Existing and emerging GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy: Ramifications for diabetic retinopathy screening.

GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment revolutionised the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus with significant enhancement of cardiovascular risk reduction. They have been instrumental in effectively managing the glycaemic control of this at-risk patient group. This class of drugs are associated with rapid improvement in glucose levels and consequently, transient early worsening of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy (DR) which is well-recognised, but this paradox is less commonly perceived in routine clinical practice. The recent shortage of supply has resulted in an enforced hiatus to prescribing all existing GLP-1 receptor agonists, which is expected to last all through 2024. This becomes even more pertinent as their DR could have progressed due to worsening HbA1c as a result of the unforeseen interruption to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment. Therefore, when these medications are recommenced in a few months' time, all prescribers need to be aware of these patients' most up-to-date DR status and liaise with their affiliated screening service.

Hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease: Is an ultrasound examination needed?

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the limitation of clinical examination in determining the morphology of thyroid gland in patients with hyperthyroidism and its implications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism seen in a tertiary endocrine clinic were analyzed. Sub-analysis was performed on patients with proven Graves' disease. RESULTS: Of the 133 patients included in this study with hyperthyroidism, 60 (45%) patients had significant nodularity on ultrasound (US). However, only 67% of these were identified on clinical examination. In patients with confirmed Graves' disease (n = 73), the discordance between US and clinical examination was very similar (18 of 30 patients, 60%). CONCLUSION: US should form an essential part of the evaluation of hyperthyroidism as the morphology of thyroid gland could be variable and nodules in these glands would also need to be appropriately investigated. This would also significantly influence decision-making and appropriate immediate and follow-up management plan.

Cushing's disease: establishing the diagnosis and management approach.

A 64 year old lady, with a background history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, presented with general deterioration of general health, poor glycemic control, difficulty in controlling blood pressure and difficulty in walking. She had past medical history of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus, treated with surgery and subsequent chemotherapy. General examination revealed high blood glucose and blood pressure and a Cushingoid facies. Overnight dexamethasone suppression test and urinary free cortisol levels confirmed Cushing's syndrome and High dose dexamethasone suppression test showed partial suppression. CT scan of the abdomen showed bilateral hyperplasia of the adrenals with nodularity on the left side, raising the possibility of an adrenal adenoma. ACTH levels were elevated thereby ruling out autonomously functioning adrenal nodule, however increasing the possibility of ectopic ACTH secretion due to the previous medical history. MRI of the pituitary confirmed the presence of an adenoma, thereby pointing to the diagnosis of pituitary dependant Cushing's disease. The patient could not undergo further invasive investigation or surgery due to septicaemia. Medical management of Cushing's syndrome was resorted to in the interim with Ketoconazole, showing excellent response. This case depicts the need for a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis, the importance of organizing specific investigations in the appropriate order to arrive at a diagnosis and an effective management plan.