Insights into Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumour Syndrome: From Endocrine Acumen to the Spectrum of CDC73 Gene and Parafibromin-Deficient Tumours

A total of 1 out of 10 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) presents an underlying genetic form, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1, 2A, etc., as well as hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome (HJT). We aimed to summarise the recent data, thus raising more awareness regarding HJT, from the clinical perspective of PHP in association with the challenges and pitfalls of CDC73 genetic testing and parafibromin staining. This narrative review included a sample-focused analysis from the past decade according to a PubMed search. We identified 17 original human studies (≥4 patients per article). The mean age at disease onset was between 20.8 and 39.5 years, while the largest study found that 71% of patients had HJT recognised before the age of 30. Males and females seemed to be equally affected, in contrast with sporadic PHP. PHP represented the central manifestation of HJT, occurring as the first manifestation in up to 85% of HJT cases. A biochemistry panel found a mean serum calcium level above the level of 12 mg/dL in PHP. PTH was elevated in HJT as well, with average values of at least 236.6 pg/mL. The most frequent pathological type in PHP was a parathyroid adenoma, but the incidence of a parathyroid carcinoma was much higher than in non-HJT cases (15% of all parathyroid tumours), with the diagnosis being established between the age of 15 and 37.5. In some families up to 85% of carriers suffered from a parathyroid carcinoma thus indicating that certain CDC73 pathogenic variants may harbour a higher risk. An important issue in HJT was represented by the parafibromin profile in the parathyroid tumours since in HJT both parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas might display a deficient immunoreactivity. Another frequent manifestation in HJT was ossifying fibromas of the jaw (affecting 5.4% to 50% of patients; the largest study found a prevalence of 15.4%). HJT was associated with a wide variety of kidney lesion (mostly: kidney cysts, with a prevalence of up to 75%, and renal tumours involved in 19% of patients). The risk of uterine lesions seemed increased in HJT, especially with concern to leiomyomas, adenofibromas, and adenomyosis. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the involvement of CDC73 pathogenic variants and parafibromin expression are yet to be explored. Currently, the heterogeneous expression of parafibromin status and, the wide spectrum of CDC73 mutations including the variety of clinical presentations in HJT, make it difficult to predict the phenotype based on the genotype. The central role of HJT-PHP is, however, the main clinical element, while the elevated risk of parathyroid carcinoma requires a special awareness.

Crossroads between Skin and Endocrine Glands: The Interplay of Lichen Planus with Thyroid Anomalies

In this narrative review, we aimed to overview the interplay between lichen planus (LP) and thyroid conditions (TCs) from a dual perspective (dermatologic and endocrine), since a current gap in understanding LP-TC connections is found so far and the topic is still a matter of debate. We searched PubMed from Inception to October 2023 by using the key terms "lichen planus" and "thyroid", (alternatively, "endocrine" or "hormone"). We included original clinical studies in humans according to three sections: LP and TC in terms of dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neoplasia. Six studies confirmed an association between the thyroid dysfunction (exclusively hypothyroidism) and LP/OL (oral LP); of note, only one study addressed cutaneous LP. The sample size of LP/OLP groups varied from 12-14 to 1500 individuals. Hypothyroidism prevalence in OLP was of 30-50%. A higher rate of levothyroxine replacement was identified among OLP patients, at 10% versus 2.5% in controls. The highest OR (odd ratio) of treated hypothyroidism amid OLP was of 2.99 (p < 0.005). Hypothyroidism was confirmed to be associated with a milder OLP phenotype in two studies. A single cohort revealed a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism in LP versus non-LP. Non-confirmatory studies (only on OLP, not cutaneous LP) included five cohorts: a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism among OLP versus controls, and a single cohort showed that the subjects with OLP actually had a lower prevalence of hypothyroidism versus controls (1% versus 4%). Positive autoimmunity in LP/OLP was confirmed in eight studies; the size of the cohorts varied, for instance, with 619 persons with LP and with 76, 92, 105, 108, 192, 247, and 585 patients (a total of 1405) with OLP, respectively; notably, the largest control group was of 10,441 individuals. Four clusters of approaches with respect to the autoimmunity in LP/OLP were found: an analysis of HT/ATD (Hashimoto's thyroiditis/autoimmune thyroid diseases) prevalence; considerations over the specific antibody levels; sex-related features since females are more prone to autoimmunity; and associations (if any) with the clinical aspects of LP/OLP. HT prevalence in OLP versus controls was statistically significantly higher, as follows: 19% versus 5%; 12% versus 6%; and 20% versus 9.8%. A single study addressing LP found a 12% rate of ATDs. One study did not confirm a correlation between OLP-associated clinical elements (and OLP severity) and antibody values against the thyroid, and another showed that positive TPOAb (anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies) was more often found in erosive than non-erosive OLP (68% versus 33%). Just the reverse, one cohort found that OLP subjects had a statistically significantly lower rate of positive TPOAb versus controls (9% versus 15%). Five case-control studies addressed the issue of levothyroxine replacement for prior hypothyroidism in patients that were diagnosed with OLP (no study on LP was identified); three of them confirmed a higher rate of this treatment in OLP (at 8.9%, 9.7%, and 10.6%) versus controls. In conclusion, with regard to LP/OLP-TC, we note several main aspects as practical points for multidisciplinary practitioners: OLP rather than LP requires thyroid awareness; when it comes to the type of thyroid dysfunction, mostly, hypothyroidism should be expected; female patients are more prone to be associated with ATDs; a potential higher ratio of OLP subjects taking levothyroxine was found, thus a good collaboration with an endocrinology team is mandatory; and so far, OLP individuals have not been confirmed to be associated with a higher risk of thyroid nodules/cancer.

Pitfalls of DualTracer 99m-Technetium (Tc) Pertechnetate and Sestamibi Scintigraphy before Parathyroidectomy: Between Primary-Hyperparathyroidism-Associated Parathyroid Tumour and Ectopic Thyroid Tissue

Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is based on blood assessments in terms of synchronous high calcium and PTH (parathormone), but further management, particularly parathyroid surgery that provides the disease cure in 95-99% of cases, requires an adequate localisation of the parathyroid tumour/tumours as the originating source, with ultrasound and 99m-Technetium (99m-Tc) sestamibi scintigraphy being the most widely used. We aimed to introduce an adult female case diagnosed with PHP displaying unexpected intra-operatory findings (ectopic thyroid tissue) in relation to concordant pre-operatory imaging modalities (ultrasound + dual-phase 99m-Tc pertechnetate and sestamibi scintigraphy + computed tomography) that indicated bilateral inferior parathyroid tumours. A sudden drop in PTH following the removal of the first tumour was the clue for performing an extemporaneous exam for the second mass that turned out to be non-malignant ectopic thyroid tissue. We overviewed some major aspects starting from this case in point: the potential pitfalls of pre-operatory imaging in PHP; the concordance/discordance of pre-parathyroidectomy localisation modalities; the need of using an additional intra-operatory procedure; and the clues of providing a distinction between pathological parathyroids and thyroid tissue. This was a case of adult PHP, whereas triple localisation methods were used before parathyroidectomy, showing concordant results; however, the second parathyroid adenoma was a false positive image and an ectopic thyroid tissue was confirmed. The pre-operatory index of suspicion was non-existent in this patient. Hybrid imaging modalities are most probably required if both thyroid and parathyroid anomalies are suspected, but, essentially, awareness of the potential pitfalls is mandatory from the endocrine and surgical perspectives. Current gaps in imaging knowledge to guide us in this area are expected to be solved by the significant progress in functional imaging modalities. However, the act of surgery, including the decision of a PTH assay or extemporaneous exam (as seen in our case), represents the key to a successful removal procedure. Moreover, many parathyroid surgeons may currently perform 4-gland exploration routinely, precisely to avoid the shortcomings of preoperative localisation.

Cross-Disciplinary Approach of Adrenal Tumors: Insights into Primary Aldosteronism-Related Mineral Metabolism Status and Osteoporotic Fracture Risk

Our objective was to overview the novel aspects in the field of adrenal gland neoplasms, namely, the management of bone status with respect to primary aldosteronism (PA). In the current narrative review, a PubMed study was conducted from inception until June 2023. The inclusion criteria were: human (clinically relevant) studies of any study design (at least 10 patients per study); English papers; and the following combination of key words within the title and/or abstract: "aldosterone" AND "bone", "skeleton", "osteoporosis", "fracture", "calcium", "parathyroid", "DXA", "osteocalcin", "P1NP", "alkaline phosphatase", "bone marker", "trabecular bone score", or "FRAX". The exclusion criteria were in vitro or animal studies, reviews, and case reports/series. We screened 1027 articles and finally included 23 studies (13 of case-control type, 3 cross-sectional, 5 prospective, 1 observational cohort, and 1 retrospective study). The assessments provided in these studies were as follows: nine studies addressed Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), another study pointed out a bone microarchitecture evaluation underlying trabecular bone score (TBS), and seven studies investigated the bone turnover markers (BTMs) profile. Moreover, 14 studies followed the subjects after adrenalectomy versus medical treatment, and 21 studies addressed secondary hyperparathyroidism in PA patients. According to our study on published data during a period of almost 40 years (n = 23, N = 3965 subjects aged between 38 and 64, with a mean age 56.75, and a female-to-male ratio of 1.05), a higher PTH in PA versus controls (healthy persons or subjects with essential hypertension) is expected, secondary hyperparathyroidism being associated in almost half of the adults diagnosed with PA. Additionally, mineral metabolism anomalies in PA may include lower serum calcium and higher urinary calcium output, all these three parameters being reversible under specific therapy for PA, regardless medical or surgical. The PA subgroup with high PTH seems at higher cardiovascular risk, while unilateral rather than bilateral disease was prone to this PTH anomaly. Moreover, bone mineral density (BMD) according to central DXA might show a higher fracture risk only in certain adults, TBS being a promising alternative (with a still unknown perspective of diabetes' influence on DXA-TBS results in PA). However, an overall increased fracture prevalence in PA is described in most studies, especially with respect to the vertebral site, the fracture risk that seems correctable upon aldosterone excess remission. These data recommend PA as a cause of secondary osteoporosis, a treatable one via PA intervention. There is still an area of debate the way to address BMTs profile in PA, the case's selection toward specific bone evaluation in every day practice, and further on, the understanding of the potential genetic influence at the level of bone and mineral complications in PA patients.

Metabolic and Other Endocrine Elements with Regard to Lifestyle Choices: Focus on E-Cigarettes

Our objective was to overview recent data on metabolic/endocrine disorders with respect to e-cigarette (e-cig) use. This is a narrative review; we researched English, full-length, original articles on PubMed (between January 2020 and August 2023) by using different keywords in the area of metabolic/endocrine issues. We only included original clinical studies (n = 22) and excluded case reports and experimental studies. 3 studies (N1 = 22,385; N2 = 600,046; N3 = 5101) addressed prediabetes risk; N1 showed a 1.57-fold increased risk of dual vs. never smokers, a higher risk that was not confirmed in N2 (based on self-reported assessments). Current non-smokers (N1) who were dual smokers still have an increased odd of prediabetes (a 1.27-fold risk increase). N3 and another 2 studies addressed type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM): a lower prevalence of DM among dual users (3.3%) vs. cigarette smoking (5.9%) was identified. 6 studies investigated obesity profile (4 of them found positive correlations with e-cig use). One study (N4 = 373,781) showed that e-cig use was associated with obesity in the general population (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.3-2.1, p < 0.05); another (N5 = 7505, 0.82% were e-cig-only) showed that obesity had a higher prevalence in dual smokers (51%) vs. cig-only (41.2%, p < 0.05), while another (N6 = 3055) found that female (not male) e-cig smokers had higher body mass index vs. non-smokers. Data on metabolic syndrome (MS) are provided for dual smokers (n = 2): one case-control study found that female dual smokers had higher odds of MS than non-smokers. The need for awareness with respect to potential e-cig--associated medical issues should be part of modern medicine, including daily anamnesis. Whether the metabolic/endocrine frame is part of the general picture is yet to be determined. Surveillance protocols should help clinicians to easily access the medical background of one subject, including this specific matter of e-cig with/without conventional cigarettes smoking and other habits/lifestyle elements, especially when taking into consideration metabolism anomalies.

Landscape of Adrenal Tumours in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Our aim is to update the topic of adrenal tumours (ATs) in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) based on a multidisciplinary, clinical perspective via an endocrine approach. This narrative review is based on a PubMed search of full-length, English articles between January 2014 and July 2023. We included 52 original papers: 9 studies, 8 case series, and 35 single case reports. Firstly, we introduce a case-based analysis of 59 CAH-ATs cases with four types of enzymatic defects (CYP21A2, CYP17A1, CYP17B1, and HSD3B2). Secondarily, we analysed prevalence studies; their sample size varied from 53 to 26,000 individuals. AT prevalence among CAH was of 13.3-20%. CAH prevalence among individuals with previous imaging diagnosis of AT was of 0.3-3.6%. Overall, this 10-year, sample-based analysis represents one of the most complex studies in the area of CAH-ATs so far. These masses should be taken into consideration. They may reach impressive sizes of up to 30-40 cm, with compressive effects. Adrenalectomy was chosen based on an individual multidisciplinary decision. Many tumours are detected in subjects with a poor disease control, or they represent the first step toward CAH identification. We noted a left lateralization with a less clear pathogenic explanation. The most frequent tumour remains myelolipoma. The risk of adrenocortical carcinoma should not be overlooked. Noting the increasing prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas, CAH testing might be indicated to identify non-classical forms of CAH.

Pediatric Neuroendocrine Neoplasia of the Parathyroid Glands: Delving into Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Our objective was to overview the most recent data on primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in children and teenagers from a multidisciplinary perspective. Methods: narrative review based on full-length, English-language papers (from PubMed, between January 2020 and July 2023). Results: 48 papers (14 studies of ≥10 subjects/study, and 34 case reports/series of <10 patients/study). Study-sample-based analysis: except for one case-control study, all of the studies were retrospective, representing both multicenter (n = 5) and single-center (n = 7) studies, and cohort sizes varied from small (N = 10 to 19), to medium-sized (N = 23 to 36) and large (N = 63 to 83); in total, the reviewed studies covered 493 individuals with PHP. Case reports/series (n = 34, N = 41): the mean ages studied varied from 10.2 to 14 years in case reports, and the mean age was 17 years in case series. No clear female predominance was identified, unlike that observed in the adult population. Concerning the assessments, there were four major types of endpoints: imaging data collection, such as ultrasound, 99mTc Sestamibi, or dual-phase computed tomography (CT); gene testing/familial syndrome identification; preoperative findings; and exposure to surgical outcome/preoperative drugs, like cinacalcet, over a 2.2-year median (plus two case reports of denosumab used as an off-label calcium-lowering agent). Single-gland cases (representing 85% of sporadic cases and 19% of genetic PHP cases) showed 100% sensitivity for neck ultrasounds, with 98% concordance with 99mTc Sestamibi, as well as a 91% sensitivity for dual-phase CT, with 25% of the lesions being ectopic parathyroids (mostly mediastinal intra-thymic). Case reports included another 9/41 patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas, 3/41 with parathyroid carcinomas, and 8/41 subjects with brown tumors. Genetic PHP (which has a prevalence of 5-26.9%) mostly involved MEN1, followed by CDC73, CASR, RET, and CDKN1B, as well as one case of VHL. Symptomatic PHP: 70-100% of all cases. Asymptomatic PHP: 60% of genetic PHP cases. Renal involvement: 10.5% of a cohort with genetic PHP, 71% of sporadic PHP cases; 50% (in a cohort with a mean age of 16.7), 29% (in a cohort with a mean age of 15.2); 0% (in infancy) to 50-62% (in teenagers). Bone anomalies: 83% of the children in one study and 62% of those in two other studies. Gastrointestinal issues: 40% of one cohort, but the data are heterogeneous. Cure rate through parathyroidectomy: 97-98%. Recurrent PHP: 2% of sporadic PHP cases and 38% of familial PHP cases. Hungry bone syndrome: maximum rate of 34-40%. Case reports identified another 7/41 subjects with the same post-parathyroidectomy condition; a potential connection with ectopic presentation or brown tumors is suggested, but there are limited data. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approaches for ectopic tumors seemed safe. The current level of statistical evidence on pediatric PHP qualifies our study- and case-sample-based analysis (n = 48, N = 534) as one of the largest of its kind. Awareness of PHP is the key factor to benefit our young patients.

Sternum Metastases: From Case-Identifying Strategy to Multidisciplinary Management

We aimed to overview the most recent data on sternal metastases from a multidisciplinary approach (diagnosis strategies, outcome, and histological reports). This narrative review based on a PubMed search (between January 2020 and 22 July 2023) using key words such as "sternal", "manubrium", and "metastasis" within the title and/or abstract only included original papers that specifically addressed secondary sternal spreading of cancer in adults, for a total of 48 original articles (14 studies and 34 single case reports). A prior unpublished case in point is also introduced (percutaneous incisional biopsy was used to address a 10 cm sternal tumour upon first admission on an apparently healthy male). The studies (n = 14) may be classified into one of three groups: studies addressing the incidence of bone metastases (including sternum) amid different primary cancers, such as prostate cancer (N = 122 with bone metastases, 83% of them with chest wall metastases), head and neck cancers (N = 3620, 0.8% with bone metastases, and 10.34% of this subgroup with sternum involvement); and glioblastoma (N = 92 with bone metastases, 37% of them with non-vertebral metastases, including the sternum); assessment cohorts, including breast cancer (N = 410; accuracy and sensitivity of PET/CT vs. bone scintigraphy is superior with concern to sternum spreading) and bone metastases of unknown origin (N = 83, including a subgroup with sternum metastases; some features of PET/CT help the differentiation with multiple myeloma); and cohorts with various therapeutic approaches, such as palliative arterial embolization (N = 10), thymic neuroendocrine neoplasia (1/5 detected with sternum metastases), survival rates for sternum metastases vs. non-sternum chest wall involvement (N = 87), oligo-metastatic (sternal) breast cancer (3 studies, N = 16 for all of them), oligo-metastatic head and neck cancer (N = 81), conformal radiotherapy (N = 24,215, including an analysis on sternum spreading), and EBRT followed by MR-HIFU (N = 6). Core data coming from the isolated case reports (N = 34) showed a female to male ratio of 1.6; the females' ages were between 34 and 80 (mean of 57.28) and the males' ages varied between 33 and 79 (average of 58.78) years. The originating tumour profile revealed that the most frequent types were mammary (N = 8, all females) and thyroid (N = 9, both women and men), followed by bladder (N = 3), lung (N = 2), and kidney (N = 2). There was also one case for each of the following: adenoid cystic carcinoma of the jaw, malignant melanoma, caecum MiNEN, a brain and an extracranial meningioma, tongue carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the most complex and the largest analysis of prior published data within the time frame of our methods. These data open up new perspectives of this intricate, dynamic, and challenging domain of sternum metastases. Awareness is a mandatory factor since the patients may have a complex multidisciplinary medical and/or surgical background or they are admitted for the first time with this condition; thus, the convolute puzzle will start from this newly detected sternal lump. Abbreviations: N = number of patients; n = number of studies; PET/CT = positron emission tomography/computed tomography; EVRT = external beam radiotherapy; MR-HIFU = magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound; MiNEN = mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine tumour.

Neuroendocrine Parathyroid Tumors: Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Tumors of the parathyroid glands, when associated with PTH (parathyroid hormone) excess, display a large area of complications; in addition to the classical clinical picture of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), a complex panel of other symptoms/signs can be identified, including memory and cognitive impairment, chronic asthenia/fatigue, reduced muscle functionality, depressive mood, non-specific bone pain, and loss of sleep quality. The perception of quality of life (QoL) can be supplementarily enhanced by their progressive onset, which makes many patients not be fully aware of them. Their improvement was reported very early after parathyroidectomy (PTx), yet the level of statistical evidence does not qualify these non-classical elements as standalone indications for PTx. Our objective is introducing an up-to-date on QoL scores with regards to the patients diagnosed with PHP, particularly taking into consideration PHP management from baseline to post-operatory outcome, including in cases with multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a narrative review of literature. We revised full-length papers published in English through PubMed research conducted between January 2018 and May 2023 by using the key words "quality of life" and "primary hyperparathyroidism". We particularly looked at data on self-reported QoL (through questionnaires). We excluded from the search the studies focused on non-PTH related hypercalcemia, secondary, and/or renal/tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin D supplementation. Overall, we identified 76 papers and selected for the final analysis 16 original studies on QoL and PHP (a total of 1327 subjects diagnosed with syndromic and non-syndromic PHP). The studies with the largest number of individuals were of 92, 104, 110, 134, 159, as well as 191. A few cohorts (n = 5) were of small size (between 20 and 40 patients in each of them). Concerning the study design, except for 2 papers, all the mentioned studies provided longitudinal information, particularly the timeframe from baseline (before PTx) and after surgery. The post-operatory follow-up was of 3-6 months, but mostly between 1 and 3 years (maximum a decade of surveillance). The age of the patients varies between medians of 56, 62, 64, and 68 years. Most frequent questionnaires were SF-36, PHPQoL, and PAS. Despite not being unanimously similar, an overall reduced score of QoL in patients with PHP versus controls was registered, as well as general improvement following PTx. Variations of QoL results might have a multifactorial background from different comorbidities, studied populations, technical aspects of collecting the data, etc. QoL scores in PHP represents a complex heterogeneous picture, from their correlation with clinical features and lab assays (e.g., the level of serum calcium), the associated comorbidities (such as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes), up to the assessment of the QoL improvement after parathyroidectomy (PTx). While current studies do not unanimously agree on each QoL domain, the assessment of QoL might represent a supplementary argument to consider when deciding for PTx, especially in asymptomatic cases and in patients who do not fit into well-known categories of surgery candidates, according to current guidelines, thus assessing QoL in PHP is part of a current research gap. QoL evaluation in PHP remains an open issue, towards which awareness should be cultivated by both endocrinologists and surgeons. The introduction of a routine evaluation of the QoL scores in patients, as well as the selection of the most appropriate questionnaire(s), represents an open chapter thus awareness in mandatory.

Management of Adrenal Cortical Adenomas: Assessment of Bone Status in Patients with (Non-Functioning) Adrenal Incidentalomas

Our aim is to analyse the bone profile in adults with (non-functioning) adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), specifically addressing the impact of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). This narrative review, based on a PubMed search from inception to February 2023 (case reports, non-ACS, and other secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded), included 40 original studies, a total of 3046 patients with female prevalence (female:male ratio of 1921:1125), aged between 20.5 and 95.5 years old. This three decade-based analysis showed that 37 studies provided dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) information; another five studies reports results on bone micro-architecture, including trabecular bone score (TBS), spinal deformity index, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography; 20 cohorts included data on bone turnover markers (BTMs), while four longitudinal studies followed subjects between 1 and 10.5 years old (surgical versus non-adrenalectomy arms). Post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol was inversely associated with bone mineral density (BMD). TBS predicted incidental vertebral fractures (VFx) regardless of BMD, being associated with post-DST cortisol independently of age and BMD. Low BTMs were identified in ACS, but not all studies agreed. An increased prevalence of ACS-related osteoporosis was confirmed in most studies (highest prevalence of 87.5%), as well as of VFx, including in pre-menopause (42.5%), post-menopause (78.6%), and male patients (72.7%) depending on the study, with a 10-fold increased incidental VFx risk up to a 12-fold increased risk after a 2-year follow-up. No specific medication against osteoporosis is indicated in ACS, but adrenalectomy (according to four studies) should be part of the long-term strategy. This bone profile case sample-based study (to our knowledge, one of the largest of its kind) showed that AIs, including the subgroup designated as having ACS, embraces a large panel of osseous complications. The level of evidence remains far from generous; there are still no homogenous results defining ACS and identifying skeletal involvement, which might be a consequence of different investigation clusters underling adrenal and bone assessments over time. However, bone status evaluations and associated therapy decisions remain an essential element of the management of adults with AIs-ACS.

Paget's Disease of the Bone and Lynch Syndrome: An Exceptional Finding

Our objective is to present an exceptional case of a patient diagnosed with Paget's disease of the bone (PDB) while being confirmed with Lynch syndrome (LS). A 44-year-old woman was admitted for progressive pain in the left forearm 2 years ago, and was partially relieved since admission by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Suggestive imaging findings and increased blood bone turnover markers helped the diagnosis of PDB. She was offered zoledronate 5 mg. She had two more episodes of relapse, and a decision of new medication was taken within the following years (a second dose of zoledronate, as well as denosumab 60 mg). Her family history showed PDB (mother) and colorectal cancer (father). Whole exome sequencing was performed according to the manufacturer's standard procedure (Ion AmpliSeq™ Exome RDY S5 Kit). A heterozygous pathogenic variant in the SQSTM1 gene (c.1175C>T, p.Pro392Leu) was confirmed, consistent with the diagnosis of PDB. Additionally, a heterozygous pathogenic variant of MSH2 gene (c.2634+1G>T) was associated with LS. The patient's first-degree relatives (her brother, one of her two sisters, and her only daughter) underwent specific genetic screening and found negative results, except for her daughter, who tested positive for both pathogenic variants while being clinically asymptomatic. The phenotype influence of either mutation is still an open issue. To our current knowledge, no similar case has been published before. Both genetic defects that led to the two conditions appeared highly transmissible in the patient's family. The patient might have an increased risk of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma, both due to PDB and LS, and a review of the literature was introduced in this particular matter. The phenotypic expression of the daughter remains uncertain and is yet to be a lifelong follow-up as the second patient harbouring this unique combination of gene anomalies.

Reshaping the Concept of Riedel's Thyroiditis into the Larger Frame of IgG4-Related Disease (Spectrum of IgG4-Related Thyroid Disease)

Recently, Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) was assimilated into the larger spectrum of immunoglobulin IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in addition to a particular frame of IgG4-related thyroid disease (IgG4-RTD), underlying IgG4-RT, IgG4-associated Hashimoto's thyroiditis (and its fibrotic variant), and IgG4-related Graves's disease. Our objective was to overview recent data on RT, particularly IgG4-RD and IgG4-RTD. The case and study- sample analysis (2019-2023) included 293 articles and selected 18 original studies: nine single case reports (N = 9, female/male = 2/1, aged: 34-79 years, 5/9 patients with serum IgG4 available data, 2/5 with high serum IgG4) and four case series (N = 21; 4/5 series provided data on IgG4 profile, 3/21 had serum IgG4 assays, and 2/3 had abnormally high values). IgG4-RD and thyroid findings were analyzed in three cohorts (N = 25). Another two studies (N = 11) specifically addressed IgG4-RTD components. On presentation, the patients may have hypothyroidism, transitory thyrotoxicosis, goiter, long-term history of positive anti-thyroid antibodies, and hypoechoic ultrasound thyroid pattern. The 5-year analysis (N = 66) showed the rate of serum IgG4 evaluation remained low; normal values do not exclude RT. Mandatory histological and immunohistochemistry reports point out a high content of IgG4-carrying plasma cells and IgG4/IgG ratio. Unless clinically evident, histological confirmation provides a prompt indication of starting corticoid therapy since this is the first-line option. Surgery, if feasible, is selective (non-responders to medical therapy, emergency tracheal intervention, and open/core needle biopsy). Current open issues are identifying the role of serum IgG4 assays in patients with IgG4-RD, finding out if all cases of RT are IgG4-mediated, applying IgG4-RTD criteria of differentiation among four entities, and providing an RT/IgG4-RTD guideline from diagnosis to therapy. It remains that the central aim of approaching RT in daily practice is the early index of suspicion in order to select patients referred for further procedures that provide enough histological/immunohistochemistry material to confirm RT and its high IgG4 burden.

Addison's Disease: Diagnosis and Management Strategies

We aim to overview Addison's disease (AD) with regard to current diagnosis and management. This is a narrative review of full-length articles published in English between January 2022 and December 2022 (including online ahead of print versions) in PubMed-indexed journals. We included original studies in living humans regardless of the level of statistical significance starting from the key search terms "Addison's disease" or "primary adrenal insufficiency" in title or abstract. We excluded articles with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Briefly, 199 and 355 papers, respectively were identified; we manually checked each of them, excluded the duplicates, and then selected 129 based on their clinical relevance in order to address our 1-year analysis. We organized the data in different subsections covering all published aspects on the subject of AD. To our knowledge, this is the largest AD retrospective from 2022 on published data. A massive role of genetic diagnosis especially in pediatric cases is highlighted; the importance of both pediatric and adult awareness remains since unusual presentations continue to be described. COVID-19 infection is a strong player amid this third year of pandemic although we still not do have large cohorts in this particular matter as seen, for instance, in thyroid anomalies. In our opinion, the most important topic for research is immune checkpoint inhibitors, which cause a large panel of endocrine side effects, AD being one of them.

Forestalling Hungry Bone Syndrome after Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Primary and Renal Hyperparathyroidism

Hungry bone syndrome (HBS), severe hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy (PTX) due to rapid drop of PTH (parathormone) after a previous long term elevated concentration in primary (PHPT) or renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT), impairs the outcome of underlying parathyroid disease.

OBJECTIVE

overview HBS following PTx according to a dual perspective: pre- and post-operative outcome in PHPT and RHPT. This is a case- and study-based narrative review.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

key research words "hungry bone syndrome" and "parathyroidectomy"; PubMed access; in extenso articles; publication timeline from Inception to April 2023.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

non-PTx-related HBS; hypoparathyroidism following PTx. We identified 120 original studies covering different levels of statistical evidence. We are not aware of a larger analysis on published cases concerning HBS (N = 14,349). PHPT: 14 studies (N = 1545 patients, maximum 425 participants per study), and 36 case reports (N = 37), a total of 1582 adults, aged between 20 and 72. Pediatric PHPT: 3 studies (N = 232, maximum of 182 participants per study), and 15 case reports (N = 19), a total of 251 patients, aged between 6 and 18. RHPT: 27 studies (N = 12,468 individuals, the largest cohort of 7171) and 25 case reports/series (N = 48), a total of 12,516 persons, aged between 23 and 74. HBS involves an early post-operatory (emergency) phase (EP) followed by a recovery phase (RP). EP is due to severe hypocalcemia with various clinical elements (<8.4 mg/dL) with non-low PTH (to be differentiated from hypoparathyroidism), starting with day 3 (1 to 7) with a 3-day duration (up to 30) requiring prompt intravenous calcium (Ca) intervention and vitamin D (VD) (mostly calcitriol) replacement. Hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesiemia may be found. RP: mildly/asymptomatic hypocalcemia controlled under oral Ca+VD for maximum 12 months (protracted HBS is up to 42 months). RHPT associates a higher risk of developing HBS as compared to PHPT. HBS prevalence varied from 15% to 25% up to 75-92% in RHPT, while in PHPT, mostly one out of five adults, respectively, one out of three children and teenagers might be affected (if any, depending on study). In PHPT, there were four clusters of HBS indicators. The first (mostly important) is represented by pre-operatory biochemistry and hormonal panel, especially, increased PTH and alkaline phosphatase (additional indicators were elevated blood urea nitrogen, and a high serum calcium). The second category is the clinical presentation: an older age for adults (yet, not all authors agree); particular skeleton involvement (level of case reports) such as brown tumors and osteitis fibrosa cystica; insufficient evidence for the patients with osteoporosis or those admitted for a parathyroid crisis. The third category involves parathyroid tumor features (increased weight and diameter; giant, atypical, carcinomas, some ectopic adenomas). The fourth category relates to the intra-operatory and early post-surgery management, meaning an associated thyroid surgery and, maybe, a prolonged PTx time (but this is still an open issue) increases the risk, as opposite to prompt recognition of HBS based on calcium (and PTH) assays and rapid intervention (specific interventional protocols are rather used in RHPT than in PHPT). Two important aspects are not clarified yet: the use of pre-operatory bisphosphonates and the role of 25-hydroxyitamin D assay as pointer of HBS. In RHPT, we mentioned three types of evidence. Firstly, risk factors for HBS with a solid level of statistical evidence: younger age at PTx, pre-operatory elevated bone alkaline phosphatase, and PTH, respectively, normal/low serum calcium. The second group includes active interventional (hospital-based) protocols that either reduce the rate or improve the severity of HBS, in addition to an adequate use of dialysis following PTx. The third category involves data with inconsistent evidence that might be the objective of future studies to a better understanding; for instance, longer pre-surgery dialysis duration, obesity, an elevated pre-operatory calcitonin, prior use of cinalcet, the co-presence of brown tumors, and osteitis fibrosa cystica as seen in PHPT. HBS remains a rare complication following PTx, yet extremely severe and with a certain level of predictability; thus, the importance of being adequately identified and managed. The pre-operatory spectrum of assessments is based on biochemistry and hormonal panel in addition to a specific (mostly severe) clinical presentation while the parathyroid tumor itself might provide useful insights as potential risk factors. Particularly in RHPT, prompt interventional protocols of electrolytes surveillance and replacement, despite not being yet a matter of a unified, HBS-specific guideline, prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia, reduce the hospitalization stay, and the re-admission rates.

Pathogenic Insights into DNA Mismatch Repair (MMR) Genes-Proteins and Microsatellite Instability: Focus on Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Beyond

DNA damage repair pathways, including mismatch repair (MMR) genes, are prone to carcinoma development in certain patients. The assessment of the MMR system is widely recognized as part of strategies concerning solid tumors (defective MMR cancers), especially MMR proteins (through immunohistochemistry), and molecular assays for microsatellite instability (MSI). We aim to highlight the status of MMR genes-proteins (including MSI) in the relationship with ACC (adrenocortical carcinoma) according to current knowledge. This is a narrative review. We included PubMed-accessed, full-length English papers published between January 2012 and March 2023. We searched studies on ACC patients for whom MMR status was assessed, respectively subjects harboring MMR germline mutations, namely Lynch syndrome (LS), who were diagnosed with ACC. MMR system assessments in ACCs involve a low level of statistical evidence. Generally, there are two main types of endocrine insights: 1. the role of MMR status as a prognostic marker in different endocrine malignancies (including ACC)-which is the topic of the present work, and 2. establishing the indication of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) in selective, mostly highly aggressive, non-responsive to standard care forms upon MMR evaluation (which belongs to the larger chapter of immunotherapy in ACCs). Our one-decade, sample-case study (which, to our knowledge, it is the most comprehensive of its kind) identified 11 original articles (from 1 patient to 634 subjects per study diagnosed with either ACC or LS). We identified four studies published in 2013 and 2020 and two in 2021, three cohorts and two retrospective studies (the publication from 2013 includes a retrospective and a cohort distinct section). Among these four studies, patients already confirmed to have LS (N = 643, respective 135) were found to be associated with ACC (N = 3, respective 2), resulting in a prevalence of 0.0046%, with a respective of 1.4% being confirmed (despite not having a large amount of similar data outside these two studies). Studies on ACC patients (N = 364, respective 36 pediatric individuals, and 94 subjects with ACC) showed that 13.7% had different MMR gene anomalies, with a respective of 8.57% (non-germline mutations), while 3.2% had MMR germline mutations (N = 3/94 cases). Two case series included one family, with a respective four persons with LS, and each article introduced one case with LS-ACC. Another five case reports (between 2018 and 2021) revealed an additional five subjects (one case per paper) diagnosed with LS and ACC (female to male ratio of 4 to 1; aged between 44 and 68). Interesting genetic testing involved children with TP53-positive ACC and further MMR anomalies or an MSH2 gene-positive subject with LS with a concurrent germline RET mutation. The first report of LS-ACC referred for PD-1 blockade was published in 2018. Nevertheless, the use of ICPI in ACCs (as similarly seen in metastatic pheochromocytoma) is still limited. Pan-cancer and multi-omics analysis in adults with ACC, in order to classify the candidates for immunotherapy, had heterogeneous results, and integrating an MMR system in this larger and challenging picture is still an open issue. Whether individuals diagnosed with LS should undergo surveillance for ACC has not yet been proven. An assessment of tumor-related MMR/MSI status in ACC might be helpful. Further algorithms for diagnostics and therapy, also taking into consideration innovative biomarkers as MMR-MSI, are necessary.

Challenges of Pituitary Apoplexy in Pregnancy

Our purpose is to provide new insights concerning the challenges of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy (PAP) and the postpartum period (PAPP). This is a narrative review of the English literature using a PubMed search. The inclusion criteria were clinically relevant original studies (January 2012-December 2022). Overall, we included 35 original studies: 7 observational studies (selected cases on PA) and 28 case reports, including 4 case series (N = 49; PAP/PAPP = 43/6). The characteristics of PAP patients (N = 43) are as follows: maternal age between 21 and 41 (mean of 27.76) years; 21/43 subjects with a presentation during the third trimester (only one case during first trimester); average weak of gestation of 26.38; most females were prim gravidae; 19 (out of 30 patients with available data on delivery) underwent a cesarean section. Headache remains the main clinical feature and is potentially associated with a heterogeneous panel (including visual anomalies, nausea, vomiting, cranial nerve palsies, diabetes insipidus, photophobia, and neck stiffness). Pre-pregnancy medication included dopamine agonists (15/43) and terguride (1/43) in addition to subsequent insulin therapy for gestational diabetes (N = 2) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (N = 1). Overall, 29/43 females received the conservative approach, and 22/43 women had trans-sphenoidal surgery (TSS) (and 10/22 had the initial approach). Furthermore, 18/43 patients had a pituitary adenoma undiagnosed before pregnancy. Most PA-associated tumors were prolactinomas (N = 26/43), with the majority of them (N = 16/26) being larger than 1 cm. A maternal-fetal deadly outcome is reported in a single case. The characteristics of PAPP patients (N = 6) are as follows: mean age at diagnosis of 33 years; 3/6 subjects had PA during their second pregnancy; the timing of PA varied between 5 min and 12 days after delivery; headache was the main clinical element; 5/6 had no underlying pituitary adenoma; 5/6 patients were managed conservatively and 1/6 underwent TSS; pituitary function recovered (N = 3) or led to persistent hypopituitarism (N = 3). In conclusion, PAP represents a rare, life-threatening condition. Headache is the most frequent presentation, and its prompt distinction from other conditions associated with headache, such as preeclampsia and meningitis, is essential. The index of suspicion should be high, especially in patients with additional risk factors such as pre-gestation treatment with dopamine agonists, diabetes mellitus, anticoagulation therapy, or large pituitary tumors. The management is conservative in most cases, and it mainly includes corticosteroid substitution and dopamine agonists. The most frequent surgical indication is neuro-ophthalmological deterioration, although the actual risk of pituitary surgery during pregnancy remains unknown. PAPP is exceptionally reported. To our knowledge, this sample-case series study is the largest of its kind that is meant to increase the awareness to the benefit of the maternal-fetal outcomes from multidisciplinary insights.

Bridging the Gap: Pregnancy-And Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis

Early diagnosis of pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is mandatory for a good outcome. Standard care is not a matter of conventional guidelines, rather it requires an individualized strategy while true overall incidence and pathogeny remain open issues. This is a narrative review based on full-length English articles, published between January 2021 and March 2023 and accessed via PubMed (no traumatic fractures or secondary osteoporosis are included). Our case-sample-based analysis included 836 females with PLO (the largest cohort based on published cases so far) through 12 studies and 24 single case reports. Except for one survey, these involved retrospective cohorts of small size (6-10 females/study) to medium size (23-47 women/study), and large cohorts with >50 subjects per study (a maximum of 379). Age of diagnosis: from 24 to 40 years for case reports (most subjects being over 30 and primigravida), while original studies indicated an average age between 31 and 34.18 years. Type of fractures underlined a most frequent vertebral phenotype (a mean of 2 to 5.8 vertebral fractures per patient) versus a most severe non-vertebral phenotype (hip and femoral neck fractures mostly requiring surgery). Potential contributors varied: smoking (1/3-1/2 of subjects), family history of osteoporosis (1/3), heparin and glucocorticoid use in pregnancy, low body mass index (majority of cases), hypovitaminosis D; and (with a low level of statistical significance) anti-psychotic medication, gestational diabetes, lupus, thrombophilia, anemia, in vitro fertilization (1/3 in one study), twin pregnancy, tocolysis with MgSO4, and postpartum thyroiditis. Most remarkably, up to 50% of PLO patients harbor mutations of LRP5, WNT1, and COL1A1/A2 (more damaged form with potential benefits from osteoanabolic drugs); gene testing might become the new norm in PLO. The low index of clinical suspicion should be supported by performing magnetic resonance imaging (gold standard in pregnancy) with DXA (in lactation). Low bone mineral density is expected (Z-score varying from -2.2 SD to -4 SD, unless normal which does not exclude PLO). Bone turnover markers might be useful in individuals with normal DXA, in pregnancy when DXA cannot be performed, and in following the response to anti-osteoporosis drugs. Alternatively, microarchitecture damage might be reflected by DXA-trabecular bone score and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Specific medical interventions are currently focused on teriparatide (TPT) use (3 studies; n = 99 females treated with TPT and an additional subgroup of 18 patients from the gene-analysis-based study, thus a total of 117 females) which seems to be the therapy of choice as reflected by these new data: 6-24 months, 20 µg/day, no sequential therapy needed; case selection based on high fracture risk is necessary). The first case using romosozumab was reported in 2022. PAO/LAO remains a challenging condition which is a battle for the wellbeing of two individuals, on one hand, considering maternal-fetal outcomes and taking care of the offspring, but it is a battle for a multidisciplinary team, on the other hand, since a standardized approach is lacking.

Collision Tumors of the Thyroid

"Collision tumors, rare neoplasms underlying two distinct histological types of carcinomas (with different origins) separated by normal tissue, are described in many organs including the thyroid gland, but to a lesser extent. We aim to overview the current published data concerning collision tumors of the thyroid (CTT). This is a narrative review considering papers published on PubMed through a search starting from the terms “collision” and “thyroid”. Inclusion criteria are full-length articles, the English language, the timeline from inception to December 2022, and original studies with different levels of statistical evidence. We followed the main types of thyroid carcinomas: differentiated thyroid carcinoma of papillary and follicular type, anaplastic/ undifferentiated/poorly differentiated carcinoma, respectively medullary thyroid carcinoma. We identified 92 papers based on the mentioned key words criteria. We excluded 54 papers (reviews or non-thyroid CTT or other topics outside our purpose). We included in the final analysis 38 papers: 34 case reports (1 patient per paper), 2 case series (2 individuals per each article), one case series of 3 subjects, and a single study of retrospective type (including 21 subjects) – a total of 62 patients on published cases which represents the largest study on published cases to our knowledge (according to our methodology) "

Carcinoid Heart Disease – A 2022 Retrospective

" We aim to introduce a 2022 update on CHD (carcinoid heart disease) considering a multidisciplinary perspective. This is a narrative mini-review. We searched English, full-length papers (PubMed). Inclusion criteria: original articles regardless of the level of statistical significance. We identified 44 papers and manually selected those with CHD, as follows: 8 original studies, 1 case series (N=9 patients), 16 case reports (N=1 patient/paper), and a total of 1,030 patients on published studies. The most remarkable results are the longest period of enrolment of 3-4 decades; CHD ratio among carcinoid syndrome of 37%; 30-day mortality post-cardiac surgery of 12%; median survival in CHD from 1.3 to 3.9 years (more than 2 years if valve intervention is provided); most useful prognostic markers: 5HIIA, NT-pro-BNP, but, potentially, chromogranin A. The specific protective role of somatostatin analogs against developing CHD is yet to be determined. CHD in the absence of carcinoid syndrome/liver metastasis may be related to ovarian NEN (neuroendocrine neoplasia) with a better outcome if prompt intervention. Remarkably, 3 guidelines are released regarding CHD on behalf of ENETS (European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society), and ESC (European Society of Cardiology). CHD still represents a most challenging entity situated at the crossroads of surgery, cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. "

Pituitary Apoplexy in Patients with Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET)

Various complications of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are reported, and an intratumor hemorrhage or infarct underlying pituitary apoplexy (PA) represents an uncommon, yet potentially life-threatening, feature, and thus early recognition and prompt intervention are important. Our purpose is to overview PA from clinical presentation to management and outcome. This is a narrative review of the English-language, PubMed-based original articles from 2012 to 2022 concerning PA, with the exception of pregnancy- and COVID-19-associated PA, and non-spontaneous PA (prior specific therapy for PitNET). We identified 194 original papers including 1452 patients with PA (926 males, 525 females, and one transgender male; a male-to-female ratio of 1.76; mean age at PA diagnostic of 50.52 years, the youngest being 9, the oldest being 85). Clinical presentation included severe headache in the majority of cases (but some exceptions are registered, as well); neuro-ophthalmic panel with nausea and vomiting, meningism, and cerebral ischemia; respectively, decreased visual acuity to complete blindness in two cases; visual field defects: hemianopia, cranial nerve palsies manifesting as diplopia in the majority, followed by ptosis and ophthalmoplegia (most frequent cranial nerve affected was the oculomotor nerve, and, rarely, abducens and trochlear); proptosis (N = 2 cases). Risk factors are high blood pressure followed by diabetes mellitus as the main elements. Qualitative analysis also pointed out infections, trauma, hematologic conditions (thrombocytopenia, polycythemia), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and T3 thyrotoxicosis. Iatrogenic elements may be classified into three main categories: medication, diagnostic tests and techniques, and surgical procedures. The first group is dominated by anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs; additionally, at a low level of statistical evidence, we mention androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, chemotherapy, thyroxine therapy, oral contraceptives, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. The second category includes a dexamethasone suppression test, clomiphene use, combined endocrine stimulation tests, and a regadenoson myocardial perfusion scan. The third category involves major surgery, laparoscopic surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral valvuloplasty, endonasal surgery, and lumbar fusion surgery in a prone position. PA in PitNETs still represents a challenging condition requiring a multidisciplinary team from first presentation to short- and long-term management. Controversies involve the specific panel of risk factors and adequate protocols with concern to neurosurgical decisions and their timing versus conservative approach. The present decade-based analysis, to our knowledge the largest so far on published cases, confirms a lack of unanimous approach and criteria of intervention, a large panel of circumstantial events, and potential triggers with different levels of statistical significance, in addition to a heterogeneous clinical picture (if any, as seen in subacute PA) and a spectrum of evolution that varies from spontaneous remission and control of PitNET-associated hormonal excess to exitus. Awareness is mandatory. A total of 25 cohorts have been published so far with more than 10 PA cases/studies, whereas the largest cohorts enrolled around 100 patients. Further studies are necessary.

Study of the Thyroid Profile of Patients with Alopecia

Thyroid hormones are required for the physiological growth and maintenance of hair follicles. We aim to study the thyroid profile of patients with alopecia. This is a narrative review. PubMed literature was searched from 2013 to 2022. We followed different types of alopecia: alopecia areata (AA), androgenic alopecia in males and females, telogen effluvium (TE), frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), lichen planopilaris, and alopecia neoplastica (AN). AA shares a common autoimmune background with autoimmune thyroid diseases, either sporadic or belonging to autoimmune polyglandular syndromes. Some data suggested that AA is more severe if thyroid anomalies are confirmed, including subclinical dysfunction or positive antithyroid antibodies with normal hormone values. However, routine thyroid screening for patients with AA, if the patients are asymptomatic from a thyroid point of view and they have negative personal and family history of autoimmunity, remains controversial. TE, apart from the autoimmune type, associates thyroid anomalies of a hormonal assay (between 5.7% and 17%). FFA, mostly a postmenopausal entity (however, not exclusive), associates a higher prevalence of thyroid conditions (up to 50%) than the general population. However, these might have an age-dependent pattern, thus the association may be incidental since there are a limited number of studies. Overall, alopecia remains a very challenging condition for patients and physicians; a multidisciplinary team is required to improve the outcome and quality of life. The common autoimmune background is suggestive of some types of alopecia and thyroid disorders, yet, the underlying mechanisms are still a matter of debate. AA, TE, FFA, LPP, and, potentially, female pattern hair loss have been found to be connected with thyroid entities, thus a state of awareness from a dual perspective, of trichology and endocrinology, is helpful.

An Approach to Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Hypopituitarism: Overcoming the Pediatric Challenges

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related hypopituitarism is a rare polymorphic complication of brain injury, with very little data, particularly concerning children and teenagers. This is a comprehensive review of the literature regarding this pathology, starting from a new pediatric case. The research was conducted on PubMed and included publications from the last 22 years. We identified nine original studies on the pediatric population (two case reports and seven studies; only four of these seven were prospective studies). TBI-related hypopituitarism is associated with isolated hormonal deficits ranging from 22.5% to 86% and multiple hormonal deficiencies from 5.9% to 50% in the studied pediatric population. Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is most often found, including the form with late occurrence after TBI; it was described as persistent in half of the studies. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency is identified as a distant complication following TBI; in all three studies, we identified this complication was found to be permanent. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency did not relate to a certain type of brain trauma, and it was transient in reported cases. Hyperprolactinemia was the most frequent hormonal finding, also occurring late after injury. Central diabetes insipidus was encountered early post-TBI, typically with a transient pattern and did not relate to a particular type of injury. TBI-related hypopituitarism, although rare in children, should be taken into consideration even after a long time since the trauma. A multidisciplinary approach is needed if the patient is to safely overcome any acute condition.

The Endocrine Approach of Melanoma: The Puzzle of Estrogen Receptors Expression

"Melanoma outcome seems different between females and males, with a potential protective role of estrogen (E) through estrogen receptors (ER) expression into the tumor. In the study of ERs, both alfa (ERα) and beta (ERβ) is a well-known endocrine elements in non-melanoma tumors, like mammary and endometrial cancer. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessment of melanoma concerning ERs represents a path to explore the tumor profile to provide useful information concerning the prognostic and potential adjuvant treatment. Currently, this is not a routine practice, nor a mandatory step for deciding the medical therapy. Typically, IHCs are based on usual kits for mammary tumors regarding ERs configuration. Prior/concomitant use of oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy is not correlated with a better prognostic in melanoma; neither have they represented a contraindication for survivors of melanoma; a subset of tumors might present a higher ER expression which is potentially targeted by the hormone-based treatment as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulator), for instance, tamoxifen. Experimental studies on melanoma cell lines confirmed the anti-tumor activity of ERβ which might function as a prognostic marker. G-protein-coupled estrogen receptors in melanocytes and keratinocytes might be involved, too. Additional crosstalk of TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor β), respective IGF1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor), and ERα expression are involved in tumorigenic pathways. Recent preclinical studies showed the potential benefits of diarylpropionitrile, a selective agonist of ERβ; pyrazole derivates 21-23 can block ERs. Murine melanoma models showed the interference of anti-estrogenic medication (like molecule fulvestrant) to enhance immune checkpoint blockade, a modern approach to solid cancers. The proliferation of melanoma might be partially explained by ERs; whether this is generally applicable or there is a subgroup of tumors particularly related to E status is still debatable. The subject of E status in melanoma is far from clear at this point and further studies are necessary concerning this particular issue to implement it as a practical approach in the daily management of a disease that still has a very severe prognostic nowadays "

From acute hypercalcaemia to post-parathyroidectomy hungry bone syndrome in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism-associated brown tumours

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

The Entity of Connshing Syndrome: Primary Aldosteronism with Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Connshing syndrome (CoSh) (adrenal-related synchronous aldosterone (A) and cortisol (C) excess) represents a distinct entity among PA (primary hyperaldosteronisms) named by W. Arlt et al. in 2017, but the condition has been studied for more than 4 decades. Within the last few years, this is one of the most dynamic topics in hormonally active adrenal lesions due to massive advances in steroids metabolomics, molecular genetics from CYP11B1/B2 immunostaining to genes constellations, as well as newly designated pathological categories according to the 2022 WHO classification. In gross, PA causes 4-10% of all high blood pressure (HBP) cases, and 20% of resistant HBP; subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) is identified in one-third of adrenal incidentalomas (AI), while CoSh accounts for 20-30% to 77% of PA subjects, depending on the tests used to confirm autonomous C secretion (ACS). The clinical picture overlaps with PA, hypercortisolemia being mild. ACS is suspected in PA if a more severe glucose and cardiovascular profile is identified, or there are larger tumours, ACS being an independent factor risk for kidney damage, and probably also for depression/anxiety and osteoporotic fractures. It seems that one-third of the PA-ACS group harbours mutations of C-related lines like PRKACA and GNAS. A novel approach means we should perform CYP11B2/CYP11B1 immunostaining; sometimes negative aldosteronoma for CYP11B1 is surrounded by micronodules or cell clusters with positive CYP11B1 to sustain the C excess. Pitfalls of hormonal assessments in CoSh include the index of suspicion (check for ACS in PA patients) and the interpretation of A/C ratio during adrenal venous sample. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice. Post-operative clinical remission rate is lower in CoSh than PA. The risk of clinically manifested adrenal insufficiency is low, but a synthetic ACTH stimulating testing might help to avoid unnecessary exposure to glucocorticoids therapy. Finally, postponing the choice of surgery may impair the outcome, having noted that long-term therapy with mineralocorticoids receptors antagonists might not act against excessive amounts of C. Awareness of CoSh improves management and overall prognosis.

Approach of Acromegaly during Pregnancy

Acromegaly-related sub/infertility, tidily related to suboptimal disease control (1/2 of cases), correlates with hyperprolactinemia (1/3 of patients), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism—mostly affecting the pituitary axis in hypopituitarism (10−80%), and negative effects of glucose profile (GP) anomalies (10−70%); thus, pregnancy is an exceptional event. Placental GH (Growth Hormone) increases from weeks 5−15 with a peak at week 37, stimulating liver IGF1 and inhibiting pituitary GH secreted by normal hypophysis, not by somatotropinoma. However, estrogens induce a GH resistance status, protecting the fetus form GH excess; thus a full-term, healthy pregnancy may be possible. This is a narrative review of acromegaly that approaches cardio-metabolic features (CMFs), somatotropinoma expansion (STE), management adjustment (MNA) and maternal-fetal outcomes (MFOs) during pregnancy. Based on our method (original, in extenso, English—published articles on PubMed, between January 2012 and September 2022), we identified 24 original papers—13 studies (3 to 141 acromegalic pregnancies per study), and 11 single cases reports (a total of 344 pregnancies and an additional prior unpublished report). With respect to maternal acromegaly, pregnancies are spontaneous or due to therapy for infertility (clomiphene, gonadotropins or GnRH) and, lately, assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs); there are no consistent data on pregnancies with paternal acromegaly. CMFs are the most important complications (7.7−50%), especially concerning worsening of HBP (including pre/eclampsia) and GP anomalies, including gestational diabetes mellitus (DM); the best predictor is the level of disease control at conception (IGF1), and, probably, family history of 2DM, and body mass index. STE occurs rarely (a rate of 0 to 9%); some of it symptoms are headache and visual field anomalies; it is treated with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) or alternatively dopamine agonists (DAs); lately, second trimester selective hypophysectomy has been used less, since pharmaco-therapy (PT) has proven safe. MNA: PT that, theoretically, needs to be stopped before conception—continued if there was STE or an inoperable tumor (no clear period of exposure, preferably, only first trimester). Most data are on octreotide > lanreotide, followed by DAs and pegvisomant, and there are none on pasireotide. Further follow-up is required: a prompt postpartum re-assessment of the mother’s disease; we only have a few data confirming the safety of SSAs during lactation and long-term normal growth and developmental of the newborn (a maximum of 15 years). MFO seem similar between PT + ve and PT − ve, regardless of PT duration; the additional risk is actually due to CMF. One study showed a 2-year median between hypophysectomy and pregnancy. Conclusion: Close surveillance of disease burden is required, particularly, concerning CMF; a personalized approach is useful; the level of statistical evidence is expected to expand due to recent progress in MNA and ART.

Approach of Heterogeneous Spectrum Involving 3beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 2 Deficiency

We aim to review data on 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II (3βHSD2) deficiency. We identified 30 studies within the last decade on PubMed: 1 longitudinal study (N = 14), 2 cross-sectional studies, 1 retrospective study (N = 16), and 26 case reports (total: 98 individuals). Regarding geographic area: Algeria (N = 14), Turkey (N = 31), China (2 case reports), Morocco (2 sisters), Anatolia (6 cases), and Italy (N = 1). Patients’ age varied from first days of life to puberty; the oldest was of 34 y. Majority forms displayed were salt-wasting (SW); some associated disorders of sexual development (DSD) were attendant also—mostly 46,XY males and mild virilisation in some 46,XX females. SW pushed forward an early diagnosis due to severity of SW crisis. The clinical spectrum goes to: premature puberty (80%); 9 with testicular adrenal rest tumours (TARTs); one female with ovarian adrenal rest tumours (OARTs), and some cases with adrenal hyperplasia; cardio-metabolic complications, including iatrogenic Cushing’ syndrome. More incidental (unusual) associations include: 1 subject with Barter syndrome, 1 Addison’s disease, 2 subjects of Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY/46,XX, respective 47,XXY). Neonatal screening for 21OHD was the scenario of detection in some cases; 17OHP might be elevated due to peripheral production (pitfall for misdiagnosis of 21OHD). An ACTH stimulation test was used in 2 studies. Liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry unequivocally sustains the diagnostic by expressing high baseline 17OH-pregnenolone to cortisol ratio as well as 11-oxyandrogen levels. HSD3B2 gene sequencing was provided in 26 articles; around 20 mutations were described as “novel pathogenic mutation” (frameshift, missense or nonsense); many subjects had a consanguineous background. The current COVID-19 pandemic showed that CAH-associated chronic adrenal insufficiency is at higher risk. Non-adherence to hormonal replacement contributed to TARTs growth, thus making them surgery candidates. To our knowledge, this is the largest study on published cases strictly concerning 3βHSD2 deficiency according to our methodology. Adequate case management underlines the recent shift from evidence-based medicine to individualized (patient-oriented) medicine, this approach being particularly applicable in this exceptional and challenging disorder.

New Approach to Addison Disease: Oral Manifestations Due to Endocrine Dysfunction and Comorbidity Burden

This review highlights oral anomalies with major clinical impact in Addison disease (AD), including dental health and dermatologic features, through a dual perspective: pigmentation issues and AD comorbidities with oral manifestations. Affecting 92% of AD patients, cutaneomucosal hyperpigmentation is synchronous with or precedes general manifestations by up to a decade, underlying melanocytic infiltration of the basal epidermal layer; melanophages in the superficial dermis; and, rarely, acanthosis, perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate, and hyperkeratosis. Intraoral pigmentation might be the only sign of AD; thus, early recognition is mandatory, and biopsy is helpful in selected cases. The buccal area is the most affected location; other sites are palatine arches, lips, gums, and tongue. Pigmented oral lesions are patchy or diffuse; mostly asymptomatic; and occasionally accompanied by pain, itchiness, and burn-like lesions. Pigmented lingual patches are isolated or multiple, located on dorsal and lateral areas; fungiform pigmented papillae are also reported in AD individuals. Dermoscopy examination is particularly indicated for fungal etiology; yet, it is not routinely performed. AD’s comorbidity burden includes the cluster of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 1 underlying AIRE gene malfunction. Chronic cutaneomucosal candidiasis (CMC), including oral CMC, represents the first sign of APS1 in 70–80% of cases, displaying autoantibodies against interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F ± IL-22, and probably a high mucosal concentration of interferon (IFN)-γ. CMC is prone to systemic candidiasis, representing a procarcinogenic status due to Th17 cell anomalies. In APS1, the first cause of mortality is infections (24%), followed by oral and esophageal cancers (15%). Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism (HyP) is the earliest endocrine element in APS1; a combination of CMC by the age of 5 years and dental enamel hypoplasia (the most frequent dental complication of pediatric HyP) by the age of 15 is an indication for HyP assessment. Children with HyP might experience short dental roots, enamel opacities, hypodontia, and eruption dysfunctions. Copresence of APS-related type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) enhances the risk of CMC, as well as periodontal disease (PD). Anemia-related mucosal pallor is related to DM, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, corresponding gastroenterological diseases (Crohn’s disease also presents oral ulceration (OU), mucogingivitis, and a 2–3 times higher risk of PD; Biermer anemia might cause hyperpigmentation by itself), and rheumatologic diseases (lupus induces OU, honeycomb plaques, keratotic plaques, angular cheilitis, buccal petechial lesions, and PD). In more than half of the patients, associated vitiligo involves depigmentation of oral mucosa at different levels (palatal, gingival, alveolar, buccal mucosa, and lips). Celiac disease may manifest xerostomia, dry lips, OU, sialadenitis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis and dental enamel defects in children, a higher prevalence of caries and dentin sensitivity, and gingival bleeding. Oral pigmented lesions might provide a useful index of suspicion for AD in apparently healthy individuals, and thus an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation is useful. The spectrum of autoimmune AD comorbidities massively complicates the overall picture of oral manifestations.

New Entity-Thalassemic Endocrine Disease: Major Beta-Thalassemia and Endocrine Involvement

Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a recessively inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorder, causes iron overload (IO), extra-medullary haematopoiesis and bone marrow expansion with major clinical impact. The main objective of this review is to address endocrine components (including aspects of reproductive health as fertility potential and pregnancy outcome) in major beta-thalassemia patients, a complex panel known as thalassemic endocrine disease (TED). We included English, full-text articles based on PubMed research (January 2017–June 2022). TED includes hypogonadism (hypoGn), anomalies of GH/IGF1 axes with growth retardation, hypothyroidism (hypoT), hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT), glucose profile anomalies, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), and deterioration of microarchitecture with increased fracture risk (FR). The prevalence of each ED varies with population, criteria of definition, etc. At least one out of every three to four children below the age of 12 y have one ED. ED correlates with ferritin and poor compliance to therapy, but not all studies agree. Up to 86% of the adult population is affected by an ED. Age is a positive linear predictor for ED. Low IGF1 is found in 95% of the population with GH deficiency (GHD), but also in 93.6% of persons without GHD. HypoT is mostly pituitary-related; it is not clinically manifested in the majority of cases, hence the importance of TSH/FT4 screening. HypoT is found at any age, with the prevalence varying between 8.3% and 30%. Non-compliance to chelation increases the risk of hypoT, yet not all studies confirmed the correlation with chelation history (reversible hypoT under chelation is reported). The pitfalls of TSH interpretation due to hypophyseal IO should be taken into consideration. HypoPT prevalence varies from 6.66% (below the age of 12) to a maximum of 40% (depending on the study). Serum ferritin might act as a stimulator of FGF23. Associated hypocalcaemia transitions from asymptomatic to severe manifestations. HypoPT is mostly found in association with growth retardation and hypoGn. TED-associated adrenal dysfunction is typically mild; an index of suspicion should be considered due to potential life-threatening complications. Periodic check-up by ACTH stimulation test is advised. Adrenal insufficiency/hypocortisolism status is the rarest ED (but some reported a prevalence of up to one third of patients). Significantly, many studies did not routinely perform a dynamic test. Atypical EM sites might be found in adrenals, mimicking an incidentaloma. Between 7.5–10% of children with major BTH have DM; screening starts by the age of 10, and ferritin correlated with glycaemia. Larger studies found DM in up to 34%of cases. Many studies do not take into consideration IGF, IGT, or do not routinely include OGTT. Glucose anomalies are time dependent. Emerging new markers represent promising alternatives, such as insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. The pitfalls of glucose profile interpretation include the levels of HbA1c and the particular risk of gestational DM. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is related to hypoGn-related osteoporosis, renal function anomalies, DM, GHD, malnutrition, chronic hypoxia-induced calcium malabsorption, and transplant-associated protocols. Low BMD was identified in both paediatric and adult population; the prevalence of osteoporosis/TBD in major BTH patients varies; the highest rate is 40–72% depending on age, studied parameters, DXA evaluation and corrections, and screening thoracic–lumbar spine X-ray. Lower TBS and abnormal dynamics of bone turnover markers are reported. The largest cohorts on transfusion-dependent BTH identified the prevalence of hypoGn to be between 44.5% and 82%. Ferritin positively correlates with pubertal delay, and negatively with pituitary volume. Some authors appreciate hypoGn as the most frequent ED below the age of 15. Long-term untreated hypoGn induces a high cardiovascular risk and increased FR. Hormonal replacement therapy is necessary in addition to specific BTH therapy. Infertility underlines TED-related hormonal elements (primary and secondary hypoGn) and IO-induced gonadal toxicity. Males with BTH are at risk of infertility due to germ cell loss. IO induces an excessive amount of free radicals which impair the quality of sperm, iron being a local catalyser of ROS. Adequate chelation might improve fertility issues. Due to the advances in current therapies, the reproductive health of females with major BTH is improving; a low level of statistical significance reflects the pregnancy status in major BTH (limited data on spontaneous pregnancies and growing evidence of the induction of ovulation/assisted reproductive techniques). Pregnancy outcome also depends on TED approach, including factors such as DM control, adequate replacement of hypoT and hypoPT, and vitamin D supplementation for bone health. Asymptomatic TED elements such as subclinical hypothyroidism or IFG/IGT might become overt during pregnancy. Endocrine glands are particularly sensitive to iron deposits, hence TED includes a complicated puzzle of EDs which massively impacts on the overall picture, including the quality of life in major BTH. The BTH prognostic has registered progress in the last decades due to modern therapy, but the medical and social burden remains elevated. Genetic counselling represents a major step in approaching TH individuals, including as part of the pre-conception assessment. A multidisciplinary surveillance team is mandatory.

COVID-19 infection: from stress-related cortisol levels to adrenal glands infarction

Cortisol is a key element in acute stress including a severe infection. However, in coronavirus-associated disease, 20% of subjects experience hypocortisolemia due to direct or immune damage of pituitary and adrenal glands. One extreme form of adrenal insufficiency is found in 2∕3 of cases with viral and post-viral adrenal infarction (AI) (with∕without adrenal hemorrhage) that is mostly associated with a severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection; it requires prompt glucocorticoid intervention. Some reports are incidental findings at computed tomography (CT)∕magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for non-adrenal complications like pulmonary spreading and others are seen on post-mortem analysis. This is a review of PubMed-accessible, English papers focusing on AI in addition to the infection, between March 1, 2020 and November 1, 2021. Exclusion criteria were acute adrenal insufficiency without the histopathological (HP) and∕or imaging report of adrenal enlargement, necrosis, etc., respective adrenal failure due to pituitary causes, or non-COVID-19-related adrenal events. We identified a total of 84 patients (different levels of statistical evidence), as follows: a retrospective study on 51 individuals, two post-mortem studies comprising nine, respectively 12 patients, a case series of five subjects, seven single-case reports. HP aspects include necrosis associated with ischemia, cortical lipid degeneration (+/- focal adrenalitis), and infarcts at the level of adrenal cortex, blood clot into vessels, acute fibrinoid necrosis in arterioles and capsules, as well as subendothelial vacuolization. Collateral potential contributors to adrenal damage are thrombotic events, coagulation anomalies, antiphospholipid syndrome, endothelial dysfunction, severe COVID-19 infection with multiorgan failure, etc. Clinical picture is variable from acute primary adrenal insufficiency to asymptomatic or mild evolution, even a retrospective diagnostic; it may be a part of long COVID-19 syndrome; glucocorticoid therapy for non-adrenal considerations might mask cortisol deficient status due to AI∕hemorrhage. Despite its rarity, the COVID-19-associated AI/hemorrhage represents a challenging new chapter, a condition that is essential to be recognized due to its gravity since prompt intervention with glucocorticoid replacement is lifesaving.

Primary hyperparathyroidism-related giant parathyroid adenoma (Review)

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), an endocrine condition caused by a parathyroid adenoma (PTA) in 80-85% of the cases, has shifted in the modern era to a mildly symptomatic phenotype due to the prompt recognition of hypercalcemia and to a minimally invasive surgical approach which has a curative potential. Clinical complications of PHTH are either related to high calcium or parathyroid hormone [also parathormone (PTH)] or both, while the originating tumor typically is small, without local mass effects. A distinct entity is represented by giant PTA (GPTA) which is considered at a weight of more than 3 (3.5) grams. The present article is a review of the literature involving practical points of non-syndromic PHPT-related GPTA. Most authors agree that pre-operatory calcium and PTH are higher in GPTA vs. non-GPTA. However, the clinical presentation of PHPT may be less severe, probably due to local mass effects that bring the patient to an early medical evaluation. Age distribution, sex ratio, rate of successful pre-operatory location do not differ from non-giant PTA. Hypovitaminosis D is more frequent in PTA of higher dimensions. Post-operative hypocalcemia, but not recurrent/persistent PHPT, is expected, even hungry bone disease. A higher rate of atypia is described although the tumor is mostly benign. Unusual presentations such as cystic transformation, initial diagnosis during pregnancy or auto-infarction have been reported. The ectopic localization of PTA presented in almost 15% of all cases may also be found in GPTA. What are the exact cutoffs for defining GPTA is still an open issue.

COVID-19 and Basedow disease

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) heavily hits the human body through various and dramatic ways, and endocrine system is not an exception. Our purpose is to update the concepts around subjects diagnosed with Basedow disease (BD) before, after or during experiencing COVID-19 infection. This is a literature review based on full-length, English papers that are available through PubMed (published between 2020 and 2021). Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 receptors are expressed at thyroid level and this might explain why an active coronavirus infection activates the BD especially in patients with a potential predisposition. Also, the new diagnostic of BD might follow a COVID-19 infection (within weeks). Simultaneously dealing with both conditions requires a more challenging multidisciplinary management, while the diagnostic of thyroid condition after recovery from infection is more likely to follow the general pattern of evolution (as seen in non-COVID-19 cases). A previous diagnostic of autoimmune hyperthyroidism means mostly either: BD is remitted after prior medication treatment with anti-thyroid drugs and/or radioiodine therapy (normal thyroid function), the patient has iatrogenic hypothyroidism that was induced after thyroidectomy or after radioiodine therapy (requiring daily oral levothyroxine substitution) or the subject is under thiamazol (or similar drugs) with either controlled or uncontrolled thyroid function. Most of the clinical studies agree (but not all) that people with treated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are not susceptible to a higher morbidity or mortality concerning coronavirus infection. One exception is concurrent medication with anti-thyroid drugs with a higher risk of agranulocytosis which is a prone condition to any kind of infection. Graves’ ophthalmopathy may be synchronous or not with an active thyroid disease. Except for mild forms, typically the condition requires glucocorticoid therapy, preferably a short course of intravenous methylprednisolone which exposes the patient to a higher risk of an infection, including COVID-19. Recently, BD was suspected to be induced or aggravated by COVID-19 vaccination which is still a matter of discussion.

Pediatric adrenal incidentaloma

The term of “incidentaloma” involves multiple disciplines of the medicine, especially on the era of modern medicine with massive progress of investigations tools that increased the epidemiological implications of this entity. “Endocrine incidentaloma” represents a term mostly used for adrenals and pituitary glands (and less used for thyroid where it is replaced by the term of “thyroid nodule”). Adult adrenal incidentaloma (AAI) is expected to be found up to 5-20% of population depending on age group, co-morbidities, radiological/imaging method (the incidence increases with age), and not in children. We aim to overview the spectrum of pediatric AI (PAI) as an umbrella term for various histological and endocrine conditions. This is a brief narrative review of literature. Inclusion criteria are: PubMed published papers, in extenso articles (English language), the year of publication between 2016 and 2021; the selection is based on clinical relevance. A number of 70 references is included. PAI may be related to various tumors of the cortex and medulla, while AAI mostly means an adrenocortical adenoma with a very good prognostic. AAI diagnostic (based not only on radiological, but also an endocrine assessment) exceptionally underlines an adrenocortical carcinoma or evolves to a malignancy while in pediatric population the eventuality of an incidental adrenocortical carcinoma is not so rare (the non-functional pattern is more frequent in children than in adults). Neural crest-derived tumors may be located at adrenal levels; while ganglioneuroma is a benign tumor which typically respects the incidental detection, neuroblastoma is mostly aggressive and the clinical presentation suggestive for a malignancy is more frequent rather than a completely asymptomatic picture. 10-14% of pheochromocytomas are incidentally detected; however, the adrenalectomy is imperative, regardless the phenotype. PAI represents a large multidisciplinary field which is still a matter of debate in certain areas. The key message is the fact that accidental detection of an adrenal mass on an apparently healthy child needs careful examination; serial follow-up is less likely the elective approach (opposite to adult population) since adrenalectomy provides adequate histological report in order to sustain the endocrine and imaging workup.

Melanoma in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (Review)

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a cancer-prone, autosomal dominant syndrome caused by underlying germline gene mutations of TP53, a tumor-suppressor gene encoding the p53 protein with a major role in apoptosis, DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. Cumulative cancer incidence for LFS patients by the age of 70 years is 80-100%, mostly involving adrenocortical carcinoma, brain tumors, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, leukemia and female breast cancer from the age of 20 years. Dominant negative TP53 variant is correlated with an increased tumorigenesis risk in LFS. Sporadic TP53 mutations are related to almost half of global cancers since p53 in addition to p73 protein represent essential players in anticancer cellular protection. Epidemiological aspects concerning skin cancers, especially malignant melanoma (MM), in LFS are less clear. A low level of statistical evidence demonstrates LFS cases with pediatric MM, multiple MM, spitzoid MM, atypical presentations, mucosal and uveal MM. Retrospective cohorts indicate a higher cumulative risk than the general population by the age of 70 years for MM and basal cell carcinoma. Non-syndromic and syndromic TP53 mutations are a major pathway of metastasis, including MM. In LHS, an important level of awareness involves skin cancers despite not being a part of the typical malignancy-containing picture. Additional data are crucially needed. However, at least one dermatologic control is a step in the multidisciplinary panel of surveillance of these patients; but in cases with benign and pre-malign pigmentations, serial dermatoscopy and full body photography are recommended for early melanoma detection in order to improve the prognosis and to reduce the overall malignancy burden.

Aggressive prolactinoma (Review)

Aggressive prolactinoma (APRL) is a subgroup of aggressive pituitary tumors (accounting for 10% of all hypophyseal neoplasia) which are defined by: invasion based on radiological and/or histological features, a higher proliferation profile when compared to typical adenomas and rapidly developing resistance to standard medication/protocols in addition to an increased risk of early recurrence. This is a narrative review focusing on APRL in terms of both presentation and management. Upon admission, the suggestive features may include increased serum prolactin with a large tumor diameter (mainly >4 cm), male sex, early age at diagnosis (<20 years), and genetic predisposition [multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP), succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) gene mutations]. Potential prognostic factors are indicated by assessment of E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) status. Furthermore, during management, APRL may be associated with dopamine agonist (DA) resistance (described in 10-20% of all prolactinomas), post-hypophysectomy relapse, mitotic count >2, Ki-67 proliferation index ≥3%, the need for radiotherapy, lack of response in terms of controlling prolactin levels and tumor growth despite multimodal therapy. However, none of these as an isolated element serves as a surrogate of APRL diagnosis. A fourth-line therapy is necessary with temozolomide, an oral alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, that may induce tumor reduction and serum prolactin reduction in 75% of cases but only 8% have a normalization of prolactin levels. Controversies surrounding the duration of therapy still exist; also regarding the fifth-line therapy, post-temozolomide intervention. Recent data suggest alternatives such as somatostatin analogues (pasireotide), checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab, nivolumab), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (lapatinib), and mTOR inhibitors (everolimus). APRL represents a complex condition that is still challenging, and multimodal therapy is essential.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Skin manifestations and endocrine anomalies (Review)

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare autosomal dominant serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11)/ liver kinase B1 (LKB1) gene-related genodermatosis, is characterized by oral hyperpigmentation (OHP); multiple gastro-intestinal mucosal benign hamartomatous polyps causing local bleeding, occlusion, intussusception, post-resection small bowel syndrome, associated increased risk of small intestinal cancer (incidence during the third decade); and 76% cumulative higher risk than the global population of developing non-gastrointestinal tumors (female predominance) including ovarian/testicular neoplasia, pancreatic and gynecologic (breast, uterus, ovarian) cancers. Suggestive PJS-associated OHP requires STK11 genetic testing. Abdominal pain in an OHP patient may be related to PJS-associated polyps. Other features include focal depigmentation followed by hyperpigmentation, and xeroderma pigmentosum-like lesions. The severity of the dermatological findings is correlated with gastrointestinal polyps. The STK11 gene is linked to reserve of primordial follicles, polycystic ovary syndrome, female fertility, and spermatogenesis. PJS is associated with 2 types of ovarian sex-cord stroma tumors (SCSTs): annular tubules (SCTATs) and pure Sertoli cell tumors. SCSTs accounts for 8% of ovarian cancer and SCTATs represents 2% of SCST, which may be associated with the overproduction of progesterone. PJS-SCTAT vs. non-PJS-SCTAT reveals bilateral/multifocal, small tumors with a benign behavior vs. a unique ovarian, large tumor with increased malignant/metastasis risk. Male precocious puberty is due to large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors (LCCSCTs). Notably, 30-40% of LCCSCTs are caused by PJS or Carney complex. PJS-LCCSCT is not aggressive, but it may be bilateral/multifocal, with the ultrasound hallmark being micro-calcifications. Testicular, intra-tubular large cell hyalinizing Sertoli cell tumor is the second testicle neoplasia in PJS. The skin and mucosal lesions are useful markers of PJS, assisting with the early identification of hamartomatouspolyps and initiation of serial surveillance of ovarian, or testicular neoplasia.

Adrenal ganglioneuroma: Prognostic factors (Review)

Ganglioneuroma, a rare neural crest-derived tumor, exhibits a benign profile in contrast to other neuroblastic tumors (neuroblastoma/ganglioneuroblastoma). Ganglioneuromas can be found anywhere autonomic ganglia are located, mostly abdominal/pelvic sites followed by the adrenal glands (one-third of cases), mediastinum/thorax and cervical area. Affecting especially children more than 10 years of age, Ganglioneuroma is either asymptomatic or may cause local compressive effects; rarely inducing nonspecific abdominal complains or arterial hypertension related to oversecretion of epinephrine/norepinephrine/dopamine. Despite a good prognosis, adrenalectomy is necessary in order to rule out a malignancy. Open procedure represents the standard therapeutic option; alternatively, centers with large laparoscopic pediatric experience and good stratification protocols have reported successful procedures. High uptake of I¹²³-MIBG is associated with a more severe outcome in cases with increased mitotic index. In neuroblastic tumors, neuron-specific enolase >33 ng/ml, age at diagnosis <49 months, and blood vessel invasion indicate a poor prognosis. Concurrent extra-adrenal/adrenal ganglioneuroma is associated with a more severe prognosis; post-surgical complications are more frequent in non-adrenal vs. adrenal ganglioneuroma. Exceptionally, immune-mediated paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes have been reported: anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome. ROHHAD syndrome is the underlying cause in 40-56% of cases of neuroendocrine tumors including ganglioneuroma; 70% of tumors are diagnosed within the first 24 months after hypothalamic obesity onset, associated with a severe prognosis due to hypoventilation, sleep apnea, and dysautonomia. Recently, the PKB/AKT/mTOR/S6 pathway was identified as a tumorigenic pathway in pediatric ganglioneuroma, not in neuroblastoma; mTOR inhibitors are a potential option for pre-operatory tumor shrinkage. Pediatric adrenal ganglioneuroma has a good prognosis if adequately treated; its recognition requires adrenalectomy. Further development of specific biomarkers is needed. In the present article, we aimed to introduce a review of the literature involving adrenal ganglioneuroma based on a practical, multidisciplinary perspective of prognostic factors.

Skin anomalies in acromegalic patients (Review of the practical aspects)

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder which occurs as the result of growth hormone (GH) and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) over-secretion; both hormones are related to skin anomalies. The skin acts as a large endocrine organ, hosting GH receptors in every cell while IGF-1 receptors are expressed only in keratinocytes. This review is a literature review of skin anomalies found in acromegaly, either related to the disease itself or associated with related complications such as secondary diabetes mellitus, or involving associated conditions such as genetic syndromes. The following clinical points are mentioned as follows. Excessive skin and enlargement of soft tissue are due to glycosaminoglycan deposits, edema, and hyperhidrosis (mostly facial and acral). Acanthosis nigricans, a body fold dermatosis associated with insulin resistance, involves local or diffuse hyperkeratotic plaques with or without hyperpigmentation, caused by growth factors including GH/IGF-1. Other findings include cherry angiomas (due to the effects of lipid anomalies on small vessels); oily skin features with keratosis, epidermoid cysts, crochordons, pseudo-acanthosis nigricans; a potentially higher prevalence of varicose veins and psoriasis; low level of evidence for basal cell carcinoma, respective hidroadenitis suppurativa has been noted. In addition, complicated uncontrolled secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) may result in necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, diabetic dermopathy, skin bacterial infections, dermatological complications of diabetic neuropathy, and nephropathy. Finally, associated hereditary syndromes may cause collagenomas, fibromas/angiofibromas, lipomas in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome; café-au-lait macules, early onset neurofibromas, juvenile xanthogranuloma (involving non-Langerhans cell histiocytes), and intertriginous freckling in neurofibromatosis type 1. Clinical findings are differentiated from pseudo-acromegaly such as pachydermoperiostosis. Iatrogenic rash, lipodystrophy (lipoatrophy with/without lipohypertrophy) are rarely reported after pegvisomant/somatostatin analogues or after insulin use for DM. Experiments using human cell lines have shown that GH/IGF-1 over-secretion are prone to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in melanoma. In non-acromegalic subjects, the exact role of GH/IGF-1 in skin tumorigenesis is yet to be determined. Skin in acromegaly speaks for itself, either as the first step of disease identification or as a complication or part of a complex syndromic context.

Neuroendocrine neoplasia and bone (Review)

This is a narrative review focusing on neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) and bone status, in terms of metastases and osteoporosis/fractures. One fifth of NEN have skeletal dissemination, this affinity being regulated by intrinsic tumor factors such as the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Bone colonization impairs the patient quality of life, representing a surrogate of reduced survival. Patients with NEN without bone metastases may exhibit low bone mineral density, perhaps carcinoid-related osteoporosis, yet not a standardized cause of osteoporosis. Case-finding strategies to address bone health in NEN with a good prognosis are lacking. Contributors to fractures in NEN subjects may include: menopausal status and advanced age, different drugs, induced hypogonadism, malnutrition, malabsorption (due to intestinal resection, carcinoid syndrome), hypovitaminosis D, impaired glucose profile (due to excessive hormones such as glucagon, somatostatinoma or use of somatostatin analogues), various corticoid regimes, and high risk of fall due to sarcopenia. Pheocromocytoma/paraganglioma involve bone through malignant forms (bone is an elective site) and potential secondary osteoporosis due to excessive hormonal content and increased sympathetic activity which is a key player of bone microarchitecture/quality as reflected by low Trabecular Bone Score. Glucocorticoid osteoporosis is related to NEN-associated ectopic Cushing syndrome. Currently, there are a lack of studies to emphasis that excessive gut-derivate serotonin in NENs with carcinoid syndrome is a specific activator of bone loss thus a contributor to carcinoid-related osteoporosis.

COVID-19-related thyroid conditions (Review)

In patients who were not previously diagnosed with any thyroid conditions, the scenario of COVID-19-related anomalies of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axes may include either: A process of central thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) disturbances via virus-related hypophysitis; an atypical type of subacute thyroiditis which is connected to the virus spread or to excessive cytokine production including a destructive process with irreversible damage of the gland or low T3 (triiodothyronine) syndrome (so called non-thyroid illness syndrome) which is not specifically related to the COVID-19 infection, but which is associated with a very severe illness status. Our objective here was to briefly review thyroid changes due to the COVID-19 infection. Ongoing assessment of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will reveal more information on coronavirus-induced thyroid conditions. Routine thyroid assays performed in patients with severe infection/at acute phase of COVID-19 are encouraged in order to detect thyrotoxicosis. After recovery, thyroid function should be assessed to identify potential hypothyroidism. There remain unanswered questions related to the prognostic value of interleukin-6 in infected patients, especially in cases with cytokine storm, and the necessity of thyroid hormone replacement in subjects with hypophysitis-related central hypothyroidism.

Predictors of early and sustained virological response of viral hepatitis C

Due to complex interplay between host and viral factors, pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered a challenging issue. Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not confined only to liver but can induce disturbances in many other organs and systems. Our primary aim for this study was to evaluate biological response rates and sustained virological response (SVR) in patients diagnosed with CHC, treated with Interferon-alpha (IFN-α), Pegylated (PEG)–IFN-α2a or -α2b plus Ribavirin. The second aim of the study was the identification of predictive factors for a favorable response to antiviral therapy in patients diagnosed with CHC. We enrolled in this study 210 patients diagnosed with CHC who have accomplished all inclusion and exclusion criteria, treated with PEG–IFN plus Ribavirin. Patients’ recovery progress has been evaluated by determining: age, gender; biochemical tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST); serological assays – detect anti-HCV antibody and molecular assays – detect, quantify and/or characterize hepatitis C viral load (ribonucleic acid) (HCV-RNA); liver histopathological (HP) examination. According to their response to treatment, they were classified into responders (n=145) and non-responders (n=65). Liver biopsies were histopathologically evaluated for necroinflammatory grade and fibrosis stage according to the modified Ishak and Metavir scoring systems for chronic hepatitis. Demographic, laboratory, and HP results were introduced in statistical analysis. These parameters were included in area under curve (AUC) analysis in order to estimate their degree of influence on getting early virological response (EVR) and SVR. Our study demonstrates that factors connected to treatment failure in CHC are linked to older age, high hepatitis C viral load, and impaired glucose tolerance at beginning of treatment [high fasting glucose and insulin, high homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index] and also to liver histology features (high fibrosis score, liver steatosis, iron infiltration, and more or less high necroinflammatory activity). Analyzing results of our study shows that HOMA-IR index, serum insulin levels, baseline HCV-RNA, baseline mean blood glucose and HP score like Ishak fibrosis score, steatosis score and liver iron score may have a predictive value for obtaining an EVR in patients diagnosed with CHC.

Vitiligo and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

Vitiligo, the discoloration of the skin, has different autoimmune mechanisms reflected by many biomarkers as shown by skin histology, staining for CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, chemokine ligand 9 or circulating cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1 beta, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, antibodies, markers of oxidative stress, chemokines, and others. In this narrative review, we aim to overview vitiligo in relationship with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Regarding vitiligo, more than 50 different genetic loci have been associated with this disease, and the heritability is high. There is a 20% risk of an environmental connection which may also act as a trigger; moreover, the association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression is well recognized. The specific lesions display CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells as continuous key activators of melanocytes. The association with chronic thyroiditis is based on common autoimmune background and excessive reactive oxygen species that destroy melanocytes and thyrocytes (oxidative stress hypothesis) with thyroxine and melanin as target molecules, thus sharing a common origin: tyrosine. Moreover, common epigenetic anomalies or mutations of the Forkhead transcription factor D3 (FOXD3) have been described. Since vitiligo affects up to 1–2% of the population worldwide and 34% of patients have positive thyroid antibodies, apart from common autoimmunity background and oxidative stress toxicity, the association is clinically relevant for different practitioners.

Anorexia nervosa: COVID-19 pandemic period (Review)

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight. It is a disease with an increasing incidence during the last few decades, and represents a complex psychiatric condition which includes secondary amenorrhea, nutritional and metabolic damage, and impaired endocrine panel up to bone loss as well as cardiac, gastrointestinal and hematological complications. This is a narrative review which includes an update on this eating disorder from the perspective of an endocrine panel of anomalies, especially of the skeleton, considering the pressure of the recent global COVID-19 pandemic changes. Practically affecting every organ, anorexia nervosa needs to be taken into consideration during the pandemic period because of the higher risk of relapse due to new living conditions, social distancing, self-isolation, changes in food access, more intense use of social media platforms, disruption of daily habits, and more difficult access to healthcare practitioners. The lack of physical activity in addition to vitamin D deficiency related to low sun exposure or to the use of facial masks may also be connected to further bone damage related to this disease.

Somatostatin receptors in normal and acromegalic somatotroph cells: the U-turn of the clinician to immunohistochemistry report - a review

This is a narrative review of literature introducing somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) as part of understanding the somatotroph cells since they are positive in normal cells but also in tumoral cells as seen in somatotropinoma, a growth hormone (GH)-producing neoplasia, which causes acromegaly. They are five subtypes of SSTRs (1 to 5), which are immunohistochemically positive in different proportions in somatotropinomas. SSTR types 2 and 5 are most frequent in GH-secreting adenomas and they are both targeted by medical therapy with somatostatin analogues (SSTAs) like first generation Octreotide and Lanreotide (mainly targeting SSTR2) and second generation Pasireotide (with highest affinity for SSTR5), thus heterogeneous SSTRs configuration into the tumor explains different pattern of response to treatment and it might predict it once the SSTRs immunostaining is performed. Monoclonal antibodies are used for immunohistochemical detection of SSTRs; currently, a lack of standardization is presented, and scoring systems, such as Volante, H-score or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-score, are applied. Immunoreactive markers like SSTRs are the U-turn in clinical practice regarding somatotropinomas since the configuration of subtypes 2 and 5 explains the responsiveness to medical therapy like SSTA. Further achievement of disease control is imperiously necessary because acromegaly has an increased rate of morbidity and mortality.

Glucocorticoids and Trabecular Bone Score

TBS (Trabecular Bone Score) is the latest tool for clinicians to evaluate bone micro-architecture based on a pixel greyscale, which is provided by lumbar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Its use enhances fracture prediction in addition to DXA-BMD (Bone Mineral Density). This is independent of fracture risk assessment (FRAX) and DXA results. We present a narrative review regarding the connection between TBS and Glucocorticoids (GC), either as a drug used for different conditions or as a tumor-produced endogenous excess.

TBS is a better discriminator for GC-induced vertebral fractures compared to DXA-BMD. This aspect is similarly available for patients with osteoporosis diagnosed by DXA. TBS is inversely correlated with the cumulative dose of GC (systemic or inhaled), with disease duration, and positively correlated with respiratory function in patients with asthma. Low TBS values are found in females with a T-score at the hip within the osteoporosis range, with diabetes mellitus, or who use GC. Lumbar TBS is a screening tool in menopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. TBS is an independent parameter that provides information regarding skeleton deterioration in diabetic patients receiving GC therapy in a manner complementary to DXA-BMD. TBS might become an essential step regarding the adrenalectomy decision in patients with adrenal incidentaloma in whom autonomous cortisol secretion might damage bone micro-architecture. TBS currently represents a standard tool of fracture risk evaluation in patients receiving GC therapy or with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, a tool easy to be applied by different practitioners since GCs are largely used

Ovarian Sertoli cell tumours: practical points

Rarity of Sertoli cell tumours contributes to a low index of suspicion and therefore a thorough knowledge of the clinicopathological and immunological characteristics of such tumours is essential to diagnosis and proper management of the treatment and follow-up. The current narrative review of literature was planned to focus on ovarian Sertoli cell tumours that arise from the sex cords cells, which are typically benign unilateral neoplasia incidentally detected, or associated with hormonal hyperactivity, in women of reproductive age. A priory unpublished case of a 35-year old female is also introduced as the base of discussion Abdominal massrelated syndrome and vaginal bleeding anomalies have been reported. Genetic background, if presented, is mostly related to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome caused by STK11/LKB1 mutation. The tumour displays a microscopic tubular pattern and rarely displays cords or trabecular, retiform, spindles, diffuse or areolar structures. Although immunohistochemistry can be helpful in establishing the diagnosis, the results are sometimes inconclusive and the current results require new research to establish a specific immunological panel.