Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a la dislipidemia en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de la Comunidad de Cantabria / The prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients in the autonomous Region of Cantabria

Antecedentes y objetivo: La dislipidemia es uno de los principales factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a la dislipidemia en la población con DM2 de la Comunidad de Cantabria. Material y métodos: Es un estudio transversal realizado en centros de Atención Primaria del Servicio Cántabro de Salud (n = 680). Se seleccionó una muestra aleatorizada representativa de la población con DM2 de 18 a 85 años mediante un procedimiento polietápico. Se obtuvieron de la historia clínica y mediante entrevista los datos de los factores de riesgo a estudio. Se analizó la asociación con la dislipidemia mediante regresión logística. Resultados: El 52,1% eran hombres, la edad media fue de 69,8 años, la evolución de la diabetes de 9,99 años, el 84,3% tenían HTA, el 76,6% sobrepeso/obesidad y la HbA1c media era de 6,96%. La prevalencia de dislipidemia fue del 85,3% y en el análisis bivariado se asoció con antecedente de enfermedad vascular periférica, diabetes controlada, tratamiento antihipertensivo, filtrado glomerular, HbA1c > 7%, grasa corporal estimada en sobrepeso y obesidad, antecedente de enfermedad cardiovascular, edad y HbA1c. En el análisis multivariante los factores independientes fueron el sexo femenino y el antecedente de enfermedad cardiovascular. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de dislipidemia en nuestro estudio fue del 85,3% y es consistente con la encontrada en estudios previos publicados. Los factores de riesgo asociados de forma independiente fueron el sexo femenino y el antecedente personal de enfermedad cardiovascular

Background and objective: Dyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors in cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in the population with diabetes mellitus type 2 in the region of Cantabria. Material and methods: This is a transversal study carried out at Cantabrian primary health care centres (n = 680). A representative, random sample of the population with DM2, ranging from 18-85, was selected using a multistage procedure. The medical records were obtained, and by means of interviews the data of the risk factors to be studied was secured. The correlation with dyslipidemia was analysed by means of logistic regression. Results: There were 52.1% of males, the average age was 69.8, the evolution of diabetes was 9.99 years, 84.3% had arterial hypertension, 76.6% were overweight or obese and the average HbA1c was 6.96%. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 85.3%, and in the bivariate analysis this is associated with a history of peripheral artery disease, controlled diabetes, antihypertensive treatment, glomerular filtration, HbA1c>7%, body fat estimated as being either overweight or obese, a history of cardiovascular disease, age and HbA1c. In the multivariate analysis the independent factors were being female and a history of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in our study was 85.3%, and is consistent with figures found in previous published studies. The independent associated risk factors were being female and a past medical history of cardiovascular disease

The prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic patients in the autonomous Region of Cantabria. / Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a la dislipidemia en pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de la Comunidad de Cantabria.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dyslipidemia is one of the main risk factors in cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in the population with diabetes mellitus type 2 in the region of Cantabria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a transversal study carried out at Cantabrian primary health care centres (n=680). A representative, random sample of the population with DM2, ranging from 18-85, was selected using a multistage procedure. The medical records were obtained, and by means of interviews the data of the risk factors to be studied was secured. The correlation with dyslipidemia was analysed by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 52.1% of males, the average age was 69.8, the evolution of diabetes was 9.99 years, 84.3% had arterial hypertension, 76.6% were overweight or obese and the average HbA1c was 6.96%. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 85.3%, and in the bivariate analysis this is associated with a history of peripheral artery disease, controlled diabetes, antihypertensive treatment, glomerular filtration, HbA1c>7%, body fat estimated as being either overweight or obese, a history of cardiovascular disease, age and HbA1c. In the multivariate analysis the independent factors were being female and a history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in our study was 85.3%, and is consistent with figures found in previous published studies. The independent associated risk factors were being female and a past medical history of cardiovascular disease.

Optimización del seguimiento de gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune / Optimization of the follow-up of pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease

Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de hipotiroidismo en gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune y tirotropina (TSH) < 2,5 mUI/l al inicio del embarazo. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo longitudinal en gestantes de primer trimestre sin antecedentes de patología tiroidea y con TSH en primer trimestre < 2,5 mUI/l. Se determinaron TSH, tiroxina libre (T4l) y anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (TPO) y antitiroglobulina en los 3 trimestres. Se comparó la evolución de la función tiroidea y la aparición de hipotiroidismo gestacional (TSH > 4 mUI/l), entre las gestantes con autoinmunidad positiva y autoinmunidad negativa. Resultados: Se incluyeron 300 gestantes con TSH basal 1,3 ± 0,6 mUI/l (semana gestacional 9). El 17,7% (n = 53) tenían autoinmunidad positiva en el primer trimestre. Los títulos de anticuerpos TPO y antitiroglobulina disminuyeron entre el primer y el tercer trimestre un 76,8% y un 80,7% respectivamente. La evolución de la función tiroidea fue similar en el grupo con autoinmunidad positiva y el grupo con autoinmunidad negativa, y la aparición de hipotiroidismo fue del 1,9% (1/53) y del 2% (5/247) respectivamente. Las gestantes en las que la TSH aumentó por encima de 4 mUI/l (n = 6) tenían cifras superiores de TSH basal en comparación con las que mantuvieron TSH≤4 mUI/l a lo largo del embarazo (1,8 vs. 1,3 mUI/l; p = 0,047). Conclusión: En nuestra población, las mujeres con TSH < 2,5 mUI/l al inicio del embarazo tienen un riesgo mínimo de desarrollar hipotiroidismo durante la gestación, independientemente de la autoinmunidad tiroidea

Objective: To determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH) < 2,5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH < 2.5 mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH >4 mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. Results: We included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3 ± 0.6 mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoinmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n = 53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4 mIU/l (n = 6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH ≤4 mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3 mIU/l; p=.047). Conclusion: In our population, women with TSH levels <2.5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity

Optimization of the follow-up of pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease. / Optimización del seguimiento de gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH) < 2,5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH < 2.5 mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH >4 mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. RESULTS: We included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3 ± 0.6 mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoinmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n = 53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4 mIU/l (n = 6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH ≤4 mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3 mIU/l; p=.047). CONCLUSION: In our population, women with TSH levels <2.5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity.

Comparación de las características clínicas en pacientes con carcinoma folicular de tiroides y carcinoma de células de Hürthle / Comparison of clinical characteristics of patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma and Hürthle cell carcinoma

Introducción: El carcinoma de células de Hürthle (CCH) es un tipo de cáncer de tiroides infrecuente considerado históricamente una variante del carcinoma folicular de tiroides (CFT). El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las diferencias que existen entre estos grupos en cuanto a los factores clínicos y pronósticos. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyeron 230 pacientes (153 CFT y 77 CCH) con un seguimiento mediano de 13,4 años. Se compararon las diferentes características utilizando el programa estadístico SPSS versión 20. Resultados: Los pacientes con CCH tenían mayor edad (57,3±13,8 años vs. 44,6±15,2 años; p<0,001). También se observaron estadios TNM más avanzados en los CCH, con una mayor tendencia a presentar metástasis a distancia (7,8% vs. 2,7%; p=0,078). El porcentaje de persistencia/recurrencia al finalizar el seguimiento del estudio fue mayor entre los pacientes con CCH (13% vs. 3,9%; p=0,011). Sin embargo, en el análisis multivariante, solo la edad (hazard ratio [HR]: 1,10; intervalo de confianza [IC]: 1,04-1,17; p=0,001), el tamaño (HR: 1,43; IC: 1,05-1,94; p=0,021) y el subtipo histológico (HR: 9,79; IC: 2,35-40,81; p=0,002) se asociaron de forma significativa con el pronóstico, pero no el presentar un CCH. Conclusión: El CCH se diagnostica en pacientes de mayor edad y en estadios más avanzados que el CFT. Sin embargo, si la edad, el tamaño y el subtipo histológico son similares, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad no difiere en ambos grupos (AU)

Introduction: Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) is an uncommon thyroid cancer historically considered to be a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). The aim of this study was to assess the differences between these groups in terms of clinical factors and prognoses. Patients and methods: A total of 230 patients (153 with FTC and 77 with HCC) with a median follow-up of 13.4 years were studied. The different characteristics were compared using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results: Patients with HCC were older (57.3±13.8 years vs. 44.6±15.2 years; P<.001). More advanced TNM stages were also seen in patients with HCC and a greater trend to distant metastases were also seen in patients with HCC (7.8% vs. 2.7%, P=.078). The persistence/recurrence rate at the end of follow-up was higher in patients with HCC (13% vs. 3.9%, P=.011). However, in a multivariate analysis, only age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.17; P=.001), size (HR 1.43, CI 1.05-1.94; P=.021), and histological subtype (HR 9.79, CI 2.35-40.81; P=.002), but not presence of HCC, were significantly associated to prognosis. Conclusion: HCC is diagnosed in older patients and in more advanced stages as compared to FTC. However, when age, size, and histological subtype are similar, disease-free survival is also similar in both groups (AU)

Comparison of clinical characteristics of patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma and Hürthle cell carcinoma. / Comparación de las características clínicas en pacientes con carcinoma folicular de tiroides y carcinoma de células de Hürthle.

INTRODUCTION: Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) is an uncommon thyroid cancer historically considered to be a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). The aim of this study was to assess the differences between these groups in terms of clinical factors and prognoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 230 patients (153 with FTC and 77 with HCC) with a median follow-up of 13.4 years were studied. The different characteristics were compared using SPSS version 20 statistical software. RESULTS: Patients with HCC were older (57.3±13.8 years vs. 44.6±15.2 years; P<.001). More advanced TNM stages were also seen in patients with HCC and a greater trend to distant metastases were also seen in patients with HCC (7.8% vs. 2.7%, P=.078). The persistence/recurrence rate at the end of follow-up was higher in patients with HCC (13% vs. 3.9%, P=.011). However, in a multivariate analysis, only age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.17; P=.001), size (HR 1.43, CI 1.05-1.94; P=.021), and histological subtype (HR 9.79, CI 2.35-40.81; P=.002), but not presence of HCC, were significantly associated to prognosis. CONCLUSION: HCC is diagnosed in older patients and in more advanced stages as compared to FTC. However, when age, size, and histological subtype are similar, disease-free survival is also similar in both groups.

Valor pronóstico de la glucemia en urgencias y la hemoglobina glucosilada en pacientes que han sufrido un accidente cerebrovascular agudo / Prognostic value of blood glucose in emergency room and glycosylated hemoglobin in patients who have suffered an acute cerebro-vascular event

Fundamento y objetivo: La hiperglucemia de estrés se ha relacionado con peor pronóstico en pacientes ingresados en unidades de críticos. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar el efecto de la glucemia en urgencias y la hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) en la mortalidad en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular y ver si esta relación depende de la presencia de diabetes. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de 255 pacientes ingresados por un episodio cerebrovascular agudo. Se recogieron los datos de glucemia en urgencias y HbA1c en las primeras 48h. La presencia de diabetes se definió en función de los antecedentes médicos, valores de glucemia basal y HbA1c en el ingreso. Se evaluó la mortalidad en los primeros 30 meses tras el episodio agudo. Resultados: El 28,2% de los pacientes presentaban diabetes. Se observó mayor mortalidad en pacientes con glucemia al ingreso≥140mg/dl (hazard ratio [HR]=2,22; IC95%: 1,18-4,16; p=0,013) tras ajustar por distintos factores. Esta relación no se confirmó en pacientes diabéticos (HR=2,20; IC95%: 0,66-7,40;p=0,201) pero sí en no diabéticos (HR=2,55; IC95%: 1,11-5,85; p=0,027). En diabéticos, una HbA1c≥7% no se asoció a peor pronóstico (HR=0,68; IC95%: 0,23-1,98; p=0,475) mientras que los no diabéticos con HbA1c al ingreso en rango de prediabetes (5,7-6,4%) presentaron mayor mortalidad (HR=2,62; IC95%:1,01-6,79; p=0,048). Conclusión: La hiperglucemia al ingreso se asocia con un peor pronóstico en pacientes sin diabetes ingresados por un accidente cerebrovascular agudo, pero esta relación no se demuestra en diabéticos. En pacientes no diabéticos, una HbA1c en rango de prediabetes se relaciona con mayor mortalidad (AU)

Background and objective: Stress hyperglycemia has been associated with a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized in critical care units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on the mortality of patients suffering a acute cerebro-vascular event, and to determine if this relationship depends on the presence of diabetes. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of 255 patients admitted to the ER for stroke was performed. Venous plasma glucose levels in the emergency room and HbA1c levels within the first 48hours were analyzed. The presence of diabetes was defined in terms of the patients’ medical history, as well as their levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. Mortality was assessed within the first 30 months after the onset of the acute event. Results: 28.2% of patients had diabetes. Higher mortality was observed in patients who had been admitted with plasma glucose levels≥140mg/dl (hazard ratio [HR]=2.22, 95% CI: 1.18-4.16, P=.013) after adjusting for various factors. This relationship was not confirmed in diabetic patients (HR=2.20, 95% CI: 0.66-7.40, P=.201) and was in non-diabetics (HR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.11-5.85, P=.027). In diabetics, HbA1c≥7% was not associated with poor prognosis (HR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.23-1.98, P=.475), whereas non-diabetics with admission levels of HbA1c falling within the pre-diabetes range (5.7% -6.4%) had a higher mortality (HR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.01-6.79, P=.048). Conclusion: Admission hyperglycemia is associated with a worse prognosis in patients without diabetes admitted for stroke, but this relationship was not seen in diabetics. In non-diabetic patients, HbA1c levels in the pre-diabetes range is associated with higher mortality (AU)

Prognostic value of blood glucose in emergency room and glycosylated hemoglobin in patients who have suffered an acute cerebro-vascular event. / Valor pronóstico de la glucemia en urgencias y la hemoglobina glucosilada en pacientes que han sufrido un accidente cerebrovascular agudo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stress hyperglycemia has been associated with a worse prognosis in patients hospitalized in critical care units. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels on the mortality of patients suffering a acute cerebro-vascular event, and to determine if this relationship depends on the presence of diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 255 patients admitted to the ER for stroke was performed. Venous plasma glucose levels in the emergency room and HbA1c levels within the first 48hours were analyzed. The presence of diabetes was defined in terms of the patients' medical history, as well as their levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c. Mortality was assessed within the first 30 months after the onset of the acute event. RESULTS: 28.2% of patients had diabetes. Higher mortality was observed in patients who had been admitted with plasma glucose levels≥140mg/dl (hazard ratio [HR]=2.22, 95% CI: 1.18-4.16, P=.013) after adjusting for various factors. This relationship was not confirmed in diabetic patients (HR=2.20, 95% CI: 0.66-7.40, P=.201) and was in non-diabetics (HR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.11-5.85, P=.027). In diabetics, HbA1c≥7% was not associated with poor prognosis (HR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.23-1.98, P=.475), whereas non-diabetics with admission levels of HbA1c falling within the pre-diabetes range (5.7% -6.4%) had a higher mortality (HR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.01-6.79, P=.048). CONCLUSION: Admission hyperglycemia is associated with a worse prognosis in patients without diabetes admitted for stroke, but this relationship was not seen in diabetics. In non-diabetic patients, HbA1c levels in the pre-diabetes range is associated with higher mortality.

Estudio de enfermedad celíaca en pacientes adultos con diabetes mellitus de tipo 1 / Study of celiac disease in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

En el presente estudio determinamos los citados anticuerpos a 463 pacientes con DM1 y, a los que presentaban positividad para alguno de ellos, se les propuso la realización de una endoscopia con toma de biopsias de duodeno distal, y se clasificaron las lesiones histológicas, cuando existieron, según la clasificación de Marsh.Sesenta y dos de los 463 (13,4%) pacientes presentaron al menos uno de los 3 anticuerpos positivo y, de ellos, 42 accedieron a la realización de la endoscopia. En 14 pacientes (3% de los diabéticos) se encontraron alteraciones histológicas compatibles con EC. La mayoría de estos 14 pacientes no refería síntomas relacionados con la enfermedad, aunque varios presentaban alteraciones analíticas presentes frecuentemente en la EC. La existencia de datos clinicoanalíticos compatibles con EC fue independiente del grado de lesión histológica. Al analizar la sensibilidad y el valor predictivo positivo para cada anticuerpo, los ATG y EMA fueron los más sensibles, si bien la facilidad técnica de detección de los ATG mediante técnicas de ELISA hace, en nuestra opinión, que sea el de elección para la realización del cribado(AU)

Celiac disease (CD) presents a wide clinical spectrum. There are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic forms, which are difficult to diagnose. Since patients with untreated CD can develop severe complications, early diagnosis of these forms is important. Consequently, in groups at risk for CD, such as patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1), screening through determination of antigliadin (AGA), anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATG) and antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) is recommended. In the present study, 463 DM1 patients were screened for these antibodies. Patients who were positive for one or more were offered an upper endoscopy to obtain distal duodenum biopsies. Histological lesions, when present, were classified using Marsh's classification. Of the 463 patients, 62 (13.4%) were positive for at least one of the three antibodies, and 42 accepted to undergo an endoscopy. Fourteen patients (3% of the DM1 patients) were histologically diagnosed with CD. Most of these patients had no symptoms of CD, although some showed laboratory findings frequent in CD. The presence of clinical or analytical data compatible with CD was independent of the grade of histological lesions. Finally, we calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value for each antibody. The most sensitive were ATG and EMA. Because of the technical simplicity of determining ATG with ELISA, in our opinion, this test should be the option of choice for screening (AU)

[Study of celiac disease in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus]. / Estudio de enfermedad celíaca en pacientes adultos con diabetes mellitus de tipo 1.

Celiac disease (CD) presents a wide clinical spectrum. There are asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic forms, which are difficult to diagnose. Since patients with untreated CD can develop severe complications, early diagnosis of these forms is important. Consequently, in groups at risk for CD, such as patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1), screening through determination of antigliadin (AGA), anti-tissue transglutaminase (ATG) and antiendomysial antibodies (EMA) is recommended. In the present study, 463 DM1 patients were screened for these antibodies. Patients who were positive for one or more were offered an upper endoscopy to obtain distal duodenum biopsies. Histological lesions, when present, were classified using Marsh's classification. Of the 463 patients, 62 (13.4%) were positive for at least one of the three antibodies, and 42 accepted to undergo an endoscopy. Fourteen patients (3% of the DM1 patients) were histologically diagnosed with CD. Most of these patients had no symptoms of CD, although some showed laboratory findings frequent in CD. The presence of clinical or analytical data compatible with CD was independent of the grade of histological lesions. Finally, we calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value for each antibody. The most sensitive were ATG and EMA. Because of the technical simplicity of determining ATG with ELISA, in our opinion, this test should be the option of choice for screening.

Inédita coincidencia: feocromocitoma sobre glándula suprarrenal atrófica por enfermedad de Addison / An unusual association: pheochromocytoma on an atrophied adrenal gland due to Addison´s disease

El síndrome pluriglandular autoinmunitario (SPGA) tipo II es el síndrome inmunoendocrinopatológico más frecuente. Se define por la aparición de2 o más de las siguientes entidades: insuficiencia suparrenal primaria(enfermedad de Addison), enfermedad de Graves, diabetes mellitus tipo1A, tiroiditis autoinmunitaria, hipogonadismo primario, enfermedad celíaca o miastenia grave. Asimismo, es frecuente que aparezcan también vitíligo, alopecia, anemia perniciosa y/o serositis. La insuficiencia suprarrenal primaria con la que cursan estos pacientes afecta a la corteza adrenal, y ésta es destruida por los auto anticuerpos contra la 21-hidroxilasa. A diferencia de las demás etiologías de la insuficiencia suprarrenal (enfermedades infecciosas, enfermedades infiltrativas, hemorragia, enfermedades tumorales), respeta la médula adrenal. Los feocromocitomas son tumores derivados de las células cromafines del sistema nervioso simpático situadas en la médula adrenal. Pueden cursar con manifestaciones clínicas muy variadas, desde una hipertensión arterial (HTA) aislada o acompañada de episodios paroxísticos, que incluyen la clásica tríada de cefalea, palpitaciones y diaforesis, hasta cuadros potencialmente graves, como edema agudo de pulmón, arritmias o muerte súbita. No hay que olvidar que hasta el 40% son asintomáticos. A continuación, presentamos el caso de una paciente diagnosticada de SPGA tipo II, que desarrolla un feocromocitoma. En esta ocasión, en una glándula adrenal cortical atrofiada se desarrolla un tumor dependiente de la médula adrenal. Esta coexistencia de endocrinopatías, sin conexión etiológica alguna, no deja de ser cuando menos un hallazgo sorprendente, no descrito hasta el momento en la literatura actual (AU)

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrometype II (APS-II) is the most commonimmunoendocrinopathy syndrome. APS-IIis defined by the development of two or more of the following entities: primaryadrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease),Graves’ disease, type 1A diabetes mellitus,autoimmune thyroiditis, primaryhypogonadism, celiac disease, and myasthenia gravis. Other frequent clinical findings are vitiligo, alopecia, pernicious anemia and/or serositis. Primary adrenal insufficiency in these patients affects the adrenal cortex, which is destroyed byautoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase.Unlike other causes of adrenal insufficiency (infectious diseases, infiltrative diseases, bleeding, tumors), the adrenal medulla is not involved. Pheochromocytomas are tumors arising from the chromaffin cells of the sympathetic nervous system in the adrenal medulla. The clinical symptoms of these tumors vary from isolated hypertension or hypertension accompanied by paroxysmal episodes —including the classical triad of headache, palpitations and diaphoresis—to potentially serious manifestations such as acute pulmonary edema, arrhythmias and sudden death. Nevertheless, up to 40%of affected patients are asymptomatic. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with APS-II who developed apheochromocytoma. In this patient, the adrenal gland cortex was atrophied andthe tumor was attached to the adrenal medulla. This coexistence ofendocrinopathies, with no etiologic connection, is a surprising finding, which has not previously been described in the current literatura (AU)

Value of repeated fine needle aspiration cytology in patients with nodular goiter.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of reaspiration cytology in benign nodular thyroid disease. DESIGN: We prospectively studied 400 patients (365 women, 35 men) aged 46 years (18-89) with nodular thyroid disease and initial benign fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Reaspiration of the same nodule was performed in a median follow-up time of 14 months (6-18). RESULTS: Repeat FNAC was benign in 346 patients (86.5%), insufficient for diagnosis in 42 (10.5%), suspicious in 16 (2.5%) and malignant in 2 (0.5%). All diagnostic changes to suspicious malignant cytology took place in patients with solitary nodules. Surgery confirmed thyroid cancer in the 2 patients with malignant cytology, in 5 of 10 patients with suspicious cytology and in none of 39 patients with benign cytology who underwent surgery for other reasons. Clinical changes (size increase or local symptoms) were not related to changes in cytologic diagnosis after a second aspiration, nor with the results of the biopsy. CONCLUSION: Repeat aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules may correct initial false negative results because of cytologic misdiagnosis, occurring in 1.75% of patients, whereas clinical changes did not contribute to diagnosis change. Repeat aspiration cytology is recommended in all patients with nodular goiter.