Obstructed Hemivagina with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis: A Challenging Case Report and a Management Flow Chart.

We present here a case of complex uterine anomaly-obstructed hemivagina with ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA), also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome in a 13-year-old girl with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI). In the emergency room, a trans-abdominal sonography revealed an ovarian cyst and renal agenesis, without any suspicion of vaginal obstruction. This led to a delay in the diagnosis of this uncommon anomaly. Finally, MRI findings confirmed the presence of OHVIRA syndrome. As the congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are present in almost one third of cases associated with genital malformations, urologists should carefully screen patients with rUTI. The patient underwent simultaneous laparoscopy and vaginoscopy, which was in our opinion the most appropriate therapeutic decision. In this article, we are also going to discuss the role of laparoscopy in the management of OHVIRA syndrome, as well as other surgical techniques described in the literature.

The Interplay between Muscular Grip Strength and Bone Mineral Density with Consideration of Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters in Individuals with Turner Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) often face skeletal and muscular challenges, including reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle weakness. This comprehensive study sheds light on the complex interplay between muscle strength, BMD, and metabolic and endocrine parameters in TS and healthy subjects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 42 TS patients and 70 healthy women was conducted. All patients had their BMD determined in the L1-L4 lumbar spine section and in the whole skeleton as well as the parameters of body fat mass (BF), and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. The maximum gripping force was measured with a hydraulic manual dynamometer. In addition, a number of blood hormonal and metabolic parameters were determined. RESULTS: In the TS group, hand grip strength correlated positively with triglyceride levels but not with BMD. Healthy individuals had a positive link between hand grip strength and BMD, while patients with TS did not show a significant association between the two. A trend suggested that longer recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy might improve BMD in the L1-L4 region. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced BMD, and also used clinically in young adult women but not in individuals with TS. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between BMD variables and hand grip might differ between the two groups, potentially indicating distinct musculoskeletal characteristics in TS patients. Longer rhGH therapy in TS patients may have a positive effect on BMD in the L1-L4 region. Understanding the intricate relationships between these factors is important for optimizing clinical management strategies and improving the quality of life for TS patients.

Pilot Study: FSHR Expression in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Appendix.

Appendix neuroendocrine neoplasm (ANEN) treatment is based on tumor size and proliferation markers. Recently, the role of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) from the clinical perspective has also been increasingly discussed. The FSHR is expressed in the endothelial cells of both intratumoral and peritumoral blood vessels, where it contributes to neoangiogenesis and blood vessel remodeling. FSHR expression is associated with a range of tumor types, such as gastrointestinal tumors, and it is not detected in healthy tissues located more than 10 mm from the tumor site or in tumor lymphatics. In this study, we evaluated the expression of FSHR and CD31 in the blood vessels of ANENs in females and males with confirmed histopathology. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the immunohistochemical reactions and found a higher number of microvessels in the mucosa and submucosa of neuroendocrine tumors in the appendix. A higher level of FSHR expression was observed in women. Future research should consider whether an elevated number of blood vessels along with a strong pattern of FSHR expression may influence future treatment strategies.

Influence of Vitamin D on the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Hormonal Balance in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. It is one of the most common causes of infertility and is associated with hyperandrogenism in the form of hirsutism and acne, non-ovulatory cycles, and characteristic ovarian morphology. The available research on serum vitamin D deficiency in patients with PCOS and the appropriateness of vitamin D supplementation in this group of women is inconclusive, so we decided to investigate the influence of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and hormonal balance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The study comprised 120 women aged between 18 and 42 years, who were divided into two groups: a group with diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a group of regularly menstruating women without features of androgenisation, in whom polycystic ovary syndrome was excluded. Each patient underwent a history and physical examination, including a gynecological examination, anthropometric measurements were taken, including height, weight, waist, and hip circumference, and blood pressure was measured using the Korotkow method. In the female patients, the following parameters were also determined from the blood: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, TSH, ft4, prolactin (PRL), total testosterone, DHEASO4, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstendione, 25(OH) vitamin D3 metabolite. The majority of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were found to have deficient or suboptimal serum vitamin D levels, and the effects of vitamin D on the SHBG levels and free-androgen indices in these patients was examined. The effects of vitamin D on the incidence of metabolic syndrome and BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and blood pressure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were also found.

Influence of hsCRP Parameter on the Occurrence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common endocrine disorder that affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Increased body weight and insulin resistance may be associated with chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. CRP (C-reactive protein) tests may be use to assess persistent inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Determination of hsCRP, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS. In this study, 120 women between the ages of 18 and 42 were divided into two groups: patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 80) and regular menstruating women in whom PCOS was excluded (n = 40). Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism parameters and hsCRP levels were assessed, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for hsCRP, where metabolic syndrome was the dependent variable. For hsCRP, the cutoff point was 1.44 (mg/dL). Sensitivity for the cutoff point was 0.913 and specificity was 0.691. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.851 (p < 0.000). The closer the AUC value is to unity, the better the predictive ability of the studied variable. There was also a statistically significant correlation between hsCRP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Influence of Muscle Mass and Strength on Bone Mineralisation with Consideration of Sclerostin Concentration.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by a reduction in bone strength due to increased porosity and impaired mineralisation. In our study, we investigated whether muscle strength and mass exert a significant effect on bone mineral density in young adult women. We also tested whether sclerostin can be used as an indicator in the assessment of bone mineralisation. The study included 111 patients. All patients had their bone mineral density determined in the L1-L4 section of the lumbar spine and in the whole skeleton. The parameters of fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM) and visceral fat mass (VF) were also determined. Metabolic activity of osteocytes was assessed by measuring the serum sclerostin concentration. There was a statistically significant association of both hands' muscle strength with all parameters expressing bone mineralisation. A statistically significant relationship was also obtained between BMD L1-L4 and the body mass components (FM, LBM). Sclerostin levels in the study did not differ between groups with normal and reduced bone mineral density. Muscle strength assessment may be a potential exponent of reduced bone mineral density, also used clinically in young adult women. The utility of sclerostin in the clinical assessment of bone mineralisation has not been demonstrated.

Associations of Hormonal and Metabolic Parameters with Bone Mineralization in Young Adult Females.

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired bone mineralization and microarchitecture. An important protective factor is a high peak bone mass (PBM), attained in the second and third decade of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic parameters on bone mineralization in young adult female patients. A total of 111 participants qualified for the study. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and whole skeleton was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hormonal parameters were determined: the concentrations of androstendione, dihydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone, sex hormone binding protein, 17-OH-progesterone, folliculotropic hormone, estradiol, thyrotropic hormone, free thyroxine and cortisol. Metabolic parameters were also examined. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between bone mineral density and estradiol concentration and a negative relationship between cortisol concentration and the bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score of the lumbar spine. Sclerostin measurements taken during this study were not related to bone mineral density. It has been shown that the concentration of the hormones tested, even within the reference range, may affect bone mineralization. We suggest observing the follow-up of the menstrual cycles, as well as analyzing the results of test patients in an annual examination system. However, each clinical case should be considered individually. The sclerostin test is currently not useful in the clinical evaluation of bone mineralization in young adult women.

Metabolic and Dietary Factors in Acne Vulgaris and Evaluation of the Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Oral Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women.

The etiopathogenesis of acne is complex, as several endo- and exogenous factors that affect the sebaceous-hair unit are involved in the development of acne lesions. The main aim of the study was to evaluate selected metabolic parameters before treatment. Another goal of the study was to determine the correlation between selected metabolic and dietary parameters and the severity of acne before treatment. The third objective was to assess the severity of acne before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used. The final objective was to assess the relationship between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment, considering the type of treatment used and factors of dairy or sweets intake. 168 women participated in the study. The patients belonged to two groups: the study group (99 patients with acne vulgaris) and the control group (69 patients without skin lesions). The study group was divided into subgroups according to the treatment used: contraceptive preparation, contraceptive preparation and cyproterone acetate, and contraceptive preparation and isotretinoin preparation. We found that LDL levels and consumption of sweets correlated with acne severity. The mainstay of acne treatment is contraceptive treatment (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone). The effectiveness of the three contraceptive-based treatments was confirmed by observing the severity of acne. There were no significant correlations between the difference in acne severity before and after treatment with the three treatments and factors of dairy or sweet consumption.

Late Diagnosis of Swyer Syndrome in a Patient with Bilateral Germ Cell Tumor Treated with a Contraceptive Due to Primary Amenorrhea.

Swyer syndrome is a special form of DSD (disorders of sex development), so-called pure gonadal dysgenesis with a karyotype 46, XY and a female phenotype. One of the most important problems in patients with DSD is the risk of gonadal tumors. We present a case of a 26-year-old patient with Swyer syndrome. The patient had primary amenorrhea and no puberty characteristics. In ultrasound imaging in the vicinity of the uterus, there were two homogeneous structures. A genetic diagnosis was also performed, which showed karyotype 46, XY. The patient underwent a bilateral gonadectomy. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of dysgerminoma in both dysgenetic gonads. The follow-up of five years now did not show any changes suspected of invasion. We concluded that the primary amenorrhea, along with the absence of development of sexual characteristics, should prompt an expanded diagnosis for disorders of sex development. Gonadal dysgerminoma should be suspected even in the absence of tumor features on ultrasound and blood laboratory tests. Early prophylactic gonadectomy could protect patients from developing tumors in dysgenetic gonads.

Evaluation of Hormonal Factors in Acne Vulgaris and the Course of Acne Vulgaris Treatment with Contraceptive-Based Therapies in Young Adult Women.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is considered one of the diseases of civilization due to the significant influence of environmental factors on the severity and frequency of these lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hormonal profile of patients before treatment and to assess selected hormonal parameters after treatment. Our first objective was to examine the correlation between the selected hormonal parameters and the severity of acne before treatment. Our second objective was to evaluate the impact of treatment with three therapies, as measured by the selected hormonal parameters and acne severity. Statistical calculations were performed using the R v.4.1.1 statistical calculation environment (IDE RStudio v. 1.4.1717) with a significance level for the statistical tests set at α = 0.05. The results showed that the women in the pre-treatment (T1) and control (C) groups had significant differences in testosterone, androstendione, FAI, SHBG, prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations. After treatment, there were still significant differences in testosterone, androstendione, FAI, and SHBG concentrations between the post-treatment (T2) and control groups. We concluded that testosterone, androstendione, and cortisol concentrations correlate with acne severity. Acne in adult women may be an important clinical marker of androgen excess syndrome and cannot be considered a transient symptom of puberty. The mainstay of acne treatment is contraceptive therapy (ethonylestradiol and drospirenone). In this study, we confirmed the effectiveness of three contraceptive-based treatments using hormonal parameters and acne severity.

The influence of ESR1 polymorphisms on selected hormonal, metabolic and mineral balance markers in women with hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism is the most common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by an imbalance in normal estrogen and androgen levels in the blood. Androgens influence bone mineral density, body mass composition, muscle mass, mental state, and the regulation of sexual function.. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms on selected markers of bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with hyperandrogenism. The study group included 80 young women with hyperandrogenism who underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), and determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure leptin, sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand), osteoprotegerin and 25-OH vitamin D total levels. An analysis of ESR1 gene polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. A relationship was demonstrated between the concentration of free estradiol (FEI) and the concentration of 17-OH-progesterone, and the ESR1 gene polymorphisms: rs3020314 (p = 0.031, p = 0.026 respectively) and rs1884051 (p = 0.033, p = 0.026 respectively). In conclusion, the ESR gene polymorphisms may be associated with hormonal disturbances in the concentration of estrogens and androgens, in hyperandrogenism in young women which may indirectly affect bone mineral density. However, no statistically significant relationships between the studied polymorphisms and the selected parameters of mineral metabolism have been demonstrated..

Case report: Hydrometrocolpos conditioning recurrent urinary tract infections.

We present a case of a 12.5-year-old girl who has suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections for many years but has never undergone a detailed diagnostic process. Only as a teenager did she complain of acute pain in her lower abdomen and it turned out that her genital organs had not properly developed. She had an obstructive defect in the reproductive tract. When there was a significant amount of discharge collected in the lumen of the genital tract and the organs had distended, acute pain appeared, which allowed us to make the diagnosis. In the diagnostic process, transperineal ultrasonography turned out to be extremely helpful, allowing us to establish the type and thickness of the obstruction. The patient underwent excision of transverse vaginal septum, and postoperative silicon dilators were used to prevent the recurrence of the obstruction. There was no recurrence of urinary infection or complications during the 11 months of follow-up.

Association of the CYP19A1 rs700518 Polymorphism with Selected Markers of Bone Metabolism in Women with Hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism is the most common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by an imbalance of normal estrogen and androgen levels in the blood. Androgens play an important role in the female body because they influence bone mineral density (BMD), body mass composition, muscle mass, mental state, and the regulation of sexual function. The reduced activity of aromatase, due to mutations in the CYP19A1 gene, reduces the estrogen pool in favor of androgens. Clinically, aromatase deficiency causes hyperandrogenism in women. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of the CYP19A1 gene polymorphism on selected markers of bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with hyperandrogenism. The study group was comprised of 80 young women with hyperandrogenism who underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), and determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure leptin, total sRANKL (free and bound RANKL), osteoprotegerin, and total 25-OH Vitamin D. An analysis of the CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. The GG genotype of the CYP19A1 rs700518 polymorphism turned out to be associated with: FEI (Free Estradiol Index), SHGB concentration, estradiol concentration, and insulin concentration determined in the glucose tolerance test 60' compared to AG and AA genotypes. Patients with the AG genotype had a higher ratio of android to gynoid fat and a greater content of visceral adipose tissue. Higher visceral tissue content may reduce BMD. In conclusion, the study showed that the CYP19A1 rs700518 polymorphism may be associated with the distribution of adipose tissue in young women with hyperandrogenism. These results suggest that patients with the AG genotype may develop osteoporosis.

Relationships between hormonal parameters, body fat distribution and bone mineral density in women with psychogenic functional hypothalamic amenorrhea.

OBJECTIVES: Available evidence implies that unfavorable changes in the distribution of adipose tissue resulting from hormonal imbalance associated with ovarian insufficiency might influence bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of our study was to verify if volumes of visceral (VAT), female (FAT) and android (AAT) body fat as determined by densitometry determined influence BMD in women with functional menstrual disorders, and if these correlates some endocrine factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 293 women (mean age 26.7 ± 4.4 years) who have had psychogenic type of functional hypothalamic secondary amenorrhea for at least three months (mean 5.82 ± 0.94). A variety of hormonal tests, determination of BMD and both distribution and volume of adipose tissue were performed. RESULTS: Volume of adipose tissue in all analyzed body regions indicated a positive correlation with BMD in lumbar spine (VAT: R = 0.277, FAT: R = 0.345, AAT: R = 0.336) and entire skeleton (VAT: R = 0.453, FAT: R = 0.527, AAT: R = 0.529). BMD in both the lumbar spine and entire skeleton had positive correlation with body mass index (R = 0.380 and R = 0.599, respectively) and free androgen index values (R = 0.150 and R = 0.279). It showed a negative correlation with sex hormone-binding globulin (R = -0.191 and R = -0.326). We did not find a parameter that could be an independent predictor of BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of body fat is only one of numerous determinants of BMD in women with functional menstrual disorders and should not be treated as the only predictor for bone mass deficiency. Determination of adipose tissue distribution in these patients has probably minor clinical impact.

Neuroendocrine Tumors: Clinical, Histological and Immunohistochemical Perspectives and Case Report-Mature Teratoma in a 16-Year-Old Girl.

A mature teratoma is a germinal neoplasm that differentiates from embryonic multipotent cells into three germ layers. There may also be glandular tissue. The literature describes a total of 658 cases of ovarian neuroendocrine neoplasms, mainly in women over 40 years of age. The authors, together with a systemic review, present a case of a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with and treated for a neuroendocrine tumor. Case description: A 16-year-old girl visited the Paediatric Gynaecology Outpatient Clinic because of abdominal pains that intensified during menstruation. Standard painkillers and diastolic drugs were ineffective. An ultrasound examination revealed a large tumor with a heterogeneous structure in her right ovary. A sparing operation was carried out. During laparotomy, the lesion was enucleated, leaving healthy tissue. Histopathological examination revealed the typical features of teratoma, as well as the coexistence of a G1 neuroendocrine tumor. Immunohistochemical examination (IHC) showed the presence of markers characteristic for this type of tumor. The patient requires constant monitoring in the Endocrinology and Oncological Gynaecology Clinic. Conclusion: Tissue of neuroendocrine neoplasm within a teratoma is rare in this age group of patients; thus, there are currently no standards for long-term follow-up. This case adds to the body of evidence and demonstrates a possible good prognosis with non-aggressive behavior in G1 neuroendocrine tumors and teratomas in young patients.

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome in a 39-year-old male patient with suspected acromegaly-A case study.

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare genetic condition and is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. The disease is caused by a change in the nucleotide sequence of an X-linked gene encoding glypican 3, a protein belonging to the heparan-sulfate membrane proteoglycan family. SGBS case studies are almost entirely restricted to the pediatric population. Scarce literature describing SGBS course in adults may be due to both the high mortality of SGBS patients in childhood and low rate of SGBS diagnosis in adults. We present a case of a 39-year-old man with an initial diagnosis of acromegaly. Genetic tests revealed a hitherto unreported deletion in the GPC3 gene. SGBS manifestations in our patient included tall stature, dysmorphic features, and central nervous system (CNS) anatomical pathology. MRI of the head visualized abnormalities of median line structures, a feature consistent with SGBS: an unclosed craniopharyngeal canal, a sellar-suprasellar cyst, dysmorphic pituitary gland, and a cyst of the septum pellucidum. Moreover, cardiomyopathy complicated by life-threatening paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia was diagnosed. Although various cardiac anomalies are often found in SGBS, their pathogenesis is unclear and may be multifactorial. We believe that the presented case contributes to a better understanding of SGBS and may help clinicians in introducing prophylaxis and treatment for its comorbidities.

Cystic lesions of the sellar-suprasellar region - diagnosis and treatment.

The differentiation of cystic lesions located in the sellar-suprasellar region is a significant problem in clinical practice because of the similarities in their clinical, radiological, and even histopathological picture. Arriving at the right diagnosis is vital for taking appropriate therapeutic decisions. The most frequent clinical manifestation of lesions located in the sellar-suprasellar region is headache. It often co-exists with symptoms of anterior pituitary gland insufficiency or hyperprolactinaemia caused by compression of the pituitary stalk. Diabetes insipidus, obe-sity, mental disorders, and circadian rhythm disorders may be associated with lesions penetrating the suprasellar space. It is extremely important to rule out the possible coexistence of pituitary microadenoma and Rathke's cleft cyst, which became possible with the use of ¹¹C-methionine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (C-MET PET/CT). Reports from literature indicate that pituitary microadenoma may coexist with Rathke's cleft cyst in 10% of patients. Cystic lesions of the sellar-suprasellar region should also be differentiated from a cystic pituitary adenoma or abscess. The first-choice therapy in symptomatic cystic lesions of the sellar-suprasellar region is neurosurgery, which usually relieves headache and improves vision impairment, while less frequently restores normal pituitary function. In suprasellar lesions, neurosurgery may trig-ger or aggravate pre-existing symptoms of damage to the hypothalamus. Patients undergoing neurosurgery for cystic lesions located in the sellar-suprasellar region should be monitored for a few years due to their high recurrence rate, potential malignant transformation of these lesions, and possible adenoma development through metaplasia. The advent of targeted therapy of the BRAF/MEK pathway is associated with new therapeutic opportunities for patients with craniopharyngiomas.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea ­ diagnostic challenges, monitoring, and treatment.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is associated with functional inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Causes of FHA can be classified into the three groups: 1) stress-related factors, 2) consequences of weight loss and/or underweight, and 3) consequences of physical exercise or practicing sports. Diagnosis of FHA should be based on a history of menstrual disorders. During physical examination, patients with FHA present with secondary and tertiary sex characteristics specific for the pubertal stage preceding development of the condition and with the signs of hypoestrogenism. Laboratory results determine further management of patients with amenorrhea, and thus their correct interpretation is vital for making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Treatment of chronic anovulation, menstrual disorders, and secondary amenorrhea resulting from hypothalamic disorders should be aimed at the elimination of the primary cause, i.e. a decrease in psycho-emotional strain, avoidance of chronic stressors, reduction of physical exercise level, or optimisation of BMI in patients who lose weight. If menses do not resume after a period of six months or primary causative treatment is not possible, neutralisation of hypoestrogenism consequences, especially unfavourable effects on bone metabolism, become the main issue. Previous studies have shown that oestroprogestagen therapy is useful in both the treatment of menstrual disorders and normalisation of bone mineral density. Hormonal preparations should be introduced into therapeutic protocol on an individualised basis.

Cerebrospinal meningitis in a 30 -year -old patient as first manifestation of pituitary macroadenoma.

Introduction: The most common clinical and neurological signs and symptoms of pituitary macroadenomas include headache, vision impairment and cranial nerve palsy. Case report: The patient presented in this article was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at regional hospital; at admission, the patient was unconscious, he had convulsions and spasms, and a 3 -day history of headache and body temperature up to 41.5°C. The patient with suspected neuroinfection was transferred to the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (PMU), where cerebrospinal meningitis of bacterial etiology was established based on cerebrospinal fluid investigations and the presence of pituitary abscess was suggested based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging findings included an extensive pathological lesion with the diameter of 27 × 28 × 38 mm located in the sellar-suprasellar region, with intensive peripheral contrast enhancement. The lesion protrudes into the sphenoid sinus through the lowered bottom of sella turcica and the fluid content has also been visualized in the sphenoid sinus. After 10 -day antibiotic therapy, the patient was transferred to neurosurgery ward for surgical treatment. The pathological lesion was partially evacuated during right frontotemporal craniotomy. The patient's general condition after the surgery was moderately severe; the patient was conscious, able to follow simple commands, presenting hemiparesis of the left side of the body, particularly affecting left lower limb and with speech disturbances. The signs of hypopituitarism affecting all hormonal axes were also observed and the patient was transferred to the Department of Endocrinology of the PMU for further treatment. Follow -up MRI scan continued to show the presence of pathological mass in the sellar -suprasellar region, which penetrated into the sphenoid sinus through damaged sellar bottom. After correction of reduced hormone levels and several weeks of antibiotic therapy, the patient was transferred to the Department of Neurosurgery of the PMU for further surgical treatment. Transsphenoidal resection of the sellar -suprasellar tumor and sphenoid sinus reconstruction were performed. Histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. The patient in relatively good condition, with partial hemiparesis on the left side of the body, able to stand with support, not able to walk, with speech disturbances and able to follow commands was transferred to the rehabilitation center. One year later, follow- -up MRI scan showed deepened sella turcica, filled with a mass corresponding to postoperative material. No evidence of disease progression has been found. Conclusion: Neuroinfection may be the first manifestation of pituitary macroadenoma.

Evaluaton of therapy with cabergoline in men with macroprolactinoa.

INTRODUCTION: Pituitary gland adenomas producing prolactin are one of the commonest hormonally active tumours. Pharmacological treatment using of dopamine receptors agonists is the therapy of choice in a case of prolactinoma. Bromocriptine, which causes numerous side-effects is the most commonly used drug. Recently, good results of therapy have been achieved with cabergoline - a selective dopamine receptor agonist with prolonged time of action. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapy with cabergoline of men with macroprolactinoma based on clinical, hormonal and radiological examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten men aged 18-65 (mean 41.9 ?15.01 years) with the presence of a pathological mass in the pituitary gland sized between 16.7 and 40.5 mm (mean 29.8 ± 9.38 mm) and an elevated prolactin (PRL) level of between 37.3 and 4700 ng/mL (mean 1608.2 ±1771.6 ng/mL) were included in the study. The PRL and other trophic hormones levels were evaluated after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and tumour size was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging examination after 12 months of therapy with cabergoline. Results: Therapy with cabergoline led to remission of headaches, visual acuity correction, and a significant improvement in libido and erection in all patients. In 90% of patients, PRL normalisation was achieved, just the initial months of therapy. The mean PRL serum concentrations were before, and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of therapy respectively, 1608.2 ± 1771.6 ng/mL and 263.4 ± 223.4, 136.1 ± 244.7,91.31 ± 105.5 and 27.5 ± 57.7 ng/mL. A significant tumour size reduction was observed: from 29.8 ± 9.4 mm to 23.2 ± 9.4 mm, a mean reduction of about 6 mm, or 25.1% (from 4-48.5%). No significant correlation between the mean tumour size and PRL level was observed before or during the treatment. A decreased testosterone level before the therapy was proven, and its gradual increase during the treatment was observed, but after 12 months no normal mean testosterone concentration was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The administration of cabergoline to patients with macroprolactinoma is effective in reaching PRL level normalisation as well as in tumour size reduction. 2. Therapy with cabergoline significantly decreases the clinical symptoms of hyperprolactinemia and neurological and ophtalmological changes associated with the presence of a pathological lesion in the pituitary gland. 3. Tumour size is not a predictive factor for the effectiveness of therapy with cabergoline.