Evolución clínica en pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano tratados con ultrasonido o infiltración con corticoesteroides / Clinical Evolution in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated with Ultrasound or Corticosteroid Infiltration

Introducción. El Síndrome del túnel carpiano es la neuropatía periférica compresiva más común de la extremidad superior, que se produce por la compresión del nervio mediano. Los casos leves y moderados pueden tratarse con métodos conservadores como ultrasonido terapéutico o infiltración con corticoesteroides. Objetivo. Describir la evolución clínica de pacientes con síndrome de túnel carpiano tratados con terapia por ultrasonido e infiltración de corticoesteroides. Metodología. Ensayo clínico abierto, en pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano leve y moderado, que consultaron del 1 de octubre 2021 al 30 de mayo 2022. Se formaron dos grupos; el que recibió tratamiento con ultrasonido con 12 casos y el grupo tratado con infiltración con corticoesteroides con seis casos. Ambos grupos fueron intervenidos en la consulta inicial, y luego, en las cuatro y ocho semanas posteriores al inicio del tratamiento. Resultados. Se muestran los resultados descriptivos relacionados con la intensidad de dolor, valorada con la Escala Visual Numérica, la infiltración obtuvo dos casos sin dolor y cuatro con dolor moderado, contrario a ultrasonido que se mantuvo con cuatro casos leves, tres moderados y cinco intensos. En los síntomas, la infiltración redujo el número de casos en cuatro de los síntomas estudiados, en cambio el ultrasonido únicamente en dos. En severidad, valorada con el cuestionario de Boston para túnel carpal, con infiltración se obtuvieron dos casos asintomáticos y ninguno con ultrasonido. Respecto a los signos clínicos, el signo de Tinel desapareció en cuatro casos en ambos grupos, mientras que signo de Phalen desapareció en cuatro casos en ultrasonido y dos en infiltración. Conclusión. En intensidad de dolor y grado de severidad, la infiltración generó casos asintomáticos y redujo mayor cantidad de síntomas que el ultrasonido. Ambos tratamientos disminuyeron la presencia de signos clínicos

Introduction. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compressive peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity, which is caused by compression of the median nerve. Mild and moderate cases can be treated with conservative methods such as therapeutic ultrasound or corticosteroid infiltration. Objective. To describe the clinical evolution of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated with ultrasound therapy and corticosteroid infiltration. Methodology. A prospective open clinical trial was conducted in patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who consulted from October 1, 2021 to May 30, 2022. Two groups were formed: the group that received ultrasound treatment with 12 cases and the group treated with corticosteroid infiltration with six cases. Both groups were treated at the initial consultation and then at four and eight weeks after the start of treatment. Results. The descriptive results related to the intensity of pain, evaluated with the Visual Numeric Scale, are shown. Infiltration obtained two cases without pain and four with moderate pain, contrary to ultrasound which was maintained with four mild, three moderate and five intense cases. In symptoms, infiltration reduced the number of cases in four of the symptoms studied, while ultrasound reduced the number of cases in only two. In severity, assessed with the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire, with infiltration, there were two asymptomatic cases and none with ultrasound. Regarding clinical signs, Tinel's sign disappeared in four cases in both groups, while Phalen's sign disappeared in four cases in ultrasound and two in infiltration. Conclusion. Infiltration produced asymptomatic patients and reduced more symptoms than ultrasonography in terms of pain intensity and severity. Clinical symptoms were less common with both treatments.

Evaluation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness

ABSTRACT Objective: COVID-19 is a multisystem immunoinflammatory disorder, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 as well as by steroid treatment during the illness. Information on the HPA axis after recovering from COVID-19, especially in those treated with steroids, is sparse. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Subject and methods: This prospective study involved 60 patients aged 18-60 years who had recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and had received steroid treatment during the illness. The HPA axis was assessed with a low-dose (1 mcg) adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test at 3, 6 and 9 months in the post-COVID period. Results: The HPA axis was suppressed in 31.66% of the patients at 3 months and 5% at 6 months; however, all patients recovered at 9 months. Cumulative steroid use during the illness was inversely correlated with stimulated cortisol at 3 months in the post-COVID period. Fatigue was present in 58.33% of the patients at 3 months and was more prevalent in those with HPA axis suppression. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 who were treated with steroids had suppressed HPA axis at 3 months, with gradual recovery over a period of 9 months. Cumulative steroid equivalent dose, but not disease severity, was predictive of HPA axis suppression at 3 months.

Hipoacusia en el síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Hearing loss in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome: case report and literature review

El síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) es una rara enfermedad granulomatosa multisistémica caracterizada por aparición de panuveítis grave bilateral y desprendimiento seroso de retina; puede acompañarse de un amplio espectro de síntomas extraoculares como los auditivos, y la afección más frecuente es la hipoacusia neurosensorial. Su etiología se reconoce como respuesta autoinmune mediada por células T contra antígenos de melanocitos presentes en coroides, meninges, cóclea y piel. Asimismo, factores genéticos del huésped se han identificado como predisponentes para su aparición, y es la presencia del alelo HLA-DR4, en particular el subtipo HLA-DRB1 0405, el más estudiado hasta la fecha. El tratamiento se basa en administración de corticosteroides sistémicos en dosis altas, sin embargo, es escasa la evidencia que evalúa específicamente la eficacia de estos medicamentos sobre sus manifestaciones audiovestibulares. Este artículo expone un caso de síndrome de VKH con compromiso auditivo concomitante y realiza una breve revisión narrativa de la literatura.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKHS) is a rare multisystemic granulomatous disease, characterized by severe bilateral panuveitis and serous retinal detachment; it can be associated with a wide spectrum of extraocular symptoms, such as auditory symptoms, and the most common condition is sensorineural hearing loss. Its etio-logy is recognized as a T-cell-mediated autoimmune response against melanocyte antigens present in the choroid, meninges, cochlea, and skin. Likewise, host genetic factors have been identified as predisposing for its development, specifically the pre-sence of the HLA-DR4 allele, the HLA-DRB1 0405 subtype is the most studied up to date. Treatment is based on the administration of high doses of systemic corticos-teroids, however, there is not much evidence that specifically evaluates the efficacy of these medications on their audiovestibular manifestations. This article presents a clinical case of VKH syndrome with concomitant hearing impairment and carries out a short narrative review of the literature.

Carcinoma suprarrenal. Presentación de caso clínico

El carcinoma suprarrenal es una enfermedad muy poco frecuente de presentación clínica poco específica, donde los síntomas por la propia neoplasia son los predominantes. El objetivo de esta publicación es presentar un caso clínico jerarquizando los estudios de imagen para el diagnóstico y la planificación de la táctica para la cirugía.

Adrenal carcinoma is a very rare disease with nonspecific clinical presentation, where symptoms from the neoplasia itself are predominant. The aim of this publication is to present an uncommon clinical case, emphasizing the role of imaging studies in diagnosis and surgical strategy planning.

O carcinoma adrenal é uma doença muito rara, com apresentação clínica inespecífica onde predominam os sintomas decorrentes da própria neoplasia. O objetivo desta publicação é apresentar um caso clínico infrequente priorizando exames de imagem para diagnóstico e planejamento de táticas cirúrgicas.

Paraganglioma lateroaórtico / Latero-aortic paraganglioma

RESUMEN El feocromocitoma es un tumor productor de catecolaminas que procede de las células cromafines del sistema nervioso simpático. El 80-85% se localiza en la médula suprarrenal y el 15-20% son de localización extra adrenal y se denominan paragangliomas (PG). Alrededor del 97 % son benignos y se curan mediante la extirpación quirúrgica, y el restante 3% son malignos, capaces de producir metástasis a distancia. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 43 años, que consultó por hipertensión, cefalea y palpitaciones. Presentaba elevación de catecolaminas urinarias, y por resonancia magnética se diagnosticó una masa de 50 por 41 mm latero aórtica. Le fue efectuada su resección por vía laparoscópica, sin complicaciones, con desaparición de los síntomas.

ABSTRACT Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing tumors arising from the chromaffin cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Between 80-85% occur in the adrenal medulla and 15-20% are extraadrenal and are called paragangliomas (PG). About 97% are benign and are solved by surgical resection, while the remaining 3% are malignant and may produce distant metastases. We report the case of 43-year-old female patient who consulted due to hypertension, headache and palpitations. She had elevated urine catecholamines and presented a 50 x 41 mm latero-aortic mass on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the tumor without complications and experienced relief of symptoms.

Carcinoma adrenocortical en mujeres en edad fértil / Adrenocortical carcinoma in women of reproductive age

Resumen Los carcinomas adrenocorticales son tumores infre cuentes, habitualmente hiperfuncionantes y con una supervivencia global pobre. La edad frecuente de pre sentación se describe en adultos entre 40 a 60 años, con predominio en sexo femenino. Se presentan dos casos inusuales de carcinoma adrenal diagnosticados en mujeres en edad fértil. El primero de ellos se descubrió en el segundo trimestre de gestación, con un cuadro de hipercortisolismo y lesión adrenal localizada, que resolvió con resección completa hacia la semana 20. En el segundo, la paciente debutó con manifestaciones clínicas de virilización rápidamente progresiva, sien do el hiperandrogenismo puro el patrón bioquímico hallado. En ambos casos, a pesar de haberse realizado la resección completa, el Ki67 elevado como principal factor pronóstico condujo a categorizarlas como de "alto riesgo de recurrencia". Asimismo, se ha asociado a la gestación y al patrón secretor de glucocorticoides como factores adicionales de mayor riesgo de recurrencia. Este es particularmente elevado dentro de los dos primeros años posteriores al diagnóstico. Existe aún controversia sobre el uso de mitotane adyuvante en estos pacientes, y su inicio está recomendado hasta los tres meses del postquirúrgico. Sin embargo, la evidencia disponible no permite suponer la falta de eficacia si se utiliza fuera de ese período. Los limitantes, como fueron el curso de la gestación y el puerperio inmediato, así como la difi cultad para el acceso a la medicación en nuestro medio, impidieron el inicio precoz del tratamiento adyuvante en ambos casos, aunque surge la inquietud de si aún sería oportuna su instauración.

Abstract Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare tumors, usually hyperfunctioning, with poor overall survival. Frequent age of presentation is described in adults between 40 and 60 years of age, predominantly female. Two unusual cases of adrenal carcinoma diagnosed in young women are presented. The first one was discovered in the sec ond trimester of gestation, with signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism and localized adrenal lesion, which was resolved with complete resection by week 20 of pregnancy. In the second case, the patient begined with clinical manifestations of rapidly progressive virilization, the biochemical pattern being pure hyperandrogenism. In both cases, despite complete resection, the high Ki67 as the main prognostic factor leaded to categorization as "high risk of recurrence". In addition, pregnancy and glucocorticoid secretory pattern have been associated as additional risk factors of recurrence. This is particularly high within the first two years after diagnosis. There is controversy about the use of adjuvant mitotane in these patients, and the general recommendation is to be started no longer than 3 months after surgery. However, the available evidence does not suggest that its use is ineffective beyond that period. Limitations, such as the course of pregnancy and the immediate puerperium, as well as the difficulty of accessing this medication in our environment, prevented the early initiation of adjuvant treatment with mitotane in both cases, although there is still concern whether its administration would still be appropriate.

Mutation distributions among patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia from five regions of Brazil: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by CYP21A2 gene mutations, and its molecular diagnosis is widely used in clinical practice to confirm the hormonal diagnosis. Hence, considering the miscegenation of the Brazilian population, it is important to determine a mutations panel to optimise the molecular diagnosis. The objective was to review the CYP21A2 mutations' distribution among Brazilian regions.Two reviewers screened Brazilian papers up to February 2020 in five databases. The pair-wise comparison test and Holm method were used in the statistical analysis. Nine studies were selected, comprising 769 patients from all regions. Low proportion of males and salt-wasters was identified in the North and Northeast regions, although without significant difference. Large gene rearrangements also had a low frequency, except in the Center-West and South regions (p < 0.05). The most frequent mutations were p.I172N, IVS2-13A/C>G, p.V281L and p.Q318X, and significant differences in their distributions were found: p.V281L was more frequent in the Southeast and p.Q318X in the Center-West and Northeast regions (p < 0.05). Thirteen new mutations were identified in 3.8%-15.2% of alleles, being more prevalent in the North region, and six mutations presented a founder effect gene. Genotype-phenotype correlation varied from 75.9%-97.3% among regions. The low prevalence of the salt-wasting form, affected males and severe mutations in some regions indicated pitfalls in the clinical diagnosis. The good genotype-phenotype correlation confirms the usefulness of molecular diagnosis; however, the Brazilian population also presents significant prevalence of novel mutations, which should be considered for a molecular panel.

Metabolic syndrome and Visceral Adiposity Index in non-functional adrenal adenomas

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to identify metabolic dysfunction in non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFAAs) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) predictability in the practical estimation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in NFAAs. Subjects and methods: 134 NFAA patients and 68 control subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were included in the study. After physical, biochemical, and endocrine evaluation, IDF and NCEP ATP III criteria were used to determine MetS. HOMA-IR and VAI were calculated for both study group subjects. Results: MetS was significantly higher in the NFAA patients. The incidence of MetS by IDF and NCEP criteria was 52.9%,48.5% in the NFAI and 32.3%,30.8% in the control group (p < 0.01, p = 0.02). The risk of MetS was increased in NFAA (75.6 vs. 24.4%, p = 0.017, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.06-1.68). Glucose, HOMA IR, hypertension, and VAI were significantly increased in NFAA patients. The risk of MetS was independently associated with high VAI (79.2 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.001, OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.70-2.91). Conclusion: MetS, insulin resistance, and VAI are more prevalant in NFAA patients than in healthy individuals. VAI can be used with high specificity to estimate MetS in NFAA patients.

Determinación de valores de corte de 17 hidroxiprogesterona ajustados por edad gestacional para la pesquisa neonatal de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita / Assessment of gestational age-adjusted 17-hydroxyprogesterone cut-off values for neonatal screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

La pesquisa neonatal de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita se realiza mediante la determinación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP) en gotas de sangre seca en papel de filtro. Los bebés prematuros presentan valores más elevados que los bebés de término, siendo de utilidad contar con límites de corte apropiados. Nuestro objetivo fue actualizar los valores de corte de 17OHP ajustados por edad gestacional para la metodología en uso a nivel nacional por las jurisdicciones asistidas por el "Programa Nacional de Fortalecimiento de la Detección Precoz de Enfermedades Congénitas". La 17OHP se determinó utilizando el kit comercial de enzimo-inmunoanálisis (ELISA competitivo), Elizen Neonatal 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Bélgica). Se obtuvieron límites de corte utilizando percentiles de la distribución de los valores de 17OHP para cada edad gestacional. La sensibilidad obtenida fue 100%, especificidad 98,76 %, tasa de falsos positivos 1,24 % y el valor predictivo positivo 1,12 %. Destacamos la importancia de disponer de límites de corte adecuados a la población. La armonización de los mismos permitirá resultados comparables entre los programas regionales de pesquisa neonatal (AU)

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia is performed by the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in dried blood spots on filter paper. Premature infants have higher values than full-term infants, and appropriate cutoff values are useful. Our aim was to update the cut-off values of 17OHP adjusted for gestational age for the methodology used at a national level in regions assisted by the "National Program for Strengthening the Early Detection of Congenital Diseases". 17OHP was determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (competitive ELISA) kit, Elizen Newborn 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Belgium). Cut-off values were obtained using percentiles of the distribution of 17OHP values for each gestational age. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 98.76%, false positive rate 1.24%, and positive predictive value 1.12%. It is important to have cut-off values that are adjusted to the population. Harmonization will allow for the comparison of results among regional newborn screening programs (AU)

Extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors: A clinicopathological study of 18 cases

Background: Peripheral neuroblastic tumors arise from the sympathoadrenal lineage of the neural crest. They have been classified according to the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (INPC) into Four categories according to International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (INPC): a) Neuroblastoma (NB) b) Ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), nodular c) Ganglioneuroblastoma, intermixed, and d) Ganglioneuroma (GN). Because of the rarity of extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors, limited information is available regarding the chemotherapy of NB and GNB. A few case reports or case series with a small number of patients have been documented in the literature. Aim: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors. Materials and Methods: Clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings of 18 cases were retrieved. Immunohistochemistry at the time of diagnosis was performed using Ventana Benchmark XT. The mean value was calculated using the Microsoft Office Excel 2019 software. Results: The posterior mediastinum was the most commonly affected extra-adrenal site in our study. Neuroblastoma consisted of eight cases (six in children, two in adults), of which four cases were poorly differentiated and the other four cases were differentiating. Two cases had favorable histology. The bone marrow and cervical lymph node metastasis were documented. Of the four GNB cases, one patient developed bone metastasis. All patients of NB and GNB received combination chemotherapy. One out of six GN patients presented with a large retroperitoneal mass encasing the aorta and renal vessels, mimicking a sarcoma. Conclusion: Extra-adrenal peripheral neuroblastic tumors do not pose any diagnostic issue in adequate tissue sampling. In limited material, immunohistochemistry is needed. The chemotherapy regimen has not been standardized due to rarity. Further molecular testing and targeted therapy may be of help in the future.

Histogram analysis in the differentiation between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas: the value of a single measurement / Análise por histograma para diferenciação entre adenomas da adrenal e feocromocitomas: o valor de uma medida única

Abstract Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of histogram analysis on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and pheochromocytomas (PCCs). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with proven PCCs who had undergone CT examinations between January 2009 and July 2019 at one of two institutions. For each PCC, we selected one or two adenomas diagnosed within two weeks of the date of diagnosis of the PCC. For each lesion, two readers scored the size, determined the mean attenuation, and generated a voxel histogram. The 10th percentile (P10) was obtained from the conventional histogram analysis, as well as being calculated with the following formula: P10 = mean attenuation - (1.282 × standard deviation). The mean attenuation threshold, histogram analysis (observed) P10, and calculated P10 (calcP10) were compared in terms of their diagnostic accuracy. Results: We included 52 adenomas and 29 PCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the mean attenuation threshold were 75.0%, 100.0%, and 82.5%, respectively, for reader 1, whereas they were 71.5%, 100.0%, and 81.5%, respectively, for reader 2. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the observed P10 and calcP10 were equal for both readers: 90.4%, 96.5%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 1; and 92.3%, 93.1%, and 92.6%, respectively, for reader 2. The increase in sensitivity was significant for both readers (p = 0.009 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: For differentiating between adenomas and PCCs, the histogram analysis (observed P10 and calcP10) appears to outperform the mean attenuation threshold as a diagnostic criterion.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia diagnóstica da análise por histograma na tomografia computadorizada (TC) sem contraste para a diferenciação entre adenomas adrenais e feocromocitomas (FCCs). Materiais e Métodos: Identificamos, retrospectivamente, pacientes com diagnóstico de FCC confirmado que foram submetidos a exames de TC entre janeiro de 2009 e julho de 2019 em duas instituições distintas. Para cada FCC, selecionamos um ou dois adenomas diagnosticados em até duas semanas da data do diagnóstico do FCC. Para cada lesão, dois leitores pontuaram o tamanho, determinaram a atenuação média e geraram um histograma com os voxels das imagens. O percentil 10 (P10) foi obtido a partir da análise convencional do histograma, além de ser calculado com a seguinte fórmula: P10 = atenuação média - (1,282 × desvio-padrão). O limiar de atenuação média, o P10 da análise por histograma (P10 observado) e o P10 calculado (P10calc) foram comparados em termos de acurácia diagnóstica. Resultados: Foram incluídos 52 adenomas e 29 FCCs. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do limiar de atenuação média foram de 75,0%, 100,0% e 82,5% para o leitor 1, respectivamente, e de 71,5%, 100,0% e 81,5% para o leitor 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do P10 observado e do P10calc foram idênticas para os dois leitores: 90,4%, 96,5% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 1; e 92,3%, 93,1% e 92,6%, respectivamente, para o leitor 2. O aumento da sensibilidade foi significativo para ambos os leitores (p = 0,009 e p = 0,005, respectivamente). Conclusão: Para a diferenciação entre adenomas e FCCs, a análise por histograma (P10 observado ou P10calc) parece superar o limiar de atenuação média como critério diagnóstico.

Mielolipoma gigante unilateral de la glándula suprarrenal. Reporte de caso

Introducción: Los tumores de la glándula suprarrenal son inusuales y por lo general son hallados de forma incidental por estudios de imágenes. Dentro de este grupo los mielolipomas son uno de los tumores más raros, considerados el 2% de los tumores suprarrenales. Caso Clínico: Presentamos una paciente femenina de 60 años de edad con antecedentes de dolor a tipo cólico de forma esporádica a nivel del hipocondrio derecho. La ecografía abdominal detectó colelitiasis y una masa sugerente de adenoma suprarrenal izquierdo. La tomografía abdominal corroboró el tumor suprarrenal gigante y la litiasis vesicular. Se realizó suprarrenalectomía y colecistectomía convencional sin complicaciones. El diagnóstico histopatológico mostró un mielolipoma suprarrenal y una colecistitis crónica. Discusión: El mielolipoma suprarrenal es infrecuente, la etiología se desconoce, por lo general es asintomático y su hallazgo es incidental, habitualmente son unilaterales, menores a 4cm y la incidencia aumenta con la edad. Conclusiones: Cuando los mielolipomas alcanzan dimensiones mayores de 10cm se recomienda realizar una suprarrenalectomía convencional.

Introduction: Adrenal gland tumors are unusual and are usually found incidentally by imaging studies. Within this group, myelolipomas are one of the rarest tumors, considered 2% of adrenal tumors. Clinical case: We present a 60-year-old female patient with a history of sporadically colicky pain at the level of the right hypochondrium. Abdominal ultrasound revealed cholelithiasis and a mass suggestive of a left adrenal adenoma. Abdominal tomography confirmed a giant adrenal tumor and gallstones. An adrenalectomy and conventional cholecystectomy were performed without complications. The histopathological diagnosis showed an adrenal myelolipoma and chronic cholecystitis. Discussion: Adrenal myelolipoma is infrequent, the etiology is unknown, it is usually asymptomatic and its finding is incidental, they are usually unilateral, smaller than 4cm and the incidence increases with age. Conclusions: When myelolipomas reach dimensions greater than 10cm, conventional adrenalectomy is recommended. In selected cases.

Normal ambulatory blood pressure in young adults with 21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency undergoing glucocorticoid replacement therapy

ABSTRACT Objective: Herein, we compared ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) between young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase enzyme (21OHase) deficiency and a control group. Additionally, we analyzed correlations between the glucocorticoid dose and androgen levels and ABP parameters. Subjects and methods: This case-control study included 18 patients (6 males and 12 females) and 19 controls (8 males and 11 females) matched by age (18-31 years). ABP monitoring was used to estimate blood pressure (BP) over a 24-h period. Results: No difference was noted between patients and controls in terms of systolic BP (males, 115.5 ± 5.6 vs. 117.0 ± 9.3, P = 0.733; and females, 106.4 ± 7.9 vs. 108.4 ± 7.6, P = 0.556, respectively) and diastolic BP during 24 h (males, 62.8 ± 7.5 vs. 66.2 ± 5.6, P = 0.349; and females, 62.7 ± 4.9 vs. 62.3 ± 4.9, P = 0.818, respectively). Systolic and diastolic BP and pulse pressure during daytime and nocturnal periods were similar between patients and controls. Furthermore, no differences were detected in the percentage of load and impaired nocturnal dipping of systolic and diastolic BP between patients and controls during the 24-h period. Additionally, the glucocorticoid dose (varying between r = −0.24 to 0.13, P > 0.05) and androgens levels (varying between r = 0.01 to 0.14, P > 0.05) were not associated with ABP parameters. Conclusion: No signs of an elevated risk for hypertension were observed based on ABP monitoring in young adults with CAH attributed to 21OHase deficiency undergoing glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

The effect of COVID-19 process on patients with endocrinological disease in a pandemic hospital: What happened to the others?

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of the pandemic process on those with an endocrinological disease that will require close follow-up from the last visit before the pandemic. Materials and methods: Patients of 3,903 with thyroid, calcium-bone metabolism, adrenal gland, pituitary diseases, and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) were retrospectively scanned. The remaining 855 (656 females and 199 males) patients with active disease or who still needed multidisciplinary approaches were included. The number of patients who continued the disease-related medical procedures and could complete these procedures on time in the pandemic period was determined, and medical deprivation rate (MDR) was calculated. Results: The prepandemic period of our patients with thyroid disease (n = 594), calcium-bone metabolism disorder (n = 130), adrenal disease (n = 85), pituitary disease, and NET (n = 46) had MDRs of 85%, 56%, 81%, and 89%, respectively. For each subgroup of patients, the lowest MDR (67%) was in medullary thyroid carcinoma, the highest MDR (89%) was in differentiated thyroid carcinoma; the lowest MDR (6%) was in osteoporosis, the highest MDR (100%) was in the active Paget's disease; the lowest MDR (0%) was in primary adrenocortical insufficiency, the highest MDR (100%) was in hyperfunctional adrenal adenomas; the lowest MDR (81%) was in pituitary nonfunctional adenomas, and the highest MDR (100%) was in Cushing's disease, active prolactinoma, TSHoma, and NET, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that not only those who had COVID-19 but also those who had medical deprivation due to their current endocrinological disease were not to be underestimated during the pandemic period.

Miliary Tuberculosis with Addisons Disease - in old case of pulmonary tuberculosis, and tuberculosis of seminal vesicles - A rare case report

Addison's disease is a rare endocrinal disorder that was first described by Thomas Addison in 1855. Addison抯 disease occurs as a result of a lack of production of adrenocortical hormones, which is a rare but fatal disease if left untreated. The two most common causes of Addison's disease are autoimmune adrenalitis and tuberculosis which refer to hypoadrenalism caused by total or near total destruction or dysfunction of both adrenal cortices. Usual manifestations involve chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and hyper pigmentation of the skin. A substantial proportion of patients presenting with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have urogenital TB (UG-TB), which is easily under diagnosed because of non-specific symptoms, which are chronic and have cryptic protean clinical manifestations. Most of the clinician are not aware of the possibility of UG � TB. Calcification of seminal vesicle found in this case is a rare condition, which is commonly associated with diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and genitourinary tuberculosis. We here in report a rare case of adrenal insufficiency due to miliary tuberculosis involving adrenal gland, old pulmonary tuberculosis and genitourinary tuberculosis (seminal vesicles calcification) in a 31 year old male person. He presented with multiple episodes of vomiting, and giddiness which wasalso accompanied with atypical hyperpigmentation. His symptoms resolved after starting anti tuberculous therapy.

In vitro evaluation for estrogenic mechanisms of the disinfectant benzalkonium chloride as an emerging contaminant

This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the possible mechanisms underlying the estrogenic potential of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) as a disinfectant emerging contaminant. Effects of BAC at the environmentally-relevant concentrations on estrogen synthesis and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling were assessed using the H295R steroidogenesis assay and the MCF-7 proliferation assay, respectively. Results showed that exposure to BAC at concentrations of 1.0-1.5 mg/L for 48 h significantly increased estradiol production of H295R cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcription of steroidogenic genes 3β‐HSD2, 17β‐HSD1, 17β‐HSD4, and CYP19A were significantly enhanced by BAC. In ER-positive MCF-7 cells, exposure to 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC for 48 h significantly promoted cell proliferation and increased the expressions of ERα and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 0.5-1.5 mg/L BAC significantly decreased the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase, increased the percentage in S phase, and BAC at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5 mg/L increased the G2/M phase cells. Findings of the study suggested that BAC at environmentally-relevant concentrations might act as a xenoestrogen through its inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis and ER-mediated mechanism.

Prevalence of reported incidental adrenal findings in chest computerized tomography scans performed during the COVID-19 pandemic in a single center in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: We investigated the prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) in a nonselected Brazilian population in chest computed tomography (CT) performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study using chest CT reports from a tertiary in- and outpatient radiology clinic from March to September 2020. AIs were defined by changes in the shape, size, or density of the gland initially identified in the released report. Individuals with multiple studies were included, and duplicates were removed. Exams with positive findings were reviewed by a single radiologist. Results: A total of 10,329 chest CTs were reviewed, and after duplicate removal, 8,207 exams were included. The median age was 45 years [IQR 35-59 years], and 4,667 (56.8%) were female. Thirty-eight lesions were identified in 36 patients (prevalence 0.44%). A higher prevalence was observed with age, with 94.4% of the findings in patients aged 40 years and over (RR 9.98 IC 2.39-41.58, p 0.002), but there was no significant difference between the sexes. Seventeen lesions (44.7%) had more than 10 HU, and five lesions (12.1%) were more than 4 cm. Conclusions: The prevalence of AIs in an unselected and unreviewed population in a Brazilian clinic is low. The impact on the health system caused by AIs discovered during the pandemic should be small regarding the need for specialized follow-up.

Normotensive pheochromocytoma presenting as adrenal incidentaloma: A case report

Background@#Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors that usually present with hypertension and palpitations. However, a subset of pheochromocytoma patients is asymptomatic, presenting as adrenal incidentaloma on imaging.@*Case@#We present a case of a 32-year-old normotensive female who presented with a right suprarenal mass on abdominal ultrasound. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made after biochemical testing revealed elevated 24- hour urine metanephrine of 1.96 mg/24hrs (NV:0-1 mg/24hrs) and epinephrine of 129 mcg/24hrs (NV: 2-24 mcg/24hrs). In addition, plasma chromogranin A was elevated at 225.38 ng/ml (NV:<100 ng/ml). CT scan of the abdomen showed a 3.0 x 4.0 x 3.0 cm heterogeneous well-circumscribed right adrenal mass, with 87Hu on contrast, an absolute washout of 21%, and a relative washout of 13% on a delayed scan. After adequate preoperative medical therapy with an alpha-adrenergic blocker, a right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done, with histopathologic confirmation of pheochromocytoma. Repeat 24-hour urine metanephrine measurements done on multiple follow-ups after surgery were normal.@*Conclusion@#Asymptomatic pheochromocytoma should be included in the differential diagnoses of adrenal incidentalomas. As in our case, patients with normotension and adrenal incidentalomas should still undergo biochemical workup to rule out the presence of pheochromocytoma. Long-term complications from chronic exposure to high catecholamine levels lead to significant adverse cardiovascular effects. Early detection, adequate perioperative preparation, and timely surgical intervention can prevent a potential catastrophe.