Use of combination of Oral Levothyroxine and Liothyronine in severe Hypothyroidism with Massive Pericardial Effusion / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Thyroid hormone plays an important role in cardiovascular function. Pericardial effusions are commonly seen in cases of severe hypothyroidism. However, large to massive pericardial effusions with cardiac tamponade are exceptionally rare. Herein, we present two cases of severe hypothyroidism with massive pericardial effusion. Our first case demonstrates that a patient with large pericardial effusion can be managed conservatively with aggressive thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In our second case, pericardiocentesis was performed in addition to thyroid hormone replacement therapy as the underlying aetiology of effusion could not be reasonably limited to hypothyroidism. These two cases served to highlight and demonstrate rapid normalisation of thyroid function test by using aggressive oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy using liothyronine, in combination with levothyroxine, which led to resolution of pericardial effusion and prevent its re-accumulation.

Rare presentation of right Adrenal Mass: Extramedullary haematopoiesis in a patient with Thalassaemia Intermedia / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of adrenal mass. We present a 44-year-old woman who has thalassaemia intermedia, referred to Endocrinology clinic for huge adrenal mass. Along with a paraspinal lesion discovered in this patient, the leading diagnosis was EMH. The patient was treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea, which led to a reduction in the size of the right adrenal mass and paraspinal mass. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition. Although EMH is a rare cause of adrenal mass, the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with a history of a congenital hemolytic disorder, to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.