Long-term outcomes following “presumed” total parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic kidney disease

Aim. The most efficacious surgical treatment for renal hyperparathyroidism is still subject of research. Considering its low incidence rate of long-term relapse, “presumed” total parathyroidectomy without autotrasplantation (TP) may be indicated for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), not eligible for kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyse the TP long-term results in 2HPT haemodialysis (HD) patients. Method. Between January 2004 and October 2009, 25 2HPT HD patients, not eligible for kidney transplantation, underwent TP of at least four parathyroid glands. Clinical status and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) serum levels were assessed intraoperatively and during a 36-month follow-up. Results. TP improved the typical clinical symptoms and a significant reduction of iPTH serum levels was achieved in each patient. Aparathyroidism was never observed; in case of severe postoperative hypocalcemia, hypocalcemic seizures were never reported and the long-term recurrence rate was 8%. Only one patient received a kidney transplantation. Postoperative cardiovascular events (hypertension, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmia, coronary or cerebrovascular disease) were observed in 32% of cases and mortality rate was 16%. Conclusions. Considering its low long-term relapse rate and the absence of postoperative aparathyroidism, TP may still be considered the treatment of choice in patients with aggressive forms of 2HPT or of advanced dialytic vintage, with no access to renal transplantation. In case of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia can be effectively managed by medical treatment.

The “Great Masquerader" Strikes Again: Secondary Syphilis Presentation with Erythema Multiforme (EM)-Like Lesions

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease known to present with highly variable manifestations, especially when left untreated. Patients who present to Internal Medicine Departments with fever and a rash are always a diagnostic challenge since mild viral diseases and life-threatening bacterial infections may manifest themselves similarly. In the following case presentation, we describe a patient with 1 month’s duration of fever and rash on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet, in the form of erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions. His disease was diagnosed as secondary syphilis, once again justifying its name: the “great masquerader".

Severe and Symptomatic Calcium Disorders Caused by Secondary Bone Disease in a Patient with a Thyroid Storm

A patient with Graves’ disease was admitted with a thyroid storm. She had severe hypercalcaemia caused by thyrotoxicosis. Treatment was complicated by vomiting and diarrhoea. With intravenous ondansetron, hydration and bisphosphonates, GI symptoms improved and oral thyreostatics could be started. This, combined with bisphosphonate administration, resulted in a mild hungry bone syndrome.

Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency in an HIV Patientreceiving Fluticasone and Ritonavir

Objectives: To illustrate that the protease inhibitor (PI) ritonavir, widely used as part of the treatment for HIV, might cause drug–drug interactions with inhaled corticosteroids. Material and methods: A case report is presented. Results: An HIV-positive patient presented with gradually changing body composition that was ascribed to lipodystrophy. Finally, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome with secondary adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed due to a drug–drug interaction of ritonavir and fluticasone. Conclusion: Lipodystrophy might mimic Cushing's syndrome. The combination of ritonavir and inhaled fluticasone may lead to systemic steroid excess causing Cushing's syndrome and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Bilateral Chylothorax Secondary to Retrosternal Goitre: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Chylothorax is characterized by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity due to damage to the thoracic duct. The aetiology can be traumatic or non-traumatic. Goitre is a rare cause of chylothorax with only eight cases previously described in the literature including only one case causing a bilateral chylothorax. This report describes a patient with bilateral chylothorax secondary to substernal goitre, which was successfully treated, and discusses this very rare case in light of the available literature.