Clinical Flashcards
most widely used test to determine whether thyroid dysfunction exists:
TSH measurement
Increased T3 is useful in:
thyrotoxicosis
best method to differentiate benign from malignant and diffuse goiters:
thyroid biopsy – fine needle aspiration
Anti-TPO Abs:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin):
Graves disease
TQ
- symptoms of faintness, facial congestion
- external jugular venous obstruction
- when arms are raised above head, thyroid is drawn into thoracic inlet
Pemberton’s sign
hoarseness may due to compression of:
recurrent laryngeal nerve
think malignancy.
- focal patches of hyperfunctioning follicular cells working independently of TSH due to mutation in TSH receptor
- increased release of T3 and T4
- often elderly, atrial fib
- tremors, weight loss
- hot nodules are rarely malignant
toxic multinodular goiter
TQ
tumors of parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary
think…
MEN 1
TQ
medullary CA of thyroid, pheo, hyperparathyroidism
think…
MEN 2A
TQ
mucosal neuromas, medullary CA of thyroid, pheo, possibly marfanoid habitus
think…
MEN2B
cold nodule on thyroid scan
think…
cancer
psammomatous calcifications
think…
papillary CA
- RET mutations
- produce excessive amounts of calcitonin
- mets to lung, liver, bone
- cold nodule on thyroid scan
- tx: total thyroidectomy with T4 supplementation later
medullary CA
- menstrual irregularities
- weight gain, constipation, fatigue
- goiter
- bradycardia
- HTN
- DTRs “hung up”
hypothyroidism
- autoimmune disorder (anti-TPO, anti-microsomal, anti-thyroglobulin Abs)
- increased risk of non-Hodkin lymphoma
- Hurthle cells, lymphocytic infiltration with germinal centers
- moderately enlarged, nontender thyroid
- reduced SV, increased PVR (why they’re cold), increased BP
Hashimoto’s (autoimmune) thyroiditis
TQ
meds that cause hypothyroidism: (4)
- amiodarone (iodine content»_space; negative feedback to decrease conversion of total T4 to total T3)
- lithium carbonate
- IFNa
- IL-2
greatest complication of hypothyroid (mortality > 50%):
myxedema coma
- older women
- winter season
- hypothermic, hypoventilation
- hypoglycemia
- hyponatremia
- shock/death
- MC cause of hyperthyroidism
- auto-Abs (IgG) stimulate TSH receptors (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin)
- exophthalmos: proptosis, extraocular muscle swelling
- dermal fibroblasts (pretibial myxedema)
- often presents during stress (e.g., childbirth)
Graves disease
-usually benign follicular adenoma; hot nodule on one side with decreased uptake on other side
Toxic adenoma causing hyperthyroidism
amiodarone may cause thyrotoxicosis
Rx?
Rx: ß-blocker and prednisone
- hyperactive, irritable
- palpitations
- weight loss with increased appetite
- polyuria
- tachycardia, atrial fib* in elderly; angina, CHF
- goiter (firm), tremor
- exophthalmos
- dermopathy (pretibial myxedema)
thyrotoxicosis
-elderly, atrial fib, fatigue, weight loss – mistaken for depression
apathetic hyperthyroidism
tx for hyperthyroidism:
- antithyroid drugs (PTU, methimazole)
- ß-blockers
- RAI – I131
- thyroidectomy
- stress-induced catecholamine surge seen as a serious complication of thyrotoxicosis due to dz and other hyperthyroid disorders
- presents with agitation, delirium, fever, diarrhea, coma, and tachyarrhythmia (a-fib, cause of death)
- fever out of proportion to other findings
- may see increased ALP due to increased bone turnover
- tx with 3 P’s: ß-blocker (Propranolol), Propylthiouracil, corticosteroids (Prednisolone)
thyroid storm
thyrotoxic crisis
- TSH – mutations
- palpable nodule
- thyrotoxicosis is usually mid; absence of Graves dz features
- increased uptake in hyperfunctioning nodule and decreased uptake in remainder of tissue
- Rx: RAI ablation
hyperfunctioning solitary nodule – toxic adenoma
Clinical features:
- hypogonadism
- amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea
- infertility
- decreased libido
- impotence
- hirsutism, acne
- headache
prolactinoma
mass-effect symptoms assoc with pituitary tumors (e.g., prolactinoma):
- visual loss – bitemporal hemianopsia
- hypopituitarism
- headache
- CSF rhinorrhea
- pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, nipple stimulation, surgery, resection of pituitary stalk, seizure
- primary hypothyroidism – TRH stimulates prolactin secretion
- renal failure
- cirrhosis
All cause:
hyperprolactinemia
- phenothiazines
- tricyclics
- methyldopa
- verapamil
- cimetidine IV
- estrogens
- licorice
- MAO inhibitors
all cause:
hyperprolactinemia
neurogenic:
- chest wall lesions
- herpes zoster; trauma
- spinal cord lesions
- breast stimulation
sella masses:
- prolactinomas
- cysts
- infiltrative lesions
all cause:
hyperprolactinemia
what imaging modality is more sensitive in the diagnosis of a pituitary tumor?
MRI
prolactinoma typically has prolactin levels > ?
prolactinoma: prolactin > 200ng/ml
therapy for macroadenoma prolactinoma:
medical therapy first in order to shrink mass (> 2cm)
therapy for microadenoma prolactinoma:
- cabergoline (or bromocriptine) to shrink mass – restores gonadal function and fertility
- transsphenoidal surgery (TSS)
TQ
Rx for prolactinomas:
cabergoline (D2 agonist) – more effective, longer acting, fewer side effects
TQ
cardiovascular-related causes of death in acromegaly: (4)
- HTN
- ischemic heart disease
- ventricular hypertrophy
- cardiomyopathy
- excess GH in adults
- typically caused by pituitary adenoma
- assoc with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular, malignant, and respiratory events
acromegaly
clinical features: proliferation of bone, cartilage, and soft tissues -coarse facial features -large hands and feet -macroglossia -prognathism -excessive sweating, oily skin -insulin resistance, DM -increased risk of colorectal polyps and cancer
acromegaly
- elevated serum IGF-1 and GH on 2 occasions (IGF-1 levels reflect GH activity)
- GH level failing to drop below 1 ng/ml after an hour following oral glucose load ***
acromegaly
treatment of choice for pituitary tumor causing acromegaly?
transsphenoidal surgery
Rx for acromegaly:
somatostatin analogs:
- octreotide
- lanreotide
GH receptor antagonist:
-pegvisomant
side effects of octreotide:
nausea, diarrhea, steatorrhea, gallstones*
TQ
- high cortisol levels due to ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma
- age 20-40, mostly young women
- increased 24 hour urine cortisol
- tx: TSS
Cushing disease
TQ
increased cortisol caused by pituitary adenomas, adrenal adenomas, adrenal CA, ectopic ACTH production, or exogenous steroids (see decreased ACTH due to negative feedback and bilateral adrenal atrophy due to lack of use)
Cushing syndrome
- rarest of all pituitary tumor subtypes
- elevated T4, normal or elevated TSH ***
- symptoms of hyperthyroidism, goiter
- tx: TSS if lesion is found
- Rx: octreotide (somatostatin analog)
TSH-secreting tumor
- present with sx of mass effect, visual field abnormality, or headache
- may produce LH or FSH
- sellar mass
- > 1cm refer to neurosurgery
non-functioning pituitary tumor
- asymptomatic sellar masses
- screening for hormone excess: IGF-1, prolactin/testosterone, urine free cortisol, free T4
sellar incidentaloma
TQ
- hemorrhage or infarct of pituitary gland, often in the presence of an existing pituitary adenoma
- headache, visual field defects, altered mental status, ophthalmoplegia
- tx: control and neurological decompression
pituitary apoplexy
- very rare
- macroadenoma – mass effect
- secretes ACTH and PRL
pituitary CA
28 y/o Caucasian male presents to ER with complaints of R. Flank pain that radiates to groin. Associated with nausea and mild hematuria.
• PMHX: Gerd/ PUD.
• Sx: None
• Meds: Protonix 40mg bid, tums prn.
• ROS: is pertinent for moderate constipation requiring laxatives 2‐3 times per week. In addition pt complains of polydipsia and polyuria.
Dx?
Kidney stone, hypercalcemia
Primary hyperparathyroidism at 28 yo and male (normally 50-56 yo female)?
!!Must be MEN1!!
TQ
What are the 3 P’s in MEN1?
- Parathyroid
- Entero- pancreatic endocrine
- Pituitary tumors
TQ
What is the diagnosing criteria for MEN1?
-2 of the 3 main MEN1 tumors
OR
-One tumor in a pt with family members diagnosed with MEN1
TQ
What kind of gene is the MEN1 gene? What does it produce?
-Tumor suppressor gene
MENIN protein, a regulatory protein in endocrine glands.
TQ
What is the most common manifestation of MEN1, displaying almost 100 percent penetrance by age 40 to 50 years?
Multiple parathyroid adenomas causing hyperparathyroidism
TQ
What is the initial manifestation of MEN1?
Hyperparathyroidism
Up to 18% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism will have MEN1!!!!!!
Dx?
- Age: 20‐40
- Sex: 1:1 F/M, AD
- Multiple parathyroid adenomas (almost universal).
- Reoccurance: > 50% by 12 years in one study.
- Treatment: Subtotal parathyroidectomy (3.5 glands plus thymectomy as well) vs total parathyroidectomy with 0.5 gland transplanted to forearm
MEN1
TQ MULTIPLE adenomas vs just one (sporadic hyperparathyroidism)
- Age: 50‐60
- Sex: 2‐3:1 F/M
- Single parathyroid adenoma 85%
- Reoccurance: not likely.
- Treatment: excision of the abnormal gland.
sporadic hyperparathyroidism
TQ
T/F:
Multiple pituitary tumors are very rare in MEN1
TRUE
TQ
- Pituitary macroadenoma: 85%
- Treatment normalized hypersecretion of hormones: 42% :(
- Tumors tend to be much larger and much more aggressive!!!
MEN1
Mostly prolactinomas
TQ
- Pituitary macroadenoma: 42%
- Treatment normalized hypersecretion of hormones: 90% :) ..basically cures
Sporadic pituitary tumor
What is the MOST fatal Manifestation of MEN1?
Entero‐pancreatic tumors
TQ
Functioning pancreatic islet cell or gastrointestinal endocrine cell tumors are clinically apparent in approximately _______ of patients with MEN1
one-third
60% of patients with MEN1 have either the Zollinger- Ellison syndrome or asymptomatic elevation in serum gastrin concentrations.
20-60% of Z-E pt’s have MEN1.
Penetrance of entero‐pancreatic and foregut tumors in MEN1: #1: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_30-40% #2: Non-functioning tumor 30-40% #3: Insulinoma 10%
Gastrinoma (ZE)
TQ
What is the primary life-threatening manifestation of MEN1?
The malignant potential of pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs)
Like hormonally active enteropancreatic tumors in MEN1, clinically “nonfunctioning” PETs may be malignant and capable of causing liver metastases.
- Gastrinoma is Multifocal and small.
- Occurs in duodenum and/or pancreas
- Low risk of death
- Surgical tx: Pancreato‐ duodenectomy (symptomatic tx).
MEN1
-Gastrinoma tends to be single
-Occurs in duodenum and/or
pancreas
-Risk of death
-Surgical tx: Tumor resection
Sporadic gastrinoma
ZES was the initial presenting symptom of MEN1 in 40% of Pt’s
Why is it important to screen for calcium levels in MEN1 pts?
Hypercalcemia from hyperparathyroidism may severely exacerbate acid secretion, and thus ulcer formation in ZES pt’s. Thus it needs to be screened for and treated.
PTH–>Incr Ca–>Incr H+ :(
What are some other associated tumors of MEN1?
Angiofriboma Collagenoma Meningioma Thymic Carcinoid Lipomas
MEN1 Diagnosis?
- The occurrence of TWO or more primary MEN1 tumor types (parathyroid gland, anterior pituitary, and pancreatic islet cells).
- In family members of a patient with a clinical diagnosis of MEN1, the occurrence of ONE of the MEN1 associated tumors is consistent with familial MEN1
note: recommend offering MEN1 mutational analysis to any index patient with clinical MEN1, and to individuals with suspicious or atypical MEN1.
Hypercalcemia, nephrolithiasis, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, erectile dysfunction, peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, and neuroglycopenic or sympathoadrenal symptoms from hypoglycemia.
Annually screen for MEN1
2 factors which promote 1,25(OH)2–D production:
- High PTH
- Low P
4 factors which decrease 1,25(OH)2–D production:
- High Ca
- High P
- FGF-23
- Decreased kidney tissue (chronic kidney dz)
PTH secretion is stimulated by: (2)
- Low serum Ca
- High P
High Ca, high 1,25(OH)2–D, and very low Mg (stimulate/suppress) PTH secretion.
- High Ca
- High 1,25(OH)2–D
- Very low Mg
All suppress PTH secretion.
T/F: Small changes in Ca result in significant changes in PTH.
TRUE
Excess PTH may cause: (3)
- Bone dz
- Urolithiasis
- Kidney damage
Parathyroids (and kidneys) read serum Ca (and Mg) through the:
Ca-sensing receptors (CaSR)
TQ
When the CaSR is inactive – low serum Ca (or Mg) – what happens to the vesicles of PTH?
When the CaSR is inactive (low serum Ca/Mg), vesicles move into the cell membrane and release their stores of PTH.
TQ
When the CaSR is activated by high serum Ca (or Mg), what happens to the release of PTH?
When the CaSR is activated by high serum Ca (or Mg), the release of PTH is inhibited.
Where are CaSR located in the kidney?
Thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
High serum Ca will activate the CaSR in the kidney causing:
Increased Ca excretion (increased Ca in urine)
Tetany is possible when:
- Total serum Ca is less than:
- Ionized Ca is less than:
- Mg is less than:
Tetany when:
- Total serum Ca < 7.0 (almost always when serum Ca < 5.0)
- Ionized Ca < 3.0 (almost always when ionized Ca < 2.5)
- Mg < 1.0 (nl 1.5 - 2.6)
- Chvostek sign
- Trousseau sign
- Erb sign
- Prolonged QT interval
All signal:
Hypocalcemia, latent tetany
In a hypocalcemic state, it is important to check levels of:
PTH
Neonatal hypocalcemia–
Early hypocalcemia would show:
Early hypocalcemia would show calcitonin/PTH imbalance.
Neonatal hypocalcemia–
Delayed post-feeding hypocalcemia would show:
Delayed post-feeding hypocalcemia would show transient hypoparathyroidism.
Congenital hypoparathyroidism: (3)
- Aplasia or hypoplasia of the parathyroids
- DiGeorge syndrome (parathyroid and thymic aplasia, CHD)
- CaSR abnormalities (gain of function)
Acquired hypoparathyroidism: (3)
- Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
- Genetic autoimmune hypoparathyroidism
- Surgical hypoparathyroidism
Hypocalcemic states–
Inadequate responsiveness of target tissue to PTH: (4)
- vitamin D deficiency or a block in vitamin D metabolic cycle resulting in deficiency of the active vitamin D metabolite
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism types I and II
- Magnesium deficiency
- Acute and chronic renal failure
Tx of hypocalcemia: (4)
- IV calcium (avoid extravasation)
- Oral calcium
- Vitamin D metabolites
- Check serum Mg
Tx of hypercalcemia: (5)
- Fluids (hypercalcemia is always assoc with dehydration)
- Furosemide (blocking Ca reabsorption)
- Steroids?
- Calcitonin (physiologically appropriate)
- Bisphosphonates
Tx of hypercalcemia due to malignancy: (3)
Fluids
Furosemide
Bisphosphonates
MC cause of kidney stones in children after insufficient fluid intake:
Hypercalciuria
Child presents with hematuria, dysuria, frequency, wetting accidents, abdominal and back pain.
Think…
Hypercalciuria