AACE Clinical Case Reports最新文献

Background/objective: Genetic causes of hypertriglyceridemia like familial chylomicronemia syndrome can be overlooked in everyday practice. We report a patient with a rare genetic mutation, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for timely diagnosis and prevention of complications.

Case report: A 45-year-old Hispanic female presented with serum triglyceride levels of 749 mg/dL, refractory to rosuvastatin 10 mg daily and omega-3 ethyl esters 2 g daily. Initial studies showed total cholesterol of 278 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein of 38 mg/dL. Physical examination was negative for hepatosplenomegaly and xanthoma, with no reported history of acute pancreatitis. Despite treatment escalation with gemfibrozil, fenofibrate, and icosapent ethyl, her triglyceride levels remained elevated, peaking at 4300 mg/dL. Seven years after presentation, genetic testing revealed homozygosity for c.11delC of the apolipoprotein A5 gene, confirming the diagnosis of familial chylomicronemia syndrome. Postdiagnosis, the patient adhered to a strict low-fat diet with daily fat intake of less than 15-20 g, limited simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol, leading to a nadir of serum triglycerides of 197 mg/dL.

Discussion: The identified mutation is exceedingly rare (<0.01%), as most associated mutations involve the lipoprotein lipase gene. There are no approved therapies for genetic hypertriglyceridemia. The mainstay of treatment is a very low-fat diet to prevent complications.

Conclusion: We underscore the importance of genetic testing in refractory hypertriglyceridemia despite a lack of clinical signs. A definitive diagnosis can alleviate patient burden, improve therapeutic adherence, and enhance the patient-physician relationship.

Background/objective: Iodine deficiency hypothyroidism is an important cause of neurocognitive and motor impairment in children globally. In the United States, universal salt iodization, which began in the 1920s, led to a dramatic decline in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism. However, iodine deficiency may be reemerging due to increased consumption of noniodized salts, decreased dairy iodine concentrations, and decreased intake of iodine containing foods due to food allergies, dietary preferences such as vegan diets, or restrictive food intake disorders.

Case report: We present a case series that challenges the existing clinical paradigm for hypothyroidism and describe 3 patients without underlying thyroid dysfunction who were diagnosed with iodine deficiency hypothyroidism over an 18-month period beginning in February 2021 in Northeastern United States. Prior studies reported 2 additional cases diagnosed in that same time frame at our clinical center.

Discussion: We report significant heterogeneity in clinical presentation: 3 patients had large goiters, 1 had a mild goiter, and 1 patient had no goiter. Biochemical tests were also variable and included a wide range of thyroid stimulating hormone elevations.

Conclusion: We suggest that a spot urine iodine concentration, combined with an elevated serum thyroglobulin level, can be an alternative to a 24-hour urinary iodine excretion for the diagnosis of iodine deficiency hypothyroidism given the clinical challenges of obtaining the latter. Thyroid function normalized in all patients with iodine supplementation.

Background/objective: Pulmonary carcinoid tumors are a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome and usually present with an indolent course. Here, we present a case of rapid onset and severe Cushing's syndrome due to a typical pulmonary carcinoid tumor.

Case report: A 32-year-old woman developed diabetes, hypertension, and weight gain of 50 pounds over 3 months. Laboratory evaluation was significant for elevated cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and levels were nonsuppressible on low and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests. Chest computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule and biopsy showed a typical carcinoid tumor. She was treated with steroidogenesis inhibitors with a plan for surgical excision but developed worsening complications of hypercortisolemia. She eventually underwent cryoablation of the tumor, but unfortunately passed away just 6 months after her initial presentation.

Discussion: Cushing's syndrome in typical pulmonary carcinoid tumors is rarely seen and usually presents with mild hypercortisolism similar to Cushing's disease. Severe hypercortisolemia from typical pulmonary carcinoid tumors can represent a more aggressive pathology or metastatic disease. Severe Cushing's syndrome is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and requires rapid tumor localization as surgical resection can be curative.

Conclusion: This case highlights a rare presentation of severe Cushing's syndrome due to a typical pulmonary carcinoid.

Background/objective: 4H syndrome is a rare form of leukodystrophy characterized by hypomyelination, hypodontia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In 95% of cases, hypomyelination is present, but other clinical features, such as hypodontia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, are not always present and may not be necessary for diagnosis. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is the most common endocrine complication that can occur in 4H syndrome. Other endocrine abnormalities are short stature and growth hormone deficiency.

Case report: We present a 19-year-old female with 4H syndrome due to POLR3B gene mutations who presented with primary amenorrhea. She was referred to our endocrinology clinic by her primary care physician. She was diagnosed with 4H syndrome at age 15 by her pediatrician when she initially presented with primary amenorrhea, ataxia, and tremors and underwent karyotyping and confirmatory genetic tests. However, she received no endocrine care before coming to our clinic at 19. Neurologic exam revealed slight tremors in outstretched hands. A brain MRI study revealed no intracranial abnormalities. We subsequently placed her on Loestrin birth control, an estrogen/progestin combination contraceptive, and she begun having her menstrual periods.

Discussion: The prevalence of POLR3-related leukodystrophy is currently unknown. It can appear during childhood or later in life. Early onset increases the risk of mortality in young adulthood. Endocrine care entails hormone replacement therapy and monitoring for dysfunction over time.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in women, with or without other hormonal deficiencies caused by 4H syndrome, is crucial for effective treatment. Treatment should be multidisciplinary and aimed mainly at correcting low estrogen levels.

Background/objective: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is typically but not exclusively seen in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus.

Case report: This is a case of 39 year-old male who was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on characteristic symptoms and positive CT findings on presentation. Laboratory testing revealed elevated serum glucose 251 mg/dL, low serum bicarbonate 8 mmol/L, increased anion gap 21, and elevated serum beta-hydroxybutyrate 9.62 mmol/L. Diagnosis of DKA was made, however patient did not carry a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. His hemoglobin A1c in hospital was normal at 5.4%. Additionally, follow-up hemoglobin A1c at 4 months and 10 months postdischarge did not imply diabetes mellitus, 5.8% at both time points. The patient who was initially managed with intravenous insulin required no insulin or oral diabetic medication on discharge. All these findings argued against new onset diabetes mellitus.

Discussion: This case explores the potential pathophysiology that underlies this phenomenon including possible transient insulin insufficiency due to beta cell dysfunction from pancreatic inflammation. It also highlights the reversibility and transiency of possible beta cell dysfunction during acute pancreatitis and emphasizes the importance of closely assessing the patients' insulin requirements upon discharge, especially when a prior history of diabetes mellitus is absent.

Conclusion: DKA can occur as a rare complication of acute pancreatitis in a nondiabetic patient. Hyperglycemia associated with acute pancreatitis-induced DKA can be temporary and these patients might not necessarily require insulin upon discharge. Therefore, careful discharge planning is very important in such patients.