ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Skin changes in acromegaly are often the first sign of the disease. The aim of this study was to describe the cutaneous findings in patients with acromegaly. In addition, a secondary aim was to investigate the possible association of these findings with remission status and concomitant endocrinopathies. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: In this prospective multicenter study, 278 patients over the age of 18 years with acromegaly who were followed up in 14 different tertiary healthcare institutions were included. These patients, who were followed up by the Endocrinology Department, were then referred to a dermatologist for dermatological examination. The frequency of skin lesions was investigated by detailed dermatologic examination. Dermatological diagnosis is reached by clinical, dermatological and/or dermoscopic examination, and rarely skin punch biopsy examinations in suspicious cases. The possible association of the skin findings between remitted and nonremitted patients and with concomitant endocrinopathies were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common skin findings in patients with acromegaly in our study were skin tags (52.5%), cherry angiomas (47.4%), seborrhoea (37%), varicose veins (33%), acneiform lesions (28.8%), hyperhidrosis (26.9%) and hypertrichosis (18.3%). Hypertrichosis was significantly more prevalent in patients nonremitted (p: .001), while xerosis cutis was significantly more prevalent in patients remitted (p: .001). The frequency of diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism was significantly higher in patients with varicose veins and seborrhoeic keratosis than those without. Additionally, the coexistence of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and galactorrhea was significantly higher in patients with Cherry angioma than in those without Cherry angioma (p-values: .024, .034 and .027, respectively). The frequency of hypogonadism in those with xerosis cutis was significantly higher than in those without (p: .035). CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous androgenization findings such as skin tag, seborrhoea, acne and acanthosis nigricans are common in patients with acromegaly. Clinicians should be aware that skin findings associated with insulin resistance may develop in these patients. It can be said that the remission state in acromegaly has no curative effect on cutaneous findings. Only patients in remission were less likely to have hypertrichosis. This may allow earlier review of the follow-up and treatment of acromegaly patients presenting with complaints of hypertrichosis. Additionally, it can be said that patients with skin findings such as cherry angioma may be predisposed to a second endocrinopathy, especially hypothyroidism. Including dermatology in a multidisciplinary perspective in acromegaly patient management would be beneficial to detect cutaneous findings earlier.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Riedel thyroiditis (RT) is a rare form of thyroiditis; thus, data about the disease course and treatment options are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the clinical, serological, radiological, and histopathological features, as well as short- and long-term follow-up of RT patients under glucocorticoid (GC) and tamoxifen citrate (TMX). Parameters related to IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD) were also investigated. METHODS: Eight patients with RT diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 were enrolled. Data were collected in a retrospective and prospective manner. The diagnosis was confirmed with histopathological features in all patients. Results of the treatment with GCs on short- to mid-term, followed by TMX in the long term, were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 40.5 ± 6.8 years; female predominance was observed (F/M:7/1). Parameters related to IgG4-RD, like increase in IgG4 serum levels, total plasmablast counts, and IgG4+ plasmablasts, were negative in most of our patients in both active and inactive states of the disease. Likewise, an increased ratio of IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells >40% could only be observed in 2 cases. GCs followed by TMX were given to the patients with an over-all median follow-up time of 67 (8-216) months. All the patients considerably improved clinically and had a reduction in the size of the mass lesion on GCs, followed by TMX therapy. None of the patients had a recurrence under TMX therapy for a median period of 18.5 (7-96) months. CONCLUSION: Even though RT is suggested to be a member of IgG4-RD, serologic or histological evidence of IgG4 elevation or positivity is only useful for diagnosis and follow-up of RT. The diagnosis should be based on clinical and radiological evidence and confirmed by histopathology. GCs are effective for initial treatment, and TMX is a successful and safe therapeutic option for long-term maintenance therapy.
ABSTRACT
F-fluorocholine has recently emerged as a very sensitive agent for seeking parathyroid adenomas. We represent a case with esophageal diverticulum incidentally detected on F-fuorocholine PET/CT, which should be kept in mind as a reason of false positivity in primary hyperparathyroidism.
