Katherine Wu, Shejil Kumar, Ed Hsiao, Ian Kerridge, Min Ru Qiu, Rhonda Siddall, Roderick Clifton-Bligh, Anthony J Gill, Matti L Gild
{"title":"Pulmonary BRAF-driven Langerhans cell histiocytosis following selpercatinib use in metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.","authors":"Katherine Wu, Shejil Kumar, Ed Hsiao, Ian Kerridge, Min Ru Qiu, Rhonda Siddall, Roderick Clifton-Bligh, Anthony J Gill, Matti L Gild","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0079","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>RET mutations are implicated in 60% of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) cases. The RET-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor selpercatinib is associated with unprecedented efficacy compared to previous multi-kinase treatments. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal histiocytic neoplasm usually driven by somatic BRAF mutations, resulting in dysregulated MAPK signalling. We describe a 22-year-old woman with metastatic MTC to regional lymph nodes, lung and liver. Tumour tissue harboured a somatic pathogenic RET variant p.(M918T) and selpercatinib was commenced. She experienced sustained clinical, biochemical and radiological responses. Two years later, she developed rapidly progressive apical lung nodules, prompting biopsy. Histopathology demonstrated LCH with a rare BRAF variant p.(V600_K601>D). The lung nodules improved with inhaled corticosteroids. We hypothesize that selective pressure from RET blockade may have activated a downstream somatic BRAF mutation, resulting in pulmonary LCH. We recommend continued vigilance for neoplasms driven by dysregulated downstream MAPK signalling in patients undergoing selective RET inhibition.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Patients with RET-altered MTC can experience rapid disease improvement and sustained disease stability with selective RET blockade (selpercatinib). LCH is a clonal neoplasm driven by MAPK activation, for which the most common mechanism is BRAF mutation. Both MTC and pulmonary LCH are driven by dysregulated MAPK signalling pathway activation. We hypothesise that the RET-specific inhibitor selpercatinib may have caused the activation of dormant LCH secondary to selective pressure and clonal proliferation.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2024-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11227090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141158715","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":"Association of Graves' disease and Moyamoya syndrome in a Caucasian woman from Western Europe: vascular effects of anti-TSH receptor antibodies?","authors":"Guillaume Pierman, Yves Vandermeeren, Corinne Jonas, Etienne Delgrange","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0138","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) refers to a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis of the intracranial internal carotid arteries and their proximal branches, leading to an increased risk of stroke. While prevalent in Asia, this condition is considerably less common in Western countries, including Europe. The association between MMS and Graves' disease (GD) has been well documented, primarily in Asian and American populations, notably Latin Americans. In this report, we report the first case of GD with MMS in a Caucasian woman from Western Europe. The precise mechanisms underpinning the correlation between these two conditions remain poorly elucidated but are hypothesized to involve hemodynamic alterations, the toxic effects of anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies, or a shared genetic predisposition. Our clinical case underscores the significance of thyroid disease screening in suspected MMS cases, as the management of thyroid dysfunction may suffice to improve neurological symptoms.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>The association between Graves' disease (GD) and Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) can manifest in a Caucasian European patient. Screening for thyroid disease is essential when MMS is suspected, as treating GD might effectively alleviate neurological symptoms. The mechanisms linking GD and MMS remain incompletely understood but may involve hemodynamic shifts, the toxic effect of anti-TSH receptor antibodies, or shared genetic factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11103751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923296","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 patient diagnosed with new-onset type 1 diabetes and Addison's disease at initial presentation.","authors":"Emma Towslee, Adrienne Macdonald, Zohreh Shoar","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0106","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>A previously healthy 17-year-old female presented to the emergency department with complaints of vomiting, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. She was found to have an elevated blood glucose and was admitted for presumed new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). During the admission, she was noted to have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia despite conservative insulin dosing and high urine output with glucosuria, which seemed out of proportion to her glucose levels and fluid status. She also had persistent hyponatremia despite normalization of blood glucose. Further work-up was initiated to investigate alternative or additional diagnoses to explain these atypical findings. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level was elevated, consistent with the diagnosis of Addison's disease, which led to the subsequent diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II (APS-2). This is one of the first reports in the literature of concurrent diagnosis of T1DM and Addison's disease at initial presentation and demonstrates the importance of not anchoring to one diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>This case shows the importance of considering multiple diagnoses and investigating atypical signs and symptoms. This case highlights the importance of a thorough history including review of systems. Hyponatremia and recurrent hypoglycemia in a person with type 1 diabetes should raise suspicion for adrenal insufficiency. This case makes us consider the screening for Addison's disease in a person with new onset type 1 diabetes in addition to autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac disease. People with an autoimmune disease should be monitored for other autoimmune diseases in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11103756/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923292","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 case of diabetic striatopathy due to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.","authors":"M L Cheneler, K Qureshi, C Bahrami","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0082","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Hemichorea-hemiballismus (HCHB) syndrome is a syndrome characterized by choreic movements which are irregular, nonrepetitive, and random movements, and ballismus which are spontaneous and violent movements. HCHB syndrome with a metabolic cause is a rare presentation that can be precipitated by uncontrolled diabetes. Presented here is a case of HCHB syndrome with right-sided neuroimaging findings and contralateral chorea due to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. This patient was found to be obtunded with a blood glucose of greater than 500 mg/dL by EMS. After the administration of insulin, she was able to answer clarifying questions of noncompliance with her antihyperglycemic medications. She had a computed tomography without contrast of the head which showed hyperdense lesions in the right caudate nucleus and putamen consistent with HCHB syndrome. She was started on treatment for nonketotic hyperglycemia with insulin. As her mentation improved, she was able to cooperate with physical examination, which revealed irregular and violent movements in the left upper and lower extremities. Her hemichorea and hemiballismus improved with strict glycemic control, and she was able to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility for further rehabilitation. She would later have repeated hospitalizations for poor glycemic control, and repeat neuroimaging would reveal the resolution of hyperdensities after 4 months. HCHB syndrome due to uncontrolled diabetes has been termed diabetic striatopathy and is characterized by poor glycemic control, unilateral striatal hyperdensity on CT imaging, and contralateral choreic movements. Diabetic striatopathy remains a poorly understood disease, and the exact pathophysiologic mechanism has not been definitively elucidated.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Diabetic striatopathy is a relatively new term for metabolic etiology of hemichorea-hemiballismus syndrome and was coined in 2009. The triad for diabetic striatopathy is poor glycemic control, unilateral striatal hyperdensity on CT imaging, and contralateral choreic movements. Multiple etiologies have been suggested for the cause of diabetic striatopathy including petechial hemorrhage, mineral deposition, myelin destruction, and infarction with reactive astrocytosis; however, the exact mechanism has yet to be determined. Antidopaminergic medications may be used to control the choreic movements of diabetic striatopathy; however, the mainstay of treatment is glycemic control, often with insulin therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11103750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140923386","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}
R K Dharmaputra, C M Piesse, S Chaubey, A K Sinha, H C Chiam
{"title":"A rare diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis made on thyroid histology with coexisting papillary thyroid cancer and AVP deficiency.","authors":"R K Dharmaputra, C M Piesse, S Chaubey, A K Sinha, H C Chiam","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0050","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>A 48-year-old Asian male, presented to the hospital for an elective total thyroidectomy in the context of 6.3 cm thyroid nodule. The fine needle aspiration cytology of the nodule confirmed papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with some atypical histiocytes. He has a history of idiopathic arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) and has been taking oral DDAVP 100 µg daily, self-adjusting the dose based on thirst and polyuria. Additionally, he also has a history of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. His total thyroidectomy was aborted due to significant intraoperative bleeding, and his admission was further complicated by post-operative hyponatraemic seizure. Thyroid histology revealed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and further investigation with contrast CT demonstrated multi-organ involvement of the thyroid, lungs, and bones.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a condition that can affect one or more organ systems, including the pituitary, where it can present as AVP deficiency. Strict monitoring of fluid balance, as well as serial monitoring of serum sodium, is essential in all patients with AVP-D in the perioperative setting. Iatrogenic hyponatraemic seizure is an uncommon but serious complication of DDAVP treatment in hospitalised patients with AVP-D. DDAVP dosing must be carefully monitored. LCH with multisystem involvement is an important mimic for metastatic conditions, and histological diagnosis is essential to guide treatment and prognosis. Although LCH without bone marrow involvement is unlikely to increase the risk of bleeding, its effect on tissue integrity may make surgery more challenging. BRAF-V600E mutation is an important driver mutation and a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of LCH.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11046324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140858267","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 challenging case of a pituitary macroadenoma and toxic thyroid adenoma with inappropriate TSH secretion.","authors":"Michaela Despina Carides, Ruchika Mehta, Jaco Louw, Farzahna Mohamed","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/EDM-23-0136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all pituitary adenomas. We present a case of hyperthyroidism secondary to a likely TSHoma and coexisting functional thyroid adenoma. Laboratory errors and familial abnormalities in thyroid function tests were ruled out, and a diagnosis of the toxic thyroid adenoma was confirmed on a thyroid uptake scan. However, the triiodothyronine suppression test was contraindicated due to the patient's cardiovascular disease, and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, measurement of glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit, and genetic testing were unavailable. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma measuring 40 mm × 20.3 mm × 17 mm. The patient was initiated on carbimazole; however, thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine levels remained elevated. The patient declined trans-sphenoidal surgery and was treated with radioactive iodine to manage the toxic thyroid adenoma, leading to reduced thyroxine levels and symptom improvement. Unfortunately, the patient passed away before long-acting somatostatin analogs became available. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involved in managing thyrotoxicosis with dual etiology.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Hyperthyroidism can have multiple etiologies, which can coexist in the same patient. Persistent discordant thyroid function tests warrant further investigation. The gold standard for diagnosis of TSHomas remains immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11046320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140865887","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}
Cristian Petolicchio, Sara Brasili, Stefano Gay, Francesco Cocchiara, Irene Campi, Luca Persani, Lara Vera, Diego Ferone, Federico Gatto
{"title":"Challenging diagnosis of resistance to thyroid hormone in a patient with COVID-19, pituitary microadenoma and unusual response to octreotide long-acting release test.","authors":"Cristian Petolicchio, Sara Brasili, Stefano Gay, Francesco Cocchiara, Irene Campi, Luca Persani, Lara Vera, Diego Ferone, Federico Gatto","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0146","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>The resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome (RTHβ) occurs uncommonly and requires a high level of clinical suspicion and specific investigations to reach a precise diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies. We report a case of a young male patient referred to our unit for SARS-CoV-2 infection and atrial fibrillation with elevated thyroid hormones and non-suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), for which antithyroid therapy was prescribed. A mood disorder was reported in the medical history. The family history was unknown as the patient was adopted. Thyroid-specific antibodies were undetectable, and thyroid ultrasound revealed a normal thyroid gland without nodules. After the resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the diagnostic workup continued, and the pituitary MRI revealed a small area ascribable to a microadenoma. Due to atrial fibrillation, the execution of the T3 test was contraindicated. The octreotide long-acting release (LAR) test showed an initial reduction of free thyroid hormones levels at first administration, which was consistent with the presence of a TSH-secreting pituitary tumour, although an escape from the response was observed after the following two injections of octreotide LAR. Indeed, the genetic investigation revealed a variant in heterozygosity of the THRβ gene (Pro453Ser), thus leading to an RTHβ diagnosis, and, therefore, medical treatment with triiodothyroacetic acid was initiated. After 2 years from the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the patient continues the follow-up at our outpatient clinic, and no other medical interventions are needed.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>RTHβ is a rare genetic syndrome characterised by discrepant thyroid function tests and by a dissociation between the observed hormone levels and the expected patient signs and symptoms. Features of thyroid hormone deficiency in TR-ß dependent tissues (pituitary gland, hypothalamus, liver and neurosensitive epithelia), as well as thyroid hormone excess in TR-α-dependent tissues (heart, bone, skeletal muscle and brain), may coexist in the same individual. Clinical pictures can be different even when the same variant occurs, suggesting that other genetic and/or epigenetic factors may play a role in determining the patient's phenotype. Differentiating RTHβ from a TSH-secreting pituitary tumour is very difficult, especially when a concomitant pituitary adenoma is detected during diagnostic workup. The injection of long-acting somatostatin analogues can help differentiate the two conditions, but it is important to detect any interference in the dosage of thyroid hormones to avoid an incorrect diagnosis. Genetic testing is fundamental to prevent unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies. Medical treatment with triiodothyroacetic acid was demonstrated to be effective in reducing thyroid hormone excess and controlling symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11046325/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140871393","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":"Two rare cases of benign struma ovarii with malignant recurrence.","authors":"Kanella Kantreva, Stavroula A Paschou, Katerina Stefanaki, Kanella Pappa, Paraskevi Kazakou, Dionysios Vrachnis, Evangelia Kavoura, Kitty Pavlakis, Eirini Giovannopoulou, Konstantinos Lathouras, Maria Alevizaki, Katerina Saltiki","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/EDM-23-0122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Struma ovarii is an ovarian teratoma that comprises 2-5% of all ovarian teratomas. Malignant transformation of struma ovarii occurs in less than 5% of all cases, and metastatic disease is even rarer. We report two cases initially diagnosed with benign struma ovarii that presented malignant transformation, specifically highly differentiated follicular carcinoma of the ovary (HDFCO), some years after the first diagnosis. Case 1 concerns a 37-year-old female featuring HDFCO of the right ovary with multiple metastatic foci, who was diagnosed with benign struma ovarii 14 years ago. Case 2 concerns a 26-year-old female diagnosed with HDFCO of the left ovary. This patient was initially diagnosed with benign struma ovarii 6 years ago that recurred 4 years after the diagnosis. Both patients were treated with surgery, adjunctive total thyroidectomy, and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Malignant transformation of struma ovarii is very rare (<5%). Diagnosis of HDFCO without extra ovarian dissemination is difficult due to the resemblance of its histological appearance with normal thyroid tissue. There is no consensus on the postoperative treatment of malignant struma ovarii (MSO). Clinical and histological features of MSO should be assessed for the postoperative treatment decisions. TSH suppression and thyroglobulin level measurements are necessary for patient follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11046340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140868427","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}
Fahad Al-Juraibah, Adnan Al Shaikh, Afaf Al-Sagheir, Amir Babiker, Asma Al Nuaimi, Ayed Al Enezi, George S Mikhail, Hassan A Mundi, Hubert K Penninckx, Huda Mustafa, Majid Al Ameri, Mohamed Al-Dubayee, Nadia S Ali, Nagla Fawzy, Sameer Al Shammari, Tarek Fiad
{"title":"Experience of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: case series.","authors":"Fahad Al-Juraibah, Adnan Al Shaikh, Afaf Al-Sagheir, Amir Babiker, Asma Al Nuaimi, Ayed Al Enezi, George S Mikhail, Hassan A Mundi, Hubert K Penninckx, Huda Mustafa, Majid Al Ameri, Mohamed Al-Dubayee, Nadia S Ali, Nagla Fawzy, Sameer Al Shammari, Tarek Fiad","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0098","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), the most prevalent form of inherited hypophosphatemic rickets, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked (PHEX). This case series presents 14 cases of XLH from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The patients' medical history, biochemical and radiological investigative findings, as well as treatment responses and side effects from both conventional and burosumab therapy, are described. Cases were aged 2-40 years at diagnosis. There were two male cases and 12 female cases. All cases were treated with conventional therapy which resulted in a lack of improvement in or worsening of the clinical signs and symptoms of rickets or biochemical parameters. Side effects of conventional therapy included nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nephrocalcinosis, and hyperparathyroidism, which affected the patients' quality of life and adherence to treatment. In the 10 patients treated with burosumab, there was a marked improvement in the biochemical markers of rickets, with a mean increase in serum phosphate of +0.56 mmol/L and tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption (TmP) to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ratio (TmP/GFR) of +0.39 mmol/L at 12 months compared to baseline. Furthermore, a mean decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of -80.80 IU/L and parathyroid hormone (PTH) of -63.61 pmol/L at 12 months compared to baseline was observed in these patients. Additionally, patients treated with burosumab reported reduced pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue as well as the ability to lead more physically active lives with no significant side effects of treatment.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Conventional therapy resulted in a suboptimal response, with a lack of improvement of clinical signs and symptoms. Side effects of conventional therapy included nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nephrocalcinosis, and hyperparathyroidism, which affected the patients' quality of life and adherence to treatment. Burosumab demonstrated marked improvements in the biochemical markers of rickets, in addition to reducing pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue. There were no significant side effects associated with burosumab therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11046327/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140869897","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}
Viviana Ostrovsky, Mira Ulman, Rina Hemi, Samuel Lurie, Inon Hazan, Alon Ben Ari, Oleg Sukmanov, Tal Schiller, Alena Kirzhner, Taiba Zornitzki
{"title":"Selective peripheral tissue response to high testosterone levels in an infertile woman without virilization signs.","authors":"Viviana Ostrovsky, Mira Ulman, Rina Hemi, Samuel Lurie, Inon Hazan, Alon Ben Ari, Oleg Sukmanov, Tal Schiller, Alena Kirzhner, Taiba Zornitzki","doi":"10.1530/EDM-23-0117","DOIUrl":"10.1530/EDM-23-0117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Summary: </strong>Total testosterone, which is peripherally converted to its biologically active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is the first-line hormone investigation in hyperandrogenic states and infertility in premenopausal women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of hyperandrogenism and infertility in young women, is often associated with mild elevations of total testosterone. Whereas very high levels of total testosterone (>2-3 SD of normal reference), are most often associated with hyperandrogenic signs, menstrual irregularity, rapid onset of virilization, and demand a prompt investigation. Herein, we report a case of a 32-year-old woman who was referred to the endocrinology outpatient clinic due to secondary amenorrhea and extremely high testosterone levels without any virilization signs. We initially suspected pitfalls in the testosterone laboratory test. Total serum testosterone decreased after a diethyl-ether extraction procedure was done prior to the immunoassay, but testosterone levels were still elevated. An ovarian steroid-cell tumor (SCT) was then revealed, which was thereby resected. Twenty-four hours post surgery, the total testosterone level returned to normal, and a month later menstruation resumed. This case emphasizes that any discrepancy between laboratory tests and the clinical scenario deserves a rigorous evaluation to minimize misinterpretation and errors in diagnosis and therapeutic approach. Additionally, we describe a possible mechanism of disease: a selective peripheral target-tissue response to high testosterone levels that did not cause virilization but did suppress ovulation and menstruation.</p><p><strong>Learning points: </strong>Total testosterone is the most clinically relevant hormone in investigating hyperandrogenic states and infertility in premenopausal women. Very high total testosterone levels in women (>2-3 SD of normal reference) are most often associated with hyperandrogenic signs, menstrual irregularities, and a rapid onset of virilization. In women with very elevated testosterone levels and the absence of clinical manifestations, laboratory interference should be suspected, and diethyl ether extraction is a useful technique when other methods fail to detect it. Ovarian steroid cell tumors (SCT) encompass a rare subgroup of sex cord-stromal tumors and usually secrete androgen hormones. SCTs are clinically malignant in 25-43% of cases. A selective response of peripheral target tissues to testosterone levels, with clinical manifestations in some tissues and no expression in others, may reflect differences in the conformation of tumor-produced testosterone molecules.</p>","PeriodicalId":37467,"journal":{"name":"Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports","volume":"2024 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11053362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140852604","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}