disease and accelerated atherosclerosis is discussed.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Clinicians should be aware of the differential diagnoses of very low HDL-C, which could be divided into genetic and acquired causes. Genetic low HDL syndromes include apoA-I deficiency, Tangier disease, and familial LCAT deficiency, each of which has characteristic clinical features and can be differentiated from the other further by apoA-I measurement, lipoprotein analysis, and genetic testing. Patients with ABCA1 deficiency and Tangier disease are at risk of premature coronary artery disease and should be aggressively screened and treated for cardiovascular risk factors and established cardiovascular diseases. Revascularization strategy and indications for coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with Tangier disease and coronary artery disease follow that as for patients without Tangier disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11301564/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coinheritance of HNF1A and glucokinase variants in maturity-onset diabetes of the young.","authors":"Daisuke Watanabe, Hideaki Yagasaki, Hiromune Narusawa, Takeshi Inukai","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0100","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a group of monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus characterized by early-onset diabetes with dominant inheritance of beta-cell dysfunction. There are few reports of the coinheritance of glucokinase (GCK) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha gene (HNF1A) variants underlying MODY in patients. Herein, we describe a case involving combinations of monoallelic GCK and HNF1A variants associated with MODY. A 10-year-old Japanese girl with a three-generation family history of diabetes without obesity showed high levels of urinary glucose during a school screening test. Her glucose metabolism profile revealed 124 mg/dL of fasting glucose, 6.9% glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 2.78 ng/mL of C-peptide immunoreactivity levels. In a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, her base glucose, peak glucose, insulin resistance, and homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function levels were 124 mg/dL, 210 mg/dL (120 min), 1.71, and 33%, respectively. Based on the clinical phenotype of GCK-MODY, alimentary and exercise therapy without oral hypoglycemic agents were used to maintain her fasting glucose and HbA1c levels. We explored the coinheritance of MODY with GCK and HNF1A variants in this and past cases and found that careful clinical follow-up is required to firmly establish phenotypic features. Moreover, the accumulation of data on genetically confirmed MODY associated with the coinheritance of GCK and HNF1A variants will be useful for understanding genotype-phenotype correlations.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>MODY is a group of monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus characterized by early-onset diabetes with the dominant inheritance of beta-cell dysfunction. MODY2 and MODY3 caused by heterozygous loss-of-function variants in the glucokinase (GCK) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF1A) genes, respectively, are the most common forms of the disease. Few cases of MODY have previously been reported as being associated with the coinheritance of GCK and HNF1A variants. Careful clinical follow-up is required to firmly establish phenotypic features in the coinheritance of MODY with GCK and HNF1A variants. The accumulation of data on genetically confirmed MODY associated with the coinheritance of GCK and HNF1A variants will be useful for understanding genotype-phenotype correlations.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11301554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Late diagnosis of partial 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency - characterization of a new genetic variant.","authors":"Cagla Margit Øzdemir, Mette Mølby Nielsen, Jani Liimatta, Clarissa D Voegel, Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty, Victor S Wasehuus, Marie Lind-Holst, Marie Juul Ornstrup, Stine Bjørn Gram, Lilian Bomme Ousager, Christa E Flück, Claus H Gravholt","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0090","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common inherited rare endocrine disorders. This case report presents two female siblings with delayed diagnosis of non-classical CAH 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3βHSD2D/HSD3B2) despite early hospital admission and apparent CAH manifestations such as infections, hirsutism, menstrual disturbances, and PCOS phenotype. Initially, sister 1 was misdiagnosed with PCOS and then 11-hydroxylase deficiency (CYP11B1), based on ultrasound, biochemical findings, and negative genetic testing for 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CYP21A2). Additional diagnostic workup was performed when sister 2also presented with symptoms of androgen excess. Genetic testing for CAH/steroid disorders finally revealed that both siblings were compound heterozygous for two variants in the HSD3B2 gene: a frameshift variant, c.558dup, p.(Thr187Hisfs*17) and a novel missense variant, c.65T>C, p.(Leu22Ser). A Synacthen test showed an insufficient cortisol increase. In vitro studies of the variants in a cell model revealed loss of function for the p.(Thr187Hisfs*17) and partial activity for p.(Leu22Ser) confirming non-classic CAH. Overlapping symptomatology and lack of specialized knowledge on steroid biosynthesis and associated rarest forms of CAH may explain the delayed diagnosis. However, with newer diagnostic methods comprising a less biased approach, very rare forms of non-classical CAH may no longer be overlooked in the future.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Non-classic 3βHSD2 is likely underdiagnosed. Late diagnosis of mild non-classic 3βHSD2 does occur and one should be aware of this diagnosis. Early diagnosis of NCCAH may prevent many consequences such as severe hirsutism, prolonged menstrual irregularities, infertility, or even adrenal crisis with severe infections. Comprehensive steroid profiling and genetic testing should be used earlier, especially when in doubt about a diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11301563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141876199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma uncovered by persistently elevated procalcitonin in a patient with COVID-19.","authors":"Ines Bucci, Giulia Di Dalmazi, Cesidio Giuliani, Paola Russo, Beatrice Ciappini, Cristina Amatetti, Pierre Guarino, Giorgio Napolitano","doi":"10.1530/EDM-24-0052","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-24-0052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>We report the case of an 88-year-old man hospitalized for COVID-19 with persistently very high procalcitonin (proCt) levels despite infection resolution. Since proCt is an adjunct tumor marker in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), serum calcitonin (Ct) was also measured showing very high levels. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed the presence of a thyroid mass and neck ultrasound revealed a solid isoechoic, inhomogeneous, 50 mm nodule in the right thyroid lobe, extended into the mediastinum. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid nodule confirmed the diagnosis of MTC. An 18F-fluorodopa positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan revealed the presence of distant metastases in ribs, vertebrae, in the right iliac wing and the liver. Since surgery was not feasible, the patient was started on cabozantinib 40 mg/dL. After 16 months the patient is still on cabozantinib at the same dose, he reports complete autonomy in daily life activities, and serum Ct is still elevated; however, the imaging evaluation does not show signs of disease progression.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>High procalcitonin serum values despite the absence of infection are suggestive of MTC. Advanced MTC with multiple metastases can have an indolent course and can go unrecognized for years. Cabozantinib is a valuable option for the treatment of advanced MTC.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11301565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141789300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}