Diagnosis and Treatment > Signs and Symptoms > Leukocytosis
You are looking at 1 - 10 of 11 items
Search for other papers by Waralee Chatchomchaun in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Yotsapon Thewjitcharoen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Karndumri Krittadhee in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Veekij Veerasomboonsin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Soontaree Nakasatien in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sirinate Krittiyawong in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sriurai Porramatikul in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ekgaluck Wanathayanoroj in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Auchai Kanchanapituk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Pairoj Junyangdikul in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Thep Himathongkam in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
In this case report, we describe a 37-year-old male who presented with fever and tender neck mass. Neck ultrasonography revealed a mixed echogenic multiloculated solid-cystic lesion containing turbid fluid and occupying the right thyroid region. Thyroid function tests showed subclinical hyperthyroidism. The patient was initially diagnosed with thyroid abscess and he was subsequently treated with percutaneous aspiration and i.v. antibiotics; however, his clinical symptoms did not improve. Surgical treatment was then performed and a pathological examination revealed a ruptured epidermoid cyst with abscess formation. No thyroid tissue was identified in the specimen. The patient was discharged uneventfully. However, at the 3-month and 1-year follow-ups, the patient was discovered to have developed subclinical hypothyroidism. Neck ultrasonography revealed a normal thyroid gland. This report demonstrates a rare case of epidermoid cyst abscess in the cervical region, of which initial imaging and abnormal thyroid function tests led to the erroneous diagnosis of thyroid abscess.
Learning points:
-
Epidermoid cyst abscess at the cervical region can mimic thyroid abscess.
-
Neck ultrasonography cannot distinguish thyroid abscess from epidermoid cyst abscess.
-
Thyroid function may be altered due to the adjacent soft tissue inflammation.
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Search for other papers by Albert S Kim in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Rashida Hakeem in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Azaliya Abdullah in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital Network, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Search for other papers by Amanda J Hooper in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Genetic Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
Search for other papers by Michel C Tchan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Westmead Institute for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
Search for other papers by Thushari I Alahakoon in
Google Scholar
PubMed
The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
Search for other papers by Christian M Girgis in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
A 19-year-old female presented at 25-weeks gestation with pancreatitis. She was found to have significant hypertriglyceridaemia in context of an unconfirmed history of familial hypertriglyceridaemia. This was initially managed with fasting and insulin infusion and she was commenced on conventional interventions to lower triglycerides, including a fat-restricted diet, heparin, marine oil and gemfibrozil. Despite these measures, the triglyceride levels continued to increase as she progressed through the pregnancy, and it was postulated that she had an underlying lipoprotein lipase defect. Therefore, a multidisciplinary decision was made to commence therapeutic plasma exchange to prevent further episodes of pancreatitis. She underwent a total of 13 sessions of plasma exchange, and labour was induced at 37-weeks gestation in which a healthy female infant was delivered. There was a rapid and significant reduction in triglycerides in the 48 h post-delivery. Subsequent genetic testing of hypertriglyceridaemia genes revealed a missense mutation of the LPL gene. Fenofibrate and rosuvastatin was commenced to manage her hypertriglyceridaemia postpartum and the importance of preconception counselling for future pregnancies was discussed. Hormonal changes in pregnancy lead to an overall increase in plasma lipids to ensure adequate nutrient delivery to the fetus. These physiological changes become problematic, where a genetic abnormality in lipid metabolism exists and severe complications such as pancreatitis can arise. Available therapies for gestational hypertriglyceridaemia rely on augmentation of LPL activity. Where there is an underlying LPL defect, these therapies are ineffective and removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins via plasma exchange should be considered.
Learning points:
-
Hormonal changes in pregnancy, mediated by progesterone,oestrogen and human placental lactogen, lead to a two- to three-fold increase in serum triglyceride levels.
-
Pharmacological intervention for management of gestational hypertriglyceridaemia rely on the augmentation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity to enhance catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
-
Genetic mutations affecting the LPL gene can lead to severe hypertriglyceridaemia.
-
Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective intervention for the management of severe gestational hypertriglyceridaemia and should be considered in cases where there is an underlying LPL defect.
-
Preconception counselling and discussion regarding contraception is of paramount importance in women with familial hypertriglyceridaemia.
Search for other papers by Alessandro Rossini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Francesca Perticone in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Laura Frosio in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Marco Schiavo Lena in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Roberto Lanzi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a very rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome, with a high morbidity and mortality risk due to both cortisol and catecholamines excess. We report the case of a 45-year-old female patient with a 3 cm, high-density, left adrenal mass, diagnosed as an ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. The biochemical sensitivity of the tumor to somatostatin analogues was tested by a 100 μg s.c. octreotide administration, which led to an ACTH and cortisol reduction of 50 and 25% respectively. In addition to alpha and beta blockers, preoperative approach to laparoscopic adrenalectomy included octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, together with ketoconazole, in order to achieve an adequate pre-surgical control of cortisol release. Histopathological assessment confirmed an ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma expressing type 2 and 5 somatostatin receptors (SSTR-2 and -5).
Learning points:
-
ACTH-secreting pheochromocytomas represent a rare and severe condition, characterized by high morbidity and mortality risk.
-
Surgical removal of the adrenal mass is the gold standard treatment, but adequate medical therapy is required preoperatively to improve the surgical outcome and to avoid major complications.
-
Somatostatin analogs, in addition to other medications, may represent a useful therapeutic option for the presurgical management of selected patients.
-
In this sense, the octreotide challenge test is a useful tool to predict favorable therapeutic response to the treatment.
Search for other papers by Sharmin Jahan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M A Hasanat in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Tahseen Mahmood in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Shahed Morshed in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Raziul Haq in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Md Fariduddin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
Silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is an unusual type of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) that is silent both clinically and biochemically and can only be recognized by positive immunostaining for ACTH. Under rare circumstances, it can transform into hormonally active disease presenting with severe Cushing syndrome. It might often produce diagnostic dilemma with difficult management issue if not thoroughly investigated and subtyped accordingly following surgery. Here, we present a 21-year-old male who initially underwent pituitary adenomectomy for presumed NFA with compressive symptoms. However, he developed recurrent and invasive macroadenoma with severe clinical as well as biochemical hypercortisolism during post-surgical follow-up. Repeat pituitary surgery was carried out urgently as there was significant optic chiasmal compression. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue obtained on repeat surgery proved it to be an aggressive corticotroph adenoma. Though not cured, he showed marked clinical and biochemical improvement in the immediate postoperative period. Anticipating recurrence from the residual tumor, we referred him for cyber knife radio surgery.
Learning points:
-
Pituitary NFA commonly present with compressive symptoms such as headache and blurred vision.
-
Post-surgical development of Cushing syndrome in such a case could be either drug induced or endogenous.
-
In the presence of recurrent pituitary tumor, ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome indicates CD.
-
Rarely a SCA presenting initially as NFA can transform into an active corticotroph adenoma.
-
Immunohistochemical marker for ACTH in the resected tumor confirms the diagnosis.
Search for other papers by Joanna Prokop in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by João Estorninho in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sara Marote in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Teresa Sabino in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Aida Botelho de Sousa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Eduardo Silva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ana Agapito in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
POEMS syndrome (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal protein and Skin changes) is a rare multisystemic disease. Clinical presentation is variable, the only mandatory criteria being polyneuropathy and monoclonal gammapathy in association with one major and one minor criterion. Primary adrenal insufficiency is rarely reported. We describe a case of a 33-year-old patient, in whom the presenting symptoms were mandibular mass, chronic sensory-motor peripheral polyneuropathy and adrenal insufficiency. The laboratory evaluation revealed thrombocytosis, severe hyperkalemia with normal renal function, normal protein electrophoresis and negative serum immunofixation for monoclonal protein. Endocrinologic laboratory work-up confirmed Addison’s disease and revealed subclinical primary hypothyroidism. Thoracic abdominal CT showed hepatosplenomegaly, multiple sclerotic lesions in thoracic vertebra and ribs. The histopathologic examination of the mandibular mass was nondiagnostic. Bone marrow biopsy revealed plasma cell dyscrasia and confirmed POEMS syndrome. Axillary lymphadenopathy biopsy: Castleman’s disease. Gluco-mineralocorticoid substitution and levothyroxine therapy were started with clinical improvement. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was planned, cyclophosphamide induction was started. Meanwhile the patient suffered two ischemic strokes which resulted in aphasia and hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography revealed vascular lesions compatible with vasculitis and stenosis of two cerebral arteries. The patient deceased 14 months after the diagnosis. The young age at presentation, multiplicity of manifestations and difficulties in investigation along with the absence of serum monoclonal protein made the diagnosis challenging. We report this case to highlight the need to consider POEMS syndrome in differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in association with endocrine abnormalities even in young patients.
Learning points:
-
POEMS syndrome is considered a ‘low tumor burden disease’ and the monoclonal protein in 15% of cases is not found by immunofixation.
-
Neuropathy is the dominant characteristic of POEMS syndrome and it is peripheral, ascending, symmetric and affecting both sensation and motor function.
-
Endocrinopathies are a frequent feature of POEMS syndrome, but the cause is unknown.
-
The most common endocrinopathies are hypogonadism, primary hypothyroidism and abnormalities in glucose metabolism.
-
There is no standard therapy; however, patients with disseminated bone marrow involvement are treated with chemotherapy with or without HCT.
Search for other papers by Lima Lawrence in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Peng Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Humberto Choi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Usman Ahmad in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Valeria Arrossi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Andrei Purysko in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Vinni Makin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production leading to ectopic ACTH syndrome accounts for a small proportion of all Cushing’s syndrome (CS) cases. Thymic neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms that may secrete ACTH leading to rapid development of hypercortisolism causing electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension and an increased risk for opportunistic infections. We present a unique case of a patient who presented with a mediastinal mass, revealed to be an ACTH-secreting thymic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) causing ectopic CS. As the diagnosis of CS from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) remains challenging, we emphasize the necessity for high clinical suspicion in the appropriate setting, concordance between biochemical, imaging and pathology findings, along with continued vigilant monitoring for recurrence after definitive treatment.
Learning points:
-
Functional thymic neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare.
-
Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome secondary to thymic neuroendocrine tumors secreting ACTH present with features of hypercortisolism including electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension and hyperglycemia, and opportunistic infections.
-
The ability to undergo surgery and completeness of resection are the strongest prognostic factors for improved overall survival; however, the recurrence rate remains high.
-
A high degree of initial clinical suspicion followed by vigilant monitoring is required for patients with this challenging disease.
Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Endocrinology Department, Rafic Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Search for other papers by Carine Ghassan Richa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Endocrinology Department, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Search for other papers by Khadija Jamal Saad in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Radiology, Beirut Governmental University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Diagnostic Radiology, Radiology Department
Search for other papers by Ali Khaled Chaaban in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Division, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
Clinical Endocrinology, Endocrinology Department, Rafic Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
Search for other papers by Mohamad Souheil El Rawas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
The objective of the study is to report a case of acute pancreatitis secondary to hypercalcemia induced by primary hyperparathyroidism in a pregnant woman at the end of the first trimester. The case included a 32-year-old woman who was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and severe hypercalcemia refractory to many regimens of medical therapy in the first trimester of pregnancy. She was successfully treated with parathyroidectomy in the early second trimester with complete resolution of hypercalcemia and pancreatitis. Neonatal course was unremarkable. To our best knowledge, this is a rare case when primary hyperparathyroidism and its complications are diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy. In conclusion, primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare life-threatening condition to the fetus and mother especially when associated with complications such as pancreatitis. Early therapeutic intervention is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Parathyroidectomy performed in the second trimester can be the only solution.
Learning points:
-
Learning how to make diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism in a woman during the first trimester of pregnancy.
-
Understanding the complications of hypercalcemia and be aware of the high mortality and sequelae in both fetus and mother.
-
Providing the adequate treatment in such complicated cases with coordinated care between endocrinologists and obstetricians to ensure optimal outcomes.
Search for other papers by Carlos Tavares Bello in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Emma van der Poest Clement in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Richard Feelders in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disease that results from prolonged exposure to supraphysiological levels of glucocorticoids. Severe and rapidly progressive cases are often, but not exclusively, attributable to ectopic ACTH secretion. Extreme hypercortisolism usually has florid metabolic consequences and is associated with an increased infectious and thrombotic risk. The authors report on a case of a 51-year-old male that presented with severe Cushing’s syndrome secondary to an ACTH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma, whose diagnostic workup was affected by concurrent subclinical multifocal pulmonary infectious nodules. The case is noteworthy for the atypically severe presentation of Cushing’s disease, and it should remind the clinician of the possible infectious and thrombotic complications associated with Cushing’s syndrome.
Learning points:
-
Severe Cushing’s syndrome is not always caused by ectopic ACTH secretion.
-
Hypercortisolism is a state of immunosuppression, being associated with an increased risk for opportunistic infections.
-
Infectious pulmonary infiltrates may lead to imaging diagnostic dilemmas when investigating a suspected ectopic ACTH secretion.
-
Cushing’s syndrome carries an increased thromboembolic risk that may even persist after successful surgical management.
-
Antibiotic and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis should be considered in every patient with severe Cushing’s syndrome.
Search for other papers by Alessandro Mantovani in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Fabrizia Perrone in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Vincenzo Stoico in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Isabella Pichiri in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Laura Salvotelli in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ilaria Teobaldi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Massimiliano Bruti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Michela Conti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Luca Cima in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Albino Eccher in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Enzo Bonora in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
The incidences of type 2 diabetes mellitus and many cancers are rapidly increasing worldwide. Diabetes is a strong risk factor for some cancers (including lymphomas) and is also associated with adverse cancer outcomes. After gastrointestinal tract, the skin is the second most frequent extranodal site involved by non-Hodgkin lymphomas and the cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) range from 25% to 30% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. The primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCDLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis, representing roughly 20% of all primary CBCLs. Classically, the cutaneous manifestation of this lymphoma is a red or violaceous tumors arising on a leg. To date, despite the large body of evidence suggesting that diabetes is strongly associated with an increased risk of some cancers, very little information is available regarding a possible association between type 2 diabetes and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this report, we will present the case of a white adult patient with type 2 diabetes with chronic leg ulcers complicated by a primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Learning points:
-
Diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide as well as the incidence of many cancers.
-
Diabetes mellitus is a powerful risk factor for some cancers (including lymphomas) and is strongly associated with adverse cancer outcomes.
-
Seen that diabetes is strongly associated with an increased risk of cancers (including cutaneous lymphomas), clinicians should always keep in mind this complication in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, even in a chronic leg ulcer with hypertrophy of the wound edge, which is hard to heal and does not have the typical characteristics of a diabetic or vascular ulcer. In these cases, a biopsy should be performed to rule out a neoplasm.
-
Early diagnosis and correct management of cancer in a patient with type 2 diabetes are crucial to improve clinical outcomes.
Search for other papers by Marlene Tarvainen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
Search for other papers by Satu Mäkelä in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
Search for other papers by Jukka Mustonen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
Division of Internal Medicine, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
Search for other papers by Pia Jaatinen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) infection causes nephropathia epidemica (NE), a relatively mild form of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Hypophyseal haemorrhage and hypopituitarism have been described in case reports on patients with acute NE. Chronic hypopituitarism diagnosed months or years after the acute illness has also been reported, without any signs of a haemorrhagic aetiology. The mechanisms leading to the late-onset hormonal defects remain unknown. Here, we present a case of NE-associated autoimmune polyendocrinopathy and hypopituitarism presumably due to autoimmune hypophysitis. Thyroid peroxidase antibody seroconversion occurred between 6 and 12 months, and ovarian as well as glutamate decarboxylase antibodies were found 18 months after acute NE. Brain MRI revealed an atrophic adenohypophysis with a heterogeneous, low signal intensity compatible with a sequela of hypophysitis. The patient developed central (or mixed central and peripheral) hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and diabetes insipidus, all requiring hormonal replacement therapy. This case report suggests that late-onset hormonal defects after PUUV infection may develop by an autoimmune mechanism. This hypothesis needs to be confirmed by prospective studies with sufficient numbers of patients.
Learning points:
-
Pituitary haemorrhage resulting in hypopituitarism has been reported during acute HFRS caused by PUUV and other hantaviruses.
-
Central and peripheral hormone deficiencies developing months or years after HFRS have also been found, with an incidence higher than that in the general population. The pathogenesis of these late-onset hormonal defects remains unknown.
-
This case report suggests that the late-onset hypopituitarism and peripheral endocrine defects after HFRS could evolve via autoimmune mechanisms.
-
The sensitivity of current anti-pituitary antibody (APA) tests is low. A characteristic clinical course, together with typical brain MRI and endocrine findings may be sufficient for a non-invasive diagnosis of autoimmune hypophysitis, despite negative APAs.
