Insights on epidemiology, morbidity and mortality of Cushing's disease in Northern Ireland.

Cushing's disease is a rare condition that occurs due to an adrenocorticotrophin-producing corticotrophinoma arising from the pituitary gland. The consequent hypercortisolaemia results in multisystem morbidity and mortality. This study aims to report incidence, clinicopathological characteristics, remission outcomes and mortality in a regional pituitary neurosurgical cohort of patients diagnosed with Cushing's disease in Northern Ireland (NI) from 2000 to 2019. Clinical, biochemical and radiological data from a cohort of patients operated for Cushing's disease were retrospectively collected and analysed. Fifty-three patients were identified, resulting in an estimated annual incidence of Cushing's disease of 1.39-1.57 per million population per year. Females accounted for 72% (38/53) of the cohort. The majority (74%, 39/53) of corticotrophinomas were microadenomas and in 44% (17/39) of these no tumour was identified on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological characterisation was similarly difficult, with no tumour being identified in the histopathological specimen in 40% (21/53) of cases. Immediate postoperative remission rates were 53% and 66% when considering serum morning cortisol cut-offs of ≤ 50 nmol/L (1.8 µg/dL) and ≤ 138 nmol/L (5 µg/dL), respectively, in the week following pituitary surgery. Approximately 70% (37/53) of patients achieved longer-term remission with a single pituitary surgery. Three patients had recurrent disease. Patients with Cushing's disease had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the NI general population (standardised mortality ratio 8.10, 95% CI 3.3-16.7, P < 0.001). Annual incidence of Cushing's disease in NI is consistent with other Northern European cohorts. Functioning corticotrophinomas are a clinically, radiologically and histopathologically elusive disease with increased mortality compared to the general population.

Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: Part 1, general recommendations.

Tumours of the anterior part of the pituitary gland represent just 1% of all childhood (aged <15 years) intracranial neoplasms, yet they can confer high morbidity and little evidence and guidance is in place for their management. Between 2014 and 2022, a multidisciplinary expert group systematically developed the first comprehensive clinical practice consensus guideline for children and young people under the age 19 years (hereafter referred to as CYP) presenting with a suspected pituitary adenoma to inform specialist care and improve health outcomes. Through robust literature searches and a Delphi consensus exercise with an international Delphi consensus panel of experts, the available scientific evidence and expert opinions were consolidated into 74 recommendations. Part 1 of this consensus guideline includes 17 pragmatic management recommendations related to clinical care, neuroimaging, visual assessment, histopathology, genetics, pituitary surgery and radiotherapy. While in many aspects the care for CYP is similar to that of adults, key differences exist, particularly in aetiology and presentation. CYP with suspected pituitary adenomas require careful clinical examination, appropriate hormonal work-up, dedicated pituitary imaging and visual assessment. Consideration should be given to the potential for syndromic disease and genetic assessment. Multidisciplinary discussion at both the local and national levels can be key for management. Surgery should be performed in specialist centres. The collection of outcome data on novel modalities of medical treatment, surgical intervention and radiotherapy is essential for optimal future treatment.

Consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas in childhood and adolescence: Part 2, specific diseases.

Pituitary adenomas are rare in children and young people under the age of 19 (hereafter referred to as CYP) but they pose some different diagnostic and management challenges in this age group than in adults. These rare neoplasms can disrupt maturational, visual, intellectual and developmental processes and, in CYP, they tend to have more occult presentation, aggressive behaviour and are more likely to have a genetic basis than in adults. Through standardized AGREE II methodology, literature review and Delphi consensus, a multidisciplinary expert group developed 74 pragmatic management recommendations aimed at optimizing care for CYP in the first-ever comprehensive consensus guideline to cover the care of CYP with pituitary adenoma. Part 2 of this consensus guideline details 57 recommendations for paediatric patients with prolactinomas, Cushing disease, growth hormone excess causing gigantism and acromegaly, clinically non-functioning adenomas, and the rare TSHomas. Compared with adult patients with pituitary adenomas, we highlight that, in the CYP group, there is a greater proportion of functioning tumours, including macroprolactinomas, greater likelihood of underlying genetic disease, more corticotrophinomas in boys aged under 10 years than in girls and difficulty of peri-pubertal diagnosis of growth hormone excess. Collaboration with pituitary specialists caring for adult patients, as part of commissioned and centralized multidisciplinary teams, is key for optimizing management, transition and lifelong care and facilitates the collection of health-related quality of survival outcomes of novel medical, surgical and radiotherapeutic treatments, which are currently largely missing.

Association between Multi-Organ Involvement and Brain Injury in Cooled Newborns: A Statistical Approach.

INTRODUCTION: In the event of fetal hypoxia-ischemia, circulation to the brain and central organs is thought to be preserved. The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between the presence of brain injury on MRI and multi-organ involvement, as reflected in routinely collected laboratory (lab) values in babies who have undergone therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). METHODS: Peak and trough values, and age at peak/trough, were obtained for 10 lab markers collected for clinical care, representing hematopoiesis, coagulation, inflammation, hepatic, and renal function, from 71 consecutively recruited newborns from four tertiary neonatal centers undergoing TH. Cerebral MR images obtained as part of clinical care were assessed by two raters with expertise, in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the presence of cerebral injury on MRI and systems involvement in newborns who have undergone TH. However, the peak/trough platelet ratio was significantly associated with cerebral injury. Also, the peak platelet, lymphocyte, and urea counts occurred significantly later in babies with substantial brain injury compared to those without. CONCLUSION: Using a statistical approach, we demonstrate that there is no clear relationship between multi-organ involvement and cerebral injury in babies with HIE who have undergone TH. We infer that babies may have cerebral injury in the absence of involvement of other organ systems. The platelet count ratio as an independent biomarker of cerebral injury in this group requires further investigation. Reference ranges of lab values for term newborns undergoing TH are provided.

Physiological CTG categorization in types of hypoxia compared with MRI and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with HIE.

BACKGROUND: Commonly used methods of CTG classification do not reliably predict neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a relationship exists between the types of hypoxia as identified on the cardiotocograph using novel physiology-based CTG classification and patterns of injury on neonatal cerebral MRI and later neurodevelopmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of term-born infants admitted to four neonatal units with HIE as part of a brain injury biomarkers study between January 2014 and December 2015. Intrapartum CTG traces were analyzed by two obstetricians trained in physiological CTG classification, blind to neonatal outcomes. Neonatal cerebral MR images were assessed independently by a neuroradiologist and an expert neonatologist. CTG traces were classified into types of hypoxia and allocated to groups; (1) chronic hypoxia or antepartum injury; (2) gradually evolving or subacute hypoxia; and (3) acute hypoxia. RESULTS: Of 106 infants recruited to the study, records were available for 58 cases. Of these, CTGs were available for 37. All 37 had abnormal CTGs. Twenty-four infants, all of whom had received therapeutic hypothermia had cerebral MRI. Fourteen of the 24 (58%) infants had abnormal MRI. In group 1 (chronic hypoxia/antenatal injury), total brain injury was most predominant (4/6 infants). Group 2 (gradually evolving/subacute hypoxia) was associated with peripheral brain injury (5/5 infants). Group 3 (acute hypoxia) was associated with basal-ganglia thalamic injury pattern (3/3 infants). Later neurodevelopmental outcomes were available for 35 cases. Infants suspected to have a pre-labor injury on CTG (group 1) had a higher proportion of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (4/10, 40%) compared to groups 2 and 3 (4/25, 16%). CONCLUSION: Using this novel physiology-based CTG classification, we demonstrate an association between types of hypoxia observed on the CTG and MRI patterns of hypoxic brain injury. Infants with CTG trace suggestive of chronic hypoxia or other antenatal injuries were overrepresented in this cohort and were also more likely to have a poor neurodevelopmental outcome.

The clinical outcomes of imaging modalities for surgical management Cushing's disease - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Cushing's disease presents major diagnostic and management challenges. Although numerous preoperative and intraoperative imaging modalities have been deployed, it is unclear whether these investigations have improved surgical outcomes. Our objective was to investigate whether advances in imaging improved outcomes for Cushing's disease. Methods: Searches of PubMed and EMBASE were conducted. Studies reporting on imaging modalities and clinical outcomes after surgical management of Cushing's disease were included. Multilevel multivariable meta-regressions identified predictors of outcomes, adjusting for confounders and heterogeneity prior to investigating the effects of imaging. Results: 166 non-controlled single-arm studies were included, comprising 13181 patients over 44 years.The overall remission rate was 77.0% [CI: 74.9%-79.0%]. Cavernous sinus invasion (OR: 0.21 [CI: 0.07-0.66]; p=0.010), radiologically undetectable lesions (OR: 0.50 [CI: 0.37-0.69]; p<0.0001), previous surgery (OR=0.48 [CI: 0.28-0.81]; p=0.008), and lesions ≥10mm (OR: 0.63 [CI: 0.35-1.14]; p=0.12) were associated with lower remission. Less stringent thresholds for remission was associated with higher reported remission (OR: 1.37 [CI: 1.1-1.72]; p=0.007). After adjusting for this heterogeneity, no imaging modality showed significant differences in remission compared to standard preoperative MRI.The overall recurrence rate was 14.5% [CI: 12.1%-17.1%]. Lesion ≥10mm was associated with greater recurrence (OR: 1.83 [CI: 1.13-2.96]; p=0.015), as was greater duration of follow-up (OR: 1.53 (CI: 1.17-2.01); p=0.002). No imaging modality was associated with significant differences in recurrence.Despite significant improvements in detection rates over four decades, there were no significant changes in the reported remission or recurrence rates. Conclusion: A lack of controlled comparative studies makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Within this limitation, the results suggest that despite improvements in radiological detection rates of Cushing's disease over the last four decades, there were no changes in clinical outcomes. Advances in imaging alone may be insufficient to improve surgical outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42020187751.

GHRH secretion from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor causing gigantism in a patient with MEN1.

SUMMARY: A male patient with a germline mutation in MEN1 presented at the age of 18 with classical features of gigantism. Previously, he had undergone resection of an insulin-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (pNET) at the age of 10 years and had subtotal parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism at the age of 15 years. He was found to have significantly elevated serum IGF-1, GH, GHRH and calcitonin levels. Pituitary MRI showed an overall bulky gland with a 3 mm hypoechoic area. Abdominal MRI showed a 27 mm mass in the head of the pancreas and a 6 mm lesion in the tail. Lanreotide-Autogel 120 mg/month reduced GHRH by 45% and IGF-1 by 20%. Following pancreaticoduodenectomy, four NETs were identified with positive GHRH and calcitonin staining and Ki-67 index of 2% in the largest lesion. The pancreas tail lesion was not removed. Post-operatively, GHRH and calcitonin levels were undetectable, IGF-1 levels normalised and GH suppressed normally on glucose challenge. Post-operative fasting glucose and HbA1c levels have remained normal at the last check-up. While adolescent-onset cases of GHRH-secreting pNETs have been described, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ectopic GHRH in a paediatric setting leading to gigantism in a patient with MEN1. Our case highlights the importance of distinguishing between pituitary and ectopic causes of gigantism, especially in the setting of MEN1, where paediatric somatotroph adenomas causing gigantism are extremely rare. LEARNING POINTS: It is important to diagnose gigantism and its underlying cause (pituitary vs ectopic) early in order to prevent further growth and avoid unnecessary pituitary surgery. The most common primary tumour sites in ectopic acromegaly include the lung (53%) and the pancreas (34%) (1): 76% of patients with a pNET secreting GHRH showed a MEN1 mutation (1). Plasma GHRH testing is readily available in international laboratories and can be a useful diagnostic tool in distinguishing between pituitary acromegaly mediated by GH and ectopic acromegaly mediated by GHRH. Positive GHRH immunostaining in the NET tissue confirms the diagnosis. Distinguishing between pituitary (somatotroph) hyperplasia secondary to ectopic GHRH and pituitary adenoma is difficult and requires specialist neuroradiology input and consideration, especially in the MEN1 setting. It is important to note that the vast majority of GHRH-secreting tumours (lung, pancreas, phaeochromocytoma) are expected to be visible on cross-sectional imaging (median diameter 55 mm) (1). Therefore, we suggest that a chest X-ray and an abdominal ultrasound checking the adrenal glands and the pancreas should be included in the routine work-up of newly diagnosed acromegaly patients.

In clinical practice, cerebral MRI in newborns is highly predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome after therapeutic hypothermia.

OBJECTIVE: In the trials, a substantial proportion of newborns who underwent therapeutic hypothermia (TH) had an adverse outcome after hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Cooled babies were noted to have fewer cerebral lesions on MRI but when present lesions were predictive of adverse outcome. We investigate the predictive value of cerebral MRI in babies who undergo cooling in the clinical setting outside of the clinical trials in a prospective UK cohort. RESULTS: Of 75 babies recruited from four centres, neurodevelopment was available for 69 (92%) with 29% (20/69) being abnormal. The unfavourable MRI group (n = 22) had significantly lower motor (p < 0.001), language (p < 0.001) and cognition (p < 0.001) scores on Bayley-III assessment, compared to the favourable MRI group (n = 47). On multiple regression there was a significant relationship between basal ganglia and thalami abnormality and motor (p = 0.002), cognition (p = 0.011) and language (p = 0.013) outcomes. Half of the babies who had an MRI predictive of adverse outcome (11/22) had highest grade cerebral palsy. Cerebral MRI had 95% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 91% PPV and 98% NPV in predicting neurodevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical cohort, fewer children had adverse neurodevelopment after TH compared to the TH trials. However, half the children who had an MRI predictive of adverse ND outcome had the most severe form of cerebral palsy. In this cohort, cerebral MRI was found to be highly predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome.

WITHDRAWN: In clinical practice, cerebral MRI in newborns is highly predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome after therapeutic hypothermia.

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MRI for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: simplifying complexity with a 'one-stop' service model.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are disadvantaged because of poor access to MRI scans, leading to late and misdiagnosis particularly for cancer and neurological disease. New technology allied to tested protocols now allows safe MRI scanning of such patients; however, logistical barriers persist. AIM: To deliver a streamlined sustainable service that provides timely MRI scans to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). METHODS: Patients requested a 'one-stop' service for MRI, whereby devices could be reprogrammed and scans acquired at a single location and visit. To provide this 'one-stop' service, we trained a team including administrators, physicians, cardiac physiologists and radiographers. A standard protocol was used to prevent unnecessary request refusals and delays to scheduling. Service volume, waiting time and safety were analysed 6 months before and 2 years after service redesign. Waiting times for internal and external inpatient referrals plus time to treatment for patients on a cancer pathway were analysed. RESULTS: 215 MRI scans were performed over 2 years. After service redesign, MRI provision increased six-fold to 20 times the national average with reduced waiting time from 60 to 15 days and no adverse events. Departmental throughput was maintained. 85 (40%) referrals were external. 41 (19%) inpatients were scanned, reducing bed-stay by 3 days for internal referrals. 24 (11%) scans were for suspected cancer, 83% allowed treatment within the national standard of 62 days. There was no preintervention service for either inpatients or suspected cancer investigation. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a 'one-stop' service model to provide MRI for patients with CIEDs is safe, streamlined, scalable and has reduced delays making economic and clinical sense. Protocols and checklists are available at mrimypacemaker.com.

A Phase I Study of Pegylated Arginine Deiminase (Pegargiminase), Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed in Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1-Deficient Recurrent High-grade Glioma.

PURPOSE: Patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGG) are usually managed with alkylating chemotherapy ± bevacizumab. However, prognosis remains very poor. Preclinically, we showed that HGGs are a target for arginine depletion with pegargiminase (ADI-PEG20) due to epimutations of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) and/or argininosuccinate lyase (ASL). Moreover, ADI-PEG20 disrupts pyrimidine pools in ASS1-deficient HGGs, thereby impacting sensitivity to the antifolate, pemetrexed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We expanded a phase I trial of ADI-PEG20 with pemetrexed and cisplatin (ADIPEMCIS) to patients with ASS1-deficient recurrent HGGs (NCT02029690). Patients were enrolled (01/16-06/17) to receive weekly ADI-PEG20 36 mg/m2 intramuscularly plus pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Patients with disease control were allowed ADI-PEG20 maintenance. The primary endpoints were safety, tolerability, and preliminary estimates of efficacy. RESULTS: Ten ASS1-deficient heavily pretreated patients were treated with ADIPEMCIS therapy. Treatment was well tolerated with the majority of adverse events being Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03 grade 1-2. The best overall response was stable disease in 8 patients (80%). Plasma arginine was suppressed significantly below baseline with a reciprocal increase in citrulline during the sampling period. The anti-ADI-PEG20 antibody titer rose during the first 4 weeks of treatment before reaching a plateau. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.5-20.8) and overall survival was 6.3 months (95% CI, 1.8-9.7). CONCLUSIONS: In this recurrent HGG study, ADIPEMCIS was well tolerated and compares favorably to historical controls. Additional trials of ADI-PEG20 in HGG are planned.

Dural masses: meningiomas and their mimics.

Meningiomas are the most common dural tumour. They are regularly being seen as an incidental finding on brain imaging and treated conservatively. However, there are many other dural masses which mimic their appearances, including primary neoplastic processes, metastases, granulomatous diseases and infection. While some of these are rare, others such as metastases and tuberculosis arise relatively frequently in practice. Although not pathognomonic, key features which increase the probability of a lesion being a meningioma include intralesional calcifications, skull hyperostosis, local dural enhancement and increased perfusion. It is important to have an awareness of these entities as well as their main imaging findings, as they have a wide range of prognoses and differing management strategies. This review outlines several of the most important mimics along with their imaging findings on both standard and advanced techniques with key features which may be used to help differentiate them from meningiomas.

Emergence of Pituitary Adenoma in a Child during Surveillance: Clinical Challenges and the Family Members' View in an AIP Mutation-Positive Family.

INTRODUCTION: Germline aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) mutations are responsible for 15-30% of familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPAs). We report a FIPA kindred with a heterozygous deletion in AIP, aiming to highlight the indications and benefits of genetic screening, variability in clinical presentations, and management challenges in this setting. PATIENTS: An 18-year-old male was diagnosed with a clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA). Two years later, his brother was diagnosed with a somatolactotrophinoma, and a small Rathke's cleft cyst and a microadenoma were detected on screening in their 17-year-old sister. Following amenorrhoea, their maternal cousin was diagnosed with hyperprolactinaemia and two distinct pituitary microadenomas. A 12-year-old niece developed headache and her MRI showed a microadenoma, not seen on a pituitary MRI scan 3 years earlier. DISCUSSION: Out of the 14 members harbouring germline AIP mutations in this kindred, 5 have pituitary adenoma. Affected members had different features and courses of disease. Bulky pituitary and not fully suppressed GH on OGTT can be challenging in the evaluation of females in teenage years. Multiple pituitary adenomas with different secretory profiles may arise in the pituitary of these patients. Small, stable NFPAs can be present in mutation carriers, similar to incidentalomas in the general population. Genetic screening and baseline review, with follow-up of younger subjects, are recommended in AIP mutation-positive families.

Raised Plasma Neurofilament Light Protein Levels Are Associated with Abnormal MRI Outcomes in Newborns Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia.

AIMS AND HYPOTHESIS: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains an important cause of death and disability in newborns. Mild therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is safe and effective; however, there are no tissue biomarkers available at the bedside to select babies for treatment. The aim of this study was to show that it is feasible to study plasma neurofilament light (NfL) levels from newborns and to evaluate their temporal course. Hypothesis: Raised plasma NFL protein levels from newborns who undergo TH after HIE are associated with abnormal MRI outcomes. METHODS: Between February 2014 and January 2016, term newborns with HIE treated with TH for 72 h had plasma samples taken at three time points: (i) after the infant had reached target temperature, (ii) prior to commencing rewarming, and (iii) after completing rewarming. Infants with mild HIE who did not receive TH had a single specimen taken. NfL protein was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Twenty-six newborns with moderate-severe HIE treated with TH were studied. Half of these had cerebral MRI predictive of an unfavorable outcome. Plasma NfL levels were significantly higher in the TH group with unfavorable outcome (median age 18 h) compared to levels from both the mild HIE group and TH group with favorable outcome (F = 25.83, p < 0.0001). Newborns who had MRIs predictive of unfavorable outcome had significantly higher NfL levels compared to those with favorable outcomes, at all three time points (mixed models, F = 27.63, p < 0.001). A cutoff NfL level >29 pg/mL at 24 h is predictive of an unfavorable outcome [sensitivity 77%, specificity 69%, positive predictive value (PPV) 67%, negative predictive value (NPV) 72%] with increasing predictive value until after rewarming (sensitivity 92%, specificity 92%, PPV 92%, NPV 86%). INTERPRETATION OF RESEARCH: Plasma NfL protein levels may be a useful biomarker of unfavorable MRI outcomes in newborns with moderate-severe HIE and may assist in selecting newborns for adjunctive neuroprotective interventions. Larger studies with NfL testing at earlier time points are required.

Long-term outcomes of children treated for Cushing's disease: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: Pediatric Cushing's disease (CD) is rare and there are limited data on the long-term outcomes. We assessed CD recurrence, body composition, pituitary function and psychiatric comorbidity in a cohort of pediatric CD patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of 21 CD patients, mean age at diagnosis 12.1 years (5.7-17.8), managed in our center between 1986 and 2010. Mean follow-up from definitive treatment was 10.6 years (2.9-27.2). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were in remission following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and 5 were in remission following TSS + external pituitary radiotherapy (RT). One patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (BA). CD recurrence occurred in 3 (14.3 %) patients: 2 at 2 and 6 years after TSS and 1 7.6 years post-RT. The BA patient developed Nelson's syndrome requiring pituitary RT 0.6 years post-surgery. Short-term growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was present in 14 patients (81 % patients tested) (11 following TSS and 3 after RT) and 4 (44 % of tested) had long-term GHD. Gonadotropin deficiency caused impaired pubertal development in 9 patients (43 %), 4 requiring sex steroid replacement post-puberty. Four patients (19 %) had more than one pituitary hormone deficiency, 3 after TSS and 1 post-RT. Five patients (24 %) had long-term psychiatric co-morbidities (cognitive dysfunction or mood disturbance). There were significant long-term improvements in growth, weight and bone density but not complete reversal to normal in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term consequences of the diagnosis and treatment of CD in children is broadly similar to that seen in adults, with recurrence of CD after successful treatment uncommon but still seen. Pituitary hormone deficiencies occurred in the majority of patients after remission, and assessment and appropriate treatment of GHD is essential. However, while many parameters improve, some children may still have mild but persistent defects.

Transcranial Doppler Screening in a Regional Care Network for Sickle Cell Disease in the United Kingdom.

The risk of stroke in children screened with transcranial Doppler ultrasound in the United Kingdom is not known. We evaluated a clinician-led program using a risk assessment modified from the STOP protocol. High-risk classification included abnormal velocities in the anterior cerebral artery, and single abnormal scan if initial velocity >220 cm/s (high abnormal) or if preceded by at least 2 conditional scans. In total, 1653 scans were performed in 542 children, followed for 2235 patient-years. Fifty-eight (10.7%) high-risk subjects were identified, including 18 (31%) with high abnormal, and 15 (26%) with previous conditional scans. In 2 (3%), abnormal velocity was restricted to the anterior cerebral artery. The estimated proportion of children at high risk, scanned before 6 years of age was >20%. There were 4 cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and 2 of acute hemorrhagic stroke. The incidence of all stroke, AIS, and acute hemorrhagic stroke were 0.27, 0.18, and 0.09 per 100 patient-years, respectively. The proportion of children at high risk is higher than most previous estimates, partly as a result of our modified risk assessment. About 2 children per 1000 screened with transcranial Doppler ultrasound progress to AIS.

Germline or somatic GPR101 duplication leads to X-linked acrogigantism: a clinico-pathological and genetic study.

Non-syndromic pituitary gigantism can result from AIP mutations or the recently identified Xq26.3 microduplication causing X-linked acrogigantism (XLAG). Within Xq26.3, GPR101 is believed to be the causative gene, and the c.924G > C (p.E308D) variant in this orphan G protein-coupled receptor has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of acromegaly.We studied 153 patients (58 females and 95 males) with pituitary gigantism. AIP mutation-negative cases were screened for GPR101 duplication through copy number variation droplet digital PCR and high-density aCGH. The genetic, clinical and histopathological features of XLAG patients were studied in detail. 395 peripheral blood and 193 pituitary tumor DNA samples from acromegaly patients were tested for GPR101 variants.We identified 12 patients (10 females and 2 males; 7.8 %) with XLAG. In one subject, the duplicated region only contained GPR101, but not the other three genes in found to be duplicated in the previously reported patients, defining a new smallest region of overlap of duplications. While females presented with germline mutations, the two male patients harbored the mutation in a mosaic state. Nine patients had pituitary adenomas, while three had hyperplasia. The comparison of the features of XLAG, AIP-positive and GPR101&AIP-negative patients revealed significant differences in sex distribution, age at onset, height, prolactin co-secretion and histological features. The pathological features of XLAG-related adenomas were remarkably similar. These tumors had a sinusoidal and lobular architecture. Sparsely and densely granulated somatotrophs were admixed with lactotrophs; follicle-like structures and calcifications were commonly observed. Patients with sporadic of familial acromegaly did not have an increased prevalence of the c.924G > C (p.E308D) GPR101 variant compared to public databases.In conclusion, XLAG can result from germline or somatic duplication of GPR101. Duplication of GPR101 alone is sufficient for the development of XLAG, implicating it as the causative gene within the Xq26.3 region. The pathological features of XLAG-associated pituitary adenomas are typical and, together with the clinical phenotype, should prompt genetic testing.

Somatic GPR101 Duplication Causing X-Linked Acrogigantism (XLAG)-Diagnosis and Management.

CONTEXT: Recent reports have proposed that sporadic or familial germline Xq26.3 microduplications involving the GPR101 gene are associated with early-onset X-linked acrogigantism (XLAG) with a female preponderance. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old boy presented with rapid growth over the previous 2 years. He complained of sporadic headaches and had coarse facial features. His height Z-score was +4.89, and weight Z-score was +5.57. Laboratory testing revealed elevated serum prolactin (185 µg/L; normal, <18 µg/L), IGF-1 (745 µg/L; normal, 64-369 µg/L), and fasting GH > 35.0 µg/L. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a homogenous bulky pituitary gland (18 × 15 × 13 mm) without obvious adenoma. A pituitary biopsy showed hyperplastic pituitary tissue with enlarged cords of GH and prolactin cells. Germline PRKAR1A, MEN1, AIP, DICER1, CDKN1B, and somatic GNAS mutations were negative. Medical management was challenging until institution of continuous sc infusion of short-acting octreotide combined with sc pegvisomant and oral cabergoline. The patient remains well controlled with minimal side effects 7 years after presentation. His phenotype suggested XLAG, but his peripheral leukocyte-, saliva-, and buccal cell-derived DNA tested negative for microduplication in Xq26.3 or GPR101. However, DNA isolated from the pituitary tissue and forearm skin showed duplicated dosage of GPR101, suggesting that he is mosaic for this genetic abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient is the first to be described with somatic microduplication leading to typical XLAG phenotype. This patient demonstrates that a negative test for Xq26.3 microduplication or GPR101 duplication on peripheral blood DNA does not exclude the diagnosis of XLAG because it can result from a mosaic mutation affecting the pituitary.

A study of microRNAs from dried blood spots in newborns after perinatal asphyxia: a simple and feasible biosampling method.

BACKGROUND: The potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as bedside biomarkers in selecting newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) for neuroprotection has yet to be explored. Commonly, blood-based biomarker tests use plasma or serum which don't allow evaluation of both intracellular and extracellular changes. METHODS: We describe a technique to extract and compare expression of miRNAs from a single small 6-mm-diameter dried blood spot (DBS) stored at room temperature with those from EDTA-blood, plasma, and urine. Three miRNAs (RNU6B, let7b, and miR-21) were quantified via extraction and quantitative RT-PCR performed from a DBS and compared with levels from EDTA-blood, plasma, and urine. Secondarily, candidate miRNAs let7b, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-124, and miR-155 in DBS were evaluated as potential biomarkers for HIE. RESULTS: Candidate miRNAs were extractable in all biosamples from newborns, with the highest expression in DBS. There was a good correlation between miRNAs' levels in DBS and EDTA-blood at -80 °C. No significant difference was observed in the miRNA levels between the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups for babies with HIE. CONCLUSION: DBS may be useful for studying the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for brain injury.

Landscape of Familial Isolated and Young-Onset Pituitary Adenomas: Prospective Diagnosis in AIP Mutation Carriers.

CONTEXT: Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) due to aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene mutations is an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. Clinical screening of apparently unaffected AIP mutation (AIPmut) carriers could identify previously unrecognized disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the AIP mutational status of FIPA and young pituitary adenoma patients, analyzing their clinical characteristics, and to perform clinical screening of apparently unaffected AIPmut carrier family members. DESIGN: This was an observational, longitudinal study conducted over 7 years. SETTING: International collaborative study conducted at referral centers for pituitary diseases. PARTICIPANTS: FIPA families (n 216) and sporadic young-onset (30 y) pituitary adenoma patients (n 404) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: We performed genetic screening of patients for AIPmuts, clinical assessment of their family members, and genetic screening for somatic GNAS1 mutations and the germline FGFR4 p.G388R variant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We assessed clinical disease in mutation carriers, comparison of characteristics of AIPmut positive and negative patients, results of GNAS1, and FGFR4 analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-seven FIPA families and 34 sporadic patients had AIPmuts. Patients with truncating AIPmuts had a younger age at disease onset and diagnosis, compared with patients with nontruncating AIPmuts. Somatic GNAS1 mutations were absent in tumors from AIPmut-positive patients, and the studied FGFR4 variant did not modify the disease behavior or penetrance in AIPmut-positive individuals. A total of 164 AIPmut-positive unaffected family members were identified; pituitary disease was detected in 18 of those who underwent clinical screening. CONCLUSIONS: A quarter of the AIPmut carriers screened were diagnosed with pituitary disease, justifying this screening and suggesting a variable clinical course for AIPmut-positive pituitary adenomas.