Effect of Epoprostenol on The Thyroid Gland: Enlargement and Secretion of Thyroid Hormone

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the direct stimulation of thyroid tissue in the absence of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin after exposure to epoprostenol.MethodsSeronegative thyrotoxicosis, diffuse goiter, and homogeneous uptake on thyroid scintigraphy were noted in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) being treated with intravenously administered epoprostenol (prostaglandin I₂ or PGI₂). More cases with similar characteristics were identified on review of the thyroid function in patients with PAH who were treated with this medication. Fifty-four adult patients with PAH were studied. The study subjects were divided into 2 groups based on whether they were treated with PGI₂ or not. Thyroid functions were reviewed, and the prevalence of thyroid disease was assessed. We then compared the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in our study subjects with the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the general female population using data from published studies.ResultsWe noted a high prevalence (3 of 45 or 6.7%) of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin-negative thyrotoxicosis in adults with preexisting PAH being treated with epoprostenol (PGI₂) in the absence of other mechanisms or drugs to explain the hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in our study population was significantly greater (P < .01 by χ² analysis) than that in the general female population in other published reports.ConclusionThe data suggest that epoprostenol is a medication associated with stimulation of thyroid tissue, goiter formation, and hyperthyroidism. Patients receiving this drug need to undergo close follow-up for the development of thyrotoxicosis and goiter. (Endocr Pract. 2009; 15:116-121)     

Cobalt Tumor of the Thyroid Gland

Diminutive kidney, hypoplasia or atrophic pyelonephritis, may be the cause of hypertension, lumbar or abdominal pain, obscure gastrointestinal symptoms or chronic urinary infection accompanied by chills and fever. A hypoplastic kidney is prone to infection and stone formation.Diagnosis includes meticulous x-ray examination and renal function studies employing the more accurate quantitative phenolsulfonphthalein test of each kidney.Nephrectomy is the treatment for unilateral disease causing symptoms; localized atrophic pyelonephritis is amenable to partial resection.Since urinary stasis invites infection, obstructing ureteral strictures should be dilated. Pyelectasis, secondary to ptosis, and ureteropelvic obstruction should be corrected by nephropexy or plastic repair. These conservative measures may prevent renal destruction.Sixteen patients were subjected to nephrectomy: Six because of persistent pain and chronic infection and ten because of hypertension. The six with pain and chronic urinary infection were relieved. In six of the ten with hypertension, the disease recurred within six months to seven years.     

甲状腺大部切除术方法探讨

目的：评价改良甲状腺大部切除术的效果与安全性。方法：回顾性分析1997年3月。2005年10月102例甲状腺良性疾病患者,甲状腺大部切除术后医疗效果。结果：94例痊愈,6例出现术后并发症,2例术后复发。结论：改良的甲状腺大部切除术能明显减轻手术创伤,缩短手术时间,减少术后并发症的发生,提高术后主观满意度,是治疗甲状腺良性疾病的理想术式。     

甲状腺大部切除术方法探讨

目的:评价改良甲状腺大部切除术的效果与安全性。方法:回顾性分析1997年3月~2005年10月102例甲状腺良性疾病患者,甲状腺大部切除术后医疗效果。结果:94例痊愈,6例出现术后并发症,2例术后复发。结论:改良的甲状腺大部切除术能明显减轻手术创伤,缩短手术时间,减少术后并发症的发生,提高术后主观满意度,是治疗甲状腺良性疾病的理想术式。