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Cilia K, Mifsud S, Craus S, Vella S, Dingli N. Encephalitis as an initial presentation of type 2 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e257731. [PMID: 38123318 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a woman in her mid-20s presenting with encephalitis as the initial presentation of type 2 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT). She was on amiodarone in view of a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Symptomatology included acute personality change and focal myoclonic jerks.Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a non-specific protein count elevation with negative microbiology, virology, autoimmune screen and onconeural antibodies. The electroencephalogram was consistent with a generalised cerebral dysrhythmia. An MRI of the head revealed symmetrical oedema within the motor cortices and a high T2 signal within the cerebellar dentate nuclei, with no restricted diffusion. Blood investigations confirmed thyrotoxicosis with negative antithyroid antibodies. She did not fulfil the criteria for a thyroid storm. Other possible causes of encephalitis were excluded.There was an excellent clinical, laboratory and radiological response to glucocorticoids, suggesting a diagnosis of steroid-responsive encephalitis secondary to type 2-AIT in the absence of a thyroid storm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Cilia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Simon Mifsud
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Craus
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Sandro Vella
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Nicola Dingli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Mifsud S, Montanaro G, Craus S, Mifsud EL, Gruppetta M. Thiazide diuretics and primary hyperparathyroidism. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2023; 84:1-8. [PMID: 38153014 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2023.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Thiazide diuretics exert a natriuretic and diuretic effect by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. Furthermore, thiazide diuretics affect renal calcium handling by increasing calcium reabsorption, leading to hypocalciuria. The effect that thiazide diuretics exert on parathyroid hormone secretion is controversial. Some studies found parathyroid hormone levels were suppressed with the use of thiazide diuretics, while others found that thiazides were associated with initial parathyroid hormone suppression followed by raised parathyroid hormone levels. This makes the relationship between thiazide diuretics and primary hyperparathyroidism interesting. If a patient is taking thiazide diuretics, this may make it harder to establish the aetiology of hypercalcaemia and may unmask normocalcaemic or mild primary hyperparathyroidism. Thiazide diuretics may have a beneficial role in the diagnosis of patients with concomitant hyperparathyroidism and hypercalciuria by distinguishing secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by hypercalciuria from normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, thiazide diuretics may have a role in managing patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who have an indication for parathyroidectomy in view of significant hypercalciuria, but are unfit for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Mifsud
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Sarah Craus
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Emma L Mifsud
- Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Mark Gruppetta
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Attard CDC, Craus S, Scicluna W, Fava S. A retroperitoneal ectopic adrenocortical carcinoma in a patient with Cushing's syndrome. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2023; 84:1-4. [PMID: 37646544 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2023.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Craus
- Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Warren Scicluna
- Medical Imaging Department, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Stephen Fava
- Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
- Department of Medicine, University of Malta Medical School, Msida, Malta
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Abstract
The term 'diabetic foot disease' (DFD) often signifies the presence of foot ulceration and infection, but one must also be wary of the rarer occurrence of Charcot foot disease. The worldwide prevalence of DFD is 6.3% (95%CI: 5.4-7.3%). Foot complications present a major challenge to both patients and healthcare systems, with increased rates of hospitalisation and an almost trebled 5-year mortality. The Charcot foot often occurs in patients with long-standing diabetes, presenting as an inflamed or swollen foot or ankle, following unrecognised minor trauma. This review focuses on the prevention and early identification of the 'at-risk' foot. DFD is best managed by a multi-disciplinary foot clinic team consisting of podiatrists and healthcare professionals. This ensures a combination of expertise and provision of a multi-faceted evidence-based treatment plan. Current research using endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offers a new dimension in wound management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David V Coppini
- University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, Dorset, UK, and visiting fellow, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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Craus S, Mifsud EL, Mifsud S, Vella S. Management of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism with cinacalcet hydrochloride. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2023; 84:1-3. [PMID: 36708345 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2022.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Craus
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Emma L Mifsud
- Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Simon Mifsud
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Sandro Vella
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Mangion J, Imbroll MG, Craus S, Vassallo J, Gruppetta M. Epidemiology and blood parameter changes in Cushing's syndrome - a population-based study. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:467-476. [PMID: 35793065 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide complete epidemiological data on Cushing's syndrome (CS) with analysis and differentiation of biochemical parameters, including blood count indices and serum inflammation-based scores. METHODS Clinical records of 35 patients diagnosed with CS between 2008 and 2020 at Malta's only central National Health Service hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed clinical and biochemical data were obtained for each patient. Correlation and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were used to establish a threshold value for different variables to predict malignant CS. RESULTS Standardized incidence rate (SIR) (/million/year) of CS was 4.5, and SIR of Cushing's disease (CD) was 2.3, 0.5 for ectopic CS, 1.5 for cortisol secreting adrenal adenoma, and 0.3 cases for cortisol-producing ACC. Malignant cause of CS had statistically significantly higher cortisol levels and size of tumor and lower potassium at diagnosis (P < 0.001). Additionally, malignant causes had a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.001) and systemic immune inflammation index (P = 0.005) and a lower lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (P < 0.001). Using ROC curve analysis to predict malignant cause of CS, a potassium level of < 3.05 was 75% sensitive and 100% specific (ROC-AUC 0.907, P = 0.001), a post-ODST cortisol level of > 841 nmol/L was 100% sensitive and 91% specific (ROC-AUC 0.981, P < 0.001), while a NLR ratio > 3.9 was 100% sensitive and 57.7% specific (ROC-AUC 0.885, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Biochemical and blood count indices and serum inflammatory-based scores differ remarkably between benign and malignant causes of endogenous CS. Such indices can help predict the severity of disease and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mangion
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
- Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
| | - Miriam Giordano Imbroll
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Craus
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Josanne Vassallo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Mark Gruppetta
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mater Dei Hospital, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
- Neuroendocrine Clinic, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
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Craus S, Gruppetta M. Epidemiology of craniopharyngiomas: a population-based study in Malta. Endocr Oncol 2021; 1:9-16. [PMID: 37435184 PMCID: PMC10265539 DOI: 10.1530/eo-21-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite being benign tumours, craniopharyngiomas are challenging to manage and can cause significant morbidity and mortality in both the paediatric and adult population. The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiology of craniopharyngiomas, patient and tumour characteristics through a population-based study in Malta, enabling a better quantification of the disease burden. Methods Thorough research was carried out to identify the number of patients who were diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas. Epidemiological data, including both standardised incidence rates (SIR) and prevalence rates, were established in a well-defined population. For incidence estimates, patients who were diagnosed between 2008 and 2019 were included. The background population formed 4.8 million patient-years at risk. Result Twenty-nine subjects were identified and included in our study. The overall SIR was 0.3/100,000/year, with a higher SIR for males compared to females (0.4/100,000/year and 0.2/100,000/year, respectively). The highest SIR was recorded in the 10-19 year age group. The estimated prevalence rate amounted to 5.27/100,000 people, with a lower prevalence rate for childhood-onset when compared to the adult-onset category (2.03/100,000 vs 3.24/100,000 people). The median longest tumour diameter was 31.0 mm (IQR 21-41), with a statistically significant difference between childhood- and adult-onset disease; 43.0 mm (IQR 42.5-47.25) vs 27.0 mm (IQR 20.55-31.55) (P = 0.011). Conclusion Through this population-based study, accurate and up-to-date prevalence and incidence rates for craniopharyngiomas are reported. These provide a clearer reflection of the true health burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Craus
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
- Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Mark Gruppetta
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
- Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Grixti SS, Craus S, Fava AM, Mamo J. Maternal cardiovascular disease: insights on pregnancy outcomes. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.07.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Craus S, Grixi SS, Fava AM, Mamo J. Immunity against Varicella in patients attending the Antenatal Clinic. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.07.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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