Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis in Childhood: An Atypical Presentation.

Neck stiffness is a common clinical sign in children presenting to the emergency department that may indicate a wide variety of diagnoses. Acute suppurative thyroiditis (AST) is an infection of the thyroid gland caused by a bacterium, virus, or, less commonly, fungus. It presents as an acute or subacute development of an anterior cervical mass, with associated inflammatory signs. The pressure upon neck muscles may be reflected as a limitation of cervical mobility. AST is often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, and pyriform sinus fistula is the most common predisposing factor. It is particularly uncommon in the pediatric age, with limited cases reported in the literature. Therefore, a heightened suspicion is required for proper diagnosis and timely intervention, due to its high mortality. Prompt treatment with broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy and drainage is mandatory to prevent the numerous complications associated, namely, mediastinitis and sepsis. We report the case of a two-year-old female child admitted with a two-week history of intermittent high-grade fever and sore throat, followed by prostration and limitation in neck movement on admission. Examination revealed neck stiffness with positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs. The laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory parameters. Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan and lumbar puncture were normal. On day 2 after admission, an anterior cervical mass with slight signs of fluctuation was detected. Ultrasound was compatible with a hemorrhagic/overinfected thyroid nodule, and the patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Due to clinical worsening, a cervical CT scan was performed, which documented a thyroid abscess with extension into the retropharyngeal space. She underwent surgical drainage, and Streptococcus anginosus and mixed anaerobes were isolated, sensitive to ongoing antibiotherapy. On multidisciplinary follow-up, an esophageal barium study, laryngoscopy, and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed, revealing no anatomical defects. AST is a rare disease in children, but potentially fatal, so its early recognition and treatment are essential. We aim to draw attention to this disease and its differential diagnosis to reduce the associated morbimortality.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is an underrecognized diabetic emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Many features of HHS overlap with those of diabetic ketoacidosis but key differentiators for HHS are serum osmolality greater than 320 mOsm/kg, lack of metabolic acidosis, and minimal to no presence of ketones. HHS is often triggered by an underlying illness-most commonly infection but may also be triggered by stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and other acute illnesses. Treatment guidelines recommend aggressive volume-repletion of osmotic losses in addition to insulin therapy, plus treatment of the underlying cause.

Thyrotoxicosis.

Hyperthyroidism is a diagnosis existing along a spectrum of severity. Patients present with a variety of signs and symptoms: tachycardia, elevated heart rate, anxiety, changes in mental status, gastrointestinal disturbances, and hyperthermia. Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis without thyroid storm is heavily dependent on outpatient evaluation. Thyroid storm is the most severe form of hyperthyroidism with the highest mortality. Management of thyroid storm follows a stepwise approach, with resuscitation and detection of the precipitating cause being paramount. Special attention should be paid to cardiac function in patients with thyroid storm before treatment, as these patients may develop cardiac collapse.

Hypopituitarism Presenting as Recurrent Episodes of Hypoglycemia: Houssay Phenomenon.

Hypopituitarism, a rare disorder, is defined as decreased production and secretion of one or more of the hormones that are normally secreted by the pituitary gland, resulting from the diseases of the pituitary gland itself or the hypothalamus. The clinical manifestations of this disorder are usually nonspecific and can lead to life-threatening complications and mortality. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old female patient who was brought to the ER by her family with concerns of altered mentation. The altered mentation was found to be secondary to a severe hypoglycemic episode, which was later discovered to be due to underlying panhypopituitarism with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Endocrinology was consulted and recommended assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The tests revealed low levels of serum insulin and C-peptide along with decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, cortisol, free thyroxine (T4), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). She was started on intravenous hydrocortisone and levothyroxine, which were later switched to oral hydrocortisone and levothyroxine after the stabilization of her blood glucose levels. She was later advised to follow up with endocrinology upon discharge. While evaluating a patient with hypoglycemia, it is important to keep hypopituitarism causing secondary adrenal insufficiency in mind as a differential diagnosis because it can be life-threatening if not recognized early and treated in a timely manner.

Neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as an initial presentation of pediatric thyroid storm: report of three cases.

OBJECTIVES: Thyroid storm (TS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by decompensated hyperthyroidism. There is no consensus on how to diagnose pediatric TS. We report three pediatric cases of TS presenting with central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as the initial presentation of Graves' disease. CASE PRESENTATION: They were previously healthy adolescents without family history of thyroid disease. CNS symptoms varied from agitation to coma. GI symptoms included abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Their laboratory studies revealed thyrotoxicosis and positive result of thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb). They were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and received the combination of an antithyroid drug, Lugol's solution, a beta antagonist, and hydrocortisone. The most severe case was a 13 year-old Japanese girl who presented with loss of consciousness and hemodynamic shock. She died after 5 days of intensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians should consider TS in the differential diagnosis when a patient exhibits both CNS and GI symptoms.

Coma mixedematoso como presentación de hipotiroidismo / Myxedema coma as presentation of hypothyroidism

Resumen Se presenta un caso de una paciente de 69 años de edad y sin antecedentes personales o familiares de patología tiroidea alguna, que asiste con un estado convulsivo de aparición súbita, de hemicuerpo derecho y relajación esfinteriana, asociado, además, a trastornos del estado de conciencia, bradicardia, bradipnea y edema de difícil Godet en miembros inferiores. Los exámenes complementarios mostraron acidosis respiratoria, hiposecreción de T4 y elevación de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides por retroalimentación negativa. Estos resultados corroboraron el diagnóstico presuntivo de coma mixedematoso. Se emprendió el tratamiento hormonal correspondiente con levotiroxina, al cual respondió satisfactoriamente y fue egresada a los 24 días de su ingreso, pendiente de valoración por el especialista de endocrinología.

Abstract We present the case of a 69-year-old female patient with no personal or family history of any thyroid disease, who attends with a convulsive state of sudden onset, right hemibody and sphincter relaxation, also associated with disorders of the state of consciousness, bradycardia, bradypnea and edema of difficult godet in lower limbs. Complementary analyses showed respiratory acidosis, hyposecretion of T4 and elevation of the thyroid stimulating hormone by negative feedback. These results corroborated the presumptive diagnosis of myxedema coma. The corresponding hormonal treatment with levothyroxine was undertaken, to which it responded satisfactorily and was discharged 24 days after admission, pending evaluation by the endocrinology specialist for an outpatient hormone replacement therapy.

Cystic Pheochromocytoma Presenting as Adrenal Cyst.

Pheochromocytomas are usually solid tumours. But it can present as cystic lesions in the adrenal gland. Cystic lesions in adrenal gland with hypertension needs attention to rule out pheochromocytoma. If ignored, it may lead to hypertensive emergency, multisystem crisis and death. Early diagnosis with biochemistry, Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of abdomen, proper functional imaging like Meta Iodo Benzyl Guanidine (MIBG) scan is essential. Proper preoperative preparation is important to prevent hypertensive crisis during and after surgery. We are reporting a case of cystic pheochromocytoma in a young male.

Insuficiência adrenal aguda / Acute adrenal insufficiency

A insuficiência adrenal (IA) consiste em síndrome clínica rara, decorrente da deficiência de glicocorticoides e/ou mineralocorticoides, podendo ser primária. A insuficiência adrenal aguda consiste em emergência endócrina rara, resultante da diminuição súbita do cortisol circulante, ou de aumento significativo da demanda por esse hormônio em pacientes com algum grau de disfunção adrenal, ocorrendo mais frequentemente no contexto da IA primária. O prognóstico da doença depende do reconhecimento e intervenção terapêutica precoces

Adrenal insuficiency (AI) consists of a rare clinical syndrome resulting from glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids deficiency. Adrenal insufficiency may be primary. The acute AI is a rare endocrine emergency resulting from sudden decrease of circulating cortisol or, elevated demand for this hormone in patients with some degree of adrenal disfunction, occuring more frequently in primary AI. The prognosis depends on early recognition and precocious therapeutic intervention

Coma mixedematoso en hombre de 74 años: reporte de caso con revisión narrativa / Myxedema coma in a 74 year old man: case report and narrative review

Las células foliculares de la glándula tiroides producen las hormonas tiroxina y triyodotironina, reguladas por la hormona tirotrópica de la hipófisis anterior o tiroestimulante. El coma mixedematoso es definido como un hipotiroidismo profundo que se caracteriza por alteraciones de la conciencia que van desde letargia, estupor y coma al cual se asocia hipotermia, hipoglucemia, convulsiones, hipotensión arterial y manifestaciones de un hipotiroidismo descompensado. La causa o factor desencadenante puede prevenirse si existe diagnóstico previo de hipotiroidismo primario con tratamiento sustitutivo de hormonas tiroideas bien establecido o bien, si en ausencia de diagnóstico éste se sospecha y se trata adecuadamente. Constituye una urgencia médica de mortalidad elevada, donde los factores medioambientales como el frío, infecciones severas e intoxicaciones medicamentosas son importantes factores desencadenantes. Se presenta el caso de un adulto mayor de 74 años, de sexo masculino, sin antecedentes de enfermedad tiroidea que ingresó en Sala de Medicina Interna del Hospital Enrique Cabrera, Habana, Cuba, en el mes de diciembre de 2011, con signología clínica y de laboratorio propias de la hipofunción tiroidea, siendo confirmado coma mixedematoso y con evolución desfavorable.

The follicular cells of the thyroid gland produce thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones, as regulated by the thyrotropic hormone of the anterior pituitary, also called thyroid stimulating hormone. Myxedema coma is defined as profound hypothyroidism characterized by impairment of consciousness ranging from lethargy to stupor and coma, associated with hypothermia, hypoglycemia, seizures, hypotension, and manifestations of uncompensated hypothyroidism. The condition can be prevented if diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is established and thyroid hormone replacement therapy is instituted. It is considered a medical emergency with high mortality rates, where environmental factors such as cold, severe infections and drug poisoning are important triggering factors. We report the case of a 74 year old male adult with no history of thyroid disease who was admitted to the Internal Medicine Ward of the “Enrique Cabrera” Hospital, Havana, Cuba, in December 2011, with clinical and laboratory signs of thyroid hypofunction. Myxedema coma was confirmed and patient course was untoward.

Coma mixedematoso / Myxedema coma

El coma mixedematoso es la forma más severa y profunda del hipotiroidismo. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y ancianos. Entre los factores precipitantes se encuentran: la sepsis, la exposición al frío, los eventos agudos graves, el uso de anestésicos, sedantes o narcóticos, así como la descontinuación del tratamiento sustitutivo con hormonas tiroideas, entre otros. El diagnóstico clínico se realiza por la presencia de síntomas y signos característicos de un hipotiroidismo severo, con hipotermia y alteraciones de la conciencia. Apoyan este diagnóstico los hallazgos de laboratorio: hiponatremia, hipoxemia, hipercapnia, alteraciones hemoquímicas y el aumento de la tirotropina por la disminución de las hormonas tiroideas en el caso de la enfermedad primaria. El tratamiento se debe realizar en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, con monitorización, medidas de soporte respiratorio y cardiovascular, calentamiento corporal interno, hidratación, corrección de la hipotensión y de los trastornos electrolíticos. Se administrarán, además, glucocorticoides, antibióticos de amplio espectro y hormonas tiroideas. La evolución depende de la demora en el inicio del tratamiento, la edad, las comorbilidades, la hipotermia persistente y las complicaciones asociadas(AU)

Myxedema coma is the most severe and deepest form of hypothyroidism. It occurs more often in the women and the elderly. Among the unleashing factors found are sepsis, exposure to cold, acute severe events, use of anesthetic drugs, sedatives or narcotics as well as the interruption of the replacement treatment with thyroid hormones, among others. The clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and signs that are characteristic of severe hypothyroidism, with hypothermia and altered consciousness. This diagnosis is also supported by the lab findings: hyponatremia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hemochemical alterations and the rise of thyrotropin due to the decrease of thyroid hormones in the case of the primary disease. The patient should be treated in an intensive care unit, by using monitoring, respiratory and cardiovascular support, internal body heating, hydration, correction of hypotension and control of electrolytic disorders. Additionally, glycocorticoids, broad-spectrum antibiotics and thyroid hormones should be administered. The progression of the disease depends on the delay in starting the treatment, the age, the comorbidities, the persistent hypothermia and the associated complications(AU)

Coma mixedematoso / Myxedema coma

El coma mixedematoso es la forma más severa y profunda del hipotiroidismo. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y ancianos. Entre los factores precipitantes se encuentran: la sepsis, la exposición al frío, los eventos agudos graves, el uso de anestésicos, sedantes o narcóticos, así como la descontinuación del tratamiento sustitutivo con hormonas tiroideas, entre otros. El diagnóstico clínico se realiza por la presencia de síntomas y signos característicos de un hipotiroidismo severo, con hipotermia y alteraciones de la conciencia. Apoyan este diagnóstico los hallazgos de laboratorio: hiponatremia, hipoxemia, hipercapnia, alteraciones hemoquímicas y el aumento de la tirotropina por la disminución de las hormonas tiroideas en el caso de la enfermedad primaria. El tratamiento se debe realizar en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, con monitorización, medidas de soporte respiratorio y cardiovascular, calentamiento corporal interno, hidratación, corrección de la hipotensión y de los trastornos electrolíticos. Se administrarán, además, glucocorticoides, antibióticos de amplio espectro y hormonas tiroideas. La evolución depende de la demora en el inicio del tratamiento, la edad, las comorbilidades, la hipotermia persistente y las complicaciones asociadas(AU)

Myxedema coma is the most severe and deepest form of hypothyroidism. It occurs more often in the women and the elderly. Among the unleashing factors found are sepsis, exposure to cold, acute severe events, use of anesthetic drugs, sedatives or narcotics as well as the interruption of the replacement treatment with thyroid hormones, among others. The clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of symptoms and signs that are characteristic of severe hypothyroidism, with hypothermia and altered consciousness. This diagnosis is also supported by the lab findings: hyponatremia, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, hemochemical alterations and the rise of thyrotropin due to the decrease of thyroid hormones in the case of the primary disease. The patient should be treated in an intensive care unit, by using monitoring, respiratory and cardiovascular support, internal body heating, hydration, correction of hypotension and control of electrolytic disorders. Additionally, glycocorticoids, broad-spectrum antibiotics and thyroid hormones should be administered. The progression of the disease depends on the delay in starting the treatment, the age, the comorbidities, the persistent hypothermia and the associated complications(AU)