Summary

A 33-year-old man with Kallmann syndrome had received pulsatile GnRH as an infant for the treatment of cryptorchidism. As an adult, his treatment for fertility with gonadotrophins was unusually rapid compared with expectations, with a total sperm count of 25 million after only 12 months of gonadotrophin therapy. We propose that pulsatile GnRH treatment as an infant induced minipuberty and facilitated his successful, rapid response to therapy. We also propose that identification of the absence of minipuberty in infants with clinical signs suggesting congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) is an opportunity for intervention with pulsatile GnRH yielding benefits for fertility decades later.

Learning points

• Absence of minipuberty in males with CHH results in low Sertoli cell numbers and delayed response to induction of spermatogenesis in adulthood.

• Presentation with 'red flags' for androgen deficiency including cryptorchidism at birth, with or without micropenis, should prompt screening for CHH and minipuberty by measurement of gonadotrophins and testosterone in the first 2 months after birth.

• Pulsatile GnRH therapy in patients with CHH, given prior to age of attainment of Sertoli cell maturation, can replicate the normal physiology of minipuberty, thereby priming the testis for future fertility.

Summary

This case report describes a rare presentation of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (CS) due to ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) production from a medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The patient, a 69-year-old man, presented with symptoms of muscle weakness, facial plethora, and easy bruising. An inferior petrosal sinus sampling test (IPSS) demonstrated pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion, but a whole-body somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT) revealed enhanced uptake in the right thyroid lobe which, in addition to a grossly elevated serum calcitonin level, was indicative of an MTC. A ¹⁸F-DOPA PET/CT scan supported the diagnosis, and histology confirmed the presence of MTC with perinodal growth and regional lymph node metastasis. On immunohistochemical analysis, the tumor cell stained positively for calcitonin and CRH but negatively for ACTH. Distinctly elevated plasma CRH levels were documented. The patient therefore underwent thyroidectomy and bilateral adrenalectomy. This case shows that CS caused by ectopic CRH secretion may masquerade as CS due to a false positive IPSS test. It also highlights the importance of considering rare causes of CS when diagnostic test results are ambiguous.

Learning points

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma may secrete CRH and cause ectopic CS.

• Ectopic CRH secretion entails a rare pitfall of inferior petrosal sinus sampling yielding a false positive test.

• Plasma CRH measurements can be useful in selected cases.

Summary

The etiology of foot drop is diverse from various diseases to mechanic injuries and includes neuropathy of the peroneal nerve. Peroneal neuropathy might also be one of the forms of diabetic neuropathy, very rarely reported as the first sign of diabetes. We describe three cases of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (TID) who developed unilateral peroneal nerve palsies and tibial nerve palsies, presenting clinically as a foot drop. In two of our cases, the symptoms of foot drop occurred shortly after starting treatment for severe diabetes ketoacidosis. In the third patient, food drop was a reason for the initial medical consultation, but eventually, TID was diagnosed. The presented cases highlight that neuropathy can be observed not only as a chronic complication of T1D, but it can also appear at the time of disease manifestation. The incorrect position of the lower limb during a keto coma may contribute to the development of neuropathy.

Learning points

• Neuropathy can be observed not only as a chronic complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D), but it can also appear at the time of disease manifestation.

• The incorrect position of the lower limb causing external pressure during a keto coma may contribute to the development of neuropathy.

• It is important to examine the glycemia in patients with acute peroneal neuropathy, as this kind of peripheral neuropathy can be associated with newly diagnosed T1D. Normalization of glycemia might lead to rapid neuronal recovery.

Summary

Traditional guidelines for type 1 diabetics do not restrict carbohydrates to improve clinical outcomes for patients. This paper highlights the favorable blood glucose control outcomes when a type 1 diabetic focuses on caloric intake from protein and healthy fats instead of the traditional carbohydrate-focused meals. We followed a male type 1 diabetic in his 20s adopting a ketogenic diet through a process of slowly lowering total daily carbohydrate intake. Diabetes-related biomarkers were measured throughout the process. Diabetes-related biomarkers saw massive improvements and ended up in the official non-diabetic range. Total daily insulin requirements dropped by 70%. The patient also experienced great improvements in his quality of life. This study demonstrates the possibility of improving diabetes-related biomarkers through dietary changes, which have positive effects on health outcomes in patients living with this disease.

Learning points

• The adaptation of a ketogenic diet improved diabetes-related biomarkers in this patient.

• Diabetes-related biomarkers, such as HbA1c, are the main risk factors for developing complications in diabetics.

• The ketogenic diet is a feasible approach to minimizing the risk of developing complications in diabetics.

• Total daily insulin requirements dropped by 67% adapting a ketogenic diet.

• The patient experienced enormous changes in the quality of life after adapting to the new diet.

• The safe and physiological state of ketosis might be associated with additional benefits for the patient

Summary

A Caucasian man in his 60s with recent diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of severe polyuria, polydipsia and fatigue and 1-day history of confusion, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Investigations revealed an overlap of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS). He had received the first dose of immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab 3 weeks prior to this attendance. New-onset type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was confirmed based on the clinical features at presentation, seropositivity for glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and significant insulin deficiency. He is currently on a multiple daily injections of insulin and uses intermittent-scanned glucose monitoring. Given the irreversible impact on beta-cell function and clinical response with insulin resulting in improved diabetes control, immunotherapy was resumed for his metastatic cancer with good radiological response. Although rare, new-onset T1DM can present with DKA and HSS overlap after a single dose of nivolumab/ipilimumab in individuals without pre-existing history of diabetes.

Learning points

• Although rare, new onset of T1DM after immunotherapy can present with DKA and HSS overlap after a single dose of nivolumab/ipilimumab in individuals without pre-existing history of diabetes and normal glycaemic parameters.

• Due to the irreversible destruction of beta-cells, treatment with steroids is not indicated in contrast to other settings such as immunotherapy-induced hypophysitis.

• Presence of low c-peptide levels post-acute presentation is indicative of an irreversible impact on beta-cell function and supports resuming immunotherapy given the significant benefits on cancer prognosis.

• Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion in regards to diagnosis and management of new-onset type 1 diabetes and advice patients on reporting symptoms suggestive of diabetes and/or diabetes-related hyperglycaemic emergencies.

Summary

Psoriasis is often associated with abdominal obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D). The inflammatory process in psoriasis can target adipose tissue depots, especially those surrounding the heart and coronary arteries, exposing to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. A 50-year-old female patient referred to us for abdominal obesity and T2D, which were not controlled with lifestyle modifications. She had suffered from psoriasis for some years and was treated with guselkumab, without success. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) attenuation and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation for each coronary, defined as mean attenuation expressed in Hounsfield unit (HU), were assessed by routine coronary computed tomography angiography. At baseline, EAT attenuation was −80 HU and PCAT attenuation of the right coronary artery (RCA) was −68 HU, values associated with an increased cardiac mortality risk. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was 12.0, indicating severe psoriasis, while dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was 20, indicating a negative effect on the patient’s life. Semaglutide (starting with 0.25 mg/week for 4 weeks, increased to 0.50 mg/week for 16 weeks, and then to 1 mg/week) was started. After 10 months, semaglutide treatment normalized glycated hemoglobin and induced weight loss, particularly at abdominal level, also followed by a reduction in computed tomography-measured EAT volume. EAT attenuation and PCAT attenuation of RCA decreased, showing an important reduction of 17.5 and 5.9% respectively, compared with baseline. PASI and DLQI decreased by 98.3 and 95% respectively, indicating an improvement in psoriasis skin lesions and an important amelioration of the patient’s quality of life, compared with baseline.

Learning points

• Psoriasis patients affected by obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D) are often resistant to biologic therapies.

• Psoriasis is often associated with abdominal obesity, T2D, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), given their shared inflammatory properties and pathogenic similarities.

• Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) inflammation can cause the distinctive pattern of CVD seen in psoriasis.

• EAT and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation, assessed by routine coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), can be used as biomarkers of inflammation and allow monitoring of medical anti-inflammatory therapies.

• The actions of semaglutide to reduce energy intake, improve glycemic control, and produce effective weight loss, particularly at the visceral fat depot level, can diminish adipose tissue dysfunction, reduce EAT attenuation and PCAT attenuation of the right coronary artery (RCA) and concomitantly ameliorate the clinical severity of psoriasis.

• Semaglutide therapy may be considered in psoriasis patients affected by T2D and abdominal obesity, despite low cardiovascular risk by traditional risk scores, who are resistant to biologic therapies.

Summary

Rare patients who have both thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor-stimulating and -blocking antibodies can develop ‘pendulum swinging’ thyroid dysfunction. A 9-year-old girl with Down syndrome was treated with carbimazole for Graves’ disease. After 2 years of treatment, she became profoundly biochemically hypothyroid, and this persisted after carbimazole was discontinued. Low-dose L-thyroxine was commenced. This was subsequently also discontinued as biochemical hyperthyroidism developed. TSH receptor antibody bioassay identified both TSH receptor-stimulating and -blocking antibodies. Mild hyperthyroidism persisted and while consultations regarding definitive treatment were ongoing, medication was not recommenced. Thyroid function normalised spontaneously and she has remained euthyroid for the past 3 years. Previous reports have advised definitive treatment; however, our patient developed spontaneous remission which has been prolonged and definitive therapies have been avoided. It is not yet known how commonly this particular phenomenon occurs.

Learning points

• Rare patients who have both TSH receptor-stimulating and -blocking antibodies can switch between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism or vice versa during treatment with antithyroid drugs or thyroxine.

• Metamorphic thyroid autoimmunity is more common in Down syndrome.

• Switching between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and back again is less commonly reported.

• Definitive treatment such as radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy are usually recommended.

• Prolonged remission was achieved off all medication, without recourse to definitive treatments.

Summary

Mpox (MPX) formerly known as monkeypox was declared a public health emergency of international concern, following an outbreak that commenced in May 2022. We report a case of subacute thyroiditis following MPX infection. To our knowledge, it is the first documented incidence of this complication in humans. A 51-year-old male, with a well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on antiretroviral therapy, was reviewed 3 weeks after a positive test for MPX. The acute skin lesions and initial systemic symptoms had resolved, but he described significant neck discomfort, fatigue, weight loss and night sweats. Blood tests showed a raised C-reactive protein, free T4 and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone. His thyroid antibodies were negative. He was treated initially with carbimazole and propranolol, pending exclusion of any other intercurrent infection. A chest radiograph was normal; blood cultures and a combined nose and throat swab for respiratory virus PCR testing were negative. Following this, he commenced a 2-week course of prednisolone; his symptoms resolved completely within 24 h of starting. He subsequently developed hypothyroidism, which was treated with levothyroxine. The clinical features, abnormal thyroid function, raised CRP and negative thyroid antibodies 3 weeks post-MPX positive test was consistent with viral subacute thyroiditis. This case demonstrates that, as described following other viral infections, MPX can cause subacute thyroiditis, which follows a similar course to the classic form of subacute thyroiditis. Clinicians should be aware of this potential endocrine complication when attending to patients with MPX.

Learning points

• Subacute thyroiditis can present following mpox virus infection.

• Its course is similar to the classic form of subacute thyroiditis and steroids are effective.

• It is important to exclude other concurrent infections prior to starting steroids, especially for patients who are immunosuppressed or in other high-risk groups.

Summary

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2 is characterized by the presence of Addison’s disease (AD) along with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes. APS type 2 is known as Schmidt’s syndrome when autoimmune adrenal insufficiency is associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. We report a very rare case of a 28-year-old female patient who had Schmidt’s syndrome revealed by a thyroid storm (TS) concomitant with an acute adrenal crisis. The onset of AD resulted in a surgical emergency. The patient presented with cardiogenic shock and an acute abdomen. The precipitation factor was Hashitoxicosis presented as TS. This life-threatening condition was successfully reversed with aggressive medical therapy based on antithyroid drugs and intravenous glucocorticoids. This hyperthyroid phase lasted for a period of 8 months. The patient eventually developed hypothyroidism, suggesting that Hashimoto's thyroiditis was the most likely diagnosis. She was started on levothyroxine replacement therapy and remained euthyroid on levothyroxine. The case we describe had several diagnostic pitfalls that are discussed both at the start as well as during the evolution.

Learning points

• Autoimmune diseases can appear concomitantly or succeed each other over time. The clinician must be vigilant to detect these diseases in time in order to avoid a misdiagnosis of a life-threatening emergency such as adrenal insufficiency or thyroid storm.

• Thyroid storm is an uncommon but life-threatening manifestation of hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis is dependent on clinical symptoms, and no specific laboratory tests are available.

• Glucocorticoids should be used in the treatment of thyroid storm because they have an inhibitory effect on peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.

• In patients who have severe thyrotoxicosis, especially in conjunction with hypotension, treatment with glucocorticoids has become standard practice because of the possibility of relative adrenal insufficiency or the possibility of undiagnosed Addison’s disease.

• The differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be challenging. Graves’ disease can be discussed in view of the severity of the clinical presentation and the prolonged duration of the hyperthyroid phase. Hashitoxicosis is the initial hyperthyroid phase in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. The hyperthyroid phase is always followed by definitive resolution, with persistent euthyroidism and no hyperthyroid relapses.

• Synthetic antithyroid drugs may be prescribed during the hyperthyroid phase of Hashimoto thyroiditis if the clinical presentation is severe and the duration of the hyperthyroid phase is prolonged.

Summary

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare diseases presenting with heterogeneous clinical, biochemical, and genetic disorders caused by mutations in the mitochondrial or nuclear genome. Multiple organs can be affected, particularly those with high energy demand. Diabetes is a common endocrine manifestation of mitochondrial diseases. The onset of mitochondrial diabetes can be latent or acute, and the presenting phenotype can be type 1- or type 2-like. Studies show that diabetes ais associated with latent progression of cognitive decline in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome. Herein, we report a case of rapid cognitive decline after the acute onset of diabetes in a patient with MELAS syndrome. The patient was a 36-year-old woman who was hospitalized due to hyperglycemic crisis and seizures. She was diagnosed with MELAS syndrome two years previously, and had gradually progressing dementia and hearing loss. However, following the acute onset of diabetes, she developed rapid cognitive decline and loss of ability to perform daily activities. In conclusion, the acute onset of diabetes could be an associated risk factor for rapid cognitive decline in patients with MELAS syndrome. Thus, these patients as well as healthy carriers with related genetic mutations should undergo diabetes education and screening tests. Moreover, clinicians should be aware of the possibility for acute onset of hyperglycemic crisis, particularly in the presence of triggering factors.

Learning points

• Diabetes is a common endocrine manifestation of mitochondrial diseases, presenting with a type 1- or type 2-like phenotype depending on the level of insulinopenia.

• Metformin should be avoided in patients with mitochondrial diseases to prevent metformin-induced lactic acidosis.

• Mitochondrial diabetes can manifest before or after the onset of MELAS syndrome.

• In patients with MELAS syndrome, diabetes can initially manifest with a life-threatening severe hyperglycemic crisis and can cause rapid cognitive decline.

• Diabetes screening tests (e.g. hemoglobin A1c, oral glucose tolerance test, or random blood glucose level measurement) should be performed either systematically or in the presence of symptoms, particularly after triggering events.

• Genetic testing and counseling should be provided to patients and their families for the purpose of better understanding the inheritance, progression, and possible outcomes of the disease.