The Association Between Three Adipocytokines (Adiponectin, Resistin and Visfatin) And Thyroid Status in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are the most common endocrinological diseases worldwide. Relation between these diseases explains several hypotheses. One of them is influence of some adipocytokines. This study evaluated association between three adipocytokines (adiponectin, resistin and visfatin) and thyroid and glycid status in patients with DM2 and AIT compared to the control group (CG). The group consisted of four subgroups: patients with DM2 without thyreopathies, patients with AIT on substitution therapy without diabetes and prediabetes, patients with DM2 and AIT on substitution therapy and healthy subjects as the CG. We investigated parameters of thyroid and glucose metabolism and serum levels of three adipocytokines. The mean level of resistin in the group of patients with diabetes and thyroiditis was significantly higher than in patients with thyroiditis without diabetes and than in the CG. We found a weak negative correlation between visfatin and fasting glucose levels in patients with thyroiditis without diabetes. We detected a weak negative correlation between resistin and glycated haemoglobin and a weak negative correlation between visfatin and thyroid gland volume in patients with diabetes without thyroiditis. In the CG we determined a weak positive correlation between visfatin and free thyroxin. Our results are consistent with several studies, which confirmed association between AIT and adipocytokines.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system and hormonal-metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM of the study was to compare serum levels of IGF-1, IGF-2 and insulin­like growth factor­binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) among non­obese and obese PCOS women, and to assess their relationship to metabolic and hormonal parameters.    METHODS: The study included 64 women diagnosed with PCOS (age 28.9 ± 5 years); 30 of them with BMI > 27 and 34 with BMI lower than 27. All subjects were examined for parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism, steroid hormones and serum IGF-1, IGF-2 and IGFBP-3 levels. RESULTS: No significant differences in serum IGFBP-3 (p=0.534), IGF-1 (p=0.29) and IGF-2 (p=0.56) between two groups have been detected. IGFBP-3 was in positive correlation with total cholesterol (p=0.026), LDL cholesterol (p=0.03) and triacylglycerols (p=0.022). IGF-1 were negatively correlated with insulin (p=0.022), HOMA IR (p=0.033), triacylglycerols (p=0.0196) and waist circumference (p=0.049). A positive correlation was detected between IGF-1 and HDL cholesterol (p=0.025). No significant relationship was observed between IGF-1 and steroid hormones. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of IGF-1, IGF-2 and IGFBP-3 in obese PCOS women do not differ from those detected in non­obese PCOS women. IGF-1 negatively correlated with metabolic parameters, indicating that lower IGF-1 may represent an important predictor of metabolic syndrome (MS) in PCOS women. All peptides seem to have little effect on ovarian steroidogenesis in PCOS (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 30).

Is Apelin a new biomarker in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Many studies have assessed the role of adipokines in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS, however, no single biomarker has been recognized to be in causal relation to the syndrome. Apelin has been identified as a new adipokine linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Some studies demonstrated that the apelin / apelin receptor could play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, however the other yielded controversial results. Underlying mechanisms of possible involvement of apelin/apelin receptor complex are discussed.

Is there a role for the IGF system and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas? A preliminary case-control study.

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are very common and mostly they are non-functioning adenomas (NFA). NFAs are often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several biomarkers, including certain growth factors, may participatein the pathogenesis ofmetabolic changes in patients with adrenal adenomas.Patients with NFA and age-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Data on age, gender, presence of metabolic syndrome or its components were obtained for each subject. Blood samples were obtained and glycemia, insulinemia, lipid profile, and selected growth factor levels were measured. Forty-three patients with NFA and 40 controls were included in the study. Differences were not found in the metabolic syndrome and its components prevalence or in the biochemical profile between patients and the control group. Significant differences were noticed in the levels of IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 (p=0.016, p=0.005, p=0.004, respectively), but there were no differences in VEGF or EGF concentrations. In NFA patients, an association between glycemia and EGF levels was present (p=0.026). No significant correlations between tumor size and insulin or growth factor concentrations were present in AI patients. Significantly higher serum IGF1, IGF2, and IGFBP3 concentrations in NFA patients may support the role of the IGF axis in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical lesions.No correlation between IGFs or IGFBP3 and parameters of glucose or lipid metabolism was found. Present results may support the role of the growth hormone axis rather than hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical adenomas.

Relationship between steroid hormones and metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with a higher cardiometabolic risk. The relationship between steroid hormones and cardiometabolic profile in PCOS has been evaluated, but no single hormonal predictor of this association has been identified to determine. To determine the relationship between steroid hormones and cardiometabolic risk factors in PCOS women. Study included 64 women diagnosed with PCOS. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for biochemical, metabolic parameters and sex steroid hormones. PCOS women with BMI>/-27 had significantly higher serum free testosterone (FT), free androgen index (FAI), estrone (E1) (p=0.014, p=0.02, p=0.01) than those with normal weight. In all subjects E1 positively correlated with BMI (p=0.0067), serum insulin (p=0.0046), HOMA-IR (p=0.0125) and negatively with HDL-cholesterol (p=0.009). FAI positively correlated with serum cholesterol (p=0.0457), triacylglycerols (TAG) (p=0.0001), HOMA-IR (p=0.037), and glycemia (p=0.0001), negatively with HDL-cholesterol (p=0.029). In multiple linear regression model E1 most significantly predicted HOMA-IR, whereas FT/FAI predicted HDL-cholesterol and BMI. We conclude that PCOS women with marked overweight or obesity have higher FT, FAI and E1 as compared with nonobese PCOS subjects. E1 and FT may predict worse cardiometabolic profile in PCOS.

Humoral predictors of ankle-brachial index in patients with peripheral arterial disease and controls.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition due to atherosclerosis with high prevalence in population over 55 years. Although its pathophysiology is well recognized, the role of inflammatory markers is still not fully known. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the relation of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to ankle-brachial index (ABI) and metabolic variables in patients with PAD. The second aim was to find the most significant humoral predictor of ABI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study groups consisted of 55 patients (36 men and 19 women) diagnosed with PAD (age 63.65 ± 6.11 years) and 34 control subjects (7 men, 27 women) of average age 59.88 ± 6.10 years with ABI > 0.9. Blood samples were analyzed for glycaemia, lipid profile and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha and IL-6). RESULTS: A significantly higher serum total cholesterol (p = 0.04), triglycerides (p = 0.005) and lower HDL cholesterol (p < 0.0001) were found in the PAD group as compared to controls. Patients with PAD had significantly higher serum glucose (p = 0.008), CRP (p = 0.0044), IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) in comparison to controls. In a multiple linear regression analysis among variables log IL-6 and log HDL cholesterol were most significantly related to ABI (LW 4.75 for log IL-6, LW 4.016 for log HDL cholesterol, respectively, p < 0.01) in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that among traditional and humoral risk factors IL-6 is the strongest predictor of ABI. HDL cholesterol is also significant and strong predictor of decreased ABI and could be a potential biomarker of PAD in patients using lipid lowering drugs (Tab. 1, Ref. 31).

The effect of alfacalcidiol and metformin on phenotype manifestations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome - a preliminary study.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation in obese, insulin resistant and vitamin D deficient PCOS women on biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism and menstrual irregularity in comparison to effect of metformin or combined metformin plus vitamin D therapy. Thirty nine PCOS women were randomized into three groups and treated with alfacalcidiol (Group 1), combined alfacalcidiol and metformin therapy (Group 2) and metformin (Group 3) for 6 months. Serum TST, fTST, DHEAS, LH and LH/FSH were measured before and after six months of treatment. Menstrual cycle regularity, hirsutism, acne and pregnancy rate were assessed at the same time. There was a significant decrease in TST levels in the Group 2 and slight but not significant decrease in the Group 3. No significant changes in other parameters (fTST, DHEAS, LH, LH/FSH) have been found after 6 months therapy in all three groups. An improvement of menstrual cycle was detected in 78 % of patients in Group 1 (p<0.04), 80 % in the Group 2 (p<0.03) and in 90 % in the Group 3 (p<0.002), respectively. There was no significant improvement of acne and hirsutism in all three groups (all p not significant). Pregnancy rate was higher in the Group 3 as compared with Groups 1 and 2 (67 % vs. 0 % and 25 %, respectively), however without statistical significance. Vitamin D administration has no significant effect on androgen levels and clinical features of hyperandrogenism in obese vitamin D deficient PCOS women. However, it can potentiate effect of metformin on testosterone levels and LH/FSH ratio but not on clinical hyperandrogenism and pregnancy rate.

Nesidioblastosis in adults.

The persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia may be caused either by a solitary tumor of the pancreas secreting excessive amount of insulin, known as insulinoma or, rarely, by nesidioblastosis. Nesidioblastosis is a rare cause of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in adults. The incidence of nesidioblastosis in adults is unknown, but it is generally thought to be very low. The ß cell changes in adult nesidioblastosis suggest a dysregulation of the function of the cell. The cause of the functional dysregulation in adults is unknown. The pathogenesis of adult nesidioblastosis may be different from infantile congenital hyperinsulinism caused by a genetic effect. Histologically nesidioblastosis is almost always characterized by a proliferation of abnormal ß cells throughout the entire pancreas. Clinically and biochemically , it is not possible to distinguish between diffuse nesidioblastosis and insulinoma. If all highly selective noninvasive imaging techiques fail to identify a tumor, selective arterial calcium stimulation testing should be performed. The final diagnosis relies on the histopathologic evaluation. The treatment of adult nesidioblastosis is surgical resection of the pancreas.

[The environmental estrogen bisphenol A and its effects on the human organism]. / Environmentálny estrogén bisfenol A a jeho úcinky na organizmus cloveka.

Bisphenol A (BPA), i.e. an environmental estrogen, is one of the most common synthetic chemicals which enter the human body from plastic bottles, food packaging and dental materials. As many studies show, a longterm exposure to BPA is connected with a risk of developing various diseases and endocrine disorders. Exposure to BPA, particularly during development, increases the risk of breast carcinoma, obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2 as well as reproductive disorders. It also increases the risk of testes carcinoma and prostate carcinoma. Some isolated studies support also the relation between BPA and the risk of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. The effect of other xenoestrogens, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, dioxins, as well as others, is similar or perhaps even stronger. For the time being, however, the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms of these relations are not quite clear and require further experimental, but especially human, studies.

Analysis of pheochromocytomas / paragangliomas from Eastern Slovakia.

This multi centre observational cohort study gives a view about the occurrence, clinical and laboratory presentation, localization, histological type and genetic background of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL) in Eastern Slovakia. It included 28 patients (18 women + 10 men), of which 23 were diagnosed to have PHEO (82,1%) and 7 patients (25%) suffered from PGL with retroperitoneal, inguinal/pelvic and mediastinal distribution. Arterial hypertension was the major symptom present in 86 % with slight dominance of paroxysmal form (58%). In 3 cases (10,7%), the diagnosis was gained after differentiation of adrenal incidentaloma in asymptomatic patients. Five patients (17,8%) were classified to have malignant form of the disease. 9 patients (32,1%) were confirmed to have hereditary form - five of them (17,8%) with familiar medullar thyroid cancer (FMTC) and mutations in RET gene classified as multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A and 4 patients (14,3%) with germline mutations of SDHB gene, respectively. There was found a relatively high occurrence of other co-morbidities: thyroid disease in 20 patients (71,4%), impairment of glucose metabolism in 11 patients (39,3%) and apart from FMTC, 4 patients (14,3%) suffered also from other malignancy. Together with a bigger size of the primary tumor (6,6 cm), higher concentrations of metanephrines and prevalence of extra-adrenal tumors, malignant and hereditary forms, we suppose genetic and environmental factors of Eastern Slovakia may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the tumors.

Adrenal metastases.

The adrenal gland is a frequent location for metastatic spread of a various number of malignant tumors. Among all tumors, carcinoma of lung, breast, ovary and malignant melanoma count to the most frequent ones. In nononcological and unselected populations, the prevalence of adrenal metastases is 0-21 %. The metastases are mostly discovered in patients during their follow-up carried out in consequence of their antecedent malignant disease. A malignant disease in adrenal gland may occasionally manifest as a solitary metastasis referred to as adrenal incidentaloma. If the malignant disease is disseminated at the time of adrenal mass diagnosis, no further differentiation of lesion is necessary as it does not influence the further therapeutic process. If the dissemination is not present, further differentiation of adrenal lesion is essential. CT and MRI characteristics of the adrenal mass play the key role in the differential diagnosis. The examination of adrenal overproduction is not necessary in case of known adrenal metastasis except when performing tests in order to rule out the catecholamine overproduction. In case of bilateral metastases, adrenal insufficiency should be also excluded. Surgical treatment is indicated in cases of solitary metastasis. The further management of patients with adrenal metastases belongs to the oncologist. The prognosis of the disease is usually very poor with average survival rate of three months (Fig. 2, Ref. 34).

[Is polycystic ovary syndrome associated with autoimmune thyroiditis?]. / Je syndróm polycystických ovárií asociovaný s autoimunitnou tyreoiditídou?

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women of fertile age and lately there is a discussion about its possible association with autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to examine incidence of autoimmune thyreoiditis (AIT) in PCOS women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 64 PCOS patients were enrolled and 68 healthy menstruating women served as controls. All subjects were examined for thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4) and the presence as well as titers of antithyroid antibodies aTG (anti-thyreoglobulin) and aTPO (anti-thyreoperoxidase). RESULTS: There was no difference between PCOS and controls in average TSH levels (2.37 ± 1.46 mIU/l vs 2.37 ± 1.46 mIU/l) (p = 0.953), and fT4 levels (16.36 ± 5.34 pmol/l vs 16.49 ± 2.32 pmol/l) (p = 0.852). Autoantibodies titers were also non-significant aTG (53.09 ± 157.07 IU/ml vs 29.8 ± 100.77 IU/ml, p = 0.386) and aTPO (59.74 ± 149.03 IU/ml vs 45 ± 204.77 IU/ml, p = 0.805). However, PCOS women had significantly higher prevalence of aTPO (18.75 vs 7.35%, p = 0.045). On the other hand, the overall prevalence of AIT was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our results show PCOS patients have slightly but significantly higher positivity of aTPO antibodies but the prevalence of AIT was insignificant.

Genes of intestinal Escherichia coli and their relation to the inflammatory activity in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Escherichia coli gene fimA was the most frequent gene that occurred in the intestine of all investigated groups. All subjects with fimA gene had significantly higher values of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and CRP than those with other E. coli genes. There was also a tendency to increased serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels in patients carrying the fimA gene; however, no relation was observed to serum IL-8 and IL-10. Patients with Crohn's disease had significantly higher IL-6 than those with ulcerative colitis (UC) and controls. The highest levels of TNF-α were detected in the UC group. There were no significant differences in serum IL-8 and IL-10 between all three groups. The presence of E. coli gene fimA in the large bowel of patients with IBD is related to the immunological activity of the disease which may be important from the aspect of therapeutical strategy.

Pulmonary administration of activated recombinant factor VII.

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a serious pulmonary complication seen in patients with autoimmune disorders and patients treated with chemotherapy or after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The clinical management of DAH is complex and the condition has a high mortality rate. During inflammation, tissue factor is expressed in the lung alveoli and therefore pulmonary administration of human recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) could be a rational treatment option (4.1). A case report of the patient with an acute, bronchoscopically confirmed DAH from intensive care unit university hospital is described. The patient was treated by the intrapulmonary administration of 50 microg/kg rFVIIa in 50 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride; 25 ml into each of the main bronchi. An excellent response, defined as complete and sustained haemostasis after a single dose of rFVIIa was achieved. The oxygenation capacity, as reflected by the paO2/FiO2 (arterial oxygen pressure/inspiratory fractional oxygen content) ratio, decreased immediately after the bronchoscopy and the local rFVIIa instillation, but the following course of the patient's illness was favourable. Symptomatic therapy--intrapulmonary administration of one dose of rFVIIa was found to have an excellent haemostatic effect in the patient with DAH. The intrapulmonary administration of rFVIIa seemed to have a high benefit-to-risk ratio. These findings warrant further exploration (Ref. 12).

[Adrenal incidentalomas--is the present management rational?]. / Adrenálne incidentalómy--je súcasný manazment racionálny?

Adrenal incidentalomas, i.e. clinically inapparent adrenal mass, are considered to be one of the most frequent tumours in human pathology. They more frequently occur in women, older age, patients with metabolic syndrome and in patients with malignant diseases. The first step in the management is exclusion of hormonal activity and differentiation of malignant and benign lesions. At present, there is no consensus with respect to differential diagnosis and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas since the development of hormonal hyperfunction and a risk of malignancy are negligible. The most frequent cause ofhyperfunction is subclinical hypercortisolism, the clinical significance ofwhich is also questionable. Recently, it has been shown that the existing recommendations lack rationality and, in addition, increase risk of falsely positive hormonal investigations. Repeated CT scans subject the patients to ionising radiation and may carry the same or even higher risk ofcancer than the risk ofmalignant transformation of adrenal incidentaloma. This is why it is important to develop recommendations for screening and subsequent 'follow-up' that will be rational, safe for the patient and reliable.

[Polycystic ovary syndrome and autoimmune diseases]. / Syndróm polycystických ovárií a autoimunitné ochorenia.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by laboratory or clinical signs of hyperandrogenism with chronic anovulation and is currently one of the most frequent endocrinopaties in women of fertile age. Syndrome is associated with a variety of endocrine and metabolic disturbances and according to results of scientific work could be possibly associated with some autoimmune diseases. It seems that the prevalence of autoimmune tyroiditis is important among these patients. Recent studies reveal higher incidence of organ - non specific autoantibodies, but their clinical significance is unknown to date. Further studies are required to determine the role of organ specific and non-specific autoantibodies in patients with PCOS. According to determine an etiology of the syndrome one of the possible outcomes could be investigation of anti-follicular antibody.

[Prevalence of rheumatic manifestations and non-organ specific autoimmunity in patients with autoimmune thyreopathy]. / Výskyt reumatických manifestácií a orgánovo nespecifickej autoimunity a chorých s autoimunitnou tyreopatiou.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of rheumatic manifestations (RM) has been described in association with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). In the past, most of these manifestations were attributed to the underlying thyroid dysfunction, in particular hypothyroidism. AIT is often associated with non-organ specific autoimmunity. Increased prevalence of non-organ specific autoantibodies in patients with AIT without any evidence of rhemautic manifestations is clinically unclear. Aim of this study was to find out the frequency of apperance of non-organ specific antibodies in serum in patients with AIT and prevalence of RM (arthralgia/arthitis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The group consisted of 80 patients with diagnosis AIT. The diagnosis of AIT was made according to established criteria. This diagnosis was primarily based on laboratory markers including thyroid hormone levels (TSH, fT4, fT3), the detection of antithyroid antibodies (anti-TPO, anti-TG, anti-RTSH antibodies) and on ultrasound examination (imaging signs of thyroid autoimmunity) of thyroidal gland. None of the above patients had a history of systemic autoimmune disorders. In the group of patients with AIT we evaluated the prevalence of non-organ specific antibodies (ANA/Hep 2, ENA scr., SSA, SSB, nRNP, dsDNA, DNP, RF, ACLA scr., ANCA/MPO, ANCA/PR3) and presence of RM (arthritis/arthralgia). The control group consisted of 34 patients with no overt history of AIT or systemic autoimmune disorders. RESULTS: In the group of patients with AIT ANA positivity was found in 36/80 (45%) patients compared with 5/34 (14.7%) in healthy controls (p < 0.05). The prevalence of ANA autoantibodies was significantly higher in patients with AIT than in healthy controls. Other levels of non-organ specific antibodies (ENA scr., SSA, SSB, nRNP, dsDNA, DNP, RF, ACLA scr., ANCA/MPO, ANCA/PR3) were not significantly different among patients with AIT and healthy controls. 40/80 (50%) of patients with AIT had artralgia compared with 7/34 (20.6%) in healthy controls (p < 0.05) and 19/80 (23.75%) of patients with AIT had arthritis compared with 1/34 (2.9%) in healthy controls (p < 0.05). The prevalence of RM (arthralgia and arthritis) in group of patients with AIT was significantly higher than in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The prevalence ofANA autoantibodies and RM (arthralgia/arthritis - both) was significantly higher in patients with AIT than in healthy controls.

[Osteoporosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Osteoporóza pri chronickej obstrukcnej chorobe pl'úc.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of osteoporosis because of their age, limited physical activity, low body mass index, smoking, hypogonadism, malnutrition, and use of corticosteroids. Systemic inflammation represents an additional pathomechanism contributing to the development of osteoporosis in COPD patients. Males in their mid to late 60s with a smoking history of greater than 60 pack-years have a prevalence rate of vertebral fractures similar to, and possibly greater than, postmenopausal women greater than or equal to 65 years old: in patients with severe COPD, up to 50-70% have osteoporosis or osteopenia, and up to 24-30% have compression vertebral fractures. Correlates of osteoporosis in COPD are mainly measures of body composition, disease severity and the use of corticosteroids, although causality has not been proven. Systemic corticosteroids remain the most common cause of drug-related osteoporosis, and a meta-analysis concluded that the use of more than 6.25 mg prednisone daily led to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. In contrast, the effects of the long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids on BMD remain debatable. Effects of treatment of osteoporosis have not been investigated in samples consisting of COPD patients only but the recommendations follow the general recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Early recognition of BMD loss is essential, and assumes close interdisciplinary cooperation between respirologists and reumatologists. Longitudinal follow-up to assess determinants of osteoporosis in COPD and randomised placebo-controlled trials on the effects of treatment of osteoporosis in patients with COPD only are warranted. In the future, novel therapeutical strategies such as monoclonal antibodies against osteoclasts activators may prove their beneficial effects in the treatment of COPD-related osteoporosis.

Hormonal and metabolic evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas.

The biochemical and hormonal data in patients with adrenal incidentalomas were evaluated to compare the differences between adrenal adenomas and other benign lesions and to find the relationship between metabolic parameters and adrenal hormones. Ninety two patients (29men, age 20-90 years) with incidentally discovered unilateral or bilateral adrenal masses detected on CT were included in this study for the reasons others than adrenal pathology. Glycemia, cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia, hormonal evaluation including plasma ACTH, plasma aldosterone, plasma renin acitivity, overnight dexametasone test, ACTH test, free plasma metanephrines, urinary catecholamines were determined. In the group of patients with adrenal masses the prevalence of arterial hypertension was three fold higher, the prevalence of DM was approximately five fold higher and the prevalence of the overweight and obesity two fold higher than is reported in the general population. The most frequent adrenal masses were nonfunctional masses, the occurence of functional lesions was as follows: steroid enzymopathies (an exaggerated response of 17-OHP indicating a possible 21-hydroxylase deficiency), subclinical Cushing syndrome, primary aldosteronism and pheochromocytoma (5%, 2%, 2% and 1% respectively). There were no significant differences in evaluated data between patients with adenomas and hyperplasia and also no significant difference in evaluated data between lesions smaller than 3 cm and lesions greater than 3 cm. We did not find any correlations between plasma cortisol and lipid values. In this study we confirmed a higher prevalence of symptoms characteristic for different metabolic syndromes in these patients with adrenal incidentalomas, which indicate systematic screening for the metabolic syndrome including evaluation of the insuline resistance in this patients.

Successful therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin in the management of polymyositis.

Polymyositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue of unknown etiology. It is characterized by symmetric, mainly proximal muscle weakness, muscle fiber damage proved on biopsy, increased enzymes and myoglobin, and has corresponding electromyography findings. Other systems such as joints, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal system are involved. Lung involvement is rather common. The most frequent symptom represents shortness of breath caused by muscle weakness. We report a case of a 66 year old woman with primary idiopathic polymyositis. The clinical state of the patient was complicated by progressive muscle weakness, dysphagia, and respiratory failure. Due to the ineffectiveness of the treatment with corticsteroids and cyclophosphamide, treatment with high doses of immunoglobulins was started. A total of 100 g of i.v. immunoglobulin therapy was administered beginning on the 13th day after hospital admission. The state of the patient progressively improved and after 7 weeks of treatment in a significantly improved state the patient was transferred to a Rehabilitation Unit. We therefore conclude that IVIg therapy may be an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of acute complications of polymyositis, especially in cases in whom other therapeutic strategies are ineffective or harmful (Ref. 10). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.