Life-Threatening Hyponatremia Following a Low-Iodine Diet: A Case Report and Review of all Reported Cases

ObjectiveTo report a case of life-threatening hyponatremia as a complication of a 4-week long low-iodine diet and highlight the risk factors for this complication by reviewing all previously reported cases.MethodsThe clinical and biochemical data from the study patient are presented and the pertinent literature is reviewed. A risk analysis for this complication is highlighted.ResultsA 66-year-old Vietnamese woman had a total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. A whole body radioiodine scan demonstrated 2 foci of activity in the anterior neck. The patient received recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) and was admitted for radioiodine therapy. She had strictly adhered to a low-iodine diet for 4 weeks in preparation for ablation. The patient was on a thiazide diuretic for her hypertension, which was discontinued on admission. On admission, the patient started feeling light-headed, dizzy, and nauseated. Blood tests revealed a critical serum sodium concentration of 107 mEq/L. Further investigations confirmed hypotonic hyponatremia, which had developed despite being euthyroid after receiving rhTSH. The patient was managed accordingly and made a full recovery.ConclusionsThis case, in addition to the reviewed cases, emphasizes the importance of preventing and managing this rare but relatively dangerous complication. Based on an analysis of the reviewed cases, the risk factors for developing this complication are a prolonged low-iodine diet, the elimination of salt from the diet, and the use of thiazide diuretics. All patients in the reported cases were older than 65 years of age. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:e113-e117)     

Risk Factors for Developing Hyponatremia in Thyroid Cancer Patients Undergoing Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Background

Due to the alarming increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer worldwide, more patients are receiving postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and these patients are given a low-iodine diet along with levothyroxine withdrawal to induce a hypothyroid state to maximize the uptake of RAI by thyroid tissues. Recently, the reported cases of patients suffering from life-threatening severe hyponatremia following postoperative RAI therapy have increased. This study aimed to systematically assess risk factors for developing hyponatremia following RAI therapy in post-thyroidectomy patients.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of all thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroidectomy and postoperative RAI therapy from July 2009 to February 2012. Demographic and biochemical parameters including serum sodium and thyroid function tests were assessed along with medication history.

Results

A total of 2229 patients (47.0±11.0 years, female 76.3%) were enrolled in the analysis. Three hundred seven patients (13.8%) of all patients developed hyponatremia; 44 patients (2.0%) developed moderate to severe hyponatremia (serum Na⁺≤130 mEq/L) and another 263 (11.8%) patients showed mild hyponatremia (130 mEq/L<serum Na⁺≤135 mEq/L). In univariate analysis, old age, female sex, presence of hypertension, presence of diabetes, use of thiazide diuretics, use of angiotensin receptor blocker or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, lung metastasis, and hyponatremia and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at the start of RAI therapy were significantly associated with hyponatremia in patients undergoing RAI therapy after total thyroidectomy. Multivariate analysis showed that old age, female sex, use of thiazide diuretics, and hyponatremia at the initiation of RAI therapy were independent risk factors for the development of hyponatremia.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that age greater than 60 years, female sex, use of thiazide, and hyponatremia at the initiation of RAI therapy are important risk factors for developing hyponatremia following RAI therapy in post-thyroidectomy patients.     

Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid with Fibromatosislike Stroma: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo describe a case of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with fibromatosislike stroma, emphasize the need for a diligent search for papillary thyroid cancer in the presence of a fibroproliferative lesion, highlight the peculiar hormonal response of the stromal component, and review the pertinent literature.MethodsWe present the clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic findings in a patient with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid with fibromatosislike stroma and review the related published material.ResultsA 29-year-old woman presented to our surgical department because of a large mediastinal mass. She underwent surgical removal of the mass by means of a median sternotomy and neck extension. Pathology examination revealed macroscopically tan scarlike tissue, which by histologic study consisted of a dominant fibroproliferative lesion overshadowing a minor component of papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Further neck exploration with total thyroidectomy revealed multifocal papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Postoperatively, the patient received radioiodine treatment. A local and aggressive recurrent tumor was observed during a subsequent pregnancy; the lesion was not amenable to complete resection but fascinatingly responded to antiestrogen therapy (orally administered tamoxifen).ConclusionThe presence of a fibroproliferative lesion could be misleading. A diligent search should be made for a papillary thyroid carcinoma component within fibromatosislike stroma. The mode of manifestation of the tumor and its response to hormonal manipulation are distinctive features of this case. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:650-655)     

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Associated with Coproporphyria: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo remind physicians to consider the hepatic porphyrias in the differential diagnosis of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.MethodsWe present a case report of a patient seen in the hospital for severe hyponatremia, who was discovered to have the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion attributable to coproporphyria. Results of laboratory tests of the patient and her family are presented.ResultsA 54-year-old woman was seen in the hospital because of severe hyponatremia accompanied by generalized seizures. Her serum sodium concentration was 112 mEq/L, with concomitant serum and urine osmolalities of 235 and 639 mOsm/kg, respectively. Renal, thyroid, and adrenal functions were normal. Brain, chest, abdominal, and pelvic imaging studies were negative for occult malignant disease. Urinary excretions of porphobilinogen and aminolevulinic acid were substantially elevated. Results of follow-up urine, plasma, and fecal porphyrin studies were consistent with coproporphyria. Results of porphyrin metabolic studies of the patient’s family showed normal findings in her parents and a minimally increased fecal coproporphyrin concentration and urinary uroporphyrin excretion in her sister.ConclusionAn endocrinology consultation is often requested for patients with hyponatremia. It is important to consider the acute hepatic porphyrias in the differential diagnosis, even though these are rare disorders and the family history may not always be helpful because of the high frequency of asymptomatic carriers. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:164-168)     

Long-Term Follow-Up of a Patient With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma,Elevated Thyroglobulin Levels,and Negative Imaging Studies

ObjectiveTo describe a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who had measurable thyroglobulin (Tg) levels for 20 years without clinical or imaging evidence of a malignant lesion.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical course, pathologic findings, Tg measurements, and results of various imaging studies in our patient and reviewed the literature regarding Tg-positive, diagnostic total-body radioiodine scan-negative patients with thyroid cancer.ResultsFour months after a 3.5- by 3.5-cm follicular thyroid cancer was removed from the anterior neck area of a 5-year-old girl, a bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. At age 12 years, she presented with a 2-cm mass on the right side of the neck. After a completion thyroidectomy, recurrent mixed papillary-follicular thyroid cancer was found scattered throughout the remaining thyroid parenchyma. Although a postoperative diagnostic total-body radioiodine scan did not reveal uptake of ¹³¹I, the Tg level was 58 ng/mL. Despite Tg levels as high as 2,528 ng/mL, the patient had no clinical evidence of thyroid cancer during a 20-year period of follow-up. Moreover, numerous imaging studies, including total-body scanning after the administration of 150 mCi of ¹³¹I and [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, were negative. Review of pathologic specimens from both operations with use of updated diagnostic criteria indicated that the tumor was a papillary thyroid carcinoma.ConclusionOur observations and the observations of other investigators indicate that some thyroid cancers produce Tg so efficiently that high levels of Tg may be associated with tumors that remain too small to be detected by imaging studies. The Tg levels may remain stable, decline, or even disappear over time without treatment. (Endocr Pract. 2005;11:43-48)     

Evaluation Of Various Doses Of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin In Patients With Multinodular Goiters

ObjectiveTo assess the safety, adverse effects, and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) using a range of doses in patients with multinodular goiters.MethodsIn this open-label study conducted between June 2002 and December 2004, euthyroid patients with small nontoxic multinodular goiters and normal thyrotropin concentrations were recruited from 4 sites in the United States. Baseline assessments included thyroid function tests, electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring, hyperthyroid symptom scale, flow-volume loop, and measurement of thyroglobulin and thyroperoxidase antibodies. Patients had a baseline 24-hour scan and thyroid iodine I 123 (¹²³I) uptake evaluated at 6, 24, and 48 hours after rhTSH administration. Each patient received a single intramuscular injection of 0.03-mg, 0.1-mg, or 0.3-mg rhTSH followed 24 hours later by 400 μCi ¹²³I orally. Iodine 123 uptakes were again measured 6, 24, and 48 hours later, and a scintigram scan was performed at 24 hours. Thyroid function tests, flow-volume loop, Holter monitoring and/or electrocardiograms, and thyroid ultrasonography to assess thyroid size were performed serially.ResultsTwenty-eight patients participated. Median goiter size was 20 mL (range, 7-79 mL). After each rhTSH dose, the radioiodine uptake approximately doubled at each time point compared with baseline uptake. Small rises in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine were seen in some patients, especially after 0.3-mg rhTSH, and mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism developed in several patients. Flow-volume loop showed transient, mild asymptomatic worsening in 1 patient with a 35.2 mL goiter, although thyroid volume measurements were unchanged. Minor electrocardiogram and/or Holter changes were seen in several patients.ConclusionsA flat dose-response curve exists over the range of rhTSH doses tested, with an approximate doubling of thyroid RAIU. All patients tolerated rhTSH well, but the rise in thyroid hormone levels and adverse effects after rhTSH doses of 0.1 mg or higher theoretically might not be well tolerated in older or sicker patients and appear unjustified given the lack of a greater rise in RAIU compared with the 0.03-mg dose. Future studies evaluating rhTSH doses less than 0.1 mg in patients with multinodular goiter are justified. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:832-839)     

Familial Paragangliomas: Case Report and Literature Review

ObjectiveTo report a case of a woman with poorly controlled hypertension who was found to have multiple paragangliomas and mutation in the B subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (mitochondrial complex II).MethodsThe pathogenesis of familial paragangliomas and case management are discussed, and the relevant literature is reviewed.ResultsIn a 68-year-old woman with a long-term history of hypertension, bilateral carotid body paragangliomas had been resected at 24 and 57 years of age. Current laboratory studies showed an elevated plasma normetanephrine level. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed 3 paragangliomas—1 in the middle mediastinum and 2 intra-abdominally. Surgical excision involved a 2-stage procedure with the patient under the same general anesthesia: (1) a median sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass and (2) a midline celiotomy for removal of the retroperitoneal paragangliomas. All 3 tumors were focally adherent to adjacent structures (the left atrium, the uncinate process of the pancreas, and the left renal vessels). All tumors were completely excised without complication, and frozen section analysis confirmed that they were paragangliomas. Genetic testing disclosed a germline mutation in SDHB.ConclusionFamilial paraganglioma is a rare autosomal dominant, tumorigenic disorder affecting sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:603-606)     

Active Crohn Disease and Hypercalcemia Treated With Infliximab: Case Report and Literature Review

ObjectiveTo report a case of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D–mediated hypercalcemia caused by active Crohn disease that improved with infliximab therapy.MethodsWe present the clinical and laboratory findings and describe the clinical course of a patient who had hypercalcemia during Crohn disease exacerbations. The literature is reviewed regarding 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production in Crohn disease, and the 3 cases of hypercalcemia in individuals with Crohn disease reported in the literature are described.ResultsA 50-year-old man with long-standing Crohn disease treated with multiple bowel resections presented for take-down ileostomy. He was hypercalcemic and had suppressed parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone–related peptide levels. Histopathology of the resected ileostomy site and adjacent small bowel indicated active Crohn disease. Hypercalcemia promptly resolved after a few days of treatment with intravenous glucocorticoids. One month later, hypercalcemia recurred in the presence of an inappropriately high 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level and increased urinary calcium and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels. The serum and urinary calcium levels became normal with infliximab therapy. Three previous reports of hypercalcemia caused by active Crohn disease describe effective treatment with glucocorticoids. This is the first report of successful response to infliximab in this setting.ConclusionHypercalcemia mediated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in the setting of Crohn disease may respond to glucocorticoid-sparing immunomodulators. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:87-92)     

Optimum Recombinant Human Thyrotropin Dose in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma and End-Stage Renal Disease

ObjectiveTo evaluate serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations after conventional (0.9 mg) or half-dose (0.45 mg) administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) injections intramuscularly in patients with end-stage renal disease and differentiated thyroid cancer.MethodsIn this case series, we administered 2 doses of 0.9-mg rhTSH or 2 doses of 0.45-mg rhTSH to 3 patients with renal failure and differentiated thyroid cancer who were receiving hemodialysis. Basal serum TSH concentrations were assessed while the patients were taking thyroid hormone therapy. Serum TSH was measured on days 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 14, and 17 of the study. Thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibodies were also measured on days 5 and 7. Patients were asked to report any adverse effects.ResultsPatient 1, who received 2 injections of 0.9- mg rhTSH administered on days 1 and 3, had persistently elevated serum TSH levels for approximately 11 days. Peak serum TSH measured on day 5 was 644 mIU/L. Self-limited diarrhea was the only reported adverse effect. Patients 2 and 3 received 0.45 mg of rhTSH on 2 consecutive days (days 1 and 2), and both exhibited persistently elevated serum TSH levels for 12 days. The peak serum TSH values on day 3 were 402 mIU/L in Patient 2 and 386 mIU/L in Patient 3. No adverse events were observed in these 2 patients. Patient 2 received thyrotropin alfa for injection to confirm disease status. Patient 3 also received a radioiodine dose because of presumed persistent disease.ConclusionHigh serum TSH levels achieved after conventional and half-dose administration of rhTSH suggest that a dose adjustment might be considered in patients with end-stage renal disease. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14: 961-966)     

Late Manifestation of Tracheal Rupture After Thyroidectomy: Case Report and Literature Review

ObjectiveTo report an extremely rare case of delayed tracheal rupture after thyroidectomy and to review the existing related literature.MethodsWe present the history, clinical findings, radiographic evaluation, management, and intraoperative findings in a patient who presented with subcutaneous emphysema 9 days after total thyroidectomy. In addition, we review the literature and discuss the diagnostic challenges as well as management options.ResultsA 17-year-old female patient underwent a total thyroidectomy for Graves disease. On postoperative day 9, the patient presented with face and neck swelling attributable to subcutaneous emphysema. After conservative management failed, the patient underwent surgical exploration of the neck, which revealed a 2.5-cm linear vertical tear in the anterior aspect of the trachea, with no evidence of necrosis. The tear had viable edges and was primarily repaired with use of muscle flap reinforcement. The patient recovered with no other complications.ConclusionDelayed tracheal rupture should be suspected in all patients who present with subcutaneous emphysema after a thyroid surgical procedure. Review of the pertinent literature suggests that conservative management is suitable in patients with a stable condition. Surgical repair is indicated in those patients who fail to demonstrate clinical improvement. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e73-e76)     

Parathyroidectomy-Induced Thyroiditis

ObjectiveTo highlight the possibility of development of thyroiditis after parathyroidectomy.MethodsClinical and laboratory findings in 2 cases are presented, and the relevant literature is reviewed.ResultsIn 2 women (84 years old and 55 years old) with no history of thyroid disease in one of them and a remote history of excision of a follicular adenoma in the other, thyrotoxicosis developed a few days to a week after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. The first patient underwent bilateral cervical exploration with removal of a right inferior parathyroid adenoma, whereas the second patient had excision of 3¹/₂ parathyroid glands for 4-gland hyperplasia and 2 benign nodules from the left thyroid lobe. Both surgical procedures were uncomplicated. Neither patient had received any iodinated contrast agents or medications such as lithium or amiodarone before presentation. Laboratory results showed elevated levels of free thyroxine, suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, very low radioiodine uptake (in the second patient), and an elevated thyroglobulin level (in the first patient). Both patients were treated symptomatically with β-adrenergic antagonists. Thyroid function normalized and symptoms diminished after 1 to 2 months.ConclusionParathyroidectomy-induced thyroiditis is underrecognized. The majority of patients are asymptomatic, although clinically significant thyrotoxicosis can also occur. Candidates for parathyroidectomy should be informed of this potential complication, and thyroid function should be assessed if clinically indicated. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:656-659)     

Metastatic Struma Ovarii Treated With Total Thyroidectomy and Radioiodine Ablation

ObjectiveTo present a rare case of metastatic struma ovarii, review the related literature, and discuss the management.MethodsA case report of a patient with metastatic struma ovarii is presented. The treatment plan, postoperative care, and follow-up are discussed. We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature seeking additional cases of metastatic struma ovarii. In addition to the current case, the previous 40 cases of metastatic struma ovarii were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe mean age of the patients at presentation was 43 years. All patients underwent resection of the primary tumor. The most common sites of involvement for struma ovarii metastatic disease have been the peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. After primary tumor resection, a wide range of additional treatments have been used, including chemotherapy, resection of metastatic disease, external beam radiation therapy, and radioiodine ablation.ConclusionIn cases of metastatic struma ovarii, we recommend total thyroidectomy in conjunction with radioiodine scanning and radioiodine ablation. Thyroglobulin levels should be followed as a tumor marker, and diagnostic radioiodine scans should be performed to screen for residual or recurrent disease. Although this treatment strategy is well established for thyroid cancer, long-term outcomes of this treatment for struma ovarii are still unknown. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:167-173)     

Plasma Cell Granuloma of The Thyroid: Report of Case and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo report the 12th case of a patient with a plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid, a rare cause of goiter and hypothyroidism.MethodsWe present a case report of a woman with a plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid. The clinical and pathologic features of the lesion are described, the differential diagnosis is discussed, and the relevant literature is reviewed.ResultsPlasma cell granulomas are uncommon benign lesions most typically located in the lung and only rarely identified in other organs. Only 11 cases of plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid gland have been reported previously. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with a long history of hypothyroidism and compressive symptoms from an enlarging neck mass. A thyroidectomy was performed. On gross examination, the thyroid had been replaced by firm, white, fibrotic tissue with a multinodular appearance. On microscopy, the infiltrate consisted predominantly of plasma cells that were polyclonal with the expression of both kappa and lambda light chains. A minor component of CD5- and CD20-positive (T and B) lymphocytes was observed. These features were important for establishing the diagnosis of a plasma cell granuloma and distinguishing the lesion from a plasmacytoma.ConclusionThis is the 12th reported case of plasma cell granuloma of the thyroid gland, a very rare cause of either a diffuse or a nodular goiter and hypothyroidism. The presence of a polyclonal plasma cell population with the expression of both kappa and lambda light chains helps to distinguish a plasma cell granuloma from a malignant plasmacytoma of the thyroid gland. (Endocr Pract. 2008; 14:611-617)     

Potential Use of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin in the Treatment of Distant Metastases in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

ObjectiveIn order to effectively treat differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with radioiodine (RAI) it is necessary to raise serum TSH levels either endogenously by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or exogenously by administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH). The goal of this review is to present current data on the relative efficacy and side effects profile of rhTSH-aided versus THW-aided RAI therapy for the treatment of patients with distant metastases of DTC.MethodsWe have searched the PubMed database for articles including the keywords "rhTSH", "thyroid cancer", and "distant metastases" published between January 1, 1996 and January 7, 2012. As references, we used clinical case series, case reports, review articles, and practical guidelines.ResultsExogenous stimulation of TSH is associated with better quality of life because it obviates signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism resulting from endogenous TSH stimulation. The rate of neurological complications after rhTSH and THW-aided RAI therapy for brain and spine metastases is similar. The rate of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, xerostomia, and pulmonary fibrosis is similar after preparation for RAI treatment with rhTSH and THW. There is currently a controversy regarding RAI uptake in metastatic lesions after preparation with rhTSH versus THW, with some studies suggesting equal and some superior uptake after preparation with THW. Analysis of available retrospective studies comparing survival rates, progression free survival, and biochemical and structural response to a dosimetrically-determined dose of RAI shows similar efficacy after preparation for therapy with rhTSH and THW.ConclusionThe rhTSH stimulation is not presently approved by the FDA as a method of preparation for adjunctive therapy with RAI in patients with metastatic DTC. Data on rhTSH compassionate use suggest that rhTSH stimulation is as equally effective as THW as a method of preparation for dosimetry-based RAI treatment in patients with RAI-avid metastatic DTC. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:139-148)     

Nonfunctioning Parathyroid Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo report a case of nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma that was incidentally found during a thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter.MethodsWe present a case report, detailing the clinical course and histologic findings in a patient with a nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma. The related literature is also reviewed.ResultsA 67-year-old woman presented with a 30-year history of a multinodular goiter that was symptomatic. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Histologic examination revealed not only a multinodular thyroid but also a mass in the left lobe, which was diagnostic of a parathyroid carcinoma. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normal postoperatively. Eleven months after the initial operation, a suprasternal mass developed, and she underwent neck reexploration and subtotal resection of an invasive recurrent nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma. The serum parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were normal before and after the operation. Postoperatively, the patient underwent radiation therapy. Twenty-three months after the initial operation, a computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed an interval increase in size of a nodule in the left lower lobe of the lung, and 30 months after her initial operation, she underwent resection of an isolated, 1-cm (greatest diameter), metastatic parathyroid carcinoma in the left lower lobe of the lung. The patient is currently doing well without evidence of recurrent disease.ConclusionNonfunctioning parathyroid carcinomas are difficult to diagnose and to treat. Recurrent disease after operation is common, and radiation therapy may help stabilize tumor growth. Patients with nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinomas appear to have a poorer prognosis than do those with functioning parathyroid cancers. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:750-757)     

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist-Induced Pituitary Apoplexy in Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo describe a case and review the literature on the rare complication of pituitary apoplexy after administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) for treatment of patients with prostate cancer.MethodsWe present a detailed case report of a patient with immediate signs of pituitary apoplexy after receiving a GnRHa and review the 6 previously reported cases in the literature.ResultsA 60-year-old man presented to a local hospital with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and diplopia. Prostate cancer had recently been diagnosed, and he had received his first dose of a GnRHa 4 hours before this presentation. On physical examination, he was confused and had ptosis of the left eye. A head computed tomographic scan without contrast enhancement showed soft tissue filling the sella, without intracranial hemorrhage or mass effect. He was discharged with the diagnosis of viral meningitis. Three weeks later, he presented again with severe headache and diplopia. He had confusion, lethargy, disorientation, a blood pressure of 88/64 mm Hg, and left cranial nerve III, IV, and VI paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an enhancing pituitary mass with hemorrhage extending to the optic chiasm, consistent with pituitary apoplexy. Laboratory results were consistent with panhypopituitarism. Surgical excision revealed a necrotic pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage. Tumor immunohistochemical staining was positive only for luteinizing hormone.ConclusionWe describe a rare adverse effect of GnRHa therapy, which unmasked a gonadotropin-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. This case adds to the 6 previously reported cases of GnRHa administration inducing pituitary apoplexy in men with prostate cancer. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:642-646)     

Apoplexy of A Microprolactinoma During Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo report a rare case of apoplexy in a microprolactinoma during pregnancy.MethodsWe present the initial clinical manifesta tions, laboratory results, radiologic findings, and man agement in a patient who had pituitary apoplexy during early pregnancy. The pertinent literature and management options are also reviewed.ResultsA 37-year-old woman with a history of a microprolactinoma presented during the 16th week of her first pregnancy with a sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a sellar heterogeneous mass with supra sellar extension and contact with the optic chiasm, com patible with adenoma apoplexy. The patient’s visual fields were normal. Conservative management was followed by rapid clinical improvement and a notable regression of the sellar mass after 5 weeks of cabergoline therapy. Uneventful pregnancy resulted in the delivery of a healthy baby. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging was per formed 1 week after delivery and showed resolution of the microadenoma. At 3 months after delivery, the patient had recovered regular menses and had sustained normal prolac tin levels without treatment.ConclusionThis case illustrates a rare occurrence of apoplexy in a microprolactinoma during pregnancy, which was managed conservatively and led to a complete regression of the pituitary tumor. 3Endocr Pract. 2012;18:e147-e150)     

Two Cases of Statin-Induced Myopathy Caused By Induced Hypothyroidism

ObjectiveTo present information regarding the potential danger of performing levothyroxine withdrawal radioiodine scans and treatment in patients with thyroid cancer who are concurrently taking lipid-lowering agents.MethodsWe review the clinical history, serial laboratory data, and radiologic findings in 2 patients with multifocal papillary carcinoma of the thyroid.ResultsBoth study patients had substantial elevations of muscle enzymes or myopathies (or both) when they were withdrawn from levothyroxine therapy, during treatment with lipid-lowering agents, in preparation for radioiodine scanning and treatment.ConclusionExtreme caution should be exercised when levothyroxine therapy is withdrawn from patients taking lipid-lowering agents. Such patients should be monitored very closely or, when appropriate, recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone injections should be used rather than levothyroxine withdrawal in this setting. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:726-731)     

Assessing The Risk of False-Negative Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and of Incidental Cancer in Nodular Goiter

ObjectiveIn cases of multinodular goiter with negative cytologic result, reasonable management options include surgical treatment, simple follow-up, or more recently introduced conservative therapies such as laser or radiofrequency ablation, and recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone-augmented radioiodine. For patients who are eligible for follow-up or nonsurgical treatments, the possibility that they may have an undiagnosed malignancy (false-negative [FN]-fine-needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] result or incidental thyroid cancer [ITC]) should be considered. The aim of our study was to assess the risk of malignancy in patients known to have presumably benign thyroid disease.MethodsSurgical series of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign disease between 2000 and 2010 at two Italian centers were reviewed. Patients with any preoperative suspicion of malignancy were excluded.ResultsHistologic examination revealed that 84 of 970 (8.6%) thyroidectomized patients had malignancy (5% ITC and 3.6% FN-FNAC), with 89.8% of ITCs having a diameter <10 mm, and 65.7% of FN-FNAC cancers having a diameter >30 mm. Sixty-seven thyroid malignancy patients (79.8%) had stage I disease (American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria). The risk of FN-FNAC increases with increasing size of the nodule, while the risk of ITC increases as nodule size decreases.ResultsThe risk of malignancy in presumably benign thyroid disease cannot be overlooked, but can be minimized through skillfully performed ultrasonography (US) examination and FNAC. Once a patient with multinodular goiter is referred for follow-up or nonsurgical therapy, careful US surveillance is mandatory. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:444-450)     

Acromegaly as An Endocrine Form of Myopathy: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo describe a case of muscle weakness in a patient with acromegaly and to review the pathophysiologic features of this disorder.MethodsWe present the clinical, laboratory, electromyographic, and muscle biopsy findings in our patient and review related reports in the literature.ResultsA 58-year-old woman with acromegaly presented with complaints of bilateral hip pain, weakness, and instability 8 months after transsphenoidal resection of a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. She had biochemically normal thyroid and adrenal function and no evidence of any neuropathy, inflammatory myopathy, or rheumatologic disorder to explain her symptoms. Investigations revealed increased levels of GH, insulin-like growth factor-I, serum creatine kinase (CK), and the MB fraction of CK, normal results of nerve conduction studies, and nonspecific findings on electromyography and muscle biopsy. A review of the literature revealed that although muscle weakness is a well-recognized feature of acromegaly, only a few cases similar to ours have been reported since acromegaly was first described in the late 1800s. Little is known about the natural history, best diagnostic approach, and optimal therapy for this debilitating complication.ConclusionMuscle weakness in acromegaly is common and may result from a combination of the direct effect of GH excess on muscle and other metabolic derangements (hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, or diabetes). Mechanical factors may also contribute, such as joint laxity in conjunction with hypermobility. Affected patients may benefit from a reduction in GH levels and physiotherapy for adaptive training. Persistently increased serum CK levels in a patient with diabetes, for whom no other cause is found, should prompt an investigation for acromegaly. More research into this aspect of acromegaly is needed for enhancement of our understanding of, and therapy for, this debilitating condition. (Endocr Pract. 2005;11:18-22)