Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism as combination of different etiologies: an overlooked entity in the elderly.

Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, which raises several diagnostic and therapeutical challenges, is often overlooked. Hyperthyroidism can induce atrial fibrillation, a harmful arrhythmia which can precipitate heart failure and cause stroke. We report the case of an elderly man who was diagnosed with tachyfibrillation secondary to hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hyperfunction was subsequently related both to previous amiodarone therapy (probably mixed form) and the recent use of iodinated contrast medium for computed tomography scan. Thyroid ultrasonography showed a plongeant multinodular goitre. After initial worsening, thyroid function improved slowly but progressively on high-dose thyreostatic therapy combined with steroid therapy; tachyfibrillation caused heart failure and a thrombus in the left atrium, and proved initially resistant to combined antiarrhythmic treatments. Progressive reduction in thyroid hormone levels, together with combined cardiologic therapies, controlled the heart rate, though atrial fibrillation persisted; anticoagulant therapy resolved the atrial thrombus. Alterations in thyroid function are common in amiodarone-treated patients, who therefore require regular hormonal checks. The different forms of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis must be investigated, since they require different therapies, though mixed forms often occur. The superimposition of further iodine excess due to other causes may be catastrophic and cause severe cardiac problems in these patients.

End-stage anorexia nervosa in a young man: multifaceted metabolic, endocrine and infectious derangements managed in an internal medicine setting.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) in males is an overlooked disease which requires early diagnosis and proper treatment. Clinical presentation is often severe and the risk of death is not negligible. We report the case of a young man with a 1-year history of AN who was admitted to our internal medicine department for a dramatic malnutrition (BMI: 10.5 kg/m(2)). Several biochemical and hormonal alterations were ascertained. Partial parenteral nutrition and a balanced diet were started. Asymptomatic refeeding syndrome occurred and was managed by enhanced electrolyte parenteral supplementation. Many hematologic abnormalities (anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) were present and worsened during the occurrence of sepsis which required hemotransfusions and targeted parenteral antibiotics with improvement of both clinical condition and hematologic parameters. Bone marrow aspiration and cytofluorimetric evaluation showed hyperplasia and dysplasia of erythroid lineage and reduction of myeloid lineage. Significant body weight gain (+17 % vs. admission) was obtained and the patient was discharged with stable cardiovascular parameters and referred to an eating disorders centre where is currently followed.

[Severe hypercalcemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism]. / Grave ipercalcemia secondaria a iperparatiroidismo primitivo.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrinopathy which is nowadays diagnosed incidentally. Calcium levels range from "normal" to extremely high which can be life-threatening. We report the case of a female patient who was admitted to hospital for unspecific symptoms ultimately referable to severe hypercalcemia secondary to a large parathyroid tumor. After an intensive medical treatment (hydration, diuretics, steroids, bisphosphonate) leading to reduction of calcium levels, the patient underwent surgery with exeresis of the parathyroid mass proved an adenoma and normalization of calcium levels; nevertheless a few days after discharge symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred and was successfully managed by means of calcium and vitamin D therapy which is still required three months after surgery.

[Severe hyponatremia secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone]. / Severa iponatriemia secondaria a sindrome da inappropriata secrezione di ormone antidiuretico.

The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is a common and multifactorial cause of hyponatremia that is often overlooked. The common pathophysiological mechanism is the increased production and/or action of antidiuretic hormone within the kidney, resulting in hypotonic hyponatremia. Inadequate correction of hyponatremia may have fatal neurological consequences leading to central pontine myelinolysis. We report the case of a patient with a history of recent head trauma, who came to our observation for acute-onset mental confusion secondary to severe hyponatremia due to SIADH of combined etiology.

Real-world management of atrial fibrillation in Internal Medicine units: the FADOI 'FALP' observational study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia, but few data are available on patients' characteristics and management in the context of Internal Medicine wards. METHODS: Data were collected at the beginning of 2010 in 18 Internal Medicine units of the regions Liguria and Piemonte (Italy). Each centre reviewed the hospital charts of the last 50 patients discharged during the year 2009 in whom a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation had been made (patient's history or during the hospitalization). RESULTS: A total of 903 atrial fibrillation patients were evaluated. Prevalence of atrial fibrillation among patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine units was 18.2%. More than 85% of patients had at least two diseases other than atrial fibrillation, and 'lone' atrial fibrillation was rare (1.3%). During hospital stay, 80.5% of the patients received at least one treatment for atrial fibrillation: 55.5% received an antithrombotic and 61.8% a drug for arrhythmia, mostly aimed at rate control (47.2%). In-hospital all-cause mortality was 13.4%. At discharge, 70.2 and 68.9% of the patients received prescription of a drug for arrhythmia and for antithrombotic treatment, respectively. Prescription of oral anticoagulants was significantly associated with hypertension, while previous bleeding, age above 75 years, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, male sex and a number of concomitant drugs of more than four were strong negative predictors. CONCLUSION: Data from our study confirm that atrial fibrillation is a common finding in patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine units, and this population is characterized by multiple comorbidities and severe prognosis. Discrepancies exist between recommendations by guidelines and real-world management, owing to the complexity of patients and limits of existing treatment strategies.