ABSTRACT
Doege-Potter syndrome occurs when incompletely processed insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2), also known as big IGF-2, is produced by a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and results in non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH). We discuss here the case of a 66-year-old male who presented with a 2-week history of increasing confusion and a serum glucose of 34â mg/dL. The patient's symptoms immediately improved with dextrose. The patient did not use insulin, serum sulfonylurea screen was negative, and testing for adrenal insufficiency was unremarkable. Outpatient laboratory evaluation revealed a serum glucose of 48â mg/dL along with low insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin levels. Further work-up showed an IGF-2 to IGF-1 ratio of 38:1. A ratio greater than 10:1 is diagnostic of NICTH. Imaging demonstrated a 21-cm mass in the lower abdomen and pelvis. The patient underwent surgical resection. The hypoglycemia resolved immediately postoperatively. Surgical pathology revealed a malignant SFT. In NICTH, big IGF-2 forms a complex that is biologically active and saturates the insulin and IGF receptors, resulting in refractory hypoglycemia. Although glucocorticoids can mitigate hypoglycemia, complete surgical resection is the only definitive treatment of NICTH. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a broad differential for seemingly simple hypoglycemia.
ABSTRACT
Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare tumors arising from sympathetic ganglion cells that may present similarly to other adrenal tumors, making preoperative diagnosis challenging. We present a case of a young woman with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis who presented with hypertension and headaches. An abdominal CT scan revealed a large left adrenal mass, and while laboratory tests for catecholamines and metanephrines were normal, the suspicion for pheochromocytoma remained high given the size of the mass and persistent hypertension. The patient was started on alpha-blockers and beta-blockers in preparation for surgical removal. Pathology revealed a mature ganglioneuroma without evidence of malignancy, and postoperative blood pressure was normalized. We hypothesize that vessel compression from the large mass created functional stenosis, resulting in persistent hypertension. This case highlights the importance of a thorough workup for hypertension in young adults and routine preventative care visits to avoid delayed management. Adrenalectomy with histopathological examination remains the gold standard for treatment and diagnosis, and patients have a good prognosis following resection, with minimal need for recurrent therapy.
Subject(s)
Addison Disease/etiology , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/physiopathology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/physiopathology , Hemorrhage/etiology , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Addison Disease/drug therapy , Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/secondary , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/secondary , Drug Therapy, Combination , Fludrocortisone/therapeutic use , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Humans , Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , RadiographyABSTRACT
Having identified gaps in implementation of Rhode Island's syringe access law and police occupational safety education, public health and police professionals developed police training to boost legal knowledge, improve syringe access attitudes, and address needlestick injuries. Baseline data (94 officers) confirmed anxiety about needlestick injuries, poor legal knowledge, and occupational risk overestimation. Before training, respondents believed that syringe access promotes drug use (51%), increases likelihood of police needlestick injuries (58%), and fails to reduce epidemics (38%). Pretraining to posttraining evaluation suggested significant shifts in legal and occupational safety knowledge; changes in attitudes toward syringe access were promising. Training that combines occupational safety with syringe access content can help align law enforcement with public health goals. Additional research is needed to assess street-level effect and to inform intervention tailoring.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/prevention & control , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Inservice Training/organization & administration , Needle-Exchange Programs , Police/education , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Occupational Health , Public Health Practice , Rhode IslandABSTRACT
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic form of male hypogonadism. The majority (80-90%) of patients have 47, XXY karyotype while mosaicism is seen in only 10-20% of patients. Leg ulcers may be a presenting symptom of KS with a prevalence of 6-13%. Treatment with testosterone has been reported to improve the ulcers.