scholarly journals Thyrotoxic dilated cardiomyopathy: personal experience and case collection from the literature

Author(s):  
Giuseppina Molinaro ◽  
Renato De Vecchis ◽  
Elio Badolati ◽  
Raffaele Giannattasio

Summary The authors examine several reports of the literature concerning thyrotoxic dilated cardiomyopathy. In particular, it is pointed out that this clinical manifestation of hyperthyroidism is rare in readily diagnosed and properly treated hyperthyroidism. Case reports are analyzed comparatively. A case deriving from the direct experience of the authors is also presented. Learning points: Dilated cardiomyopathy has been reported as the initial presentation of hyperthyroidism in only 6% of patients although <1% developed severe LV dysfunction. Clinical picture of thyrotoxic dilated cardiomyopathy can degenerate into an overt cardiogenic shock sometimes requiring the use of devices for mechanical assistance to the circulation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. For thyrotoxic dilated cardiomyopathy, evidence-based pharmacologic measures valid for heart failure should always be supplemented by the administration of specific thyroid therapies such as thionamides (methimazole, carbimazole or propylthiouracil), whose relatively long latency of action should be supported by the i.v. administration of small doses of beta-blocker. In cases of cardiogenic shock, the administration of beta-blocker should be carried out only after the restoration of satisfactory blood pressure levels- with the prudent use of synthetic catecholamines, if necessary.

Author(s):  
Ellena Cotton ◽  
David Ray

Summary A young woman carrying germline DICER1 mutation was discovered to have a pituitary microprolactinoma when she became amenorrhoic. The mutation was identified as a result of family screening following the early death of the patient’s daughter with ovarian cancer. The patient was in follow-up screening for thyroid disease, and investigations were initiated when she became amenorrhoic. MR scan revealed a 6 mm diameter pituitary microadenoma and raised prolactin. The prolactin was efficiently suppressed with low-dose cabergoline, and her menstrual cycles resumed. Dicer is an RNase enzyme, which is essential for processing small non-coding RNAs. These molecules play pleiotropic roles in regulating gene expression, by targeting mRNA sequences for degradation. DICER1 plays different roles depending on cell context, but is thought to be a functional tumour suppressor gene. Accordingly, germline mutation in one DICER1 allele is insufficient for oncogenesis, and a second hit on the other allele is required, as a result of postnatal somatic mutation. Loss of DICER1 is linked to multiple tumours, with prominent endocrine representation. Multinodular goitre is frequent, with increased risk of differentiated thyroid cancer. Rare, developmental pituitary tumours are reported, including pituitary blastoma, but not reports of functional pituitary adenomas. As DICER1 mutations are rare, case reports are the only means to identify new manifestations and to inform appropriate screening protocols. Learning points: DICER1 mutations lead to endocrine tumours. DICER1 is required for small non-coding RNA expression. DICER1 carriage and microprolactinoma are both rare, but here are reported in the same individual, suggesting association. Endocrine follow-up of patients carrying DICER1 mutations should consider pituitary disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3235
Author(s):  
Davide Di Vece ◽  
Angelo Silverio ◽  
Michele Bellino ◽  
Gennaro Galasso ◽  
Carmine Vecchione ◽  
...  

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by acute, generally transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Although TTS has been long regarded as a benign condition, recent evidence showed that rate of acute complications and in-hospital mortality is comparable to that of patients with acute coronary syndrome. In particular, the prevalence of cardiogenic shock ranges between 6% and 20%. In this setting, detection of mechanisms leading to cardiogenic shock can be challenging. Besides a severely impaired systolic function, onset of LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) together with mitral regurgitation related to systolic anterior motion of mitral valve leaflets can lead to hemodynamic instability. Early identification of LVOTO with echocardiography is crucial and has important implications on selection of the appropriate therapy. Application of short-acting b1-selective betablockers and prudent administration of fluids might help to resolve LVOTO. Conversely, inotrope agents may increase basal hypercontractility and worsen the intraventricular pressure gradient. To date, outcomes and management of patients with TTS complicated by LVOTO as yet has not been comprehensively investigated.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. K13-K16
Author(s):  
Tigran Khachatryan ◽  
Roy Beigel ◽  
Reza Arsanjani ◽  
Robert J Siegel

Summary We describe a case of a 58-year-old man with cardiogenic shock who underwent triple vessel coronary artery bypass and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. His course was complicated by stroke, worsening mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and multiple cardiac thrombi while on the device. We provide the details of the patient's hospital course, management, and echocardiographic findings. We also discuss the utility of echocardiography before LVAD insertion and its role for continued monitoring after insertion. Learning points Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used as bridge to decision, transplant, recovery, or destination therapy in patients with advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. VADs improve survival and the quality of life but have significant associated complications. Echocardiography plays an essential role before VAD insertion and for postoperative cardiac monitoring. Information provided by echocardiography is used in device selection, consideration for corrective surgical interventions, and device explantation.


Author(s):  
Aimee R Hayes ◽  
Anthony J O'Sullivan ◽  
Mark A Davies

Summary Pituitary apoplexy is a rare event in pregnancy. A 41-year-old woman with a known pituitary microadenoma presented with visual disturbance and headache during the second trimester of pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated pituitary apoplexy with chiasmal compression. After treatment with corticosteroid therapy, she underwent transsphenoidal excision of the pituitary adenoma. Visual abnormalities were completely restored and pituitary function preserved. There was no evidence of impact on the foetus. The literature on the subject is reviewed with emphasis on the management of the apoplectic patient with mild and stable neuro-ophthalmological signs. Learning points There are no clear guidelines on the management of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach can minimise morbidity and mortality. Pituitary apoplexy has an unpredictable clinical course and determining which clinical situations warrant early surgery needs to take into consideration the presence and severity of neurological signs and their stability. The management of conscious apoplectic patients with absent or mild and stable neuro-ophthalmological signs is controversial.


Author(s):  
Marinos C Makris ◽  
Konstantinos C Koumarelas ◽  
Apostolos S Mitrousias ◽  
Giannos G Psathas ◽  
Athanasios Mantzioros ◽  
...  

Summary Until now, less than ten cases of extra-adrenal chromaffin cell tumors have been reported to be localized to the spermatic cord area. All published studies report benign tumors with a diameter <2–3 cm and no invasion of the testis. In this article, we present one case of a giant malignant paraganglioma in the testis of a patient who had initially been operated for a giant mass in the scrotum. The mass developed in approximately 4 months. This is the first study reporting the following findings: i) paraganglioma was found exclusively in the testis, invading the testicle and not the spermatic cord, ii) it was malignant with lung metastasis, and iii) its size was 17.5 cm×10 cm×9.5 cm. We present the first – giant – malignant paraganglioma. Moreover, it is the first case report of a paraganglioma in the testis. Learning points This is the first study reporting the following findings: Paraganglioma found exclusively in the testis, invading the testicle and not the spermatic cord. It is malignant with lung metastasis. It is of the size 17.5 cm×10 cm×9.5 cm.


Author(s):  
Anita Kuriya ◽  
David V Morris ◽  
Michael H Dahan

Summary Cerebral vascular accidents are caused by vasospasm when induced by preeclampsia or by dopamine agonists. However, six arteries nourish the pituitary and prevent against vasospasm-induced damage, which up until now has not been thought to occur. Bromocriptine was used to arrest lactation in a 31-year-old with secondary amenorrhea following preeclampsia and fetal demise at 28 weeks gestation. Tests and history revealed panhypopituitarism not associated with hemorrhage or mass infarction but instead caused by vasospasm. The present study is the first report of pituitary damage from a non-hemorrhagic, vaso-occlusive event in the literature. In keeping with Sheehan's and Simon's syndromes, we have named pituitary damage resulting from vaso-occlusion as Dahan's syndrome, and a literature review suggests that it may be a common and previously overlooked disorder. Learning points Vasospasm can cause damage to the pituitary gland, although it was not previously believed to do so. Preeclampsia and the use of a dopamine agonist, particularly in the peripartum state, may trigger vasospasm. Vasospasm resulting from dopamine agonists may be a common cause of injury to the pituitary gland, and it may have been overlooked in the past.


Author(s):  
Niamh O’Donnell ◽  
Aisling McCarthy ◽  
Ken Thong

Summary Carbimazole is a commonly used antithyroid drug (ATD), which is associated with several well-established side effects. However, Carbimazole-induced rhabdomyolysis is rarely reported in the literature. We report a 27-year-old male who presented with upper limb myalgia and significantly raised creatine kinase elevation, 1-month post commencement of Carbimazole for Graves’ disease. Carbimazole was ceased with subsequent clinical and biochemical improvement. Though the pathophysiology remains unclear, we hope to raise awareness regarding this rare adverse effect with a view to promote early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending medication caused by a commonly used medication in endocrinology. Learning points Musculoskeletal complaints can relate to unidentified and untreated hyperthyroidism. However one must be mindful that the treatment for these disorders can too induce myopathies. ATD-induced myopathy should be considered when there is a temporal relationship between introduction of ATDs and the onset of symptoms. If ATD-induced myopathy is being considered, other causes of myopathy should still be outruled. Prompt discontinuation of potentially offending medications may provide resolution of symptoms and avoid significant consequences.


Author(s):  
Benedetta Zampetti ◽  
Giorgia Simonetti ◽  
Roberto Attanasio ◽  
Antonio Silvani ◽  
Renato Cozzi

Summary We describe the 20-year course of a 63-year-old male with a macroprolactinoma that acquired resistance to treatment and aggressive behavior after a 4-year successful treatment with cabergoline. He was submitted to multiple surgical resections by a skilled surgeon, fractionated radiotherapy and was eventually treated with temozolomide. After a first 6-month standard cycle, a relapse occurred and he was treated again successfully. Learning points: Prolactinomas are the most frequent type of pituitary adenoma. They usually have a benign course. In most cases dopamine-agonist drugs, mainly cabergoline, are first-line (and usually only) treatment. Occasionally prolactinomas can have or acquire resistance to treatment and/or aggressive behavior. Temozolomide (TMZ), an oral alkylating drug, can be effective in such aggressive tumors. Multimodal treatment (surgery, radiation, cabergoline and TMZ) is warranted in aggressive pituitary tumors. We describe here successful rechallenge with TMZ after relapse occurring 18 months after a first TMZ cycle.


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