ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Context. Immunoassays are vulnerable to occasional analytical errors despite their sensitivity and specificity. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is among hormones which are vulnerable to assay interference. Objective. In this case report, we aimed to present a case of ACTH interference in a patient with subclinical hypercortisolism. Case report. We present a case of subclinical hypercortisolism with unexpectedly elevated levels of ACTH in whom interference was shown by different biochemical methods. It is important for the clinician to keep in mind the possibility of interference when clinical and laboratory results are discordant. The communication between the clinician and laboratory staff is important while interpreting results. This case report shows that ACTH interference should be considered in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism who have unexpectedly high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Background. An adrenal collision tumor is a rare entity. We present a rare combination of giant adrenal ganglioneuroma (GN) and myelolipoma. GN is a rare benign tumor of the adrenal medulla that originates from primitive neural crest cells, while myelolipoma is a benign tumor of the adrenal cortex comprising of mature adipose tissue and blood components. Case Report. We present a case of a 52-year-old male who presented with generalized body swelling with episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. There was no history of abdominal pain or any significant history. Routine laboratory investigations and endocrine workup were within normal limits. MRI was performed for unexplained symptoms, and which revealed a solid homogeneous mass measuring 9x7x4.5cm arising from the adrenal gland. A diagnosis of myxoid adrenocortical neoplasm was suggested, and laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed based on imaging findings. The final diagnosis of coexisting giant adrenal GN with myelolipoma was made on histopathological examination, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Conclusion. Ganglioneuroma coexistence with myelolipoma is a rare finding in the adrenal gland. Therefore, histopathology is imperative in such cases for a definitive diagnosis.

Zygomycosis is a frequently fatal infection in the immunocompromised and diabetic host. A 12 year old girl with type 1 diabetes presented in diabetic ketoacidosis and consolidation of right lung along with thymic abscess causing persistent respiratory symptoms. A diagnosis of\r\nmucormycosis was made on smear examination of the thymic aspirate. Intravenous amphotericin along with surgical excision of the abscess resulted in clinical cure. Thymic involvement as seen in this case is an extremely rare occurrence in a diabetic patient which has not been\r\nreported in literature so far .

Context. Propylthiouracil (PTU) could cause lupus or vasculitis-like hypersensitivities thus interfering with some other concomitant diseases. Objective. Clinicians must be aware of the side effects of medications, particularly after their introduction and long-term use. Some clinical manifestations may be similar to well-known drug side effects or hypersensitivity. Every unusual clinical scenario related to drug use must be evaluated individually and thoroughly. Subjects and Methods. Hands and feet skin changes were observed several days after PTU administration in a male patient with severe diffuse toxic goitre. A complete blood count, biochemistry analyses, thyroid function tests and antibodies, and immunology analyses were performed. Results. As the skin changes were distributed regionally, liver function tests were normal, and there were no signs of clinical deterioration, it was decided to continue PTU treatment and monitor the patient. The initial maculopapular rash quickly turned vesicular, then scaly. After two weeks, the skin changes were wholly restored, with no scarring. Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD) was diagnosed after a thorough epidemiological survey and clinical workout. Conclusions. Our case study demonstrates that skin changes associated with HFMD may resemble those associated with PTU-induced vasculitis.

A 5 year 2 months old boy was admitted in our hospital for failure to thrive, muscle weakness, bowing of legs, walking difficulties. At the age of 14 months he had been investigated for failure to thrive. Clinical, biochemical and radiologic signs were suggestive for rickets. Positive celiac serology and histology of the small bowel were consistent with the diagnosis of celiac disease (CD). Treatment included parenteral vitamin D and gluten free diet. The parents did not accept the diet, but the child received a daily vitamin D supplementation of 1000 IU. At the age of 4 years celiac serology was positive and the second duodenal biopsy was normal. \r\nPhysical examination, biochemical data, and rachitic changes on x-ray were compatible with the diagnosis of rickets. Clinically severe rickets, hypocalcemia, elevated level of PTH demonstrating secondary hyperparathyroidism, and low level of calcitriol determined the diagnosis of vitamin D-dependent rickets type I (VDDR I). Although being on a normal diet, tissue antitransglutaminase antibodies were negative, but HLA genotyping showed DQ2 positive. \r\nThe patient associated the diagnosis of VDDR I and latent CD. The VDDR I was masked by CD, rickets being attributed to malabsorption.

Background. Virilizing syndrome in a postmenopausal woman is a concerning matter, raising the suspicion of androgen-secreting tumour. Case report. A 65 years old woman presented with severe virilization features evolving rapidly over 4 years, accompanied by: severe polyglobulia, severe hypertension, dyslipidemia and uterine fibromatosis compressing both ureters, producing first degree hydroureteronephrosis. The hormonal dosages showed very high levels of both testosterone (15.5 ng/mL) and estradiol (299 pg/mL), meanwhile DHEAS level was normal, indicating an ovarian pathological secretion. The endovaginal ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed an enlarged right ovary of 5.5/2.8 cm. A total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of right ovarian hilum Leydig cell tumour. After surgery, the testosterone and estradiol levels normalized (concordant to the age and menopausal status), the virilizing syndrome progressively improved and polyglobulia, hypertension and dyslipidemia remitted showing their secondary etiology. Conclusion. We present a very rare case of secreting ovarian Leydig cell tumour in a postmenopausal woman, showing besides the virilizing syndrome, four unusual features: severe polyglobulia, due to androgen excess, severe hypertension and dyslipidemia, all remitted after tumour removal, and severe compressive uterine fibromatosis that was the consequence of the estrogen excess.

5% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and it is an exceedingly rare endocrine malignancy first described in 1933. Most experts recommend en bloc excision at initial surgery as the only chance for its cure. Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not been demonstrated to be beneficial in parathyroid carcinoma. Some patients have multiple recurrences or metastases. Therefore, new therapies are urgently needed. Inhibition of the interaction between Programmed Death Receptor 1 (PD-1) and Programmed Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PD-L1) enhances T-cell responses in vitro and mediates clinical antitumour activity. Aim. We analysed the expression of PD-L1 in parathyroid cancer to evaluate its potential as target for immunotherapeutic strategy. Subjects and methods. A cohort of 18 patients were diagnosed with primary or metastatic parathyroid cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens using a rabbit monoclonal antibody. A 5% cut-off value was applied for PD-L1 positivity. Results. The anti PD-L1 antibody showed a predominantly membranous staining pattern in parathyroid cancer cells. Programmed Death Receptor Ligand-1 expression was found in 22.2% of all parathyroid carcinoma cases. There was no correlation between the expression of PD-L1 with lymph node metastasis, gender and age (P> 0.05). Conclusion. This expression of PD-L1 in human parathyroid cancer suggests that patients with parathyroid cancer could profit from immunotherapeutic strategies using anti-PDL1 antibodies.

Background. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves various changes within folliculogenesis. Aside from its systemic action, metformin seems to exert a local direct effect independent of insulinemia. The IGF system appears to be an important local target for metformin although the evidence we possess is circumstantial. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of metformin on insulin growth factor (IGF) system proteins and steroids production in PCOS patients and to analyze potential involvement in oocyte quality. Material and methods. This prospective study was performed on 86 in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients who were categorized into three groups as follows: Group 1 formed of PCOS patients who received metformin (n=27); Group 2 with PCOS patients who did not receive metformin (n=29) and Group 3 with controls (n=30). Interventions. Interventions included controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF and metformin (at least 16 weeks prior to the time of ovarian puncture). Main Outcome Measures.Follicular fluid analysis was performed using radioimmunoassay with specific kits (estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, IGF I, IGF II, IGF binding protein 1 - IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, IGFBP4). Results. Important differences were measured for the three types of steroids among the three studied groups (PCOS treated, PCOS not treated, controls) estradiol (538 vs. 466 vs. 688 ng/mL p < 0.0001), testosterone (6.7 vs. 7.6 vs. 5.1 ng/mL p<0.01), progesterone (8899 vs. 7878 vs. 9755 pg/mL p<0.0001) while for IGF system proteins important differences were noted only regarding IGFBP1 (114 vs. 107 vs. 121 p<0.002) IGFBP2 (263 vs. 268 vs. 252 ng/mL p<0.04), and IGFBP4 (128 vs. 138 vs. 118 p<0001). Correlations were also established between fertilization rate and estradiol (R: 0.53 p<0.5), testosterone (R: -0.39 p<0.05), IGFBP1 (R: 0.48 p< 0.05), IGFBP4 (R: 0.39, p<0.05). Conclusions. Patients with PCOS and hyperinsulinemia have the greatest benefit from metformin treatment. However, metformin action surpasses correction of systemic differences having a direct action at the level of follicular structures. Alteration of IGF system proteins does not concern only hyperinsulinic patients and can be partially amended by metformin administration.