18F-Fluorcholine-PET/CT for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and optimizing surgical treatment in patients with hyperparathyroidism

Objective

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common endocrine disorder. Definitive cure can only be reached by surgical removal of all diseased glands. The surgical strategy and management continue to evolve. Exact preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning glands is of paramount importance to prevent unnecessary surgical exploration. Unfortunately, the number of false negative or inconclusive results in standard imaging techniques is rather high. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-Fluorcholine-PET/CT (FCH-PET/CT) and its sensitivity in a large cohort of patients with primary as well as secondary/tertiary and familial HPT with negative and/or discordant findings in ultrasound and/or 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy/SPECT/CT.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2020 96 patients with HPT and negative/equivocal conventional imaging were referred for FCH-PET/CT. 69 patients who have undergone surgery and histopathologic workup were analyzed in this retrospective single institution study. 60 patients suffered from primary HPT, 4 from secondary or tertiary HPT and 5 from familial HPT. Sensitivities, positive predictive values, and accuracies were calculated.

Results

All patients showed normalized serum calcium levels in the direct postoperative period.

50 of 60 patients (8 results are awaited) with primary HPT and 4 of 4 patients with secondary/tertiary HPT showed normal calcium levels after 6 months and were cured. 4 of 5 patients with familial HPT were cured as well while 1 patient deceased before 6 month follow up. Sensitivity per lesion for primary HPT was 88%, for secondary/tertiary HPT 75% and for familial HPT 75%, respectively. Sensitivity per patient was 92% for primary HPT, 100% for secondary/tertiary HPT and 50% for familial HPT, respectively. Positive predictive value was 98% in primary HPT and 100% in secondary/tertiary HPT and 100% in familial HPT as well.

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-Fluorcholine-PET/CT for patients with primary as well as secondary/tertiary and familial hyperparathyreoidism ist excellent . 18F-Fluorcholine-PET/CT is a valuable tool for endocrine surgeons to optimize the surgical treatment of patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Nutritional support during the hospital stay reduces mortality in patients with different types of cancers: secondary analysis of a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Nutritional support in patients with cancer aims at improving quality of life. Whether use of nutritional support is also effective in improving clinical outcomes requires further study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this preplanned secondary analysis of patients with cancer included in a prospective, randomized-controlled, Swiss, multicenter trial (EFFORT), we compared protocol-guided individualized nutritional support (intervention group) to standard hospital food (control group) regarding mortality at 30-day (primary endpoint) and other clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

We analyzed 506 patients with a main admission diagnosis of cancer, including lung cancer (n = 113), gastrointestinal tumors (n = 84), hematological malignancies (n = 108) and other types of cancer (n = 201). Nutritional risk based on Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS 2002) was an independent predictor for mortality over 180 days with an (age-, sex-, center-, type of cancer-, tumor activity- and treatment-) adjusted hazard ratio of 1.29 (95% CI 1.09-1.54; P = 0.004) per point increase in NRS. In the 30-day follow-up period, 50 patients (19.9%) died in the control group compared to 36 (14.1%) in the intervention group resulting in an adjusted odds ratio of 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.94; P = 0.027). Interaction tests did not show significant differences in mortality across the cancer type subgroups. Nutritional support also significantly improved functional outcomes and quality of life measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to usual hospital nutrition without nutrition support, individualized nutritional support reduced the risk of mortality and improved functional and quality of life outcomes in cancer patients with increased nutritional risk. These data further support the inclusion of nutritional care in cancer management guidelines.

Clinical presentation and management of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism of the Swiss Primary Hyperparathyroidism Cohort: a focus on neuro-behavioral and cognitive symptoms

PURPOSE

To describe the clinical and biochemical profile of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) of the Swiss Hyperparathyroidism Cohort, with a focus on neurobehavioral and cognitive symptoms and on their changes in response to parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

From June 2007 to September 2012, 332 patients were enrolled in the Swiss PHPT Cohort Study, a nationwide prospective and non-interventional project collecting clinical, biochemical, and outcome data in newly diagnosed patients. Neuro-behavioral and cognitive status were evaluated annually using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Clock Drawing tests. Follow-up data were recorded every 6 months. Patients with parathyroidectomy had one follow-up visit 3-6 months' postoperatively.

RESULTS

Symptomatic PHPT was present in 43 % of patients. Among asymptomatic patients, 69 % (131/189) had at least one of the US National Institutes for Health criteria for surgery, leaving thus a small number of patients with cognitive dysfunction or neuropsychological symptoms, but without any other indication for surgery. At baseline, a large proportion showed elevated depression and anxiety scores and cognitive dysfunction, but with no association between biochemical manifestations of the disease and test scores. In the 153 (46 %) patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, we observed an improvement in the Mini-Mental State Examination (P = 0.01), anxiety (P = 0.05) and depression (P = 0.05) scores.

CONCLUSION

PHPT patients often present elevated depression and anxiety scores and cognitive dysfunction, but rarely as isolated manifestations. These alterations may be relieved upon treatment by parathyroidectomy.

Clinical risk scores and blood biomarkers as predictors of long-term outcome in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a 6-year prospective follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Prediction of long-term outcomes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is incompletely understood. We investigated the value of clinical risk scores [pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB-65] (Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood Pressure, Age >65 years) and blood biomarkers of different physiopathological pathways in predicting long-term survival in a well-characterized cohort of patients with CAP enrolled in an antibiotic stewardship trial.

DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS

Patients admitted with CAP to six medical centres in Switzerland were prospectively followed for 6 years. Cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) were used to investigate associations between initial risk assessment and all-cause mortality.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

All-cause mortality during a 6-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

Six-year mortality in the present cohort (median age 73 years) was 45.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 41.8-48.3%]. Initial PSI and CURB-65 scores both had excellent long-term prognostic accuracy, with a stepwise increase in mortality per risk class. The hazard ratios (95% CI) of the highest PSI and CURB-65 classes (reference: lowest class) were 38.0 (14.0-103.0) and 7.8 (2.2-14.5), respectively, after 6 years. The addition of inflammatory (pro-adrenomedullin) and cardiac (pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) blood biomarkers measured upon hospital admission further improved the prognostic capabilities of the PSI (AUC increase from 0.79 to 0.83; P < 0.0001) and the CURB-65 score (AUC increase from 0.73 to 0.80; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Risk assessment using clinical scores allowed accurate long-term prognostication, which was further improved by the addition of two inflammatory (pro-adrenomedullin) and cardiac (pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) blood biomarkers. These data provide a rationale for a more risk-adapted, 'personalized' strategy for long-term management of patients with CAP.

[Endocrinologic side effects of oncologic treatment with anti-CTLA-4-antibodies]

New immune-modulating treatments like the anti-CTLA-4-antibodies-based therapies are increasingly used in medical oncology. The action of Ipilimumab, a monoclonal anti-CTLA-4-antibody used for the treatment of metastasized melanoma and other solid tumors, is well documented. Blocking the CTLA-4-receptors on lymphocytes leads to T-cell activation and hence reduction of the tumor-mediated immunotolerance. This mechanism constitutes the basis of the antiproliferative effects but is also responsible for a spectrum of specific adverse events (immune-related adverse events, IRAE). IRAE of the endocrine system comprise hypophysitis, thyroiditis and adrenalitis. Especially adrenal insufficiency can be fatal when not diagnosed and treated. Symptoms often are unspecific and early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial. We present a case report and summarize - based upon the current literature - the diagnosis and treatment of endocrinologic IRAEs.

Monoamine oxidase A down-regulation contributes to high metanephrine concentration in pheochromocytoma

CONTEXT

The high diagnostic performance of plasma-free metanephrines (metanephrine and normetanephrine) (MN) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO) results from the tumoral expression of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), the enzyme involved in O-methylation of catecholamines (CAT). Intriguingly, metanephrine, in contrast to epinephrine, is not remarkably secreted during a stress in hypertensive or normotensive subjects, whereas in PHEO patients CAT and MN are both raised to high levels. Because epinephrine and metanephrine are almost exclusively produced by the adrenal medulla, this suggests distinct CAT metabolism in chromaffin cells and pheochromocytes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare CAT metabolism between adrenal medulla and PHEO tissue regarding related enzyme expression including monoamine oxidases (MAO) and COMT.

DESIGN

A multicenter comparative study was conducted.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

The study included 21 patients with a histologically confirmed PHEO and eight adrenal glands as control.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CAT, dihydroxyphenol-glycol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and MN were measured in adrenal medulla and PHEO tissue. Western blot, quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence studies for MAOA, MAOB, tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine β-hydroxylase, L-amino acid decarboxylase, and COMT were applied on tissue homogenates and cell preparations.

RESULTS

At both the protein and mRNA levels, MAOA and COMT are detected less often in PHEO compared with adrenal medulla, conversely to tyrosine hydroxylase, L-amino acid decarboxylase, and dopamine β-hydroxylase, much more expressed in tumor tissue. MAOB protein is detected less often in tumor but not differently expressed at the mRNA level. Dihydroxyphenol-glycol is virtually absent from tumor, whereas MN, produced by COMT, rises to 4.6-fold compared with adrenal medulla tissue. MAOA down-regulation was observed in 100% of tumors studied, irrespectively of genetic alteration identified; on the other hand, MAOA was strongly expressed in all adrenal medulla collected independently of age, gender, or late sympathetic activation of the deceased donor.

CONCLUSION

High concentrations of MN in tumor do not only arise from CAT overproduction but also from low MAOA expression, resulting in higher substrate availability for COMT.

[Diabetes mellitus - pandemic of the 21st century]

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes correlates with the prevalence of obesity. Even a BMI in the upper normal range increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and mortality is doubled at a BMI of 27 and 12 times increased at a BMI over 40. Genotype scoring predicts only a minority of type 2 diabetes, therefore changing habits and modifying risk factors would have a great effect in preventing type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Actually, changing lifestyle habits proved to be more successful than pharmacological intervention. The aim of medical treatment in type 2 diabetes is quality of life and HbA1c below 7%.

[The diabetic--a difficult patient difficult to treat?]

After the diagnosis of Diabetes mellitus one third of the children suffer from a transient psychological disorder. Diabetic adults have rates of depression between 9% and 27% with macrovascular disease and retinopathy as main risk factors. Causes of apparent insulin resistance are discussed, particularly the omission of insulin to control weight in young women, and the obesity and sedentary lifestyle in type 2 diabetics.

Heart and brain: a case of focal myocytolysis in severe pneumococcal meningoencephalitis with review of the contemporary literature

We report electrocardiographic changes mimicking myocardial ischaemia in a 73-year-old man with fatal pneumococcal meningoencephalitis, present the autopsy-confirmed histological picture of extensive focal myocytolysis (contraction band necrosis) without myocardial infarction or myocarditis, and review the contemporary literature. Potentially reversible, probably non-ischaemic myocardial dysfunction may occur in association with acute noncardiac illnesses, such as brain injuries. Biochemical and morphological abnormalities in acutely failing hearts from head-injured organ donors point to specific pathophysiological mechanisms, which are different from heart failure from other causes. Sepsis-related factors may add to the myocardial dysfunction in patients with brain injury from meningoencephalitis.

[Endocrinological diagnoses at a glance]

Endocrine diseases are often diagnosed by history taking and physical examination. We present the clinical features, diagnostic studies und treatment in patients with acromegaly, Paget's disease, hypopituitarism, (Addisonian crisis), hypothyroidism and Graves' disease.

[Risk factors for arteriosclerosis]

The arteriosclerotic damage of the arterial endothelium is initiated by risk factors like dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, which account for the majority of vascular morbidity and mortality. Interventional studies confirmed the causative role of hyperlipidemia, particularly of the modified LDL-cholesterol. A large number of epidemiological and interventional studies identified hypertension as another risk factor and showed the correlation between lowering blood pressure and the reduction in micro- and macrovascular complications. Diabetes mellitus decreases the life expectancy on average by 10 years, mainly due to cardiovascular disease. However, intensive control of blood glucose and blood pressure achieved a significant and clinically important reduction in death and complications related to diabetes. Smoking is a main risk factor for peripheral arterial disease and causes advanced arterial lesions in the younger people. Novel risk factors have been identified and contribute to the elucidation of the atherogenic process.

[Prevalence and therapy of vascular risk factors in hospitalized type 2 diabetic patients]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is often associated with other risk factors for atherosclerotic disease, resulting in a marked increase in cardiovascular events and deaths. Combined treatment of hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension significantly decreases the frequency and severity of diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications. In a prospective cohort study including 356 type 2 diabetic patients (= 14% of all in-patients during a 6 months' period) the prevalence and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors were determined. Hypertension was diagnosed in 54% of the diabetic patients, albuminuria in 53% and dyslipidaemia in 47%; there were 40 smokers (17%). On admission the mean HbA1c was 7.7 +/- 2.0%, the mean fasting plasma glucose 10.0 +/- 4.2 mmol/l (and 8.9 +/- 3.9 mmol/l, p = 0.03, when discharged), the mean systolic blood pressure was 144 +/- 28 mm Hg (and 131 +/- 20, p < 0.0001, when discharged), and the triglycerides were 2.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/l. 34% of the hypertensive diabetic patients were treated with a combination of anti-hypertensive drugs, 44% of the dyslipidaemic diabetic patients were treated with statins, and 58% of all diabetic patients received aspirin or oral anticoagulation. 23% of the diabetic patients were treated by diet alone, 36% with insulin, 25% with sulfonylureas and 5% with metformin, while 11% were given a combination of antihyperglycaemic medication. In-hospital mortality was 11%. The diabetic patients were discharged on 2.9 +/- 1.7 different drugs. The prevalence of associated cardiovascular risk factors is high in type 2 diabetic patients, and thus a combination of drugs is often warranted. The rate of admissions and in-hospital mortality is high in type 2 diabetic patients.

Prevalence of renal artery stenosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes and coexistent hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of renal artery stenosis (RAS) in subjects with type 2 diabetes and coexistent hypertension by using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the renal arteries, to assess clinical and biochemical predictors of RAS, and to assess the hemodynamic significance of RAS, by using the captopril test (a measure of the response of plasma renin activity to a single oral dose of captopril).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 117 subjects with type 2 diabetes and coexistent hypertension between 40 and 70 years of age and with creatinine concentrations < 150 micromol/l were recruited from two inner-city general diabetes clinics. All subjects underwent MRA of the renal arteries. In a subgroup of 85 subjects, data concerning possible clinical and biochemical predictors of RAS were collected, and the captopril test was performed. For comparison of a continuous variable between subjects with a positive MRA and those with a negative MRA, the Mann-Whitney test was used. For comparison of a discrete variable between subjects with a positive MRA and those with a negative MRA, Fisher's exact test was used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of RAS detected by using MRA in 117 hypertensive type 2 diabetic subjects was 17%; 19 subjects had unilateral RAS, and only 1 subject had bilateral RAS. A femoral bruit was significantly more common in subjects with a positive MRA versus subjects with a negative MRA (21 vs. 0%; Fisher's exact test P < 0.005); however, other clinical features of atherosclerotic disease were not statistically associated. Greater duration of hypertension and treatment with statins were features of subjects with RAS (P < 0.05). The captopril test was negative in all subjects, although the antihypertensive response to oral captopril was significantly greater in subjects with RAS detected by MRA.

CONCLUSIONS

RAS is common in hypertensive type 2 diabetic subjects. The presence of a femoral bruit is a useful predictive clinical marker. The captopril test is not useful in predicting the hemodynamic significance of RAS in this patient group.

Suppression and recovery of adrenal response after short-term, high-dose glucocorticoid treatment

BACKGROUND

Suppression of the adrenal response is an unpredictable consequence of glucocorticoid treatment. To investigate the kinetics of the adrenal response after short-term, high-dose glucocorticoid treatment, we measured the adrenal response to the low-dose (1 microg) corticotropin stimulation test.

METHODS

We studied 75 patients who received the equivalent of at least 25 mg prednisone daily for between 5 days and 30 days. After discontinuation of glucocorticoid treatment, 1 microg corticotropin was administered intravenously, and stimulated plasma cortisol concentrations were measured 30 min later. In patients with a suppressed response to 1 microg corticotropin, the test was repeated until stimulated plasma cortisol concentrations reached the normal range.

FINDINGS

The adrenal response to 1 microg corticotropin was suppressed in 34 patients and normal in 41. Subsequent low-dose corticotropin tests showed a steady recovery of the adrenal response within 14 days. In two patients, the adrenal response remained suppressed for several months. There was no correlation between plasma cortisol concentrations and the duration or dose of glucocorticoid treatment.

INTERPRETATION

Suppression of the adrenal response is common after short-term, high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. The low-dose corticotropin test is a sensitive and simple test to assess the adrenal response after such treatment.

[Heparin and insulin in the treatment of acute hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis]

Hypertriglyceridaemia is thought to be the aetiology in 3% of patients with acute pancreatitis, often associated with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus or chronic alcohol abuse. However, in patients with non-biliary pancreatitis, chylomicronaemia is an underrated cause of acute pancreatitis. The activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is crucial in removing triglycerides from the plasma; LPL gene mutations combined with secondary alterations in plasma lipoproteins, such as occur in pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and alcohol abuse can cause severe hypertriglyceridaemia and pancreatitis. Heparin and insulin stimulate LPL activity. During a 12 months' period we consecutively screened all patients with the diagnosis of acute non-biliary pancreatitis for hypertriglyceridaemia, to evaluate the prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis and to assess the outcome under standardised treatment with intravenous heparin and insulin. Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis was diagnosed in 5 out of 46 patients (11%) with acute pancreatitis. In 2 patients hypertriglyceridaemia was associated with diabetes mellitus, in one patient with pregnancy and in another with chronic alcohol abuse. Four patients had to be referred to the intensive care unit. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides were (median +/- range) 43 mmol/l (14.7 to 80.4); pancreas amylase was 574 U/l (155 to 1606), and lipase was 1003 U/l (330 to 3010). All patients had oedematous pancreatitis demonstrated by CT scan. Treatment with i.v. heparin and i.v. insulin decreased trigylceride levels to less than 10 mmol/l within 2.8 days (1 to 6), the amylase and lipase levels returned to normal after 3 and 4 days respectively, and the abdominal pain was resolved. Hypertriglyceridaemia is a common and under-diagnosed etiology of acute non-biliary pancreatitis. Intravenous heparin and insulin is safe and effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis. Low fat diet, supplements of (n-3) fatty acids ("fish oil") and fibrates are recommended for long-term maintenance therapy.

[Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (iodine-induced Basedow's disease): a current disease picture]

Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis or "jodbasedow phenomenon" has been reported throughout the world since iodine has been administered to treat endemic goitre. Nowadays, iodinated radiocontrast agents and the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone are the most common sources of excess iodine load subsequently leading to iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, especially in elderly patients with underlying goitre. The aim of the study was to identify the number of cases of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis among patients with thyrotoxicosis in a large urban hospital. Over an 18-month period thyrotoxicosis has been diagnosed in a total of 39 patients. Eight patients with iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis (5 female, 3 male; mean age 60.6 years) have been identified (20%). In all patients with iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, iodine exposure with a mean iodine dose of 21.5 g was documented 2 to 16 weeks before diagnosis (iodinated radiocontrast agents in 5 patients, amiodarone in 2 patients, kelp tablets in 1 patient). Clinical features were predominantly tachyarrhythmias and heart failure, while 6 of 8 patients had goitre (thyroid volume 31 to 193 ml). Thyroid antibodies were not detected. Diagnosis was confirmed in 5 of 8 patients with increased urinary iodine concentrations (3436 to > 6000 nmol/24 h), and in 3 of 8 patients with a low tracer uptake in thyroid scintigraphy (1 to 4%). Treatment consisted of methimazole in all patients, additional tional beta-blockers and lithium in 4 patients, and prednisone in 5 patients. The mean treatment ment duration was 9.2 months, and patients became euthyroid after a mean treatment duration of 6.4 weeks. One patient (with still elevated free thyroxine levels) died of myocardial infarction 4 weeks after antithyroid drug therapy had been installed. The incidence, mechanisms and features of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis are discussed. Iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis is a common disease, and the recognition and treatment of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis, particularly in elderly patients and patients with goitre, are of clinical importance.

[Fish oil--healing principle in the Eskimo diet?]

The low incidence of coronary heart disease among Eskimos is related to their diet rich in marine fatty acids, which contain large amounts of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The beneficial effects on atherosclerotic vascular disease result from favorable influence on prostaglandin/thromboxane metabolism. Clinical studies have also reported antiinflammatory effects.

[Cervical abscess caused by Capnocytophaga ochracea]

Capnocytophaga is a gram-negative capnophilic bacterium which is part of the normal oral flora of humans (C. ochracea, C. gingivalis, C. sputigena) and mammals such as canines, cats, and rodents (C. animorsus and C. cynodegmi). Its role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease is not well defined, and normally it represents an opportunistic germ of low pathogenicity. Threatening and fulminant infections have been observed in immunodeficient patients, and lately in immunocompetent hosts. We describe an otherwise healthy woman who developed a cervical abscess due to C. ochracea. Recurrent aphthous lesions are suspected to be the port of entrance for the germs. Bacteriological, clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic aspects of Capnocytophaga infection are discussed.