Real-life after sacral nerve modulation implantation: Rate, reasons, and risk factors for mid-term follow-up discontinuation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate follow-up after implantation of a sacral nerve modulation implantable pulse generator (IPG) and to investigate the reasons and risk factors for follow-up discontinuation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent an IPG implantation to treat lower urinary tract symptoms between 2014-2019 within 6 hospital centers located in the district of "Hauts-de-France" (France) were systematically called during the year 2020 for a standardized (tele)consultation. Patients were divided into 3 distinct profiles according to the regularity of their 5-year postoperative follow-up: "Regular follow-up", "Irregular follow-up" and "Lost to follow-up". The primary outcome was the change in the annual proportion of the 3 follow-up profiles over the 5 years following IPG implantation. As secondary outcomes we described the reasons reported for follow-up discontinuation and looked for risk factors associated with.

RESULTS

Overall, 259 patients were included. At the time of data collection, after a mean follow-up of 28.4 (± 19.8) months, 139 patients (53.7%) had a "Regular follow-up", 54 (20.8%) had an "Irregular follow-up" and 66 (25.5%) were "Lost to follow-up". The proportion of patients with a "Regular follow-up" decreased year by year, representing only 46.2% of patients at five-years. 175 patients (67.6%) underwent a standardized (tele)consultation. In multivariate analysis, only "lack of knowledge of the follow-up protocol" was statistically associated with follow-up discontinuation (OR=5.16; 95% CI [2.12-13.57]).

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients followed up after IPG implantation decreased steadily over the years, often related to a lack of therapeutic education.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Prolonged breastfeeding protects from obesity by hypothalamic action of hepatic FGF21

Early-life determinants are thought to be a major factor in the rapid increase of obesity. However, while maternal nutrition has been extensively studied, the effects of breastfeeding by the infant on the reprogramming of energy balance in childhood and throughout adulthood remain largely unknown. Here we show that delayed weaning in rat pups protects them against diet-induced obesity in adulthood, through enhanced brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and energy expenditure. In-depth metabolic phenotyping in this rat model as well as in transgenic mice reveals that the effects of prolonged suckling are mediated by increased hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production and tanycyte-controlled access to the hypothalamus in adulthood. Specifically, FGF21 activates GABA-containing neurons expressing dopamine receptor 2 in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta. Prolonged breastfeeding thus constitutes a protective mechanism against obesity by affecting long-lasting physiological changes in liver-to-hypothalamus communication and hypothalamic metabolic regulation.

[Ovarian carcinoid tumor responsible of permanent facial erythrosis and flushings during sexual intercourse]

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare. In the ovary, the term of neuroendocrine tumor is usually related to carcinoid tumors although it may be sometimes applied to neuroendocrine carcinomas of non-small cells or small cells cancers usually occurring in the lungs. These carcinoid tumors may develop de novo or from other tumors including teratomas.

CASE REPORT

We report a patient who presented with an ovarian carcinoid tumor developed, near or from a dermoid cyst, which was original by its mode of discovery in the dermatology department. Indeed, the patient consulted because of permanent facial erythrosis, with flushes but also facial telangiectasias. During medical examination, classic symptoms of carcinoid syndrome including heart disease were obvious. The occurrence of flushes during coitus should evoke pelvic tumor location.

CONCLUSION

A carcinoid syndrome is naturally evoked in the presence of flushes but it must also be part of the differential diagnosis in a patient with facial erythrosis or telangiectasias, especially if they are associated with diarrhea or right heart failure. The prognosis of carcinoid heart disease is considerably better in case of ovarian location than when it is a primitive carcinoid tumor of lung or from gastrointestinal tract.

No evidence of thyrotropin receptor and G(s alpha) gene mutation in high iodine uptake thyroid carcinoma

Usually, thyroid carcinoma presents as a cold nodule on radioiodine scintigraphy. High-uptake nodules on iodine thyroid scans are associated with an exceedingly low incidence of malignancy. Only 29 cases of carcinomas appearing as hot or warm nodules have as yet been reported. From 1993 to 1999, we have observed eight similar cases (4 hot and 4 warm thyroid nodules) suggesting that thyroid carcinomas may not be as rare as usually considered in these circumstances. Four tumors were available for molecular analysis on paraffin-embedded sections. Because no mutations were found in the whole coding portions of thyrotropin-receptor (TSH-R) gene and fragments encompassing the mutational hot spots of the G(s alpha) gene, it is unlikely that activating mutations of the TSH-R or G(s alpha) genes were involved in these carcinomas.

[Diagnosis of parathyroid cysts: value of parathyroid hormone level in puncture fluid]

OBJECTIVE

Determine a means of establishing the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts preoperatively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Classically, crystal-clear watery fluid removed by fine-needle aspiration of a suspected thyroid mass raises the suspicion of a parathyroid cyst. Immunoradiometric assay of parathyroid hormone level in the fluid may give the diagnosis sparing unnecessary surgery.

RESULTS

Over the last 5 years, among the 12 patients presenting a suspected thyroid cyst containing a crystal-clear fluid, we were able to diagnose 3 cases of parathyroid cysts due to the considerable elevation of parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. None of these patients had hyperparathyroidism. In patients with a thyroid cyst, parathyroid hormone level in the puncture fluid was nil.

CONCLUSION

The parathyroid nature of cervical cysts containing crystal-clear fluid can be established by assaying parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. Non-functional parathyroid cysts may be treated by repeated aspiration. Serum calcium level must be checked regularly to detect potential hyperparathryoidism.

Trabecular bone microarchitecture, bone mineral density, and vertebral fractures in male osteoporosis

Some studies have indicated that the risk of fragility fractures in men increases as bone mineral levels decrease, but there is an overlap in the bone mineral density (BMD) measurements between patients with or without fractures. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the biomechanical competence of trabecular bone is dependent not only on the absolute amount of bone present but also on the trabecular microarchitecture. In the present study, 108 men (mean age 52.1 years) with lumbar osteopenia (T score < -2.5) were recruited to examine the relationships between BMD, architectural changes in trabecular bone, and the presence of vertebral fractures. Lumbar BMD was assessed from L2 to L4 in the anteroposterior view with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. At the upper left femur, hip BMD was measured at the transcervical site. Spinal X-ray films were analyzed independently by two trained investigators, and vertebral fracture was defined as a reduction of at least 20% in the anterior, middle, or posterior vertebral height. Transiliac bone biopsy specimens were obtained for all patients. Histomorphometric studies were performed on an image analyzer, and the following parameters were determined: trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), number (Tb.N), and separation (Tb.Sp), interconnectivity index (ICI), characterization of the trabecular network (node count and strut analysis), and star volume of the marrow spaces. Spinal radiographs evidenced at least one vertebral crush fracture in 62 patients (group II) and none in 46 patients (group I). After adjusting for age, body mass index, and BMD, there were no significant differences between the two groups in BV/TV, Tb.Th, or star volume. In contrast, the mean values of ICI, free end-to-free end struts (FF/TSL), and Tb.Sp were significantly higher, whereas Tb.N and node-to-node struts (NN/TSL) were lower in patients with at least one vertebral fracture. Logistic regression analysis showed that only ICI, FF/TSL, NN/TSL, and Tb.N were significant predictors of the presence of vertebral fracture: odds ratios for an alteration of 1 SD ranged from 1.7 (1.0-3.2) for NN/TSL to 3.2 (1.1-10.1) for ICI. Patients with at least three vertebral fractures (n = 23) were categorized as "multiple fractures." The results of logistic regression showed that spine BMD, BV/TV, and all architectural parameters were significant predictors of multiple vertebral fractures: odds ratios for an alteration of 1 SD ranged from 2.2 (1.1-4.6) for star volume to 3.7 (1.4-9.7) for ICI. These results strongly suggest that bone trabecular microarchitecture is a major and independent determinant of vertebral fractures in middle-aged men with osteopenia.

[Trabecular bone microarchitecture and male osteoporosis]

In men the risk of fragility fractures increases as bone mineral density (BMD) declines but the mechanical strength of vertebrae is also dependent on the trabecular architecture. We have examined the relationships between architectural changes of trabecular bone and vertebral crush fractures in 44 male patients with osteoporosis (bone mineral density more than 2.5 SD below the young adult value). Spine radiographs, hip and lumbar spine BMD and transiliac bone biopsies were obtained for all subjects. Histomorphometric study was done on an image analyzer and the following parameters were determined: trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and number (Tb.N), Trabecular Bone Pattern factor (TBPf), Inter Connectivity Index (ICI), characterization of the trabecular network (Node count and Strut analysis) and Star volume of the marrow space. Eleven male patients, who were referred to our unit for the diagnosis a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, were selected as controls. The mean values of Tb.Th, Tb.N and Node count were found lower while TBPf, ICI and Star Volume were significantly higher in men with osteoporosis. Exponential regressions were found to best describe the relationships between BV/TV and the architectural parameters: TBPf (r = 0.94 p = 0.01), ICI (r = 0.63 p = 0.001), Star volume (r = 0.79 p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in age, vertebral and hip BMD, BV/TV and Tb.Th between patients with or without fracture. In contrast, in patients with at least one vertebral fracture, ICI and TBPf were significantly higher while Nodecount was lower. Our data suggest that an altered trabecular bone architecture is a major determinant of osteoporotic fractures in men.

[Prolonged suppressive L-thyroxine therapy. Longitudinal study of the effect of LT4 on bone mineral density and bone metabolism markers in 71 patients]

OBJECTIVES

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the influence of prolonged suppressive L-thyroxin therapy on bone density and biochemical markers of bone remodeling.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-one patients (including 28 menopaused women) taking long-term L-T4 for thyroid carcinoma were divided into 3 groups according to their TSH level: low (TSH < 0.04 mlU/l), moderate (0.04 TSH < or = 0.10 mlU/l) and high (TSH > 0.10 mlU/l). Bone density was measured in lumbar vertebrae annually for a mean 4.5 years. Bone metabolism markers were measured over a 4 year period. Bone density measurements of the femur were also obtained for 2 years in 16 menopaused women.

RESULTS

Lumbar bone density did not decline whatever the TSH level or the duration of L-T4 treatment. Likewise for menopaused women without substitution estroprogesterone therapy. Over the 4 years, biochemical markers of bone formation, including bone alkaline phosphatases and osteocalcin, or of bone resorption, including urinary hydroxyprolin, did not vary. In addition, in menopaused women, femoral bone density was not significantly lowered over the 2 years follow-up. No lumbar or femoral osteopenia was observed in these patients taking L-thyroxin, even for those with complete TSH blockade. Biochemical markers did not demonstrate a significant acceleration of bone turnover during prolonged administration of L-T4 at suppressive levels.

Bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in men

In women, many studies indicate that the risk of vertebral fragility fractures increases as bone mineral density (BMD) declines. In contrast, few studies are available for BMD and vertebral fractures in men. It is uncertain that the strength of the relationship between BMD and fractures is similar in magnitude in middle-aged men and in postmenopausal women. In the present study, 200 men (mean age 54.7 years) with lumbar osteopenia (T-score < -1.5) were recruited to examine the relationships between spine BMD and hip BMD and the associations of BMD with vertebral fractures. Lumbar BMD was assessed from L2 to L4, in the anteroposterior view, using dual-energy X-ray densitometry. At the upper left femur, hip BMD was measured at five regions of interest: femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, Ward's triangle and total hip. Spinal radiographs were analyzed independently by two trained investigators and vertebral fracture was defined as a reduction of at least 20% in the anterior, middle or posterior vertebral height. Spinal radiographs evidenced at least one vertebral crush fracture in 119 patients (59.5%). The results of logistic regression showed that age, femoral and spine BMDs were significant predictors of the presence of a vertebral fracture. Odds ratios for a decrease of 1 standard deviation ranged from 1.8 (1.3-2.8) for spine BMD to 2.3 (1.5-3.6) for total hip BMD. For multiple fractures odds ratios ranged from 1.7 (1.1-2.5) for spine BMD to 2.6 (1.7-4.3) for total hip BMD. In all models, odds ratios were higher for hip BMD than for spine BMD, particularly in younger men, under 50 years. A T-score < -2.5 in the femur (total femoral site) was associated with a 2.7-fold increase in the risk of vertebral fracture while a T-score < -2.5 in the spine was associated with only a 2-fold increase in risk. This study confirms the strong association of age and BMD with vertebral fractures in middle-aged men, shows that the femoral area is the best site of BMD measurement and suggests that a low femoral BMD could be considered as an index of severity in young men with lumbar osteopenia.

[Isolated thyroid nodule. Comparative value of cyto-puncture and scintigraphy]

OBJECTIVES

Nodular thyroid disease, indicated by the presence of single or multiple nodules within the thyroid gland is a common clinical problem, the main question remains the malignancy. Radionuclide scanning, ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration biopsy have been helpful to distinguish benign from malignant nodules and to select patients for surgery.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study to assess the comparative value of fine needle nonaspiration biopsy and thyroid scinti scan in the management of 412 patients operated for solitary thyroid nodule.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and negative predictive values were the same for both methods, but specificity of cytology was greater than that of thyroid scinti scan (80.53% vs. 10.47%, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Thyroid radionuclide scanning remains valuable in the evaluation of a cytological benign solitary thyroid nodule when TSH value is low, in order to distinguish toxic adenoma from cold nodule in Graves' disease.

Spontaneous multiple vertebral fractures revealed primary haemochromatosis

The association of haemochromatosis and bone disease is well established, but osteoporotic fracture is an unusual presentation of the disease. We describe a male patient with osteoporotic fractures as a presenting feature of haemochromatosis. The bone histomorphometry showed a dramatic decrease in trabecular bone volume associated with a decrease in cortical bone thickness. Osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities were reduced without any sign of osteomalacia. Staining for iron with Perl's stain showed focal localization at the interface between mineralized trabecular bone and bone marrow. This observation leads us to review the possible mechanisms of osteoporosis.

[Bilateral testicular ischemia in vasculitis. Differential diagnosis with torsion and the value of color Doppler ultrasonography]

The authors report a case of acute bilateral testicular pain simulating simultaneous bilateral torsion of the spermatic cord in a 22-year-old man. Duplex ultrasound revealed parenchymal ischaemia secondary to an early form of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). Surgery, performed because of the doubtful differential diagnosis with torsion of the spermatic cord, excluded this hypothesis. The aetiological investigation, after excluding an infectious cause, consisted of revealing at least three diagnostic criteria necessary for the diagnosis of PAN among those defined by Godeau Guillevin or the American College of Rheumatology. The authors also discuss the value of duplex ultrasound in the follow-up of this disease.

[Pancytopenia resolved by the treatment of hyperthyroidism]

Hyperthyroidism can be associated with various haematological disorders related to several mechanisms. These disorders might be related to the reduced life-span of whole blood components and/or to an autoimmune mechanism. Only one case of pancytopenia has yet been reported. The observation of 3 new personal cases (1 toxic adenoma and 2 Graves' disease) led us to review the pathogeny of haematological disorders found in hyperthyroidism. Only one patient had antineutrophil autoantibodies. Direct and indirect Coomb's test, and Dixon's test were negative. In all patients, bone marrow aspiration was unable to demonstrate pernicious anaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Two patients presented cytological signs of macrophage activation with eosinophilia. These cytological features were compatible with an immuno-allergy mechanism. All haematological disorders disappeared when patients became euthyroid. In all cases, the haematological abnormalities were quite mild and might have gone unnoticed. Thus, it can be suggested that the frequency of pancytopenia in hyperthyroidism is underestimated.

Serum parathormone profile during surgical treatment of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenoma: a multicompartmental model

Patterns of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) elimination and subsequent recovery of parathyroid function were studied in seven patients undergoing surgical removal of solitary hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenoma. Using a sensitive two-site immunoradiometric assay, iPTH levels were measured pre, peri-, and postoperatively. Blood samples were taken at very early and at late stages, including 3, 6, 9, and 15 minutes and 48, 72, and 96 h after adenomectomy. A biexponential formula was calculated to fit the decreasing values of iPTH in all patients. The PTH half-life in the early phase was 1.4 +/- 1.1 minutes (95% confidence limits). The PTH half-life in the second phase was 64.45 +/- 32.19 minutes (95% confidence limits). A third phase is represented by a slow, linear increase in plasma iPTH values as a result of the recovery of healthy suppressed parathyroid glands. The extrapolation to baseline of the later phase shows that the recovery of normal parathyroid function begins as soon as 240 minutes after adenomectomy and is independent of the decrease in PTH of adenomatous origin. All individual results were consistent with this model. Five patients had iPTH values below 5 pg/ml, one had 15 pg/ml, and the last had 27 pg/ml 5 h after parathyroid adenomectomy. The recovery of the hormonal activity of the remaining glands occurred rapidly. By the postoperative hour 24 the mean serum iPTH concentration was 12.28 +/- 8.07 pg/ml. The intraoperative serum iPTH concentration offers a model to assess both recovery of hormonal secretion from functionally suppressed parathyroid glands and disappearance of parathyroid hormone.

[Severe hyponatremia disclosing adenohypophyseal insufficiency with empty sella syndrome]

We report a case of extremely severe hyponatraemia which led to the discovery of anterior hypophysis insufficiency associated with empty sella turcica in a dysimmune context. This type of hyponatraemia is consecutive to corticotropic and thyreo-tropic hormones deficiency and to inappropriate secretion of arginine vasopressin. These endocrine abnormalities are of suprapituitary origin. They can be explained by a hypothalamo-hypophyseal dysregulation of little known mechanism, or by a lesion of the hypothalamus.

Cushing's disease and cutaneous alternariosis

Alternaria species are common plant pathogens, but a rare cause of human infection. We present a patient with cutaneous alternariosis that revealed a relapse of an old case of Cushing's disease. Immunosuppression following the excessive glucocorticoid production seemed to contribute to the development of dermatosis. We also present a review of the literature on the association of Cushing's disease and cutaneous alternariosis. Our case is unique because the ketoconazole therapy that we used was successful in the treatment of both diseases.

[Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion by hematoma of the caudate nucleus]

The authors report the favorable evolution of one case of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion after a cerebral hemorrhage limited to the caudate nucleus. The limitation of the lesions explains the transient desinhibition of ADH producing centers.