Pituitary Abscess: A General Retrospective Diagnosis.

We present the case of a 27-year-old female who had a history of recurrent headaches and visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a lesion that suggested pituitary adenoma, with indications of a recent bleeding or cystic degeneration. Nonhormonal deficiencies were documented, restricted to nontumoral hyperprolactinemia. Transsphenoidal approach surgery was performed and the purulent material was drained, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary abscess. Sinusitis was considered to be the only possible cause of this condition. Empirical treatment to Gram-positive anaerobic cocci was administrated, with a satisfactory response.

Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovarian Morphology are the Most Frequent Components of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women with Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. In Mexico, its prevalence in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. AIM: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with T1D with and without PCOS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate women of reproductive age with T1D for the diagnosis of PCOS using the criteria of the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Clinical information was obtained from clinical records, and we recorded anthropometric variables and performed a laboratory test during the follicular phase. The estimated glucose disposal rate and visceral adiposity index were also calculated to assess insulin resistance. Subsequently, participants were evaluated based on the presence or absence of PCOS. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of patients with T1D had PCOS. The most frequent components of PCOS were polycystic ovary morphology (58.5%), clinical hyperandrogenism (41.5%), oligomenorrhea (29.2%), and biochemical hyperandrogenism (19.5%). Patients with PCOS used more insulin per day (1.04 ± 0.33 vs. 0.71 ± 0.29 IU/kg/d, p = 0.003), had lower fasting glucose (116.4 ± 59.79 vs. 161.16 ± 63.9 mg/dl, p = 0.029) and higher right ovarian volume (11.36 [8.64-15.89] vs. 6.9 [5.55-8.77] cm3, p = 0.005) and Ferriman-Gallwey scores (9.06 ± 2.05 vs. 7.12 ± 3.15 points, p = 0.035) compared to patients without PCOS. The frequency of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS was 37.5 and 18.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PCOS is a very heterogeneous entity, with a high frequency in women with T1D.

Understanding Progestins: From Basics to Clinical Applicability.

Progestin is a term used to describe a synthetic progestogen. The activity and potency of synthetic progestins are mostly evaluated via parameters associated with their endometrial effects, which are related to their interactions with progesterone, estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, and mineralocorticoid receptors. The chemical structure of progestins is the key to understanding their interactions with these receptors and predicting the other effects associated with these drugs. Due to their endometrial effect, progestins are used for different gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis, contraception, hormonal replacement therapy, and artificial reproduction techniques. This review is focused on improving our knowledge of progestins (from their history and biochemical effects related to their chemical structures to clinical applications in gynecological conditions) in order to improve clinical practice.

[Proinflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovarian syndrome]. / Citocinas proinflamatorias en el síndrome de ovario poliquístico.

During folliculogenesis, different proinflammatory cytokines have a physiological role in the weakening of the follicle wall and an eventual rupture at ovulation. Chronic inflammation is closely related to endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that the long-term metabolic effects and cardiovascular complications observed in this syndrome may be related to the presence of a mild chronic inflammatory state. It is unclear whether androgen excess promotes an inflammatory state or, conversely, whether inflammatory molecules stimulate androgen production. Early detection of risk factors will help in the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases, since the metabolic alterations associated with this syndrome can predispose to worse cardiovascular health outcomes.

Diferentes citocinas proinflamatorias producidas durante la foliculogénesis tienen un rol fisiológico en el debilitamiento de la pared del folículo y la eventual ruptura en la ovulación. La inflamación crónica está relacionada de forma muy cercana con disfunción endotelial, enfermedad cardiovascular, enfermedad arterial coronaria y con el síndrome de ovario poliquístico. El síndrome de ovario poliquístico se caracteriza por un exceso de andrógenos y disfunción ovárica. Evidencia emergente sugiere que los efectos metabólicos a largo plazo y las complicaciones cardiovasculares observadas en este síndrome pueden estar relacionadas con la presencia de un estado inflamatorio crónico leve. Es poco claro si el exceso de andrógenos promueve un estado inflamatorio o, contrariamente, si las moléculas inflamatorias estimulan la producción de andrógenos. La detección temprana de los factores de riesgo ayudará en la prevención y el control de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, dado que las alteraciones metabólicas asociadas con este síndrome pueden predisponer a peores resultados de salud cardiovascular.

Metformin in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Molecular Pathways and Its Clinical Implications.

Metformin is a synthetic biguanide that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis. Aside being the first-line therapy for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), many pleiotropic effects have been discovered in recent years, such as its capacity to reduce cancer risk and tumorigenesis. Although widely studied, the effect of metformin on thyroid cancer remains controversial. Potential mechanisms for its growth inhibitory effects have been elucidated in various preclinical studies that involved pathways related to adenosine mono-phosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH), and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Hyperinsulinemia increases cell glucose uptake and oxidative stress, and promotes thyroid cell growth, leading to hyperproliferation, carcinogenesis, and the development of malignant tumors. Furthermore, it has also been related to thyroid nodules size in nodular disease, as well as tumoral size in patients with thyroid cancer. Several clinical studies concluded that metformin might have an important role as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the growth of benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms. This suggests that metformin might be useful for patients with differentiated or poorly differentiated thyroid cancer and metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance or diabetes.

Silent pituitary plurihormonal adenoma: clinical relevance of immunohistochemical analysis / Adenoma hipofisario silente plurihormonal: relevancia clínica de la inmunohistoquímica

Background: Non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) present low growth rates; however, some are aggressive and invasive. In 2017 the World Health Organization recognized clinically aggressive adenomas as "high-risk pituitary adenomas". These include the sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma, the Crooke's cell adenoma, the silent corticotroph adenoma and the plurihormonal Pit-1-positive adenoma (subtype 3). Clinical case: 25-year-old woman who presented oligomenorrhea, increased weight, decreased visual acuity and chronic headache. Biochemical and imaging evaluation showed a NFPA. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed with complete resection of lesion, and during short-term follow-up it was observed recurrence, which is why the patient needed two more interventions. The immunohistochemistry reported: ACTH ++ 90%, prolactin ++ 20%, GH ++ 5%, CKAE1-AE3 +++ 90%, Ki-67 10%. The final diagnosis was plurihormonal adenoma, since the immunohistochemical analysis was positive for more than one pituitary hormone and suggested two distinct cell lineages: Pit-1 and Tpit, both recognized as aggressive adenomas. Conclusions: This case report highlights the significance of a comprehensive immunohistochemical study, which includes transcriptional factors to classify cell lineage, in order to predict aggressiveness and provide personalized treatment.

Introducción: los adenomas hipofisarios no funcionantes (AHNF) presentan una baja tasa de crecimiento; sin embargo, algunos son agresivos e invasivos. En 2017 la Organización Mundial de la Salud denominó los adenomas de comportamiento clínico agresivo como "tumores hipofisarios de alto riesgo", incluyendo los adenomas del somatotropo escasamente granulados, los adenomas de células de Crooke, los silentes de corticotropo y los adenomas plurihormonal Pit-1 positivo (subtipo 3). Caso clínico: mujer de 25 años de edad con oligoamenorrea, aumento de peso, disminución del campo visual y cefalea crónica. La evaluación bioquímica y de imagen correspondió a un AHNF. Se realizó cirugía transesfenoidal con resección completa de la lesión y durante el seguimiento a corto plazo se observó recurrencia tumoral, por lo que ameritó dos intervenciones más. La inmunohistoquímica reportó: ACTH ++ 90%, prolactina ++ 20%, GH ++ 5%, CKAE1-AE3 +++ 90%, Ki-67 10%. El diagnóstico definitivo correspondió a un adenoma plurihormonal, debido a que la inmunohistoquímica fue positiva para la expresión de más de una hormona hipofisaria, con sugerencia de contenido celular con dos linajes distintos, tanto de Pit-1 como de Tpit, ambos reportados como adenomas agresivos. Conclusiones: este caso resalta la importancia de una inmunohistoquímica completa que incluya factores de transcripción que permitan clasificar el linaje celular para predecir agresividad y proporcionar un tratamiento individualizado.

Difficult-to-diagnose diabetes in a patient treated with cyclophosphamide - the contradictory roles of immunosuppressant agents: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide may induce autoimmune diabetes through a decrease in suppressor T cells and increase of proinflammatory T helper type 1 response in animal models. In humans, this association is not as clear due to the presence of other risk factors for hyperglycemia, but it could be a precipitant for acute complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old Mestizo-Mexican woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, shortly after initiating a multi-drug immunosuppressive therapy. She did not meet the diagnostic criteria for type 1 or type 2 diabetes and had no family history of hyperglycemic states. She persisted with hyperglycemia and high insulin requirements until the discontinuation of cyclophosphamide. After this episode, she recovered her endogenous insulin production and the antidiabetic agents were successfully withdrawn. After 1 year of follow up she is still normoglycemic. CONCLUSION: Cyclophosphamide may be an additional risk factor for acute hyperglycemic crisis. Glucose monitoring could be recommended during and after this treatment.

Tirotoxicosis inducida por amiodarona (TIA): un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico / Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (TIA): a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Resumen La tirotoxicosis inducida por amiodarona (TIA) se presenta en 5-12% de los pacientes tratados con ese medicamento, tiene el potencial de exacerbar una enfermedad cardiaca, lo que incrementa la morbilidad o mortalidad de los pacientes. Existen 2 tipos de TIA, con mecanismos fisiopatológicos diferentes; es importante distinguir entre ellos ya que el tratamiento es diferente. Sin embargo esta distinción en ocasiones es complicada. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 81 años con antecedente de leucemia mieloide aguda, que cursó con aumento de volumen de cuello 48 h después de haber sido egresada por un cuadro de fibrilación auricular (FA) tratada con infusión de amiodarona. Bioquímicamente con tirotoxicosis y reaparición de la FA. Se sospechó de una TIA. Para enfocar el tratamiento es indispensable distinguir entre los 2 tipos de tirotoxicosis inducida por amiodarona. El ultrasonido Doppler y el gammagrama tiroideo pueden ser útiles para establecer el diagnóstico. Se deben considerar las comorbilidades de los pacientes, así como los efectos secundarios al momento de establecer el tratamiento.

Abstract Amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) appears on the 5-12% of patients, it potentially can exacerbate a cardiac illness, leading to an increase in the morbility/mortality of patients. Two types of AIT exist, each one with a different etiology. It is important to distinguish between them to be able to establish a treatment. However, sometimes it can be quite difficult. Case Report: An 81 year-old woman, with a history of acute myelod leukemia, showed up with thyroid enlargement at the ER. She was discharged 48 h earlier, after an atrial fibrillation (AF) episode which was controlled with amiodarone IV infusion. Because the biochemical diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and reaparition of AF,an AIT was suspected. To be able of distinguishing between the two types of AIT is essential to establish a treatment. The use of a thyroid doppler sonography and a thyroid scintigraphy is helpful. The comorbidities of the patient and the possible side effects should be taken into account when deciding the treatment.