A Cadaveric Case of Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia With Lung Cancer: A Paraneoplastic Syndrome?

Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia associated with primary lung cancer may arise from either an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent paraneoplastic syndrome or metastatic hyperplasia. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome manifests as a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by the secretion of ACTH from malignant cells. This secretion can in turn overstimulate the adrenal cortex, resulting in adrenal cortical hyperplasia followed by hypercortisolism. Though rare, lung cancer can metastasize to the adrenal glands bilaterally, occasionally resulting in hemorrhage causing a rapid increase in size. This cadaveric report aims to delineate an unusual case of metastatic lung cancer, presenting with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and two abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). An 84-year-old white male cadaver was dissected during routine coursework. Dissection of the right lung revealed a pale-yellow mass measuring 10.0 x 7.4 x 7.0cm. An irregularly defined, necrotic, ulcerated lesion measuring 5.5 x 4.5 x 3.3cm was evident on the lateral surface of the left shoulder, consistent with a history of metastatic lung carcinoma. Upon abdominal dissection, bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands and two AAAs were observed. These AAAs measured 6.0cm and 11.0cm at their respective widest transverse diameters. The right and left adrenal glands measured 10.0 x 6.5 x 4.5cm and 7.3 x 4.7 x 3.5cm, respectively. We aim to discuss the possible pathophysiological correlation of these unusual findings in this cadaver.

Wunderlich Syndrome: Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management

Wunderlich syndrome (WS), which was named after Carl Wunderlich, is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by an acute onset of spontaneous renal hemorrhage into the subcapsular, perirenal, and/or pararenal spaces, without a history of antecedent trauma. Patients may present with a multitude of symptoms ranging from nonspecific flank or abdominal pain to serious manifestations such as hypovolemic shock. The classic symptom complex of flank pain, a flank mass, and hypovolemic shock referred to as the Lenk triad is seen in a small subset of patients. Renal neoplasms such as angiomyolipomas and clear cell renal cell carcinomas that display an increased proclivity for hemorrhage and rupture contribute to approximately 60%-65% of all cases of WS. A plethora of renal vascular diseases (aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous malformations or fistulae, renal vein thrombosis, and vasculitis syndromes) account for 20%-30% of cases of WS. Rare causes of WS include renal infections, cystic diseases, calculi, kidney failure, and coagulation disorders. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, particularly multiphasic CT or MRI, are integral to the detection, localization, and characterization of the underlying causes and facilitate optimal management. However, large-volume hemorrhage at patient presentation may obscure underlying causes, particularly neoplasms. If the initial CT or MRI examination shows no contributary causes, a dedicated CT or MRI follow-up study may be warranted to establish the cause of WS. Renal arterial embolization is a useful, minimally invasive, therapeutic option in patients who present with acute or life-threatening hemorrhage and can help avoid emergency radical surgery. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of WS is critical for optimal patient treatment in emergency and nonemergency clinical settings. ^©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Potential role of IGF-1/GLP-1 signaling activation in intracerebral hemorrhage

IGF-1 and GLP-1 receptors are essential in all tissues, facilitating defense by upregulating anabolic processes. They are abundantly distributed throughout the central nervous system, promoting neuronal proliferation, survival, and differentiation. IGF-1/GLP-1 is a growth factor that stimulates neurons' development, reorganization, myelination, and survival. In primary and secondary brain injury, the IGF-1/GLP-1 receptors are impaired, resulting in further neuro complications such as cerebral tissue degradation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and atrophy. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe condition caused by a stroke for which there is currently no effective treatment. While some pre-clinical studies and medications are being developed as symptomatic therapies in clinical trials, there are specific pharmacological implications for improving post-operative conditions in patients with intensive treatment. Identifying the underlying molecular process and recognizing the worsening situation can assist researchers in developing effective therapeutic solutions to prevent post-hemorrhagic symptoms and the associated neural dysfunctions. As a result, in the current review, we have addressed the manifestations of the disease that are aggravated by the downregulation of IGF-1 and GLP-1 receptors, which can lead to ICH or other neurodegenerative disorders. Our review summarizes that IGF-1/GLP-1 activators may be useful for treating ICH and its related neurodegeneration.

Renovascular Compression by the Diaphragmatic Crus: A Case Report

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is among the most prevalent causes of treatment-resistant hypertension. Mostly it is caused by renal artery stenosis (RAS). With atherosclerosis being the most common cause of RAS, RAS due to external compression by the diaphragmatic crus is rare. The treatment of rare causes requires individualization due to the differences between their etiologies. Herein, we present a case of an 18-year-old patient presenting with high blood pressure readings. On follow-up, he was diagnosed with hypertension. On further evaluation, the right diaphragmatic crus compressed the right renal artery.

This case emphasizes medical management in patients with hypertension secondary to diaphragmatic crus compression, and radiological findings in such cases.

An audit of CT brain findings in adults with new-onset seizures in a resource restricted setting in South Africa

Background

Globally, adults presenting with seizures account for 1% – 2% of visits to emergency departments (EDs), of which 25% are new-onset seizures. Neuroimaging is essential as part of the initial workup. Multiple studies have demonstrated abnormal CT brain (CTB) findings in these patients.

Objectives

To review the CTB findings in adults presenting with new-onset seizures in a resource restricted setting.

Method

A retrospective review of 531 CTBs was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng on adults presenting to the ED with new-onset seizures.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 45.6 ± 17.1 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Generalised and focal seizure types were almost equally represented. Of the total 531 patients, 168 (31.6%) were HIV positive. The CTB findings were abnormal in 257 (48.4%) patients, albeit vascular pathology accounted for 21.9%. Infective pathology accounted for 14.1% with a statistically significant association with HIV (p = 0.003). Trauma related pathology was 2.4%, whilst neoplastic pathology was seen in 3.0%. Other causes included congenital pathology, calcifications, atrophy and gliosis. Clinical factors associated with abnormal CTB findings were age ≥ 40 years, HIV infection, hypertension, focal seizures, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and presence of lymphocytes.

Conclusion

A high yield of abnormal CTB findings was noted in adult patients who presented with new-onset seizures, supporting the use of urgent CTB in patients with certain clinical risk factors. Patients without these risk factors can be scanned within 24–48 h in a resource restricted setting.

Advanced imaging tools for evaluating cardiac morphological and functional impairment in hypertensive disease

Arterial hypertension represents a systemic burden, and it is responsible of various morphological, functional and tissue modifications affecting the heart and the cardiovascular system. Advanced imaging techniques, such as speckle tracking and three-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography and PET-computed tomography, are able to identify cardiovascular injury at different stages of arterial hypertension, from subclinical alterations and overt organ damage to possible complications related to pressure overload, thus giving a precious contribution for guiding timely and appropriate management and therapy, in order to improve diagnostic accuracy and prevent disease progression. The present review focuses on the peculiarity of different advanced imaging tools to provide information about different and multiple morphological and functional aspects involved in hypertensive cardiovascular injury. This evaluation emphasizes the usefulness of the emerging multiimaging approach for a comprehensive overview of arterial hypertension induced cardiovascular damage.

Renal Arteries Revisited: Anatomy, Pathologic Entities, and Implications for Endovascular Management

The renal arteries (RAs) are important vessels that usually arise from the abdominal aorta and supply the kidneys; thus, these arteries play a vital role in physiologic functions such as hemofiltration and blood pressure regulation. An understanding of the basis for embryologic development and the frequently variable anatomy of the RAs is necessary to fully appreciate the range of diseases and the implications for procedural planning. Hemorrhage from an RA is relatively common and is typically traumatic or spontaneous, with the latter form often seen in association with underlying tumors or arteriopathy. Accurate diagnostic evaluation of RA disease due to conditions such as atherosclerosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, vasculitis, aneurysm, arteriovenous shunt, embolic disease, and dissection is dependent on the use of multimodality imaging and is essential for selecting appropriate clinical management, with endovascular therapy having a key role in treatment. Surgical considerations include extra-anatomic renal bypass, which remains an important treatment option even in this era of endovascular therapy, and RA embolization as an adjunct to tumor surgery. A novel area of research interest is the potential role of RA denervation in the management of refractory hypertension. ^©RSNA, 2021.

Effects of Caloric Restriction Diet on Arterial Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction

The most common manifestation of cardiovascular (CV) diseases is the presence of arterial hypertension (AH), which impacts on endothelial dysfunction. CV risk is associated with high values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and depends on the presence of risk factors, both modifiable and not modifiable, such as overweight, obesity, physical exercise, smoking, age, family history, and gender. The main target organs affected by AH are the heart, brain, vessels, kidneys, and eye retina. AH onset can be counteracted or delayed by adopting a proper diet, characterized by a low saturated fat and sodium intake, a high fruit and vegetable intake, a moderate alcohol consumption, and achieving and maintaining over time the ideal body weight. In this review, we analyzed how a new nutritional approach, named caloric restriction diet (CRD), can provide a significant reduction in blood pressure values and an improvement of the endothelial dysfunction. In fact, CRD is able to counteract aging and delay the onset of CV and neurodegenerative diseases through the reduction of body fat mass, systolic and diastolic values, free radicals production, and oxidative stress. Currently, there are few studies on CRD effects in the long term, and it would be advisable to perform observational studies with longer follow-up.

The role of dietary salt and alcohol use reduction in the management of hypertension

Introduction: Despite the improved treatment protocol of hypertension, the magnitude of the disease and its related burden remains raised. Hypertension makes up the leading cause of stroke, kidney disease, arterial disease, eye disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) growth. Areas covered: This review provides the overview of the role of dietary salt and alcohol use reduction in the management of hypertension, a brief history of alcohol, the vascular endothelium functions, the effects of alcohol use on blood pressure (BP), the mechanisms of alcohol, brief history of salt, the effects of dietary salt intake on BP, and the mechanisms of salt. Expert opinion: Studies found that high dietary salt intake and heavy alcohol consumption have a major and huge impact on BP while both of them have been identified to increase BP. Also, they raise the risk of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality in advance. On the other way, the dietary salt and alcohol use reduction in the management of hypertension are significant in the control of BP and its related morbidity and mortality. Further, studies suggested that the dietary salt and alcohol use reductions are the cornerstone in the management of hypertension due to their significance as part of comprehensive lifestyle modifications.

Clinical characteristics of concurrent primary aldosteronism and renal artery stenosis: A retrospective case-control study

Background: Rare cases of concurrent primary aldosteronism (PA) and renal artery stenosis (RAS) have been reported. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, we selected a cohort of 10 PA with RAS patients and a control group of 20 PA without RAS patients from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2016.  Results: All patients presented with refractory hypertension, and a nonstatistically significant trend toward lower mean serum potassium was seen in the PA with RAS group (p =.07). PA with RAS patients had lower mean orthostatic aldosterone-to-renin ratios (38.4 ± 41.4 ng dL^-1/ng mL^-1 h^-1 vs. 87.4.4 ± 38.4 ng dL^-1/ng mL^-1 h^-1, respectively; p < .01) and a higher false-negative rate (50% vs. 15%, respectively; p < .05) compared with controls. All misdiagnosed patients had the diagnosis of PA confirmed when we revaluated the repeated screening and confirmative tests because of residual hypertension or hypokalemia after successful revascularization of renal artery stenosis.  Conclusions: PA is easily missed in patients with RAS because of the high false-negative rate for screening tests. RAS patients with residual hypertension after successful renal angioplasty should be monitored for coexisting PA. Reevaluation of screening and confirmatory tests is helpful in establishing the correct diagnoses.

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome due to adrenal pheochromocytoma: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a rare neuropathic syndrome with typical clinical and radiological features. There are large amounts of risk factors resulting in RPLS, those including hypertension, eclampsia, neoplasia treatment, renal failure, systemic infections, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 27-year-old male patient was admitted for a 2-week history of paroxysmal tic of limbs along with consciousness disorder. Blood pressure elevation was discovered for the first time on admission, and the highest record was 210/150 mmHg during hospitalization. Neurological examinations were positive among mental state, speech, reaction and pathological reflex. The computed tomography scan of the abdomen demonstrated a mass derived from right adrenal gland. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed reversible lesions in the centrum ovale, paraventricular, area and corpus callosum.

DIAGNOSES

After control of blood pressure and rationally preoperative preparation, the mass was radically resected and verified to be pheochromocytoma by postoperative pathologic findings. He was diagnosed as having RPLS due to adrenal pheochromocytoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The right adrenal gland mass was completely removed after 2 weeks of α-blockers and β-blockers to treat hypertension.

OUTCOMES

One week after surgery, the cerebral lesions of RPLS gradually faded and the blood pressure was easy to control well.

LESSONS

A few case reports of RPLS related to pheochromocytomas had been documented in the literature. Therefore, we believe that pheochromocytomas may be a potential risk factor of RPLS. If patients receive timely diagnosis and treatment, it can often lead to a favorable prognosis.

Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high risk of early mortality and morbidity from hypertension. Even though Ethiopia is Africa's first country among the top five in the prevalence of DM, there is a paucity of data on hypertension and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, 2019.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed on 378 T2DM patients. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed by Stata 14. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors of hypertension among T2DM patients. Associated factors were declared at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension among T2DM patients was 59.5% (95% CI: 54.5-64.5). Stage 1 hypertension was the most common (30.95%). The odds of hypertension was higher among age group of 50-60 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.27-4.90)), patients from urban area (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI (1.08-7.18)), with longer duration of T2DM (AOR =1.16, 95% CI (1.08-1.25)), with BMI ≥25 kg/m² (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.71-5.96)), with poor glycemic control (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI (1.75-5.19)), and patients who were current cigarette smokers (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI (1.98-14.96)).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hypertension is high and the majority have poor blood pressure control. Hence, DM care providers and other health sector stakeholders have to work in collaboration to prevent it through designing appropriate strategies especially for those at higher risk of developing hypertension.