Effects of valsartan and amlodipine on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension: a randomized, multicenter study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic complications and antagonists of renin-angiotensin system and amlodipine have been reported previously to reduce oxidative stress. In this study, we compared the changes in oxidative stress markers after valsartan and amlodipine treatment in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension and compared the changes in metabolic parameters. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic subjects with hypertension 30 to 80 years of age who were not taking antihypertensive drugs were randomized into either valsartan (n = 33) or amlodipine (n = 35) groups and treated for 24 weeks. We measured serum nitrotyrosine levels as an oxidative stress marker. Metabolic parameters including serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and urine albumin and creatinine were also measured. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of valsartan or amlodipine treatment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased, with no significant difference between the groups. Both groups showed a decrease in serum nitrotyrosine (7.74 ± 7.30 nmol/L vs. 3.95 ± 4.07 nmol/L in the valsartan group and 8.37 ± 8.75 nmol/L vs. 2.68 ± 2.23 nmol/L in the amlodipine group) with no significant difference between the groups. Other parameters including glucose, lipid profile, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance showed no significant differences before and after treatment in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan and amlodipine reduced the oxidative stress marker in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension.

Effects of valsartan and amlodipine on oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension: a randomized, multicenter study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic complications and antagonists of renin-angiotensin system and amlodipine have been reported previously to reduce oxidative stress. In this study, we compared the changes in oxidative stress markers after valsartan and amlodipine treatment in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension and compared the changes in metabolic parameters. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic subjects with hypertension 30 to 80 years of age who were not taking antihypertensive drugs were randomized into either valsartan (n = 33) or amlodipine (n = 35) groups and treated for 24 weeks. We measured serum nitrotyrosine levels as an oxidative stress marker. Metabolic parameters including serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and urine albumin and creatinine were also measured. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of valsartan or amlodipine treatment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased, with no significant difference between the groups. Both groups showed a decrease in serum nitrotyrosine (7.74 ± 7.30 nmol/L vs. 3.95 ± 4.07 nmol/L in the valsartan group and 8.37 ± 8.75 nmol/L vs. 2.68 ± 2.23 nmol/L in the amlodipine group) with no significant difference between the groups. Other parameters including glucose, lipid profile, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance showed no significant differences before and after treatment in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan and amlodipine reduced the oxidative stress marker in type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension.

Subacute Thyroiditis and Painless Thyroiditis: Clinical Characteristics of 221 Patients Diagnosed between 2009 and 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the past, subacute thyroiditis causing thyrotoxicosis included both painful and painless subgroup, but it is representative for the painful subacute thyroiditis these days. So we evaluated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of subacute thyroiditis and compared with the painless (silent) thyroiditis, and identified predictive factors of permanent hypothyroidism and recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series study analyzing clinical data of 221 consecutive patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed for diagnostic route, age distribution, laboratory data, clinical course and long-term follow up outcome. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years; female v/s male ratio 3.4:1. Median disease duration was 110 days; mean peak free T4 level was 2.9 ng/dL. 56.7% of painless thyroiditis patients were diagnosed on health checkup or routine thyroid function test with symptoms not typically associated with thyrotoxicosis. Permanent hypothyroidism was not uncommon (11/221; 5.0%). Higher peak thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was associated with permanent hypothyroidism in painless thyroiditis. Lower peak TSH was associated with recurrence rate in both subacute and painless thyroiditis. In painless thyroiditis, short duration of thyrotoxicosis phase was also associated with recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Considerable numbers of painless thyroiditis without symptoms were diagnosed on health checkup. Higher peak TSH was associated with permanent hypothyroidism in painless thyroiditis. Recurrence rate was related with lower peak TSH in both groups.

Subacute Thyroiditis and Painless Thyroiditis: Clinical Characteristics of 221 Patients Diagnosed between 2009 and 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the past, subacute thyroiditis causing thyrotoxicosis included both painful and painless subgroup, but it is representative for the painful subacute thyroiditis these days. So we evaluated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of subacute thyroiditis and compared with the painless (silent) thyroiditis, and identified predictive factors of permanent hypothyroidism and recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series study analyzing clinical data of 221 consecutive patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed for diagnostic route, age distribution, laboratory data, clinical course and long-term follow up outcome. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 years; female v/s male ratio 3.4:1. Median disease duration was 110 days; mean peak free T4 level was 2.9 ng/dL. 56.7% of painless thyroiditis patients were diagnosed on health checkup or routine thyroid function test with symptoms not typically associated with thyrotoxicosis. Permanent hypothyroidism was not uncommon (11/221; 5.0%). Higher peak thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was associated with permanent hypothyroidism in painless thyroiditis. Lower peak TSH was associated with recurrence rate in both subacute and painless thyroiditis. In painless thyroiditis, short duration of thyrotoxicosis phase was also associated with recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Considerable numbers of painless thyroiditis without symptoms were diagnosed on health checkup. Higher peak TSH was associated with permanent hypothyroidism in painless thyroiditis. Recurrence rate was related with lower peak TSH in both groups.

Comparative assessment of physicochemical properties of unripe peach (Prunus persica) and Japanese apricot (Prunus mume)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the physicochemical properties of unripe peach-Prunus persica cv. Mibaekdo (Mibaekdo) and Prunus persica cv. Nagasawa Hakuho (Nagasawa Hakuho) as an alternative to food supplement while Japanese apricot (Prunus mume cv. Backaha) (Backaha) was used as a control sample.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The unripe fruits were analyzed for soluble solid ( ˚Brix), titratable acidity, pH, total polyphenol content, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, amygdalin content, free amino acid content, organic acid content, free sugar content, and α-amylase activities.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total polyphenol content of unripe peach ranged between 137.27-151.64 µg/g whereas that of apricot was 160.73 µg/g. DPPH radical scavenging activities of Backaha was the highest (89.16%) followed by Mibaekdo (85.05%) and Nagasawa Hakuho (41.50%). The highest amount of oxalic acid (612.8 mg/100 g) was observed in Mibaekdo while that of Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were (184.6±18.1) and (334.8±16.1) mg/100 g, respectively. Amygdalin contents of Mibaekdo, Nagasawa Hakuho and Backaha were 486.61, 548.60 and 174.28 µg/g, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results suggest that the unripe fruit of peach has a significant biochemical potential of using as a food supplement with potential health benefit for human health.</p>

Hyponatremia after Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal in a Patient with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Hyponatremia is an electrolyte abnormality commonly found in clinical practice. It is important to diagnose the underlying etiology of the hyponatremia and correct it appropriately because severe hyponatremia can cause serious complications and substantially increase the risk of mortality. Although hypothyroidism is known to be a cause of hyponatremia, it is rare that hyponatremia occurs in relation to hypothyroidism induced by thyroid hormone withdrawal in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. We report a case of a 76-year-old woman with papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with severe hyponatremia related to hypothyroidism induced by thyroid hormone withdrawal for radio-active iodine whole-body scanning, who was treated by thyroid hormone replacement and hydration. Considering that the incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing, physicians should be aware that, although uncommon, hyponatremia can occur in patients undergoing radioiodine therapy or diagnostic testing.

Effect of Valsartan on Blood Pressure and Urinary Albumin Excretion in Hypertensive Type 2 Diabetic Patients: An Open-Label, Multicenter Study / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: Activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been an important mechanism of microvascular and macrovascular complications in diabetic patients. It has been reported that RAS blockades reduce the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), reduced blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients. METHOD: Three hundred forty-seven hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients who had not taken angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or ARB for 6 months prior to this study were enrolled. We measured blood pressure and UAER before and after 24 weeks of valsartan treatment. RESULT: Baseline mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 143 +/- 15 and 87 +/- 11 mmHg, respectively and the median albumin excretion rate was 27 ug/mg. Reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 16 mmHg/10 mmHg and the median UAER was 19.3 ug/mg after 24 weeks (P < 0.01, respectively). When we divided the subjects into three groups according to the UAER (normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria), significant changes were reported in the microalbuminuria and the macroalbuminuria groups. Thirty-eight (42%) patients with microalbuminuria improved to normoalbuminuria and twelve (41%) patients with macroalbuminuria improved to microalbuminuria. We found an association between the improvement of blood pressure and UAER (R = 0.165, P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: We concluded that valsartan reduces urinary albumin excretion and blood pressure in hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients.

A Case of Benign Schwannoma in the Porta Hepatis / 대한소화기학회지

Schwannomas or neurilemmomas are uncommon tumors arising from schwann cells of neural sheath, which most frequently affect the extremities, trunk, head and neck area. Moreover, benign schwannoma in the porta hepatis is extremely rare. Approximately, 2 cases of benign schwannoma in the porta hepatis have been reported in the literatures. We report a case of benign schwannoma in the porta hepatis occurring in a 53-year-old woman who was asymptomatic and incidentally found to have a mass. Abdominal CT scan showed a 4.5 cm-sized low attenuating mass with septum-like enhancing solid portion at porta hepatis. Abdominal exploration revealed a yellowish, cystic and encapsulated mass attached to portal vein, common bile duct, liver and duodenal wall above the hepatoduodenal ligament. There has been no evidence of recurrence during 11 months of follow-up.

A Case of Disseminated Trichosporon beigelii Infection Treated with the Combination of Amphotericin B and Fluconazole / 대한임상미생물학회지

Trichosporon beigelii is often resistant to the fungicidal effect of amphotericin B and can cause fatal disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a disseminated T. beigelii infection with a favorable outcome in a patient with acute erythroleukemia and neutropenia. The patient presented a persistent fever, multiple erythematous skin lesions, and pulmonary infiltrates. T. beigelii was isolated from blood cultures in four days and also from cultures of abdominal skin lesion, sputum, and stool. The isolate was resistant to amphotericin B (MIC, 2 microgram/mL), and the respective fluconazole and itraconazole MICs were 4 and 1 microgram/mL. The patient was successfully treated with fluconazole plus amphotericin B in combination with granulocyte colony stimulating factor and leukocyte transfusion. This case shows the importance of early diagnosis and treatment with combination of amphotericin B and fluconazole as a prognostic factor of disseminated T. beigelii infections.

A case of eosinophilic cellulitis associated with angioedema and eosinophilia / 천식및알레르기

Eosinophilic cellulitis was first described by Wells, which is characterized by cellulitis like skin lesion, eosinophilic infiltration of dermis and subcutaneous fat with characteristic flame figure appearance of chollagen bundles. Peripheral eosinophilia is not necessary for the diagnosis of eosinophilic cellulitis, but association with hypereosinophilic syndrome was reported. Episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia was first described by Gleich et al. as recurrent attack of angioedema; peripheral eosinophilia; and body weight gain; they described this as separate disease entity rather than variant of the hypereosinophilic syndrome. Both angioedema associated with eosinophilia and eosinophilic cellulitis were reportedly associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome, and we believe both diseases are variants of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. We experienced a patient with eosinophilic cellulitis who has expressed skin lesion resembling angioedema associated with eosinophilia, and who also has involvement of pleura and gastrointestinal tract. We speculate that this patient represents an overlap syndrome of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome, eosinophilic cellulitis and angioedema associated with eosinophilia.

Clinical Study of the Pheochromocytoma / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytoma may arise within the adrenal medulla, or in other locations where sympathetic ganglia or chromaffin tissues are known to exist. Approximately 0.1% of hypertensive patients have pheochromocytoma. Most of this hypertension can be cured by surgical removal of the tumor, but lethal complication can develop if proper treatment is not prepared. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and preoperative preparation is very important. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of pheochromocytoma and the blood pressure change following tumor removal. METHOD: The medical records of 45 patients [29 cases of intra-adrenal, 16 cases of extra-adrenal (paraganglioma)] diagnosed with of pheochromocytoma at Korea University Medical Center between 1991 and 2001 were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty of the cases were male and 25 were female. The mean age of these patients was 43 years old. Hypertension, headaches, palpitations and impaired glucose tolerance were observed more frequently in cases of intra-adrenal tumor than in those of extra-adrenal. In the extra-adrenal group, abdominal pain, hypertension and nausea were more frequently observed. A biochemical study showed that the sensitivity of the test for catecholamines and metabolites in 24 hours urine was over 80%. For the localization of tumors we used abdominal CT and MIBG. The sensitivities of the CT and MIBG for the tumor localization were 97 and 91%, respectively. Blood pressures during the operations were effectively controlled by preoperative treatment with phenoxybenzamine (non-competitive, non-selective -adrenoreceptor antagonists). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment cured 23 of the 30 cases of hypertension with pheochromocytoma. We have to take careful approaches in the care of the patient who may have pheochromocytoma, due to the various clinical signs and symptoms.

A Case of Successful Colonoscopic Drainage of Peri-appendiceal Abscess Complicating Acute Appendicitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Traditionally, early appendectomy has been the cornerstone of therapy for acute appendicitis. However, once appendiceal perforation and abscess formation occurs, the optimal means of treatment and the timing of operation is controversial. Recently, it was reported that radiologically guided percutaneous abscess drainage and antibiotic therapy, as an initial nonoperative management, was effective and safe. Recent experience with endoscopic transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts or even pancreatic abscesses prompted us to use the similar technique for the primary treatment of peri-appendiceal abscess. We report a case of peri-appendiceal abscess complicating acute appendicitis which was successfully treated by colonoscopic transmural internal drainage.

The Association between CRP and the Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by insulin resistance accompanied by one or more of the following: obesity, hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance, low HDL cholesterol levels, and/or hypertriglyceridemia. However, the precise underlying pathogenic mechanism of MS is not known. Several recent reports have suggested a positive association between components of MS and markers of the acute-phase response, including C-reactive protein (CRP). These results imply that MS is accompanied by an ongoing inflammatory process. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association between circulating levels of C-reactive protein, a sensitive systemic marker of inflammation, with components of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 1,461 subjects aged between 20 and 81 years, who visited the Health Management Center at Korea university between November 2000 and February 2001 were studied. We investigated the correlation between CRP levels and components of MS. The components of MS were categorized, and age-sex adjusted mean values of CRP calculated for the categorized components. The BMI was categorized into 5 classes, and the CRP levels examined according to their BMI class. In addition, subjects with a different number of the MS components were grouped as follows: group 1 for 0 components, group 2 for 1 components, group 3 for 2 components and group 4 for > or = 3 components, and the CRP levels calculated for each group. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations of CRP levels with age, BMI, TG, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBS), uric acid, insulin,and homeostasis model assessment IR (HOMAIR). A significant inverse correlation was observed between CRP levels and serum HDL. From the multivariate analysis, age and BMI were significantly correlated with CRP levels. The means of the CRP for the categorized components of MS were significantly higher in the BMI categories: > or =25 for female/27 for male, TG > or =200 mg/dL, fasting plasma glucose > or =126 mg/dL and blood pressure > or =140/90 mmHg, and the CRP levels by BMI class were: 1.19 (BMI 30.0) mg/L. Furthermore, the increase in the CRP levels in relation to the numbers of MS were 1.46 (group 1), 1.70 (group 2), 1.95 (group 3) and 2.11 mg/L (group 4) with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The above data showed associations between the CRP levels and the different components of MS. This might suggest that MS in Koreans could be accompanied by a systemic inflammation response

A Case of Malignant Pleural Effusion with Pleural Metastasis in a Patient with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한내분비학회지

Papillary thyroid carcinomas comprise approximately 80 percent of all thyroid cancers, but haves a good prognosis, with overall survival rates at 10 years of about 80 to 95 percent. They spreads through the lymphatic system, and the lung is the most frequent metastasis site. If distant metastasis is present, the overall survival rate is about 40 percent. Although malignant pleural effusion, with pleural metastasis is a rare complication in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, the development of malignant pleural effusion is an extremely adverse prognostic indicator. We recently experienced a case of malignant pleural effusion with papillary thyroid carcinoma. A 54-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea. A chest X-ray showed massive pleural effusion in the right hemithorax. Previously total thyroidectomy, and iodine-131 therapy had been performed, but a local recurrence and pulmonary metastasis developed 5 years later, accompanied by malignant pleural effusion with pleural metastasis. We performed diagnostic thoracentesis, which confirmed a metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. This patient was a rare case of paplillary thyroid carcinoma, in which the disease was represented by a rapid deterioration with malignant pleural effusion. So we report this case with a review of the literature.

A case of cytomegalovirus pneumonitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus / 대한내과학회지

We report a case of cytomegalovirus(CMV) pneumonitis in a 21-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). She was diagnosed 3 years ago with lupus nephropathy and was on immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. She developed dyspnea with fever and hypoxemia. Chest X-ray, and HRCT showed interstitial pneumonitis. We performed open lung biopsy. The diagnosis of CMV pneumonitis was made by the virus culture and immunohistochemical staining for CMV in lung tissue. Despite the admini stration of ganciclovir and high dose immunoglobulin therapy and assistance of mechanical ventilator, the patient died.

Determination of Genetic Subtypes of HIV- 1 Isolated from Korean Patients / 감염

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on genetic subtypes of HIV- 1 in Korean AIDS patients. To determine subtypes of HIV-1 in Korean patients, we analyzed nucleotide sequences of the env gene of HIV-1 and constructed a phylogenetic tree. METHODS: Nineteen patients infected with HIV-1 were enrolled. The median CD4 + count was 85/mm 3. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected and co-cultivated with pre-stimulated PBMC from HIV-seronegative donors for 7 ~14 days. DNA was extracted from cultured lymphocytes and proviral V3 region of the env gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for direct sequencing without cloning. Sequence analysis was performed by cycle- sequencing and dye terminator methods with an automated DNA Sequenator. The sequences were aligned with nines ets of reference sequences for each subtype by Clustal method. Phylogenetic tree was constructed by the neighbor j oining method. RESULTS: Eighteen of the nineteen sequences fell into subtype B (95%) and one was subtype A (5%). The patient nfected with subtype A was an ex-prostitute and had engaged in sexual contact with sailors who are generally regarded as one of the highest risk groups of HIV infection in Korea. The tetrameric motifs at the tip of the V3 loop were comprised of GPGR (six cases, 32%), GPGS (three cases, 16%), GPGQ, GPGG, GPGK, APGS (one case each, 5%) CONCLUSION: Subtype B is predominant clade of HIV-1 isolated from Korean patients and only one case showed subtype A.

Analysis of Twenty-Three Cases of Cytomegalovirus Disease / 감염

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus(CMV) disease is an important opportunistic infection and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. To determine predisposing conditions to CMV disease and its prognosis, the authors reviewed the clinical courses of patients with CMV disease. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 23 patients with CMV disease diagnosed at Seoul National University Hospital from 1987 to 1997. RESULTS: CMV pneumonia was diagnosed in 8 patients. Underlying conditions of the patients were allogeneic bone marrow transplant(BMT) in 4 patients, lupus nephritis in 1, dermatomyositis in 1, and renal transplantation recipient in 1. The cumulative dose of corticosteroid given to the BMT recipients before the development of CMV pneumonia ranged between 1,000 and 4,700 mg, whereas that to the non-BMT patients ranged between 2,100 and 6,000 mg. Of the 8 patients with CMV pneumonia, five patients(75%) died. Of the 15 CMV gastroenteritis, two had CMV gastric ulcers. The gastric ulcers showed clinical and endoscopic improvement with systemic ganciclovir therapy. Among 13 patients with CMV enterocolitis, nine had preceding GI diseases, and nine had received systemic corticosteroids. Five patients died. The mortality was lower in patients with underlying bowel diseases than in those without ones(22% vs. 75%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The mortality of CMV disease was 62.5%, 0%, and 38% in patients with CMV pneumonia, gastric ulcer, and enterocolitis, respectively. GVHD, systemic corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive therapy were major risk factors of CMV diseases.

A Case of Campylobacter jejuni Enterocolitis with Acute Pancreatitis and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome / 감염

Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis is one of the common causes of acute infectious diarrhea, but most of them remain unrecognized by routine microbiologic examination. Its clinical manifestations are watery diarrhea, malaise, fever and abdominal pain. The clinical course is self-limited in majority of cases. However cases of Campylobacter jejuni infections as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, peritonitis or cystitis have been infrequently reported. Moreover, reactive arthritis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis or hemolytic uremic syndrome rarely develops in Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis. We experienced a patient with Campylobacter jejuni enterocolitis, who had shown complex clinical features manifested by pancreatitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. We reported the case with literature reviews.

A Case of Parathyroid Cancer with a Local Metastatic Focus Revealed by 99mTc-sestamibi scan / 대한내분비학회지

Carcinoma of the parathyroid gland is rare, comprising only 0.1% to 5% of all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. It presents with severe hypercalcemia, bone disease, palpable neck mass, renal involvement and etc. Since the initial operation offers the best chance for cure, preoperative localization and intraoperative recognition of parathyroid cancer are essential. Recently parathyroid imaging has been described with 99mTc-sestamibi as an alternative to 201Tl. This newer agent has many physical and dosirnetric advantages and represents higher detection sensitivity than 201Tl-99mTc subtraction scan. We experienced a 41-year-old man presenting with recurrent hyperparathyroidism in spite of 2 previous operations. In preoperative localization, there was no abnormal uptake in 201Tl-99mTc subtraction scan but 99mTc-sestamibi scan revealed metastatic foci on right cervical area. He was successfully treated with modified radical neck dissection.

A Case of Bilateral Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia / 대한내분비학회지

Cushing's syndrome associated with nodular adrenal glands will be divided into four main categories: adrenal adenoma, adrenal carcinoma, primary pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia (PPNAD) and macronodular adrenal hyperplasia(MAH). The term macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is restricted to the presence of multiple nodules visible to the naked eye, ranging in size from 0.5 to 7.0 cm. We report a case of Cushings syndrome caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (MAH). A 45-year-old man presented with Cushingoid features, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Urine free cortisol was 449.9 mmol/day(27-276) and were not suppressed after administration of low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone. Plasma ACTH was very low(1.87 pmol/L(18)) and was not stimulated by administration of ovine CRH. In abdominal CT, both adrenal glands were markedly enlarged and nodular in appearance. Pituitary MRI showed no abnormal finding. Bilateral adrenalectomy was done. Histologic examination revealed multiple nodules and internodular hyperplasia. This case and other reports suggested that because of variable biochemical, radiologic and pathologic findings, macronodular adrenal hyperplasia represents a heterogeneous group of patients with varying degrees of adrenal autonomy.