El valor de la gammagrafía paratiroidea en la detección de lesiones en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario normocalcémico / The value of parathyroid scintigraphy on lesion detection in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism

Objetivo: El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPP) es una de las enfermedades endocrinas más frecuentes. La mayoría de los pacientes con HPP son asintomáticos, y solo el 20% de ellos se vuelven sintomáticos con niveles crecientes de calcio (Ca). Se ha informado que el hiperparatiroidismo primario normocalcémico puede ser el período incipiente de HPP en el que los niveles de Ca están en un rango normal, y puede avanzar a HPP abierto. El diagnóstico temprano de la HPP es importante para prevenir sus complicaciones. En este estudio retrospectivo, nos propusimos evaluar el papel de la gammagrafía paratiroidea 99mTc-MIBI en la detección de lesiones en pacientes con HPP normocalcémico.Material y métodos: La base de datos de gammagrafía paratiroidea fue revisada retrospectivamente en pacientes con HPP. 117 pacientes que se sometieron a la gammagrafía 99mTc-MIBI fueron reclutados para el estudio. El nivel de Ca sérico superior a 10,5mg/dl se consideró como hipercalcemia.Resultados: Los niveles medios de PTH sérica (media±DE) de un total de 117 pacientes (mujeres/mujeres: 98/19) fueron de 149±97pg/ml en el grupo normocalcémico (Ca: 9,6±0,6mg/dl, n=38) y de 189±135pg/ml en el grupo hipercalcémico (Ca: 11,4±0,6mg/dl, n=79) (p=0,072). El sexo y la edad no fueron diferentes entre los grupos de gammagrafía positiva y negativa, pero las tasas de detección de lesiones con gammagrafía paratiroidea fueron del 42% en el grupo normocalcémico y del 81% en el grupo hipercalcémico (p<0,0001).Conclusiones: Varios factores, entre los que se incluyen el Ca sérico, el protocolo de imágenes, la existencia de enfermedad multiglandular, el tamaño y la biocinética MIBI del adenoma pueden influir en la detectabilidad de la lesión en la gammagrafía paratiroidea. Aunque un alto nivel de Ca en suero es un parámetro importante para predecir su éxito, la gammagrafía paratiroidea sigue siendo un método de diagnóstico valioso incluso en pacientes con HPP normocalcémico (AU)

Objective: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most frequent endocrine diseases. Most of the patients with PHPT are asymptomatic, and only 20% of them become symptomatic with increasing levels of calcium. It has been reported that normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) may be the incipient period of PHPT where calcium (Ca) levels are in normal range, and it may advance to overt PHPT. Early diagnosis of PHPT is important in order to prevent its complications. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the role of 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy on lesion detection in patients with NPHPT.Material and methods: The parathyroid scintigraphy database was reviewed retrospectively in patients with PHPT. 117 patients who underwent 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy were recruited to the study. Serum calcium level above 10.5mg/dl was considered as hypercalcemia.Results: A total of 117 patients’ (female/male:98/19) mean serum PTH levels (mean±SD) were 149±97 pg/ml in normocalcemic group (Ca:9.6±0.6mg/dL, n:38) and 189±135 pg/ml in hypercalcemic group (Ca:11.4±0.6mg/dL, n:79) (p:0.072). The sex and ages were not different between the scintigraphy positive and negative groups, but the lesion detection rates with parathyroid scintigraphy were 42% in normocalcemic group and 81% in hypercalcemic group (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Several factors including serum Ca, the imaging protocol, existence of multiglandular disease, the size and MIBI biokinetics of the adenoma may influence lesion detectability in parathyroid scintigraphy. Although high serum Ca level is an important parameter in predicting its success, parathyroid scintigraphy remains a valuable diagnostic method even in patients with NPHPT (AU)

The value of parathyroid scintigraphy on lesion detection in patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. / El valor de la gammagrafía paratiroidea en la detección de lesiones en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario normocalcémico.

OBJECTIVE: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most frequent endocrine diseases. Most of the patients with PHPT are asymptomatic, and only 20% of them become symptomatic with increasing levels of calcium. It has been reported that normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) may be the incipient period of PHPT where calcium (Ca) levels are in normal range, and it may advance to overt PHPT. Early diagnosis of PHPT is important in order to prevent its complications. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the role of 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy on lesion detection in patients with NPHPT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The parathyroid scintigraphy database was reviewed retrospectively in patients with PHPT. 117 patients who underwent 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy were recruited to the study. Serum calcium level above 10.5mg/dl was considered as hypercalcemia. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients' (female/male:98/19) mean serum PTH levels (mean±SD) were 149±97 pg/ml in normocalcemic group (Ca:9.6±0.6mg/dL, n:38) and 189±135 pg/ml in hypercalcemic group (Ca:11.4±0.6mg/dL, n:79) (p:0.072). The sex and ages were not different between the scintigraphy positive and negative groups, but the lesion detection rates with parathyroid scintigraphy were 42% in normocalcemic group and 81% in hypercalcemic group (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Several factors including serum Ca, the imaging protocol, existence of multiglandular disease, the size and MIBI biokinetics of the adenoma may influence lesion detectability in parathyroid scintigraphy. Although high serum Ca level is an important parameter in predicting its success, parathyroid scintigraphy remains a valuable diagnostic method even in patients with NPHPT.

Radiotherapy-Related Tumour Lysis Syndrome in a Patient with Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of Unknown Origin

ABSTRACT Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a rare but serious complication of cancer treatment. It is generally seen in patients with high tumour load or chemosensitive tumour after chemotherapy and is more common with haematological malignancies like leukaemia and lymphoma when compared to solid tumours. TLS occurring after radiotherapy (RT) in patients with solid tumours is very rare. We aimed to present TLS seen after RT for a vertebral tumoral mass in a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown origin. A 78-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of unknown origin, was hospitalized to undergo palliative RT for the vertebral mass. On the 1st day, 4 mg q6hour perioral dexamethasone was started. 300 cGy per session RT started on the 2nd day of hospitalization. After the fifth session of RT (after a total dose of 15 Gy), she developed TLS complicated with acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy and she was successfully treated by haemodialysis. Close monitoring, even in patients with low risk for TLS and early administration of preventive modalities should be kept in mind.

Interleukin-32 levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis after periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The cytokine, interleukin (IL)-32, is a relatively new discovery. However, it is very powerful for stimulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) under inflammatory conditions. The objective of this research was to explore fluctuations in the levels of TNF-α, IL-32 and IL-10, in both saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. The focus was on measurements taken before and after clinical treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the purposes of the study, a total of 27 patients with chronic periodontitis and 27 controls (periodontally healthy) were recruited. Important clinical periodontal criteria were established before and 4 wk after the start of the research. The chronic periodontitis group was given an initial form of periodontal care. Samples of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected exactly 4 wk preceding and 4 wk following the care. The levels of IL-10, IL-32 and TNF-α present in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were recorded via the use of an ELISA. RESULTS: At baseline, the levels of TNF-α and IL-32 in the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva were significantly higher among patients in the chronic periodontitis group than among patients in the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, at baseline the levels of IL-10 were significantly lower in the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of the chronic periodontitis group than the control group (p < 0.05). A significantly positive link was found between the TNF-α and IL-32 levels in the two study groups (p < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of TNF-α and IL-32 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were significantly lower in the chronic periodontitis group when compared with the baseline readings. However, the levels of IL-10 were significantly higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ultimately, the level of IL-32 present in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid might be useful as an indicator of the condition and the expectations for its treatment and care. According to the results of the research, the proinflammatory impact of IL-32 could potentially be linked to the intensity and progression of periodontitis.

Infected concha bullosa mimicking a malignant lesion on 18F-FDG PET/CT / Concha bullosa infectada imitando una lesión maligna en 18F-FDG PET/TC

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Chemerin and interleukin-6 levels in obese individuals following periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the levels of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) chemerin and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in both obese/non-obese individuals with periodontitis following non-surgical periodontal therapy. METHODS: Individuals (n = 80) were split into four groupings according to periodontal/anthropometric parameters: (i) periodontal healthy without obesity; (ii) chronic periodontitis (CP) without obesity; (iii) periodontal healthy with obesity; and (iv) CP with obesity. Individuals with periodontitis were treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. Both GCF sampling procedures and clinical periodontal measures were performed prior to treatment and 6 weeks thereafter. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to measure both chemerin and IL-6 levels. RESULTS: Greater values for chemerin and IL-6 were observed in obese individuals compared to their non-obese controls and in individuals with CP compared to their periodontal healthy controls (P < 0.008), which decreased following therapy (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between chemerin and IL-6 in obese groups (P < 0.05). A comprehensive overview of all groups showed a statistically significant positive correlation among chemerin, along with IL-6, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, and clinical attachment levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that chemerin levels may act as both diagnostic and prognostic indicators. Chemerin may also play an integral part in the pathologic mechanisms that relate adipokines to both periodontal disease and obesity.

Glutathione levels in plasma, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid after periodontal therapy in obese and normal weight individuals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid, plasma and saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis and to evaluate the changes after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients: 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (15 obese patients and 15 normal weight patients) and 30 healthy control subjects (15 obese patients and 15 normal weight patients). Gingival crevicular fluid, plasma and saliva samples were collected, and clinical periodontal measurements were recorded at baseline and at the first month after periodontal therapy from patients with chronic periodontitis. GSH and GSSG levels were analyzed with spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The GSH levels in the plasma, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid in obese individuals with chronic periodontitis were lower than in normal weight individuals at baseline (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the GSH/GSSG ratio in plasma and gingival crevicular fluid between the obese and normal weight groups at baseline (p < 0.01). The GSH levels in plasma, gingival crevicular fluid and saliva were significantly increased in both chronic periodontitis groups after nonsurgical periodontal therapy (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between GSH levels in saliva, plasma and gingival crevicular fluid in all groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that obesity in patients with chronic periodontitis is associated with decreased GSH levels and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Moreover, nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be helpful for improvement in glutathione values in obese and normal weight individuals with chronic periodontitis.

Relationship between blood pressure variability and renal activity of the renin-angiotensin system.

Local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity in the kidneys is a pathogenetic factor in patients with primary hypertension. This study aimed to determine the relationship between local kidney RAS activity and blood pressure variability, as the literature currently lacks any such study. The study included 73 consecutive primary hypertensive patients. All patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to determine the average real variability (ARV) index, as an indicator of blood pressure variability. Local RAS activity was determined using the urine angiotensinogen/creatinine (UAGT/UCre) ratio. The high UAGT/UCre ratio group had significantly higher mean 24-h systolic ARV than the low UAGT/UCre ratio group (13.2±3.4 vs 11.0±2.6, P=0.003). Similarly, the high UAGT/UCre ratio group had significantly higher mean 24-h diastolic ARV than the low UAGT/UCre ratio group (10.8±3.2 vs 8.7±2.2, P=0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that Log(UAGT/UCre) was an independent predictor of both 24-h diastolic ARV and 24-h systolic ARV. Local RAS activity in the kidneys might have a role in blood pressure variability. On the basis of these findings, we think that additional prospective studies are needed to more fully discern the effect of local RAS activity on blood pressure variability.

Incidentally detected right-to-left intracardiac shunt with Eisenmenger syndrome on V/Q SPECT/CT / Detección incidental en una SPECT/TC V/Q de un cortocircuito derecha-izquierda intracardiaco con síndrome de Eisenmenger

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The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as an inflammation marker in non-dipper hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Non-dipper hypertensive patients have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than dipper hypertensive patients. Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CVD. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and dipper and non-dipper hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 199 consecutive patients that were diagnosed with primary hypertension. According to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measurements, non-dipper and dipper group were determined. PLR was determined based on the platelet count and lymphocyte count in the complete blood count. RESULTS: The non-dipper group included 103 patients (74 females and 29 males; mean age: 52.37 ± 10.7 years) and the dipper group included 96 patients (65 females and 31 males; mean age: 48.40 ± 11.1 years). Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the non-dipper group than in the dipper group (124 ± 15.1 mmHg versus 120 ± 11.2 mmHg, p =0.032) and the median PLR was significantly higher in the non-dipper group than in the dipper group [132.15 (range: 69.64-400) versus 117.0 (range: 53.52-192.26), p = 0.001], whereas the mean white blood cell count (6.86 ± 1.43 × 10³/ µL versus 7.24 ± 1.26 × 10³/µL, p =0.046) and median lymphocyte count [2.09 (range: 0.95-3.92)  × 10³/µL versus 2.24 (range: 0.97-3.98) × 10³/µL, p =0.001) were significantly lower in the non-dipper group. CONCLUSION: Median PLR was significantly higher in the non-dipper hypertensive patients than in the dipper hypertensive patients. We think this finding further supports the role of an increase in inflammatory response in non-dipper hypertension. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):114-118.

Evaluation of heart rate recovery in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Abnormal heart rate recovery after an exercise stress test is a strong predictor of cardiovascular death in healthy subjects and various patient groups. The aim of the present study was to investigate heart rate recovery (HRR), a cardiovascular risk factor, in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with primary NS (mean age 39.6 ± 9.3 years) and 42 healthy subjects (mean age 36.0 ± 7.9) were included in the study. HRR was calculated by subtracting the heart rates in the first, second, and third minutes of the recovery period from the maximum heart rate, reached during the exercise stress test. RESULTS: The HRR in the first minute was significantly slower in the NS group compared with the control group (25.5 ± 10.1 and 32.4 ± 11.1, respectively; p =0.004). The HRR in the second and third minutes was also slower in the NS group, but the difference was not statistically significant. When a comparative analysis of HRR and the etiology of NS was carried out, no difference was found at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired first minute HRR was identified in patients with NS. This suggests that primary NS patients should be monitored due to the potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):109-113.

Non-Diabetic renal disease in Diabetes Mellitus: clinical features and renal biopsy findings.

AIM: Renal diseases in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, include diabetic nephropathies (DN) and non-diabetic renal diseases (NDRD). The clinical differentiation among them is usually not so clear and effective. Aim of this study which examined renal biopsies in patients with type-2 DM was to identify the prevalence and the nature of NDRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recorded the clinical and laboratory finding alongside with the histopathological examination of the renal biopsies obtained from 71 type-2 DM patients who underwent renal biopsy in our center. Based on the renal biopsy findings patients were classified into two groups (DN and NDRD) and data was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 42 women and 29 men; aged 55 ± 12 years. In patients with DN (n: 34), diabetic retinopathy was more common [16 (47.1 %) vs. 6 (16.2 %) respectively, p =0.01], duration of DM was longer (108.8 ± 58.8 months vs 57.8 ± 55.9 months respectively, p <0.001) and the degree of proteinuria was more severe (6 ± 4.3 g/day vs. 4.5 ± 4.6 g/day respectively, p =0.04) compared to the patients with NDRD. Regression analysis revealed that diabetes duration >60 months, presence of diabetic retinopathy and proteinuria >3.5 g/day were independent predictors of DN with 79.4 % sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most frequent diagnosis in patients with NDRD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NDRD is remarkably frequent in DM patients in whom nephrologists consider renal biopsy an appropriate measure. Short duration of DM, degree of proteinuria and absence of retinopathy were predictors of NDRD. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):148-152.

Breast cancer lung metastases incidentally detected on bone SPECT/CT: A rare finding that might be missed on whole body scan / Metástasis pulmonares de un cáncer de mama detectadas incidentalmente en SPECT/TC óseo: hallazgo infrecuente que puede pasar desapercibido en un rastreo corporal

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Analysis of uterine and ovarian arterial blood flow and ovarian hormone levels prior to and after hysteroscopic endometrial resection.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation on the ovarian and uterine artery blood flow and on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (E2) levels. A total of 26 consecutive women with abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical treatment had undergone hysteroscopic electrosurgical transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE). Ultrasonographic measurement of ovarian volumes and colour Doppler flow assessment of the uterine and ovarian arteries were performed on all patients before surgery (group 1) and 1 week (group 2) and 6 months (group 3) after surgery. Blood samples were also collected for determination of FSH and E2 levels, 4 weeks before and 1 month after surgery. No statistically significant change was observed between preoperative and postoperative (1st week and 3rd month) volumes of the ovaries. The mean pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine and ovarian artery did not show statistically significant differences between postoperative 1st week and 3rd month measurements of uterine and ovarian artery PI. The increase in serum levels of FSH and E2 after endometrial resection did not reach statistical significance. Although, women may present with climacteric complaints of hot flushes and nocturnal sweating after endometrial resection, this is probably a psychological response to hypomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea, as no statistically significant changes in FSH and E2 levels and uterine/ovarian blood flow were demonstrated in the early postoperative period.

What is the success of drug treatment in urge urinary incontinence? What should be measured?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of three classic antimuscarinic drugs used in the treatment of over active bladder syndrome using clinical data and quality of life tests, and to evaluate the parameters affecting the success of these drugs. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with urge urinary incontinence were randomly allocated into three groups either to receive tolterodine (group A), trospium chloride (group B) or oxybutynin (group C). Urogenital distress inventory short form (UDI-6) and Incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ-7) of the Turkish Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery Association were performed to each patient before and after treatment to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of the antimuscarinic drugs. Adverse events were also recorded during treatment. RESULTS: Improved urodynamic test values were recorded after 6 weeks of treatment in each group. Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 test scores before and after treatment. Complete cure was achieved in 86 % of patients in group A; however, complete cure rates were 67 and 80 % in group B and C, respectively. Although, patients reported comparable tolerability against trospium chloride (77 %) and tolterodine (80 %), only 23 % of patients using oxybutynin considered the drug as tolerable. The most common side effect was dry mouth, followed by insomnia. Both dry mouth and insomnia was highest in group C (50 %). One patient (0.3 %) in group B and two patients (0.7 %) in group C reported that they did not want to continue to use the drug. CONCLUSION: Antimuscarinic medications are very successful in the treatment of urge urinary incontinence; however, the success of treatment is not only limited to clinical improvement. Patients do not regard a drug as successful unless it is tolerable, easy to adapt to the daily life and improve the quality of life even it has very successful clinical outcomes.

Initial mini-mental state and cerebral perfusion in Alzheimer's disease.

PURPOSE: The relationship between the initial mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score and cerebral perfusion was evaluated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: In the study single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of the brains of 40 AD patients were compared with the brain scans of 10 healthy controls. Each patient underwent MMSE analysis at initial evaluation as well as Tc-99 m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxine (HMPAO) brain SPECT. The patients were followed up for at least 42 months. RESULTS: The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) values for patients were found to be significantly decreased for all cerebral lobes compared to the control subjects and p-values were calculated to be less than 0.001 except for occipital lobes. The most statistically significant correlation between the MMSE scores and rCBF values was determined for the left temporal lobe (p < 0.0001). A significant correlation was also found for the right temporal lobe (p < 0.005). A minimal statistically significant correlation was found for the frontal lobes and the left parietal lobe (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The overall cerebral perfusion was decreased except in the occipital lobes in AD cases with low initial MMSE scores and there was a significant relationship between the decrease in perfusion of the temporal/frontal lobes and the left parietal lobe with the decrease in the initial MMSE scores. The most significant relationship between the decrease in the initial MMSE scores and the rCBF values was determined for the temporal lobes (especially for the left temporal lobe). It was also found that the left frontal lobe was affected from the beginning of the disease.