"Graded early warning system" of RET germline mutation carriers in MEN2A/MEN2B families and total thyroidectomy (report of 7 cases) / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the reasonable time of prophylactic thyroidectomy for RET gene carriers in multiple endocrine neoplasia(MEN) 2A/2B families. Methods: From May 2015 to August 2021, RET gene carriers in MEN2A/MEN2B families were dynamically followed up at the Department of Thyroid Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University. The high-risk patients were encouraged to undergo prophylacitc total thyroidectomy according to the principle of "graded early warning system", namely the evaluation of gene detection, calcitonin value and ultrasound examination successively. Seven cases underwent the surgery, including 3 males and 4 females, aged from 7 to 29 years. According to the risk stratification listed in the guidelines of the American Thyroid Association in 2015, there were 2 cases of the highest risk, 2 cases of the high risk and 3 cases of the modest risk. Calcitonin index remained within the normal range in 3 cases and elevated in 4 cases before operation. All 7 patients underwent thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection of the level Ⅵ performed in 4 patients. Results: The time from suggestion to operation was 2 to 37 months, with an average of 15.1 months. The 6 patients were medullary thyroid carcinoma and 1 case with C-cell hyperplasia. The follow-up time was 2 to 82 months, with an average of 38.4 months. Postoperative serum calcitonin levels of all cases decreased to normal level, with biochemical cure. There was no sign of recurrence on ultrasound examination. All 7 patients had no serious complications, no obvious thyroid dysfunction. Their height, weight and other indicators of pediatric patients were similar to those of their peers, with normal growth and development. Conclusion: For healthy people with MEN2A/MEN2B family history, prophylactic thyroidectomy can be carried out selectively based on the comprehensive evaluation of "graded early warning system" with strict screening and close monitoring.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia-IIb with RET gene mutation p.M918T： A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Multiple endocrine neoplasia-IIb (MEN-IIb) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant syndrome caused by mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. It's characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), mucosal neuromas, and Marfanoid habitus. Because of the rarity of MEN-IIb and finiteness of clinical cognition, the majority of the patients suffer a delayed diagnosis. A MEN-IIb patient with the lingual mucosal neuromas since childhood was admitted in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in November, 2018. He had surgical history of mitral valve prolapse and spinal deformity. He was diagnosed with MTC and PHEO at the age of 22 and 28, respectively, and received surgical treatments. Sequencing of RET gene revealed a de novo heterozygous p.M918T mutation in the patient. Being aware of the unique clinical phenotype and screening of RET gene mutation may lead to the early diagnosis and better long-term outcome for MEN-IIb.

Síndromes de neoplasia endocrina múltiple: revisión radiológica / Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes: Radiological Review

Los síndromes de neoplasia endocrina múltiple (MEN), incluyen una serie de enfermedades con alteraciones genéticas que se caracterizan por la presencia de tumores que afectan a dos o más glándulas endocrinas. Son síndromes con una herencia autosómica dominante e incluyen tres patrones: MEN 1 (síndrome de Wermer), MEN 2 (que incluye MEN 2A o síndrome de Sipple y MEN 2B o síndrome de Wagenmann-Froboese) y MEN 4. Los adenomas paratiroideos y el carcinoma medular tiroideo, son los tumores más frecuentes del MEN tipo 1 y 2 respectivamente. Esos síndromes son más comunes en pacientes jóvenes, con patología de afectación bilateral, múltiple o multifocal y, sobre todo, en pacientes con antecedentes familiares. Es necesario el trabajo en equipo de endocrinólogos, cirujanos, oncólogos y radiólogos para optimizar el tratamiento de esos pacientes.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) encompasses a serial of familial genetically disorders in wich tumors simultaneusly occur in two or more endocrine organs. MEN síndromes are autosomal-dominant disorders categorized into three main patterns: MEN 1 (Wermer syndrome), MEN 2 (includes MEN 2A o Sipple syndrome and MEN 2B o Wagenmann-Froboese syndrome) and MEN 4. Parathyroid adenomas and medullary thyroid carcinoma are the most frecuent tumors in MEN 1 and MEN 2 respectively. These entities will be suspected in younger patients, bilateral, multiple or multifocal disease and, specially, in patients with family background. Cooperation between endocrinologist, surgeons, oncologists and radiologists is pivotal for optimizing patient treatment.

Feocromocitoma en neoplasia endocrina múltiple IIA asociado a tuberculosis pulmonar presentada como abdomen agudo: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Pheochromocytoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A associated with pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as abdominal pain: a case report and literature review

El feocromocitoma constituye una neoplasia productora de catecolaminas que se presenta de forma esporádica o asociada a enfermedades de transmisión hereditaria, como la neoplasia endocrina múltiple. Los síntomas clásicos como la cefalea, sudoración y palpitaciones son atribuidos a la actividad del sistema nervioso simpático y suelen presentarse en forma de paroxismos. La tuberculosis pulmonar es una enfermedad infecciosa que constituye un problema de salud pública en muchos países, cuya incidencia depende de algunos factores incluyendo la inmunosupresión que generan las enfermedades endocrino-tumorales como la antes descrita. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 38 años que acude a emergencia por presentar un paroxismo de hipertensión arterial y dolor abdominal, como manifestaciones iniciales de un feocromocitoma en el contexto de una neoplasia endocrina múltiple de tipo IIA. El paciente desarrolló de forma concomitante tuberculosis pulmonar; no obstante, se logró tratar ambas entidades consiguiendo una evolución clínica favorable.

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing neoplasm that may occur sporadically or associated with hereditary diseases, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia. The classic symptoms are headache, sweating, and palpitations and are attributed to the sympathetic nervous system activity, usually presenting as paroxysms. On the other hand, pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease considered a public health problem in many countries, whose incidence depends on risk factors such as immunosuppression. It is well known that endocrine-tumor diseases such as multiple endocrine neoplasia can predispose to chronic inflammation and immunosuppression. We report the case of a 38-year-old male patient who had an episode of arterial hypertension and abdominal pain as the first symptoms of a pheochromocytoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A. The patient developed pulmonary tuberculosis simultaneously, but we managed to treat both entities and achieve a favorable clinical course.

Clinical features and mutations of RET proto-oncogene in a pedigree affected with type 2A multiple endocrine neoplasia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features and mutations of RET proto-oncogene in a pedigree affected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of the family members was collected. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes were extracted and subjected to PCR amplification. Exons 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 of the RET gene was sequenced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A missense mutation p.C634W was detected in 8 members from the family. Among them, 3 were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, 1 with medullary thyroid carcinoma, 1 with medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma, 1 with medullary thyroid carcinoma and hyperparathyroidism. One member was found with thyroid enlargement but refused further examination, and another one was identified as carrier of the RET gene mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A p.C634W mutation has been detected in a family affected with MEN2A, in which most carriers have developed clinical symptoms. RET mutation detection should be routinely performed for families affected with MEN2A.</p>

Pheochromocytoma Developed in a Boy with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A Confirmed by the RET Proto-Oncogene Mutation / 임상소아혈액종양

A 9-year-old boy presented with increased sweating and abdominal pain. His mother and uncle had been diagnosed with bilateral pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the boy's abdomen revealed a 7.5 cm×7.0 cm×6.0 cm mass with a thick peripheral enhancing wall and fluid-fluid level at the right suprarenal region. His ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan showed a large mass with increased MIBG uptake in the right adrenal gland. The levels of serum norepinephrine, urine epinephrine/norepinephrine, metanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were elevated. He, his mother, and two sisters tested positive for the known mutation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, Cys634Tyr in RET proto-oncogene. Laparoscopic tumor excision and right adrenalectomy were performed. Final diagnosis was pheochromocytoma with malignant behavior, based on adrenal gland scoring scale. However, there was no overt metastasis. After surgery, his symptoms resolved and abnormal laboratory tests were normalized.

Pheochromocytoma Developed in a Boy with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A Confirmed by the RET Proto-Oncogene Mutation / 임상소아혈액종양

A 9-year-old boy presented with increased sweating and abdominal pain. His mother and uncle had been diagnosed with bilateral pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the boy's abdomen revealed a 7.5 cm×7.0 cm×6.0 cm mass with a thick peripheral enhancing wall and fluid-fluid level at the right suprarenal region. His ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan showed a large mass with increased MIBG uptake in the right adrenal gland. The levels of serum norepinephrine, urine epinephrine/norepinephrine, metanephrine, and vanillylmandelic acid were elevated. He, his mother, and two sisters tested positive for the known mutation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, Cys634Tyr in RET proto-oncogene. Laparoscopic tumor excision and right adrenalectomy were performed. Final diagnosis was pheochromocytoma with malignant behavior, based on adrenal gland scoring scale. However, there was no overt metastasis. After surgery, his symptoms resolved and abnormal laboratory tests were normalized.

brief review on the molecular basis of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Approximately 5-10% of all thyroid cancers are medullary thyroid carcinomas [MTC]. MTC is mainly sporadic in nature, but 20-30% of cases are hereditary. Genetic testing for hereditary MTC is very important for the patient and his family, but the patients must be receiving appropriate genetic counseling. About 98% of patients with hereditary MTC have germline mutations in exons 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16 and intron 16 of the REarrangement during transfection [RET] proto-oncogene, but the etiology of the more frequent sporadic form of MTC [sMTC] is not well understood. Recently, it has been reported that apparently sporadic MTC may involve point mutations in BRAF and RAS genes, with an overall prevalence of almost 10%. Also alteration and abnormal expression of miRNA has been described in MTC. In this review, we attempted to mention some mutations and molecular changes in sporadic and hereditary MTC pathogenesis

Recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to proliferation of autotransplanted parathyroid tissue in a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A patient

About 20%–30% of all cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is accompanied by primary hyperparathyroidism. These patients undergo parathyroidectomy and, if needed, autotransplantation. In rare cases, autotransplanted parathyroid tissues can cause hypoparathyroidism due to failure of transplantation or hyperparathyroidism due to proliferation of the transplanted tissue. A 68-year-old female with MEN 2A underwent left adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma 15 years prior to presentation and total thyroidectomy, central and right lateral neck lymph node dissection, and subtotal parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for medullary thyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism 6 years previous. Recently, a doubtful parathyroid adenoma was detected in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle on ultrasonography and on an additional sestamibi scan. The mass was excised and histologically confirmed as parathyroid adenoma. This is a very rare case, and it suggests that long-term regular monitoring of serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels is necessary after parathyroid autotransplantation.

Recurrent hyperparathyroidism due to proliferation of autotransplanted parathyroid tissue in a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A patient

About 20%–30% of all cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is accompanied by primary hyperparathyroidism. These patients undergo parathyroidectomy and, if needed, autotransplantation. In rare cases, autotransplanted parathyroid tissues can cause hypoparathyroidism due to failure of transplantation or hyperparathyroidism due to proliferation of the transplanted tissue. A 68-year-old female with MEN 2A underwent left adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma 15 years prior to presentation and total thyroidectomy, central and right lateral neck lymph node dissection, and subtotal parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for medullary thyroid cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism 6 years previous. Recently, a doubtful parathyroid adenoma was detected in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle on ultrasonography and on an additional sestamibi scan. The mass was excised and histologically confirmed as parathyroid adenoma. This is a very rare case, and it suggests that long-term regular monitoring of serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels is necessary after parathyroid autotransplantation.

Diagnosis and treatment of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A: a case report and literature review / 南方医科大学学报

We report a case of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A and summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The diagnosis of MEN type 2A relies on a comprehensive evaluation of the findings of ultrasound, CT and laboratory examinations, and early diagnosis and treatment is critical to improving the prognosis. Genetic testing of RET is the gold standard for diagnosis of MEN type 2A and 2B. Surgical intervention currently remains the primary choice of treatments of this disease.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A caused by a p.C618R RET proto-oncogene mutation in a Chinese pedigree / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical characteristics and significance of RET proto-oncogene screening in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Comprehensive medical history was obtained for 5 members from a 3-generation family from southern China. Clinical investigations have included biochemical testing, imaging, and screening of germline RET proto-oncogene mutations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Genetic screening has revealed a missense mutation at codon 618(TGC>CGC) of exon 10 in 3 patients(p.C618R), which was consistent with their clinical manifestations. For the 3 individuals, the age at diagnosis was 21, 26 and 36 yr, and the maximum diameter of medullary thyroid carcinoma was 22, 25 and 39 cm, respectively. The 36-year-old female patient initially underwent right total thyroidectomy plus right neck lymph node dissection. Four years later, she again underwent left adrenal tumorectomy and left total thyroidectomy plus left neck lymph node dissection. The 21-year-old male patient underwent right total thyroidectomy plus right modified neck dissection. The follow-up was respectively 146 and 26 months following the initial operation. Two patients still presented elevated calcitonin and had bilateral neck lymph node masses and/or left thyroid masses on imaging examination. The 26-year-old female patient, who presented bilateral thyroid masses and elevated calcitonin, has refused thyroidectomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined family survey and RET gene screening can facilitate early diagnosis and surgical treatment to improve the prognosis.</p>

Two Cases of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II with RET Mutaion / 임상소아혈액종양

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and other hyperplasia and/or neoplasia of different endocrine tissues in a single patient. MEN 2 is caused by germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene is located on the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10 (10q11.2). We present our experience with two rare cases of MEN 2, an 11-years-old girl and a 10-years-old boy. Their parents had medullary thyroid carcinoma and genetic analysis showed the missense mutation of RET. They were screened for mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and RET mutations were found at codons 634 and 641. They were asymptomatic state but the girl had prophylactic total thyroidectomy. Children of families with RET mutations may develop early cancers and require prophylactic thyroidectomy before eight years.

Two Cases of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II with RET Mutaion / 임상소아혈액종양

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and other hyperplasia and/or neoplasia of different endocrine tissues in a single patient. MEN 2 is caused by germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene is located on the pericentromeric region of chromosome 10 (10q11.2). We present our experience with two rare cases of MEN 2, an 11-years-old girl and a 10-years-old boy. Their parents had medullary thyroid carcinoma and genetic analysis showed the missense mutation of RET. They were screened for mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and RET mutations were found at codons 634 and 641. They were asymptomatic state but the girl had prophylactic total thyroidectomy. Children of families with RET mutations may develop early cancers and require prophylactic thyroidectomy before eight years.

Hypertensive crisis in a patient with thyroid cancer.

Phaeochromocytomas may be discovered incidentally when patients present with hypertensive crisis during general anaesthesia. A 49-year-old man underwent thyroidectomy 25 years ago and was diagnosed to have spindle cell carcinoma of the thyroid. He presented with recent onset of hoarseness of voice and was found to have a vocal cord nodule. He developed a hypertensive crisis during surgery. He was subsequently evaluated and found to have bilateral phaeochromocytoma. Further evaluation revealed a RET proto-oncogene mutation at codon 634 consistent with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)-2A.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia and Familial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한갑상선학회지

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is defined as a disorder with neoplasms in two or more different hormonal tissues in several members of a family. MEN1, or Wermer's syndrome, is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This syndrome is characterized by neoplasia of the parathyroid glands, enteropancreatic tumors, anterior pituitary adenomas, and other neuroendocrine tumors with variable penetrance. Inherited medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) consists of MEN2A, MEN2B, and familial medullary thyroid cancer (FMTC). The identification of hereditary MTC has been facilitated in recent years by direct analysis of germline RET proto-oncogene mutation.

Pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal and multiple endocrine neoplasms:a clinicopathologic analysis of 181 cases / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the change in the incidence of pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal and multiple endocrine neoplasm type 2 (MEN2), to summarize the clinical characteristics of benign, potentially malignant and malignant pheochromocytomas and to investigate the correlation between clinical manifestations and pathological changes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Statistic analysis was performed to detect the incidence, constituent ratio, mean diagnostic age, sex proportion and correlation between clinical manifestions and pathologic changes in pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal gland and MEN2 from 1993 to 2008 in the Department of Pathology, the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University with Runs test, ANOVA, t test and chi-square test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total number of biopsies within the 16 years was 167 702 cases (average 10 481 cases per year). The numbers (detectable rate) of total adrenal diseases, pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal glands were 910 (0.54%), 139 (0.08%), and 42 (0.03%) cases, respectively. The numbers (constituent ratio) of benign, potentially malignant and malignant of pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla were 102 cases (73.4%), 29 cases (20.9%) and 8 cases (5.7%), respectively; in the 102 cases of benign tumors, patients with MEN2 were 8 (7.8%); the three groups of the tumors in extra-adrenal sites were 18 (42.8%) cases, 12 (28.6%) cases and 12 (28.6%) cases. There were no changes in the detectable rate and constituent ratio of adrenal diseases, benign, potential malignant and malignant pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal glands and patients with MEN2 during the past 16 years (P > 0.05), but there was a tendency that malignant transformation was gradually increased with age, which was more commonly found in male patients than females. The mean age at diagnosis of patients with benign and potentially malignant pheochromocytomas was 42.7 years (ranged from 10 - 74 years), and 40.1 years (13 - 66 years), respectively, which were younger than patients with malignant pheochromocytomas (51.6 years, P < 0.05); the mean age of patients with benign and potentially malignant pheochromocytomas in extra-adrenal sites was 43.1 years (ranged from 20 - 75 years) and 45.2 years (28 - 65 years) that were older than those with malignant (37.8 years, ranged from 14 - 58 years, P < 0.05). It was spectacular that patients with malignant pheochromocytoma in adrenal medulla (51.6 years) were older than that in extra-adrenal sites (37.8 years); all the patients with MEN2 were female benign pheochromocytoma in adrenal medulla, whose age (38.9 years) was younger than that of benign lesions (42.7 years, P < 0.05), in which thyroid medullary carcinoma appeared early than pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla. The detectable rate of hypertension in patients with malignant pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla and in extra-adrenal sites were less than that in benign and potentially malignant ones (P < 0.05). The bilateral lesions more commonly found in malignant pheochromocytoma (25.0%) than benign (15.7%) and potentially malignant pheochromocytomas (6.9%) only in adrenal medulla. Relapse rates in both adrenal and extra-adrenal tumors were rising from benign (11.8%, 0), potentially malignant (13.8%, 25.0%), to malignant (33.3%, 37.5%) groups; the average diameter of pheochromocytomas in both adrenal and extra-adrenal sites was increasing from benign (4.2 cm, 4.0 cm), potentially malignant (5.3 cm, 5.6 cm) to malignant (7.3 cm, 6.9 cm) groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The diagnostic criteria of benign, potentially malignant and malignant pheochromocytomas in adrenal medulla and in extra-adrenal sites are well established according to the WHO classification of endocrine tumors (2004). The closer relationship is found between clinical manifestations and pathologic changes. The definite type and nature of pheochromocytomas are mainly rested upon the pathologic examination.</p>

A Case of Concurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Familial Medullary Thyroid Microcarcinoma with a Germline C634W Mutation

The origins of medullary carcinoma (MTC) and papillary carcinoma (PTC) of the thyroid are embryologically different. Tumors showing concurrent medullary and papillary features are rare and they represent less than 1% of all thyroid malignancies. Hereditary MTC is an autosomal dominantly inherited disease which is genetically determined as part of the MEN 2A, MEN 2B, or variants of MEN 2A such as familial MTC. Germline mutations of the RET gene are the underlying cause of the majority of cases of hereditary medullary carcinomas. The pathogenesis of concurrent PTC with familial MTC has rarely been known. Genetic analysis of the RET oncogene has so far provided conflicting results. Here we describe a family whose sibling was affected by both PTC & MTC, and the family carried a germ-line point mutation in the RET extracellular domain that converted cysteine 634 into tryptophan (C634W).

Early Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations in Korean Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome is an inherited, autosomal dominant disease that presents as a combination of several endocrine tumors. Early diagnosis of this syndrome is difficult, because of the nonspecific symptoms and signs. This study analyzed early manifestations and clinical characteristics in patients with MEN syndrome. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and telephone interviews were conducted with 35 patients diagnosed as MEN syndrome at Samsung Medical Center from December 1994 to December 2009. RESULTS: The 35 patients had been diagnosed as MEN1 (n=14), MEN2A (n=19) and MEN2B (n=2). The early manifestations of the 14 MEN1 patients were related with hyperparathyroidism (n=5), pituitary tumor (n=3), and pancreatic endocrine tumor (n=2). There were tumors of the parathyroid gland in all 14 patients, anterior pituitary in eight patients, and pancreatic islet cells in seven patients. Four cases were incidentally detected during the screening examination. Six cases harbored a MEN1 gene mutation. The twenty-one patients diagnosed with MEN2 comprised medullary thyroid cancer (n=20), adrenal pheochromocytoma (n=15), and hyperparathyroidism (n=4). The MTC-related symptoms in the 21 MEN2 patients included neck mass or discomfort in 12 patients and pheochromocytoma-related symptoms in seven patients. Two cases were detected through familial genetic screening test. The RET gene mutationwas detected in 19 cases. CONCLUSION: Early manifestations of MEN syndrome were very different between the types of MEN and the types of its presenting tumor. The early diagnosis and proper management of MEN requires awareness of the clinical characteristics of each expressed tumor and is influenced by genetic screening methods.

A Family Presenting with Catastrophic Features due to Pheochromocytoma Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2A

Multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal dominant disease that consists of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma and parathyroid hyperplasia. The activation of germ-line mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are responsible for MEN 2A. We describe here a rare case of MEN 2A in a patient who presented with an acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy with cardiogenic shock and acute renal failure. The patient was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and MTC associated with MEN 2A, which was confirmed by the detection of a RET proto-oncogene mutation at exon 11 on codon 634 (Cys634Arg). During familial screening, the patient's younger sister was found to have a benign thyroid nodule. Re-evaluation of this thyroid nodule revealed MTC with the same gene mutation. We also provide a review of the relevant literature.