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Method: Documentary research carried out on official documents and aid of current scientific literature on the role of the physician during increased violence against women during social isolation. Objective: To analyze, based on official documents, the role of the physician in the face of domestic violence in social distance. Discussion: It was observed that most of these women do not have the correct help from health professionals. The lack of sensitivity and experience of the team with this type of circumstance, harms the whole dynamics of this service, and makes this patient continue to suffer due to the lack of welcome from the health service. For this reason, in addition to practicing existing measures, it is the duty of the auxiliary doctor and to inform her effectively about actions that help her to get out of the situation safely. Conclusion: Although the doctor has an essential role, domestic violence is a problem of several spheres and must count on the help of the whole society. Educational practices and a closer look at these victims were already necessary and now with their imprisonment it is essential.

Em decorrência do hiperinsulinismo endógeno (HHE), a hipoglicemia é diagnosticada em um indivíduo sintomático com níveis baixos de glicose plasmática, concomitante a valores elevados de insulina plasmática e peptídeo-C. Entre as causas de HHE, estão as doenças das células-b das ilhotas pancreáticas, o uso de secretagogos e a hipoglicemia autoimune. Neste artigo de revisão, estudamos 24 pacientes com hipoglicemia decorrente de hiperinsulinismo endógeno com a finalidade de descrever os aspectos de diagnóstico e tratamento. Nosso estudo mostrou que, após a realização do teste de jejum de 12h (minijejum) em três dias diferentes, todos os pacientes preencheram os critérios diagnósticos de HHE. Adicionalmente, encontramos que 11 dos 12 pacientes (91,7%) que realizaram o teste do glucagon apresentaram níveis de glicose no tempo 120 minutos menores que 50 mg/dL e inferiores ao valor basal. O teste do minijejum (3 amostras) e o teste do glucagon poderiam ser úteis para evitar a realização do jejum prolongado no diagnóstico do hiperinsulinismo endógeno.

This work presents alterations in the concentrations of alkaline metals sodium, lithium and potassium, in abiotic compartments, at Araçá stream micro-basin, located in Canoas, RS. Its spring is located in a low populational density region and crosses an elevated environmental impacted urban area. Its final course crosses an agricultural area. Samples of atmospheric particulates, macrophites, water and sediments were analyzed. High concentrations of alkaline metals, related with draining of rice fields or with the ground type, as well as correlations among its concentrations with regional activities were verified. Tripogandra diurética has shown bioaccumulation compatible with their concentrations on waters.

Summary Objective To characterize clinical features and identify MEN1 germline mutations in Brazilian families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Settings Non-profit academic centre. Patients Fourteen Brazilian families with MEN1 and 141 at-risk relatives. Results We identified 12 different MEN1 disease-causing mutations, seven of them previously unreported: 308delC; 375del21; 549A>T (I147F); 1243delA; 1348T>G (L413R); 1351T>C (L414P) and 1523G>T (W471C). Families with the recurrent mutations 360delTCTA and L413R were shown to be unrelated by mitochondrial-DNA and Y-chromosome haplotype analyses. Most of the MEN1 single point mutations involved evolutionarily conserved residues, whereas most of the deletion/frameshift changes occurred in GC-rich repetitive regions. Genetic screening of 141 at-risk family members identified 38 MEN1 mutation carriers, 37 (97·4%) of whom had at least one major MEN1-related tumour upon clinical investigation. Conclusions High frequencies of MEN1 gene mutations were detected in Brazilian families with MEN1, including seven new genetic mutations that are predicted to cause inactivation of the MEN1 tumour suppressor gene. Our data underscore the need to implement a systematic MEN1 screening programme in Brazil.

This paper shows the results of air, water and sediment quality of Sapucaia stream, which belongs to Guafba Hydrographic Basin, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The correlations among the concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, present in the atmosphere, water and sediments, and their bioaccumulation in macrophytes are determined. Different degrees of pollution is characterized through the study of oxidative damage in fishes. The results indicate metal accumulation in macrophytes and fishes.

Pregnancy rarely occurs in Cushing syndrome because it is a cause of maternal and fetal complications related to arterial hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus leading to increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this work is to report our experience with two cases of pregnancy associated with Cushing syndrome diagnosed by urinary cortisol and dynamic tests plus pituitary and adrenal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case no. 1 is a 27-year-old woman with abnormal pituitary and adrenal images, was followed during her pregnancy with controlled glucose and blood pressure levels, and went to premature labor at the 34th week of gestation. The baby was severely affected by anoxia and was underweight, surviving after intensive care. Case no. 2 is a 28-year-old woman with a right adrenal mass and undetectable ACTH levels who had severe depression and diabetes mellitus requiring increasing insulin doses. She had a right adrenalectomy at 27 weeks of pregnancy. Afterward, blood pressure was normal and glucose control improved. At 38 weeks of gestation, a cesarean section was performed with no maternal–fetal complications. In cases in which blood glucose can be well controlled and blood pressure can be effectively managed, patients should be followed to the end of pregnancy. In those cases with difficult blood glucose and blood pressure control, surgical treatment is indicated during the second trimester as a result of the high maternal–fetal complication rate.

This study used MRI to define preoperative imaging criteria for cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) by pituitary adenoma (PA). MR images of 103 patients with PA submitted to surgery (48 with CSI) were retrospectively reviewed. The following MR signs were studied and compared to intraoperative findings (the latter were considered the gold standard for CSI detection): presence of normal pituitary gland between the adenoma and CS, status of the CS venous compartments, CS size, CS lateral wall bulging, displacement of the intracavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) by adenoma, grade of parasellar extension (Knosp-Steiner classification) and percentage of intracavernous ICA encased by the tumor. Statistical analysis was performed using qui-square testing and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were obtained for each MR finding. The following signs have been found to represent accurate criteria for non-invasion of the CS: 1- normal pituitary gland interposed between the adenoma and the CS (PPV, 100%); 2- intact medial venous compartment (PPV, 100%); 3- percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA lower than 25% (NPV, 100%) and 4- medial intercarotid line not crossed by the tumor (NPV, 100%). Criteria for CSI were: 1- percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA higher than 45%; 2- occlusion of three or more CS venous compartments and 3- occlusion of the CS lateral venous compartment. The CS was very likely to be invaded if the inferior venous compartment was not detected (PPV. 92,8%), if the lateral intercarotid line was crossed (PPV. 96,1%) or if a bulging lateral dural wall of the CS was seen (PPV, 92,3%). The preoperative diagnosis of CSI by PA is extremely important since endocrinological remission is rarely obtained after microsurgery alone in patients with invasive tumors. The above mentioned MR imaging criteria may be useful in advising most of the patients preoperatively on the potential need for complimentary therapy after surgery.

In order to assess long-term efficacy and safety of GH therapy in GHDA-CO, we studied 20 patients (8 female, 12 male; mean age 24.6 ± 6.2 years) treated with GH for up to 24 months. The assessment (IGF-1, IGFBP3, lipid profile, body composition, glycated hemoglobin, oral glucose tolerance test, ISI-HOMA and ISI-composite derived from OGTT) was carried out before GH and every 3 months during the first year of treatment, and then every 6 months. We observed a significant increase of IGF-1, lean mass and HDL levels and a decrease in LDL levels. Fasting glucose presented a significant increase, within the normal range, after 6 months, returning to pre-treatment levels at 9 months with no further alteration. Fasting insulin, the areas under the glucose and insulin curves, ISI-HOMA and ISI-composite did not vary significantly. We conclude that long-term GH therapy improved body composition and lipid profile, without altering ISI in this cohort of patients with GHDA-CO.

Objective. We evaluated metabolic and cardiac parameter changes with GH-therapy. Design. Sixteen adults with childhood-onset hypopituitarism receiving pituitary hormone replacement, except GH-replacement, were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of GH-replacement. Sixteen healthy adults matched for sex, age, weight, height, body mass index, and body surface area served as the control group to compare cardiac function in both groups. Results. All patients had GH-deficiency. After 12 months, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels normalized. Basal glucose or insulin levels had no alterations. The low/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio decreased ( 3.18±1.32×2.17±0.8 , p ). Percent lean body mass increased ( 69.9±5.5×78.4±8.1% ), and percent fat body mass decreased ( 30.1±5.5×21.6±8.1% ) (both, p ). Before treatment, patients had decreased left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic morphologic indexes, which were corrected (initial versus 12 months): interventricular septal thickness ( 0.68±0.06×0.78±0.06 cm ), LV posterior wall thickness ( 0.69±0.07×0.78±0.05 cm ), and LV mass index ( 58.9±11.0×71.1±9.4 g/m 2 ) (all, p ). Exercise capacity improved, as assessed by oxygen consumption ( 7.84±1.44×9.67±1.74 METS, p ). Conclusions. GH-replacement seems to reduce cardiovascular risks in adults with childhood-onset GH-deficiency.

Summary objective The inhibitory action of glucocorticoids on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is disrupted in ACTH-secreting pituitary tumours. The molecular events leading to the development of these tumours and their relative resistance to glucocorticoids are unknown. We investigated the presence of mutations and polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene in corticotropinoma and their possible relationship with the tissue-specific resistance to glucocorticoids. design and methods DNA or RNA was extracted from 18 corticotropinomas and the GR gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase-PCR followed by automated direct sequencing. results We did not identify any mutation in the coding region and the exon–intron boundary regions of the GR gene. The polymorphism AAT > AGT at codon 363 (N363S) was found in 17% and the polymorphism AAT > AAC at codon 766 (N766N) in 11% of tumours, both in heterozygous state. The polymorphisms at codons 22 and 23, at introns 3 and 4, and at codon 618, previously described in normal population, were not observed. conclusions Our results show that GR gene mutations are rare and unlikely to contribute to the glucocorticoid resistance observed in corticotropinomas. Polymorphisms in the GR gene might confer a selective advantage to tumorigenesis in corticotropinoma. However, there was no relationship between GR gene polymorphism and clinical presentation, tumour size or surgery outcome, suggesting that tumour growth may not be directly related to alterations of the GR gene structure.

Treatment for acromegaly decreases left ventricular (LV) mass, but it is not clear whether diastolic dysfunction is also reversible. With Doppler echocardiography, before and after effective therapy, we assessed the LV morphology and function of patients with acromegaly who were free of complications.In 15 patients with active acromegaly (age range, 33.4 +/- 9.3 years), we compared LV Doppler echocardiographic indices, before and after transsphenoidal surgery or radiotherapy or before and after both procedures, noting a significant drop in plasma levels of growth hormone (2.0 ng/mL after oral glucose tolerance testing). Patients did not have arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, or coronary artery disease. Occasionally, in this series, patients had no symptoms of heart failure, and patients who underwent treatment with somatostatin analog drugs were not included because they did not have a significant hormonal drop. The follow-up period after hormonal control was 2.7 +/- 1.7 years. We also studied 15 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and body surface area.Patients with acromegaly compared with healthy control subjects had increased LV mass index, relative wall thickness, and deteriorated diastolic function. After therapy, most of the abnormalities improved: LV mass index (104 +/- 21 g/m(2) x 87 +/- 21 g/m(2); P.01), LV relative wall thickness (0.40 +/- 0.06 x 0.35 +/- 0.04; P.01), proto/telediastolic transmitral peak flow velocity ratio (1.17 +/- 0.33 x 1.49 +/- 0.34; P.001), and isovolumetric relaxation period (126 +/- 18 ms x 113 +/- 13 ms; P.05).Treatment of acromegaly in patients without clinical heart failure improves both LV morphology and diastolic function. Avoidance of progression to more advanced forms of acromegalic cardiomyopathy should be possible.

In this paper we present an analytic method for the identification and the quantification of chemical elements in the atmosphere present in TSP and PM 10 . To the present moment, the method is applicable to a total of 16 metals. The method was used to analyze TSP and PM 10 samples collected in the city of Canoas, in the greater Porto Alegre, Brazil. In order to obtain relative measures of PM 10 concentrations, the method was also used to analyze samples from a neutral location. The results were checked against electronicmicroscopy findings, having an excellent agreement. Geologicalanalysis of the electronic microscopy results was used to infer thepollutants source.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon condition and its most important predisposing factor is diabetes mellitus. Although the treatment of choice is prompt surgical abscess evacuation, followed by antibiotic therapy, successful conservative treatment of SEA has been reported in some cases. We describe a SEA case in a 23-year old white woman with diabetes for 14 years, who was successfully treated only with antibiotics, and achieved full recovery at the fourth month of follow-up.

Background The clinical features and natural history of adrenocortical carcinoma are highly dependent on the type of center reporting their experience. Observations from oncology services suggest a high incidence of nonfunctioning tumors, whereas reports from endocrine clinics emphasize excessive corticoid and androgen production in the majority of tumors. The incidence rate and natural history of childhood adrenal carcinoma generally has been under emphasized. Methods Over the past 17 years, the authors have evaluated and treated 47 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma referred to the University of Sao Paulo, 22 of whom were children. Results There is a bimodal age incidence of adrenal carcinoma, with the disease peaking in the first and fourth decades of life. Childhood adrenal carcinoma is characterized by a high rate of incidence of virilization, marked overproduction of androgens, and a less aggressive clinical course, and appears to be more amenable to surgical and other therapeutic modalities. By contrast, adrenocortical carcinoma occurring in adults presents more commonly as a mixed Cushing and virilizing syndrome, with overproduction of corticoids and androgens and a far more aggressive clinical course, leading to rapid death within months or years. Nonfunctioning adrenocortical carcinoma is less common; it generally occurs in older adults and exhibits a rapid downhill course. Modern day imaging methods have improved the diagnosis and staging of adrenal carcinoma greatly. In the authors' experience, the histologic criteria of Weiss appeared to predict tumor prognosis most accurately, whereas immunologic markers, cytoskeletal markers, DNA ploidy, cell phase markers, and oncogenic probes have yielded inconsistent results to date. Surgical removal of a localized tumor remains the best hope for long term survival. Medical therapy with mitotane and its successors in patients with Stage III or IV (MacFarlane system as modified by Sullivan et al.) disease appear to have added little to longevity or quality of life. Conclusions When diagnosed in children, adrenal carcinoma is associated with virilism and a less aggressive natural history; however, when it occurs in adults, the disease presents more commonly as a mixed Cushing-virilizing syndrome and has a virulent course. The Weiss histologic criteria appear to correlate best with disease prognosis, but other histochemical, cell cycle, and genetic markers have not, to date, aided in disease management.

We correlated alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region studied by MRI with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Fifty-four patients (38 male; 16 female) with clinical and biochemical diagnosis of GHD were examined in a 1.5 T magnet (Signa GE), using coronal and sagittal T1WI 3 mm slices. Isolated GHD (IGHD) was considered in all patients stature shorter than 2.5 SD for age, growth velocity less than 4.0 cm/year. Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (MPHD) was found in 35 patients (64.8%). IGHD was found in 19 patients (35.2%). Ectopic posterior hypophysis was found in 35 patients. From these 25 patients (71%) were MPHD and 10 patients (29%) were IGHD. The values found for stalk thickness and anterior hypophyseal height and volume were greater in patients with IGHD than in patients with MPHD. The present study permitted the standardization of the measurements of the structures of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region, stalk and chiasm, in patients with GHD. MRI of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region is helpful in the diagnosis of GHD. Although 60% of patients with GHD may not show typical alterations on MRI the findings of ectopic posterior hypophysis in patients with IGHD reduce the possibility of having MPHD.

Apoplexia pituitária aguda é fenômeno relativamente raro, mesmo em macroadenomas. No entanto, a presença de áreas necro-hemorrágicas intratumorais nestes tumores que não se relacionam a qualquer sintomatologia aguda parece ser bem mais frequente do que se imaginava na era da tomografia. Com o advento da ressonância magnética estas áreas podem ser facilmente diagnosticadas pré-operatoriamente. Dentre os 40 últimos macroadenomas operados e examinados com RMN, 10 possuíam áreas apopléticas subclínicas em seu interior. Sete destes tumores eram não secretores, 2 secretores de GH e um de prolactina. O quadro clínico incluiu, além daqueles correspondentes à eventual secreção endócrina, perda visual progressiva (sem história de piora abrupta ou rápida) (n=8) e cefaléia (n=3). Após a remoção cirúrgica destes tumores e descompressão do aparato óptico, obtivemos melhora visual em 6 pacientes e em 2 a visão permaneceu inalterada. A cefaléia desapareceu em 2 casos. A presença de áreas apopléticas nestes macrotumores bem como sua ausência em séries de microtumores relatadas na literatura sugere que se relacionam mais ao tamanho do tumor do que ao seu caráter secretor ou não, o que é compatível com a provável natureza (insuficiência vascular) da apoplexia subclínica nesses casos. Acute pituitary apoplexy is a rare event, even in patients with pituitary macroadenomas. On the other hand, the presence of necrotic/hemorrhagic areas, especially in macroadenomas, seems to be more common than earlier reported in the CT period. After the introduction of MR in the presurgical workup of these patients, these apopleptic areas have been more easily diagnosed preoperatively. Forty consecutive patients with pituitary macroadenomas were studied with high-resolution 1.5 T T1 coronal, sagittal and axial slices over the sellar region. Special attention was paid in the detection of necrotic, cystic and hemorrhagic areas within these tumors. Ten patients had hemorrhagic/necrotic areas within their tumors, without any sign or symptom of acute apoplexy. These areas varied from small (2 mm) to very large (30 mm) ones. Seven patients had non-secreting tumors, 2 GH and 1 prolactin secreting tumors, which is the same profile of secretory pattern for the whole series (40 patients). The clinical picture included (other than that caused by endocrine secretion) slowly progressive (but not acute) visual loss (n=8) and headache (n=3). After surgical decompression of the surrounding structures and visual apparatus, which was facilitated by the presence of the necrotic areas, there was visual improvement in 6 patients and headache resolution in 2. The presence of asymptomatic apopleptic areas in these macroadenomas and their absence in microadenomas as can be seen in the literature suggest that they are related more to the size of the tumor than to its endocrine secretion pattern. This is in agreement with a vascular insufficiency hypothesis in the pathogenesis of these lesions.

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of Nelson's syndrome has varied greatly, at least in part because of the variability of the diagnostic criteria employed by different authors. We define Nelson's syndrome as the presence of an enlarging pituitary tumour associated with elevated fasting plasma ACTH levels and hyperpigmentation in patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. We have compared patients with Cushing's disease who developed Nelson's syndrome after bilateral adrenalectomy with those who did not. Our objective was to find differences between the two groups which might predict the development of Nelson's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have reviewed the records of 30 patients with Cushing's disease after adrenalectomy, and divided them into two groups; I: 14 who developed Nelson's syndrome and II, 16 who did not. The two groups of patients were compared in their clinical, laboratory and imaging data as well as in the therapeutic procedures that preceeded the adrenalectomy. RESULTS The comparison between the two groups of patients demonstrated a highly significant difference in relation to the development of cutaneous hyperpigmentation (100% in group I and 19% in group II) and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms (21% in group I and 0% in group II) after adrenalectomy. There were no significant differences in laboratory data before adrenalectomy. After adrenalectomy, plasma ACTH levels increased significantly in the patients of both groups, but to much higher levels in those who developed Nelson's syndrome. Plasma ACTH concentrations above 154 pmol/l occurred only in the subjects with Nelson's syndrome. Before adrenalectomy, a pituitary tumour was more frequent in the patients who developed Nelson's syndrome (55% vs. 33% at transsphenoidal pituitary exploration). Pituitary surgery and irradiation were undertaken before adrenalectomy in approximately equal numbers of patients in each group. DISCUSSION The prevalence of Nelson's syndrome was 47% in our series of 30 patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. No clinical or laboratory data before adrenalectomy predicted the development of the syndrome. The value of prophylactic pituitary irradiation could not be evaluated from our clinical material. However, after adrenalectomy, the presence of hyperpigmentation and ACTH levels above 154 pmol/l had positive predictive value for the development of Nelson's syndrome. In this situation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary is mandatory and, if no tumour is detected, MRI should be repeated at intervals.

A apoplexia pituitária é evento raro e a ocorrência de remissão endócrina em pacientes portadores de tumores secretores é ainda mais incomum. O presente estudo relata os casos de dois pacientes portadores de macroadenomas (um com doença de Cushing e outro com acromegalia) nos quais houve remissão endócrina após apoplexia tumoral. A primeira paciente era portadora de doença de Cushing e teve episódio ictal espontâneo de cefaléia e vômitos, após o qual iniciou remissão endócrina. Como houvesse persistência de imagem de macroadenoma à ressonância magnética, a paciente foi submetida a cirurgia transesfenoidal, sendo encontrado apenas cisto hemorrágico hipertensivo, sem sinais de tumor. O segundo paciente apresentava acromegalia e enquanto realizava um teste de LHRH teve evento agudo de cefaléia e vômitos, sem perda visual e instalação de diabetes insipidus. A tomografia computadorizada de sela túrcica mostrou sinais de sangue. Como não houve quadro visual agudo, o paciente foi seguido com exames de imagens seriadas, que demonstraram o desaparecimento completo da lesão e o aparecimento de sela vazia. A avaliação endócrina mostrou remissão da acromegalia. Tendo em vista a tendência à recidiva já documentada na literatura, esses pacientes devem continuar em seguimento a longo prazo. Pituitary apoplexy is rare and endocrine remission in patients with apopletic secreting pituitary adenomas is even rarer. This study reports on two patients with pituitary macroadenomas (one with Cushing's disease and the other with acromegaly) in whom endocrine remission occurred after apoplexy. The first patient had Cushing's disease and had an ictus of headache and vomiting after which she started a progressive remission of hypercortisolism. A post-apoplexy MRI disclosed persistence of a sellar and supra-sellar mass. She was submitted to transesphenoidal surgery. An hypertensive hemorhagic cyst was found with no tumor. The second patient had acromegaly. While performing a LHRH-stimulation test he had an ictus of headache, vomiting, no visual loss and appearance of diabetes insipidus. A CT scan disclosed an intrasellar hematoma. Despite the size of the tumor and since there was no visual impairment, this patient was followed up without surgery. Imaging follow-up showed a progressive shrinkage and disappearance of the mass, which was corroborated by endocrine remission. A high rate of recurrence is reported in such patients in the literature. Both patients are being currently followed-up on a long-term basis.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Objective: To date, no evidence of robust genotype-phenotype correlation or disease modifiers for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome has been described, leaving the highly variable clinical presentation of patients unaccounted for.Design: As the CDKN1B (p27) gene causes MEN4 syndrome and it is transcriptionally regulated by the product of the MEN1 gene (menin), we sought to analyze whether p27 influences the phenotype of MEN1-mutated patients. the cohort consisted of 100 patients carrying germline MEN1 gene mutations and 855 population-matched control individuals.Methods: Genotyping of the coding p27 c.326T>G (V109G) variant was performed by sequencing and restriction site digestion, and the genotypes were associated with clinical parameters by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs using logistic regression.Results: There were significant differences in p27 V109G allele frequencies between controls and MEN1-mutated patients (OR=2.55, P=0.019, CI=1.013-5.76). Among patients who are >= 30 years old carrying truncating MEN1 mutations, the T allele was strongly associated with susceptibility to tumors in multiple glands (three to four glands affected vs one to two glands affected; OR=18.33; P=0.002, CI=2.88-16.41). This finding remained significant after the Bonferroni's multiple testing correction, indicating a robust association. No correlations were observed with the development of MEN1-related tumors such as hyperparathyroidism, pituitary adenomas, and enteropancreatic and adrenocortical tumors.Conclusions: Our study suggests that the p27 tumor suppressor gene acts as a disease modifier for the MEN1 syndrome associated with MEN1 germline mutations. If confirmed in independent patient cohorts, this finding could facilitate the management of this clinically complex disease. Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Endocrine Genet Unit, Lab Invest Med LIM 25, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Neuroendocrinol Unit, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Neuroendocrinol Neurosurg Unit, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Adrenal Unit LIM 42, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Gen Endocrinol Unit, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Expt Oncol Lab LIM 24, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Pathol, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Sch Nursing, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Sch Med, Hosp Clin, Sch Publ Hlth, São Paulo, Brazil Brigadeiro Hosp, São Paulo, Brazil Univ São Paulo, Human Genome Res Ctr, São Paulo, Brazil Israelita Ensino & Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Inst Cerebro, São Paulo, Brazil NIA, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Inst Pathol, Neuherberg, Germany Univ São Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, São Paulo, Brazil Fed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Div Endocrinol, São Paulo, Brazil Fed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Div Endocrinol, São Paulo, Brazil Web of Science

Germline mutations in p27kip1 are associated with increased susceptibility to multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) both in rats and humans; however, the potential role of common polymorphisms of this gene in endocrine tumor susceptibility and tumorigenesis remains mostly unrecognized. To assess the risk associated with polymorphism rs2066827 (p27-V109G), we genotyped a large cohort of Brazilian patients with sporadic endocrine tumors (pituitary adenomas, n=252; pheochromocytomas, n=125; medullary thyroid carcinoma, n=51; and parathyroid adenomas, n=19) and 885 population-matched healthy controls and determined the odds ratios and 95% CIs. Significant associations were found for the group of patients with pituitary adenomas (P=0.01), particularly for those with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas (P=0.005). In contrast, no association was found with GH-secreting pituitary tumors alone or with the sporadic counterpart of MEN2-component neoplasias. Our in vitro analyses revealed increased colony formation and cell growth rate for an AtT20 corticotropin mouse cell line overexpressing the p27-V109G variant compared with cells transfected with the WT p27. However, the genotypic effects in genetic and in vitro approaches were divergent. In accordance with our genetic data showing specificity for ACTH-secreting pituitary tissues, the overexpression of p27-V109G in a GH3 somatotropin rat cell line resulted in no difference compared with the WT. Pituitary tumors are one of the major clinical components of syndromes associated with the p27 pathogenic mutations MENX and MEN4. Our genetic and in vitro data indicate that the common polymorphism rs2066827 may play a role in corticotropinoma susceptibility and tumorigenesis through a molecular mechanism not fully understood thus far.

Ramires, P. R., C. L. M. Forjaz, C. M. C. Strunz, M. E. R. Silva, J. Diament, W. Nicolau, B. Liberman, and C. E. Negrão.Oral glucose ingestion increases endurance capacity in normal and diabetic (type I) humans. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(2): 608–614, 1997.—The effects of an oral glucose administration (1 g/kg) 30 min before exercise on endurance capacity and metabolic responses were studied in 21 type I diabetic patients [insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)] and 23 normal controls (Con). Cycle ergometer exercise (55–60% of maximal O2uptake) was performed until exhaustion. Glucose administration significantly increased endurance capacity in Con (112 ± 7 vs. 125 ± 6 min, P < 0.05) but only in IDDM patients whose blood glucose decreased during exercise (70.8 ± 8.2 vs. 82.8 ± 9.4 min, P < 0.05). Hyperglycemia was normalized at 15 min of exercise in Con (7.4 ± 0.2 vs. 4.8 ± 0.2 mM) but not in IDDM patients (12.4 ± 0.7 vs. 15.6 ± 0.9 mM). In Con, insulin and C-peptide levels were normalized during exercise. Glucose administration decreased growth hormone levels in both groups. In conclusion, oral glucose ingestion 30 min before exercise increases endurance capacity in Con and in some IDDM patients. In IDDM patients, in contrast with Con, exercise to exhaustion attenuates hyperglycemia but does not bring blood glucose levels to preglucose levels.

Objective Both spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion are reduced in patients with hypothyroidism. The mechanisms involved in these alterations are not yet fully understood. GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that releases GH both in vivo and in vitro. Its mechanism of action is unknown, but there is evidence that this peptide acts as a functional somatostatin antagonist at pituitary level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the GH response to GHRP-6 in patients with primary hypothyroidism and in normal controls. Design Patients with hypothyroidism and normal controls were randomly submitted to 3 tests with GHRH (100 micrograms i.v.), GHRP-6 (1 microgram/kg i.v.) and GHRH + GHRP-6, on separate days. Patients Eleven patients with primary hypothyroidism were compared with 10 control subjects. Measurements GH, TSH and free T4 were measured by immunofluorometric assay and IGF-1 by radioimmunoassay. Results Hypothyroid patients had markedly lower peak GH values (mean +/- SE micrograms/l) after GHRH administration (4.1 +/- 0.9) compared to control subjects (24.9 +/- 5.1). After GHRP-6 injection hypothyroid patients had a significantly higher GH release (12.6 +/- 1.9) than that obtained with GHRH, while in control subjects GH values were similar (22.1 +/- 3.6). No significant differences in peak GH responses were observed following the administration of either GHRP-6 alone (controls 22.1 +/- 3.6; patients 12.6 +/- 1.9) or in combination with GHRH (controls 77.4 +/- 15.0; patients 52.8 +/- 10.9), despite the trend to smaller responses in hypothyroid patients. Conclusion We have shown that patients with primary hypothyroidism have higher GH responses to GHRP-6 than to GHRH, which are markedly blunted. When GHRP-6 was associated with GHRH, a significant increase in the GH response was observed in these patients, which could suggest a role for somatostatin in this process. Our data suggest that thyroid hormones modulate GH release induced by GHRH and GHRP-6 through different mechanisms. However, additional studies are necessary to further elucidate this hypothesis.

Growth hormone (GH) secretion disorders have been reported in poorly controlled type I diabetes mellitus patients. Our work was aimed to evaluate GH secretion in 9 type I young diabetes mellitus patients as well as the low molecular weight IGF-binding protein secretion (IGFBP-1) in 5 of them. The patients did not show any signs of malnutrition or neurovascular complications, neither were they on any medication except for insulin. The study protocol included blood samples collection during a 24-h period for measurement of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, GH IGF-I and IGFBP-1 levels under two situations: on poor glycemic control and after 2-3 months on better control through systematic diet, low in carbohydrates and increase in insulin dosage. GH secretion data were analyzed by Cluster algorithm for pulsatility parameters; for rhythm assessment Cosinor method was used. The first study (poor control) reported significant increase of GH maximal and incremental amplitude and duration pulse values, when compared to the second study (better control). Mean 24-h secretion values as well mean GH for interpulse intervals (valleys) decreased, although not statistically significant. The fraction of pulsatile GH/24 h GH did not change significantly with better glycemic control. No changes in pulse frequency were observed. Mean IGF-I concentrations were significantly higher when patients were on better glycemic control. An ultradian variation for GH secretion was noticed in the first study (poor control) and a circadian variation in the second one (better control). IGFBP-1 analysis showed significant decrease of the mean 24-h values under better glycemic control. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a correlation between IGFBP-1 levels and fasting glucose levels. A circadian variation was present in IGFBP-1 secretion, irrespective of glycemic control. Therefore, we concluded that for type I diabetic patients: 1. GH secretion is increased on poor control, through maximal, incremental amplitude and pulse duration values; 2. IGFBP-1 values were significantly reduced and IGF-1 levels significantly higher after better glycemic control; 4. GH ultradian secretion is reported on poor control, and circadian on the better one, 5. IGFBP-1 circadian secretion occurred irrespective of glycemic control.

We have measured mean concentrations and have appraised the pulsatile nature of thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) release in children with classical GH deficiency (GHD; n = 4) and neurosecretory GH dysfunction (NSD; n = 4) and have compared the results with those obtained in children with constitutional delay (control; n = 4). Blood samples were obtained at 20-min intervals for 24 h. Pulse analysis of TSH and PRL was undertaken using the Cluster pulse detection algorithm. Circadian rhythmicity of TSH and PRL was assessed using cosinor analysis. The mean 24-h concentration of GH in the control subjects was significantly higher than that obtained in the GHD and NSD groups. With regard to TSH, the mean serum concentration in the GHD and NSD group were higher than that of the control subjects. This augmentation reflects TSH pulses of large amplitude and area, and a higher interpulse valley mean rather than a difference in peak number or peak duration. No differences in mean PRL concentration or characteristics of PRL pulses were found between the control and GHD and NSD subjects. When the 24 h data sets were divided into day (0800-2000 h) and night (2000-0800 h), the mean nighttime TSH concentration was higher than the daytime concentration in the control, GHD, and NSD groups. Although there were no day versus night differences in TSH pulse frequency in either group, peak amplitude, area, and interpulse valley means were increased during the night in the control group, and peak area, duration, and amplitude mean in the NSD group. The nighttime mean PRL concentrations in the control, GHD, and NSD subjects were higher than those found during the day. This increase was accounted for by increases in PRL peak amplitude, area in the control group, and peak area, amplitude, and interpulse valley mean in the GHD and NSD groups. Cosinor analysis of the 24-h TSH and PRL data revealed clear circadian rhythmicity in all groups of subjects. These data suggest that GHD and NSD are associated with an increase in pulsatile TSH secretion due to an increase in pulse amplitude and interpulse valley mean.

All levels of the growth hormone (GH), GH binding protein (GHBP), insulinlike growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) axis are influenced by chronic hypercortisolism. Thus, there is a blun

Purpose: We reviewed clinical and laboratory findings in 6 male and 32 female patients with functional adrenocortical neoplasms, and compared pediatric and adult data.Materials and Methods: Hormonal measurements were performed by radioimmunoassay, histological analysis was based on Weiss criteria and staging was done according to previously established guidelines.Results: Children had a higher incidence of virilization (72 percent), whereas in adults the predominant feature was Cushing's syndrome (60 percent). A high testosterone level was the most common finding in adults and children with virilization followed by high dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone levels. High 11-deoxycortisol levels were frequently associated with tumor recurrence. Cortisol suppression after dexamethasone was altered in 93 percent of patients with virilization and no clinical features, suggesting autonomous cortisol secretion.Conclusions: No statistically significant relation was not...

GH secretion in normal subjects is periodic, with pulses prevailing during sleep. During the day (basal secretion), GH levels are, in general, undetectable. We studied GH secretion by cluster analysis, collecting samples every 20 min for 24 h in 44 subjects: 11 patients with active acromegaly; 16 "cured" acromegalics, and 17 normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to compare GH secretion between patients with active acromegaly and "cured" patients and between "cured" acromegalic patients and normal controls. The number of pulses detected through the 24-h GH profile was not different between acromegalic patients regardless of disease activity (17.5 +/- 4.4 vs. 15.0 +/- 6.0, respectively), but was different when active acromegalic patients and normal controls were compared (8.1 +/- 1.0; P < 0.05) and when cured acromegalic patients and normal controls were compared (P < 0.05). The GH pulsatile secretion/total GH secretion ratio was higher in normal controls than in acromegalic patients regardless of disease activity. We concluded that 1) the increases in GH pulsatility in active and cured acromegalic patients are similar, but most of the 24-h GH secretion is nonpulsatile; 2) half of the GH secretion in normal subjects occurs during pulses; 3) cured acromegalic patients, even those with normal GH and insulin-like growth factor I levels, do not recover a normal GH secretory pattern.

Body composition determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and the abdominal visceral fat component determined by computed tomographic scanning were examined in women with Cushing's disease and compared with those in obese women with the same anthropometric parameters and those in nonobese women. Patients with Cushing's had no increase in total body fat or the trunk region (android) component, but had a higher intraabdominal fat area compared to the obese subjects. The total lean tissue mass was slightly reduced in Cushing's compared to that in the obese subjects due to a significant decrease in the muscle of the legs and arms; the reduced amounts of fat and lean tissue masses in the arms were the most significant findings in hypercortisolism. The body mineral and bone calcium contents were slightly reduced in Cushing's compared to those in the obese controls. Thus, although obese subjects had more fat and lean tissue and mineral masses than their normal weight counterparts, the Cushing's patients, with the same total fat mass and its components (except in the arms) as obese individuals, present total lean tissue and fractions, including body mineral and bone calcium contents, similar to those in nonobese subjects due to the depletion of the protein depots, as seen in hypercortisolism.

Nodular corticotrope hyperplasia is a rare pathology causing Cushing's syndrome owing to a primary pituitary disease or ectopic CRH production. In this study, we evaluated the laboratory and pathological findings and results of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in four patients with Cushing's disease. Dynamic tests of pituitary-adrenal function (dexamethasone suppression, metyrapone, CRH, and DDAVP tests) were done before and after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Plasma and total urinary cortisol, serum 11-deoxycortisol, and plasma ACTH were determined by RIA. Hormonal dynamic tests and radiologic studies were compatible with a pituitary ACTH source. The transsphenoidal surgery revealed the presence of corticotrope hyperplasia confirmed by immunoperoxidase stain and a preserved reticulum framework in the removed pituitary tissue of these four patients. The pituitary surgery led to a short period of improvement in two of the patients (1 and 4), a 3-yr remission in one patient (patient 2), and no improvement in one (patient 3). We conclude that although our patients appear to have inadequate suppression with high-dose dexamethasone, there is no way to diagnose this pathology presurgically, and that total hypophysectomy, bilateral adrenalectomy, and irradiation are the only alternatives for definitive treatment. A CRH-secreting ectopic tumor could not be found in our patients either before or after surgery in the follow-up period.

THE production of hormones and other protein markers by tumors has been an intriguing area of tumor biology. It has become apparent during the last decades that a wide range of endocrine tumors secrete hormones not normally associated with the gland in which the neoplasm arises and that nonendocrine tumors can synthesize and/or secrete polypeptide hormones and other tumor-associated proteins. The production of such tumor markers has come to be referred to as “ectopic” or “inappropriate” when the marker is not obviously associated with the tissue from which the tumor derives. Initially the presence of ectopic hormone secretion caused by cancer was considered as rare or unusual, but with the use of modern techniques of hormone detection these syndromes are felt to be common. Indeed, Odell et al. (1) have postulated that all tumors make POMC and other protein markers. Meador et al. (2) developed the concept that certain tumors of “nonendocrine” tissues can give rise to Cushing's syndrome by secreting an adre...

The present investigation was conducted to study metabolic and hormonal responses to prolonged exercise to exhaustion in insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. Sixteen healthy subjects (control) and 15 diabetics with no insulin administration for 12 hours were studied. They were submitted to short-term exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer at 55% to 60% of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). Exercise tolerance was significantly lower in diabetic subjects (66 ± 6.7 v 117 ± 9.4 minutes), and glucose concentration was significantly higher in these subjects. At exhaustion, only diabetic subjects showed a significant decrease in glycemia (142 ± 20 v 111 ± 16 mg/dL). Lactate concentration increased significantly during exercise up to 30 minutes, but at exhaustion only control subjects showed a reduction. No significant difference in free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations was observed between the groups during a 30-minute exercise period; however, at exhaustion levels were significantly higher in control subjects. Prolactin and C-peptide concentrations were significantly lower in diabetic subjects, whereas glucagon concentration was higher. No significant differences between the groups were observed for cortisol and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. We conclude that (1) diabetic subjects show reduced exercise tolerance when no insulin is administered for 12 hours, and (2) exercise to exhaustion reduces serum glucose concentrations in insulin-dependent diabetics.

Cushing's disease is rare in children and its ocurrence in identical twins is extremely rare. This paper reports on identical twins discordant for Cushing's disease. One of them first presented with a cushingoid phenotype by the age of 10. Her evaluation showed an increased urinary free-cortisol and serum ACTH. Her pattern in the dexametazone supression tests was compatible with Cushing's disease. MRI disclosed a pituitary macroadenoma which was removed by the transesphenoidal approach. Immunohistochemical studies of the tumor showed the presence of ACTH-producing cells. The patient went into clinical and laboratorial remission after surgery. She re-started to grow after the disappearance of the Cushing's phenotype but she is still shorter than her healthy sister. The latter remains disease-free 4 years after her sister's diagnosis. This represents the third such case reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that acquired factors may be responsible for the genesis of Cushing's disease.

A 58 years old female presented with headache and acromegalic phenotype. She had hypertension for 10 years and galactorrhea for 3 years. Mean plasma GH was 8.1 hg/mL and mean IGF-1 level was 703 hg/mL (Reference: 78–258 hg/mL by immunoradiometric assay) […] Intrasellar internal carotid aneurysm coexisting with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in an acromegalic patient

Context: Acromegaly is usually sporadic, but familial cases occur in association with several familial pituitary tumor syndromes. Recently mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene were associated with familial pituitary adenoma predisposition. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the status of AIP in a pituitary tumor predisposition family. Settings: The study was conducted at a nonprofit academic center and medical centers. Patients: Eighteen members of a Brazilian family with acromegaly were studied. Results: A novel germline mutation in the AIP gene, Y268X, predicted to generate a protein lacking two conserved domains, was identified in four members of this family: two siblings with early-onset acromegaly; a third, 41-yr-old sibling with a microadenoma but no clinical features of disease, and his 3-yr-old son. No changes were found in 14 unaffected at-risk relatives or 92 healthy controls. Conclusions: We confirm the role of the AIP gene in familial acromegaly. This finding increases the spectrum of molecular defects that can give rise to pituitary adenoma susceptibility. Establishment of genotype-phenotype correlations in AIP mutant tumors will determine whether AIP screening can be used as a tool for clinical surveillance and genetic counseling of families with pituitary tumor predisposition. The underlying basis for the phenotypic variation within AIP-mutant families and the mechanism of AIP-mediated tumorigenesis remain to be defined.

The relationship between cancer and acromegaly has been subject of study for many years. From a case of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in one of our acromegalic patients, we reviewed a series of 100 acromegalics and found two others cases of thyroid cancer, which are described in this work. From that point, we have got data from the literature about this last association and its possible pathogenesis. The prevalence of thyroid disease is increased among acromegalic patients, mainly due to nodular goiter. This association will be discussed, as well as the relation between insulin-like growth factor-I and cancer, in an effort to have a better understanding of its meaning for our cases. We concluded that it would be prudent to do periodic ultrasonographic evaluation of acromegalic patients, follow by fine needle aspiration biopsies of suspect nodules.

A relação entre câncer e acromegalia tem sido objeto de estudo há muitos anos. A partir de um caso de carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide em um de nossos pacientes acromegálicos, estudamos uma série de 100 outros acromegálicos e encontramos dois outros casos de câncer de tireóide, descritos neste trabalho. A partir daí, levantamos os dados da literatura sobre esta última associação e sua possível patogênese. A prevalência de patologias tireoidianas é aumentada dentre os acromegálicos, às custas, principalmente, do bócio nodular. Esta associação será abordada, assim como a relação entre o fator de crescimento insulina símile I (IGF-I) e câncer, numa tentativa de entender melhor seu significado frente aos nossos casos. Nós concluímos que seria prudente realizar exame ultrassonográfico periódico em acromegálicos, seguido de Punção Aspirativa com Agulha Fina (PAAF) dos nódulos suspeitos. The relationship between cancer and acromegaly has been subject of study for many years. From a case of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in one of our acromegalic patients, we reviewed a series of 100 acromegalics and found two others cases of thyroid cancer, which are described in this work. From that point, we have got data from the literature about this last association and its possible pathogenesis. The prevalence of thyroid disease is increased among acromegalic patients, mainly due to nodular goiter. This association will be discussed, as well as the relation between insulin-like growth factor-I and cancer, in an effort to have a better understanding of its meaning for our cases. We concluded that it would be prudent to do periodic ultrasonografic evaluation of acromegalic patients, follow by fine needle aspiration biopsies of suspect nodules.

It has recently been suggested that the classical routine of glucocorticoid administration before and after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in Cushing's disease (CD) patients may not be necessary, since it is likely that peritumoral normal corticotrophs are not completely suppressed during this period. We compared the dynamics of ACTH and cortisol from a group of CD patients (cured and not cured), receiving no steroids post-operatively, with a control group of acromegalic patients who presented normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Blood samples for ACTH and cortisol determination were obtained immediately before, at the end of surgery and at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, in 8 cured CD patients (Group I), 9 not cured CD patients (Group II) and in 7 subjects with acromegaly (Group III) who presented normal HPA axis (control group). The mean ACTH level in Group I was significantly lower than in Group III from 4 to 12 h and lower than in Group II from 8 to 12 h post-operatively. The mean cortisol level in Group I was lower than in Groups II and III from 8 to 72 h after surgery. No difference in mean cortisol level was observed among Groups II and III during the evaluated period. The lowest cortisol value in Group II was 193 nmol/l (at 24 h after surgery) and in Group I patients, after 20 h post-operatively, the highest cortisol level was 165 nmol/l. Although all cured CD patients (Group I) presented serum cortisol level lower than 55 nmol/l until 72 h after surgery, none had significant complications related to adrenal insufficiency. Ours findings are in agreement with recent observations that there is probably no need for glucocorticoid administration until clinical and/or laboratorial data are suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. However, we have also shown that a subphysiological HPA axis response could be observed in cured CD patients after TSS, and a definitive conclusion about glucocorticoid management during and after this procedure could not be made on the ground of the few cases studied in the literature.

Background This study used high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (1.5 T) to define and evaluate preoperative imaging criteria for cavernous sinus invasion (CSI) by pituitary adenoma (PA). Methods Magnetic resonance images obtained from 103 patients with PA submitted to surgery (48 with CSI) were retrospectively reviewed. The following MR signs were studied and compared with intraoperative findings: (1) presence of normal pituitary gland between the adenoma and cavernous sinus (CS), (2) status of the CS venous compartments, (3) CS size, (4) CS lateral wall bulging, (5) displacement of the intracavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) by adenoma, (6) grade of parasellar extension (Knosp-Steiner classification 1 ), and (7) percentage of intracavernous ICA encased by the tumor. Statistical analysis was performed using χ 2 testing, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were obtained for each MR finding. The odds ratio of the most significant criteria was also obtained, and the multiple logistic regression test was used to compare the criteria altogether. Results The following signs have been found to represent accurate criteria for noninvasion of the CS: (1) normal pituitary gland interposed between the adenoma and the CS (PPV, 100.0%), (2) intact medial venous compartment (PPV, 100.0%), and (3) percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA lower than 25% (NPV, 100.0%). Cavernous sinus invasion was certain if the percentage of encasement of the intracavernous ICA was higher than 45% and 3 or more CS venous compartments were not depicted. The most valuable criterion of CSI by logistic regression analysis was the percentage of encasement of intracavernous ICA of 30% or more, with an odds ratio of 49.25. Conclusion The preoperative diagnosis of CSI by PA is extremely important because endocrinologic remission is rarely obtained after microsurgery alone in patients with invasive tumors. The aforementioned MR imaging criteria may be useful in patient's management and in advising most of the patients preoperatively on the potential need for complimentary therapy after surgery.

Low bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been described in Turner's syndrome (TS). One of the error factors of DXA is short stature, a common finding in TS patients. Aimed to evaluate the influence of a low stature on BMD, we compared the two-dimensional (2D) or conventional BMD (cBMD) with three-dimensional (3D) or volumetric BMD (vBMD) in 62 females (10 to 48 yr old) with TS diagnosis in a case control study. They were compared to 102 normal females (7 to 45 yr old) grouped by age-ranges. All patients were subjected to a lumbar spine densitometry by DXA in the PA and lateral projections, obtained the cBMD and vBMD and calculated for the apparent BMD (appBMD). In TS, the mean of Z-score for cBMD was significantly lower than that for vBMD and for appBMD (-2.31 +/- 1.42; -0.64 +/- 1.55; and -1.72 +/- 1.5; respectively). Most of the patients (83.8%) had a Z-score-1 for cBMD, whereas the majority (58.1%) had a Z-score-1 for vBMD. Concluding, the cBMD underestimates the bone mass of the lumbar spine in patients with TS inducing to false diagnoses of bone fragility. Volumetric BMD approached the bone mass of control patients, while appBMD just partially do that.