ABSTRACT
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with multiple endocrine side effects, including thyroid disfunctions. In addition, the efficacy and safety profiles of ICIs in the pediatric population need clarification. Here, we discuss the main evidence regarding the efficacy and thyroid toxicities of ICIs in children.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Ganglioneuromas are tumors of neurogenic origin usually located in the abdomen, the adrenal glands, and the mediastinum but infrequently found in the neck region. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a four-year-old Albanian girl presenting with an anterior neck mass initially suspected to be a thyroid nodule. From a clinical point of view, there was no evidence of compression on vital cervical structures. Lab tests detected normal serum thyrotropin, calcitonin, and parathormone concentrations. A neck ultrasound showed a huge mass apparently originating from the left thyroid lobe. Cytological examination of fine needle biopsy demonstrated a population of large cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, regular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli and spindle cells without significant atypia, consistent with a benign lesion of neurogenic origin. Also, the neck MRI displayed a mass with well-defined margins, likely arising from the peripheral nervous system. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass without complications. The histological exam was diagnostic for ganglioneuroma. Conclusions: We discuss the cytological and histological features peculiar to such a rare neck lesion and review the differential diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis of primary and secondary hyperthyroidism can be challenging. Moreover, although extremely rare, the two conditions can coexist. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old woman presented with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, gradual changes in face shape, headache and progressive enlargement of hands and feet in the last year. When she was 46 years old, she was diagnosed with Graves' disease, and treated with 4-year methimazole therapy. Since 2016, a progressive increase of free-T4 and free-T3 with normal-TSH and positive TrAb was noticed. RESULTS: At biochemical examination, fT3 was 5.3pg/ml (n. v. 2.5 - 3.9 pg/ml), fT4 was 20.6 pg/ml (n.v 6-12 pg/ml), IGF1 was 698 ng/ml (57 - 240 ng/ml*), GH (basally and after OGTT), and prolactin were significantly increased; while TSH was 1.8 (n.v. 0.35-4.0 mcUI/ml). A pituitary MRI demonstrated a large sellar tumor with suprasellar extension. The patient underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Histological examination revealed a plurihormonal (GH-PRLTSH- secreting) PIT-1-positive pituitary adenoma/pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). At 3- month follow-up, the pituitary function was normal, and no residual tumor was detected at the MRI. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of Graves' disease coexisting with a plurihormonal PIT-1-positive pituitary adenoma/PitNET.
