Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Case Reports最新文献

Summary: Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare disorder characterized by hypoglycemia and inappropriately elevated insulin levels. The genetics of congenital hyperinsulinism is complex, with the most common cause being pathogenic variants in the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. Depending on the parent of origin, patients may present with focal or diffuse hyperinsulinism. Typically, patients with focal hyperinsulinism are non-responsive to diazoxide and likely progress to surgical therapy. However, there can be exceptions to these rules. We evaluated two siblings with congenital hyperinsulinism. Genetic testing identified a paternally inherited variant in ABCC8. One sibling had significant neonatal hypoglycemia requiring diazoxide for several years before weaning off daily diazoxide, whereas the second sibling experienced transitional hypoglycemia in the neonatal period but only requires diazoxide therapy during periods of intercurrent illness. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing for congenital hyperinsulinism.

Learning points: The most common genetic cause of hyperinsulinism is gain-of-function variants in ABCC8 and KCNJ11, which make up the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP). First-degree relatives of affected individuals should be considered for genetic testing. Parent-of-origin testing should be done to determine if the patient is likely to have focal or diffuse hyperinsulinism. Diazoxide is helpful for many patients with diffuse hyperinsulinism, and some patients with focal hyperinsulinism.

Summary: Pycnodysostosis (PYCD) is an osteosclerotic skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the CTSK gene. We describe four cases, highlighting their clinical progression and therapeutic responses. Case 1 is a 2-year-old girl with non-consanguineous parents exhibiting short stature (Z-score: -3.23), slow growth (3 cm/year), wide fontanelles, small hands, and no fractures. She received cholecalciferol and calcium. Two CTSK variants (c.436G>C; p.Gly146Arg and c.721C>T; p.Arg241*) were identified. At age three, somatropin was initiated, leading to improved growth (8 cm/year) and a stature Z-score of -2.21, without fractures until age six. Case 2 is a 2-year-old boy, sibling of Case 1, presenting with similar findings (Z-score: -1.81). Carrying the same CTSK variants, he showed improved growth (3 cm/4 months) after growth hormone therapy. Case 3 is a 3-year-old boy with consanguineous parents having short stature (Z-score: -3.75), slow growth (2 cm/year), exophthalmos, bluish sclera, and multiple tibial fractures. A homozygous CTSK variant (c.953G>A; p.Cys318Tyr) was identified. Growth hormone at age six, alongside cholecalciferol and calcium, increased growth (7 cm/year) and improved stature (Z-score: -2.65). Case 4 is an 8-year-old girl with consanguineous parents having multiple fractures, exophthalmos, and severe growth impairment. Misdiagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, she received bisphosphonates, further compromising bone integrity. While genotype defines PYCD, early intervention can modulate its phenotype. Growth hormone, calcium, and cholecalciferol improved growth, whereas bisphosphonates negatively impacted bone quality.

Learning points: CTSK mutations define PYCD, but patients exhibit diverse skeletal features, necessitating individualized management. Despite normal IGF-1, growth hormone therapy enhances growth velocity and final height in selected PYCD cases. Bisphosphonates may worsen bone remodeling in PYCD, increasing fracture risk and impairing growth. The CTSK c.953G>A (p.Cys318Tyr) variant correlates with severe skeletal manifestations and variable treatment response.

Summary: We present the case of a 51-year-old man who was referred to our hospital due to abnormal thyroid function tests. Laboratory evaluations showed elevated serum free (F) T3 and free (F) T4 levels (9.05 pg/mL and 4.21 ng/dL, respectively), with a normal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 1.49 μIU/mL, indicating central hyperthyroidism. An 18 × 17 × 14 mm T1-weighted hypointense tumor was found on the left side of the pituitary gland, with low contrast enhancement during a cranial MRI. The TRH stimulation test revealed no TSH response. The administration of a single dose of octreotide reduced TSH levels. Following these findings, the patient was clinically diagnosed with a TSH-producing pituitary tumor (TSHoma). The patient was directed to our hospital's neurosurgery department for pituitary surgery and began preoperative treatment with lanreotide autogel (90 mg, subcutaneous injection). Four days after administration, FT3 and FT4 levels returned to normal. Seven days after administration, an MRI revealed a 50% reduction in tumor volume. Endoscopic pituitary surgery was performed 15 days after the initial administration and resulted in complete tumor resection. A histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a TSH-producing pituitary neuroendocrine tumor. Postoperatively, FT3 and FT4 levels stayed within the normal ranges. This case demonstrates how a single dose of lanreotide autogel not only normalized thyroid hormone levels but also resulted in rapid shrinkage of the pituitary tumor in TSHoma.

Learning points: Preoperative treatment with somatostatin analogs for TSH-producing pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) aims to control thyroid function, preventing thyroid storm during surgery, and to reduce tumor size. We report a case of a TSHoma treated preoperatively with a single subcutaneous injection of lanreotide autogel (LAN-ATG). In this patient, thyroid function normalized and significant tumor shrinkage was observed within 1 week of LAN-ATG administration. This case demonstrates that significant therapeutic effects can be achieved within days after a single injection of LAN-ATG. This approach could facilitate earlier surgical intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes and optimizing preoperative management strategies.

Summary: We report the case of a 41-year-old Japanese woman with visual field disturbances during late pregnancy. At 39 weeks of gestation, she was diagnosed with bitemporal hemianopsia at the ophthalmology department. An MRI revealed a symmetrical pituitary gland enlargement, compressing the optic chiasm. An emergency cesarean section was performed immediately, resulting in the delivery of a male infant weighing 3,112 grams. Laboratory tests indicated low serum free thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The patient was clinically diagnosed with lymphocytic hypophysitis (LHy). Due to her visual field impairment, she was administered 60 mg of prednisolone daily. After 2 days, her visual field impairment improved rapidly, leading to a gradual tapering of the dose. Six months after treatment initiation, an MRI showed shrinkage of the pituitary gland. Her prednisolone dose was reduced to 5 mg daily, and she was switched to hydrocortisone at 15 mg daily. Twelve months after starting treatment, the patient developed thyrotoxicosis. Testing revealed a positive TSH receptor antibody, resulting in a diagnosis of Graves' disease (GD). Treatment with thiamazole (15 mg daily) and potassium iodide (76 mg daily) was initiated, and her thyroid function normalized after 2 months. LHy is believed to have an autoimmune mechanism and is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases; however, the development of GD is rare. Development of Graves' disease should be considered in patients with LHy, particularly during the postpartum period and the glucocorticoid treatment process.

Learning points: Females with lymphocytic hypophysitis often experience local symptoms, such as visual field disorders, when pregnant. This condition is frequently associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly autoimmune thyroid disorders. However, reports explicitly linking it to Graves' disease have been limited. The postpartum period is considered a trigger of the onset of Graves' disease. In addition, the high-dose glucocorticoid treatment and its tapering may affect it.

Summary: A 56-year-old male presented to hospital with vomiting and was admitted for management of suspected aspiration pneumonia. His medical history was significant for a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and intellectual disability and he had suffered regular generalised tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) since birth, despite multimodal anticonvulsant treatment. During his admission, his capillary blood glucose was noted to be 1.6 mmol/L during a seizure. Subsequent investigations confirmed hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia secondary to diffuse pancreatic nesidioblastosis. His seizure disorder completely resolved when management of nesidioblastosis achieved consistent normoglycaemia.

Learning points: All patients who suffer seizure should have a blood glucose measured. Unrecognised hypoglycaemia in a neonate or infant confers a high risk of subsequent neurological damage. Persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (PHH) in adults is highly likely to be caused by insulinoma, but diffuse pancreatic hyperinsulinism, particularly after bariatric surgery, should also be considered. Medical therapy of endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia is complex, requiring intensive monitoring.

Summary: A 39 year old female with signs of hyperandrogenism, was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia after a cortrosyn test. Abdominal tomography showed a nodular image in the right adrenal gland, measuring 1.9 × 3.1 cm, 26 UH. Screening for Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma was negative. Due to the maternal family history of MEN2A, RET gene testing was performed (positive), and screening for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with calcitonin was <2 pg/mL. As the patient's father passed away due to complications of peptic ulcers and hailed from a region with high rates of MEN1, PTH and calcium levels were checked, confirming the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Genetic investigation for MEN1 was positive, and an MRI of the pituitary gland revealed a non-producing macroadenoma. Management of pHPT and total prophylactic thyroidectomy were recommended, with an expectant approach regarding the adrenal lesion. Histopathological examination of the thyroid revealed papillary microcarcinoma in the right lobe and parafollicular cell hyperplasia in two foci, with immunohistochemistry consistent with MTC.

Learning points: There may be the coexistence of three rare and complex genetic syndromes in a single patient. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes describe a group of heterogeneous diseases. Hyperparathyroidism is common among multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.

Summary: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a metabolic disorder affecting approximately 5-15% of newborns and is a risk factor for adverse neurological outcomes. The most common cause of hypoglycemia is hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH), which presents itself in two forms: transient and permanent. Permanent HH is associated with genetic factors, including monogenic forms such as ABCC8 gene mutation. In HH, proper glycemic monitoring is crucial for revealing all hypoglycemic events; therefore, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may benefit these patients. We report a case of a newborn with persistent severe hypoglycemia that was unresponsive to intravenous glucose administration. Due to frequent severe hypoglycemic events, we implemented CGM, decreasing the number of invasive procedures for assessing glucose concentration. Genetic testing revealed the presence of a heterozygous splicing variant in ABCC8. The patient qualified for positron emission tomography, and a diffuse form of HH was diagnosed. Consequently, the patient qualified for a full pancreatectomy. Neonatal hypoglycemia presents diagnostic challenges, as proper differential diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. In cases of persistent HH, genetic testing should always be offered to exclude conditions requiring prompt treatment and to achieve a good long-term outcome. As some hypoglycemic events might be asymptomatic, CGM might be a better option for patients with HH, as it allows for the analysis of all glycemic fluctuations and, therefore, reduces the need for invasive procedures.

Learning points: Persistent hypoglycemia in neonates requires differential diagnosis. In severe cases of HH not responding to diazoxide, positron emission tomography using 18F-fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA PET) is the test of choice to make diffuse/local HH differential diagnoses. Continuous glucose monitoring allows for quicker reaction during hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, reducing possible complications that can affect the neonatal brain. Nowadays, there are many available resources that limit causing pain in neonates. There are reports of using CGM in neonates, but it is not registered.

Summary: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), typically linked to type 1 diabetes or acute illness in type 2 diabetes, can rarely be triggered by pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA). Though 80% of PA patients have glucose intolerance, DKA is exceptionally uncommon, with fewer than 20 documented cases. A 52-year-old woman with new-onset type 2 diabetes presented with altered mental status, abdominal pain, and 23 kg weight loss over 2 months. Labs confirmed DKA (glucose: 439 mg/dL, pH 7.1, ketonuria). Elevated tumor markers (CA19-9: >10,000 U/mL, CEA: 365 ng/mL) and imaging revealed a 4 cm pancreatic mass with metastases, biopsy-proven as PA. This case underscores PA as a rare but critical DKA precipitant in new-onset diabetes. Unexplained hyperglycemia, rapid weight loss, and markedly elevated tumor markers should prompt malignancy screening. Early multidisciplinary intervention may improve outcomes in this aggressive cancer. Clinicians must maintain high suspicion for occult PA in atypical DKA presentations.

Learning points: Unexplained weight loss alongside newly-identified type 2 DM warrants thorough evaluation for occult malignancy. Elevated CA19-9 and CEA in the context of new-onset diabetes should raise suspicion for pancreatic malignancy. DKA may rarely serve as the initial manifestation of pancreatic cancer in newly-identified type 2 DM cases, necessitating a high index of clinical suspicion.

Summary: Lower extremity amputation secondary to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is associated with a 50% mortality rate within 5 years. The aim of this case series is to understand the risk factors and management of DFU leading to above-knee or below-knee amputation at an urban medical center. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical history, foot examination findings, noninvasive vascular studies, angiographic imaging, and radiology results from hospital stays during which patients underwent amputation. A total of 35 patients with DFU who underwent amputation between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated. Of these, 16 ambulatory patients had complete medical data and were included in the analysis. Risk factors for amputation, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings (e.g. vascular studies or imaging), and amputation approaches were analyzed. Our study found significant variability in the medical history, presentation, and management of patients with DFU who underwent lower extremity amputations, including differences in vascular abnormalities and the timing of care. Poor glucose control (median HbA1c of 10.3%) and delayed presentation likely contributed to tissue loss and amputation. Understanding the individual medical presentations and management of patients undergoing leg amputation secondary to DFU may inform the development of more effective strategies to prevent this complication in patients with diabetes.

Learning points: There is significant variability in the presentation and progression of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Diagnostic evaluation of DFU varies between patients; a more standardized evaluation to inform best practices could be useful. Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a role in the increased risk of amputations among DFU patients, including delay in care and access to limb salvage programs. Multidisciplinary care, including early detection of DFU, patient education, and routine screenings, is essential for improving outcomes and reducing the risk of amputations in high-risk DFU patients.

Summary: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective injectable contraceptive, but is associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk in some studies because it inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Herein, we present the diagnostic challenging case of a premenopausal woman with an unusual hip fracture and prolonged use of intramuscular DMPA injection. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a rare heterozygous variant of the ALPL gene, which could cause adult-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP). However, it was classified as a variant of unknown significance. Our case highlights the fracture risk from long-term use of DMPA, which is widely used as progestogen-only contraceptive method in low- and middle-income countries. Clinicians should inform women on the potential adverse effect of prolonged use of DMPA for contraception on bone health and advise them to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.

Learning points: Evidence shows that intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) negatively affects BMD by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. However, the risk of bone fragility fracture from DMPA remains uncertain because of paucity of data on fracture incidence. Herein, we present a case of a premenopausal woman with an unusual hip fracture and a history of prolonged use of intramuscular DMPA contraception. Our case also highlights that the patient's clinical presentation is essential for interpreting genetic sequencing results.