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Heliyon Dec 2023Hypothyroidism has been suggested to play a role in tumor progression. However, the causal association between hypothyroidism and lung cancer remains unknow. To...
Hypothyroidism has been suggested to play a role in tumor progression. However, the causal association between hypothyroidism and lung cancer remains unknow. To elucidate the potential association between hypothyroidism and lung cancer risk, we employ a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. MR was performed to analyze pooled data from the International Lung Cancer Consortium (11,348 cases and 15,861 controls; European ancestry) to determine the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and lung cancer. We used 36, 83, and 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables for hypothyroidism/myxoedema, hypothyroidism, and exercise, respectively. We further investigated the mechanisms involved in transcriptome analysis using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression database. We conducted an initial validation of intermediary factor using a two-step MR analysis. Genetically predicted hypothyroidism was significantly related to the risk of overall lung cancer, specifically the risk of lung squamous cell cancer (LSCC) but not with the risk of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) as assessed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVM) method. A similar causal association was found between hypothyroidism/myxoedema and the risk of lung cancer, LSCC, and LUAD. Transcriptome analysis showed that genes associated with hypothyroidism, lung cancer, and LSCC were enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and oxidative stress response. However, genes related to hypothyroidism and LUAD did not exhibit enrichment in these pathways. Hypothyroidism was significantly associated with strenuous sports or other exercises. Moreover, genetically predicted exercise was significantly related to the risk of overall lung cancer, and LSCC, but not LUAD. We detected no horizontal pleiotropy using the MR-PRESSO and MR Egger regression intercept. Hypothyroidism was causally associated with a lower risk of lung cancer, and these effects might be mediated by the oxidative stress response and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Therefore, our study suggests that the potential factors and viable etiologies of hypothyroidism that contributed to lung cancer risk deserve further investigation.
PubMed: 38107290
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22661 -
Cureus Aug 2023Myxedema coma is a rare, but potentially fatal condition due to severe hypothyroidism, and most commonly seen in patients with long standing, untreated hypothyroidism....
Myxedema coma is a rare, but potentially fatal condition due to severe hypothyroidism, and most commonly seen in patients with long standing, untreated hypothyroidism. Here, I report a case of a 75-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute respiratory failure and altered mental status. Interestingly, this case led to a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism presenting in its most severe form - myxedema coma. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in identifying patients with myxedema coma and recognizing its potential role as a cause of respiratory failure.
PubMed: 37727154
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43747 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Since the early 1990s, Ultraviolet (UV) A1 phototherapy has been described as an effective and safe treatment of a multitude of skin disorders. However, after...
The realistic positioning of UVA1 phototherapy after 25 years of clinical experience and the availability of new biologics and small molecules: a retrospective clinical study.
BACKGROUND
Since the early 1990s, Ultraviolet (UV) A1 phototherapy has been described as an effective and safe treatment of a multitude of skin disorders. However, after 30 years, its use has remained limited to few dermatological centers.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the changes over the years and the current position of UVA1 phototherapy through a Real-World Evidence (RWE) study at a single tertiary referral center.
METHODS
We reviewed the medical files of 740 patients treated between 1998 and 2022. Treatment results were collected, efficacy was assessed by a grading scale and acute adverse effects were registered.
RESULTS
We treated patients with 26 different diseases. We registered marked improvement (MI) or complete remission (CR) in 42.8% of patients with morphea, 50% with Urticaria Pigmentosa, 40.7% with Granuloma annulare and 85.7% with skin sarcoidosis. Good results were obtained also in the treatment of chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), Eosinophilic Fasciitis, Sclero-atrophic Lichen, skin manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis of HIV+ patients. Systemic Sclerosis, Romberg's Syndrome, Bushke's Scleredema, Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy, REM Syndrome, Follicular Mucinosis, Pretibial Myxedema, Scleromyxedema, pemphigus foliaceus, chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, erythroderma of Netherton Syndrome and Necrobiosis Lipoidica were no or poorly responsive. In clinical indications where UVA1 was used as a second line phototherapy after narrow-band (NB)-UVB, we saw good MI or CR rates in Mycosis Fungoides (57% of patients), Atopic Dermatitis (33.9%), Pitiryasis Lichenoides chronica (50%), Pityriasis Lichenoides et varioliformis acute (75%) and Lymphomatod Papulosis (62.5%). Short-term adverse events were uncommon and mild.
CONCLUSION
Over the past decade, the annual number of treated patients has progressively declined for several reasons. Firstly, UVA1 phototherapy has taken a backseat to the cheaper and more practical NB-UVB phototherapy, which has proven effective for common indications. Secondly, the emergence of new, safe, and effective drugs for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, GVHD, and connective tissue disorders. Finally, our research has shown that UVA1 therapy is often ineffective or minimally effective for some rare diseases, contrary to previous case reports and small case series. Nonetheless, UVA1 continues to be a valuable treatment option for patients with specific skin disorders.
PubMed: 38076241
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1295145 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Apr 2024Graves' disease is the autoimmune activation of the thyroid gland causing diffuse enlargement and hyperfunction of the gland. Manifestations of Graves' disease are...
BACKGROUND
Graves' disease is the autoimmune activation of the thyroid gland causing diffuse enlargement and hyperfunction of the gland. Manifestations of Graves' disease are multisystemic and include thyroid orbitopathy; pretibial myxedema, also referred to as thyroid dermopathy; and thyroid acropachy, described as a severe form of thyroid dermopathy. Our paper focuses on an atypical case of thyroid dermopathy.
CASE PRESENTATION
An 11-year-old Saudi male presented with a prominent diffuse goiter and exophthalmos. Investigations were consistent with a diagnosis of Graves' disease. The physical exam showed diffuse, non-pitting swelling of the ankle and penis, mimicking a lymphatic malformation. Further, multiple nodules were found on the hands and feet. Treatment of the nodules with cautery resulted in more severe nodules.
CONCLUSION
This report describes rare presentations of thyroid dermopathy mimicking lymphatic malformation. The Koebner phenomenon can explain this patient's atypical presentations. Intralesional injections of triamcinolone and total thyroidectomy showed clear improvement.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Graves Disease; Skin Diseases; Myxedema; Exophthalmos
PubMed: 38582878
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04462-x -
Cureus May 2024This study details the development of severe post-partum hypothyroidism exacerbating psychogenic non-epileptiform seizures (PNES) and culminating in myxedema coma. A...
This study details the development of severe post-partum hypothyroidism exacerbating psychogenic non-epileptiform seizures (PNES) and culminating in myxedema coma. A 29-year-old female with a history of anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-partum depression presented with confusion, aphasia, and severe bilateral leg cramping five months following vaginal delivery. Initial laboratory tests indicated elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels, suggestive of non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. Subsequent seizure-like episodes and the absence of epileptiform activity on the electroencephalogram (EEG) raised suspicions of PNES. Further investigation upon readmittance to the hospital revealed a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 216 mIU/L (range: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L), free thyroxine (T4) level of 0.2 ng/dL (range: 0.8-1.8 ng/dL), and a CK level of 2083 U/L (range in females: 30-150 U/L), indicating severe hypothyroidism with myopathy. Reintroducing levothyroxine (Synthroid), which was previously discontinued during pregnancy, rapidly resolved her symptoms, supporting suspicions that her non-epileptic seizures and myopathy were both caused by her underlying severe post-partum hypothyroidism. She was maintained on levothyroxine with only one seizure-like episode following hospital discharge. This case illustrates the importance of a thorough endocrine assessment in patients with neuropsychiatric presentations, particularly in the peripartum period. It highlights the potential for severe thyroid dysfunction to manifest as PNES, emphasizing the complexity of diagnosing and managing such cases. The findings advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating post-partum females with neurological and psychiatric symptoms and provide evidence for the link between thyroid disorders and PNES, advocating for a nuanced approach in similar clinical scenarios.
PubMed: 38813074
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61318 -
Cureus Aug 2023Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening manifestation of severe hypothyroidism. Myxedema refers to altered mental status observed in these patients. Clinical...
Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening manifestation of severe hypothyroidism. Myxedema refers to altered mental status observed in these patients. Clinical characteristics observed include hypothermia, bradycardia, respiratory failure, hyponatremia, and altered mental status. We present the case of a 57-year-old female who was brought into the hospital with a history of collapse and a long lie. On initial assessment, she was hypothermic, hypotensive, bradycardic, and hypoglycemic with elevated infection markers, acute kidney injury, and electrolyte derangement. Her thyroid function tests on admission were severely impaired with a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level of 144.46 mU/L and Free T4 (thyroxine) levels of 3.4 pmol/L. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and was started on intravenous antibiotics, intravenous liothyronine, oral levothyroxine, and intravenous hydrocortisone. Initially, her hypothermia and bradycardia were slow to respond to treatment measures, but following the introduction of liothyronine, she showed marked improvement. Over the next few days, her infection markers improved, her acute kidney injury resolved, and her thyroid function tests normalized. Liothyronine was stopped after 6 days, levothyroxine was continued at her regular dose of 175 micrograms, and she was safely discharged with outpatient endocrinology follow-up.
PubMed: 37719600
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43574 -
Cureus Jul 2023Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PAS) is a rare disorder characterized by the autoimmune destruction of multiple endocrine glands. Type II PAS is the most common of...
Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PAS) is a rare disorder characterized by the autoimmune destruction of multiple endocrine glands. Type II PAS is the most common of the PAS subtypes and is characterized by Addison's disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, and type I diabetes mellitus. Disease manifestations are predominantly seen in young adulthood with an emerging endocrine disorder; however, a host of other autoimmune conditions can also be present before endocrine organ dysfunction. Due to the complex nature of presentation and management, an important consideration in patient care involves a multidisciplinary team with the addition of an endocrinologist. A 21-year-old African American woman with a medical history of PAS-II presented during three hospitalizations with adrenal crisis, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and myxedema. The common theme across admissions entails a spectrum of adrenal dysfunction, including shock, as well as glucose and thyroid abnormalities. During her first hospitalization, the patient presented with hypotension, hyperglycemia, and hypothyroidism. She received aggressive IV fluid resuscitation, an insulin drip, electrolyte repletion, an up-titration of levothyroxine, and stress-dose corticosteroids. In the second hospitalization, she also had hypotension and electrolyte derangements, along with hypoglycemia and myxedema. She received glucose management, thyroid hormone replacement, and stress steroids again. The third hospitalization involved flu-like symptoms and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. She was managed similarly for hypotension, hyponatremia, and hyperglycemia. In this case, she presented with non-gap metabolic acidosis and required a bicarbonate drip for a short period. She did not receive antibiotics across these three admissions. We present three hospitalizations where adrenal, pancreatic, and thyroid derangements were seen and managed. It is known that most general providers other than endocrinologists are not comfortable with the management of disease manifestations of PAS-II; therefore, we provide a case review to address the standard of care management and guidelines with further discussion. This patient's maintenance care was complicated by a lack of adherence to outpatient medications, leading to recurrent hospitalizations. We also endorse the importance of doctors pursuing endocrinology fellowships, especially due to the observed waning number of graduates. An endocrinologist's availability and involvement in the care of patients with complex endocrine issues lead to improved outcomes.
PubMed: 37546049
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41440 -
The Journal of International Medical... Sep 2023Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening endocrine emergency characterized by abnormalities in multiple organ systems. A 32-year-old woman with prolonged undiagnosed...
Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening endocrine emergency characterized by abnormalities in multiple organ systems. A 32-year-old woman with prolonged undiagnosed severe hypothyroidism was referred to our hospital owing to lower abdominal pain and menopause for more than 3 months. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and induced abortion under general anesthesia, and developed severe hypoxemia after extubation. She was diagnosed with myxedema coma, and was subsequently discharged with a good prognosis following treatment. This case suggests that myxedema coma should be considered a potential etiology of peri-operative hypoxemia. The findings in this case emphasize the importance of anesthesiologists' comprehensive understanding of myxedema coma. Prompt diagnosis followed by treatment is essential to reduce the mortality rate associated with this condition.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Adult; Coma; Airway Extubation; Myxedema; Anesthesia, General; Hypoxia
PubMed: 37694899
DOI: 10.1177/03000605231197947 -
Cureus Oct 2023Myxedema crisis (MC) refers to an unusual state of regulatory dysfunction precipitated by uncontrolled hypothyroidism. The pathogenic consequences of MC are broad and...
Myxedema crisis (MC) refers to an unusual state of regulatory dysfunction precipitated by uncontrolled hypothyroidism. The pathogenic consequences of MC are broad and may contribute to significant bodily decompensation across multiple organ systems. However, shock-induced ischemic optic neuropathy (SION) in this setting has not been reported previously. Here, we present the case of a 76-year-old female with presumed bilateral optic neuropathy following abdominal surgery. The patient experienced a prolonged and complicated postoperative course in which she remained off supplemental levothyroxine. Subsequently, her clinical status deteriorated until she met diagnostic criteria for acute decompensated hypothyroidism (MC). Upon awakening from a comatose state, she reported significant vision loss. A neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation later confirmed significant constriction of her visual fields, optic disc pallor, and global retinal nerve fiber layer loss consistent with nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.
PubMed: 38022260
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47793 -
Cureus May 2024Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in live-born infants, often associated with intellectual disability and various medical conditions, including...
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder in live-born infants, often associated with intellectual disability and various medical conditions, including thyroid dysfunction. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), an autoimmune subtype, is a leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism in DS children. Severe hypothyroidism can precipitate myxedema, a critical condition linked to complications like pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. This case study presents a nine-year-old male with DS who was admitted for acute respiratory distress exhibiting classic signs of myxedema. Initial investigations revealed severe hypothyroidism and significant pericardial effusion. Surgical pericardiotomy drained 800 mL of fluid, confirming myxedema secondary to HT. Levothyroxine therapy led to progressive improvement, resolving myxedematous infiltrate and associated symptoms within a month. Follow-up at 12 months demonstrated sustained improvement with normalized thyroid function and no clinical disease activity. This case highlights an atypical presentation of HT in a DS child with cardiac pre-tamponade.
PubMed: 38883046
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60367