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V Rohmer

Publications and source records attributed to V Rohmer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Analysis of Tg transcripts by real-time RT-PCR in the blood of thyroid cancer patients.

Serum Tg (sTg) assays are sometimes unsatisfactory for monitoring thyroid cancer because interference caused by anti-Tg antibodies may reduce the sensitivity of the tests during thyroid hormone therapy. We have therefore developed a complementary method using real-time quantitative RT-PCR based on the amplification of Tg mRNA. Two different pairs of primers were used for the determination of the frequency of one of the variants of the alternative splicing of Tg mRNA. The frequency of this variant was as high in patients (n = 40) as in controls (n = 30), accounting for about 33% of the total Tg mRNA. Using appropriate primers, we observed that Tg mRNA values in controls varied according to the volume of thyroid tissue and the TSH concentration. The Tg mRNA values allowed the definition of a positive cutoff point at 1 pg/microg total RNA. This cutoff point, tested on the group of patients treated for thyroid cancer, produced fewer false negative results than those obtained with sTg assays. The standardized, highly sensitive real-time RT-PCR technique may therefore prove useful as a complement to sTg assays, particularly for patients with recurrent thyroid cancer receiving T(4) therapy.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed2001

Familial medullary thyroid carcinoma with noncysteine ret mutations: phenotype-genotype relationship in a large series of patients.

Familial medullary thyroid carcinoma only is related to germline mutations in the protooncogene RET, mainly in exons 10, whereas noncysteine mutations (exons 13-15) are considered infrequent. We analyzed 148 patients from 47 familial medullary thyroid carcinoma only families, and we found noncysteine RET mutations in 59.5% of these families. Of the index cases with noncysteine mutations, 43.4% presented with a multinodular goiter and high basal calcitonin; they were older at diagnosis than those with mutation in exon 10 and had more multifocal medullary thyroid carcinoma, but no difference in size, bilaterality, presence of C cell hyperplasia, or nodal metastases was found. Gene carriers with noncysteine RET mutations had a lower incidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (78.2% vs. 94.1%) than those with mutation in exon 10; 20.2% had C cell hyperplasia only, although thyroidectomized at an older age. In conclusion, familial medullary thyroid carcinoma with noncysteine RET mutations are not infrequent and are overrepresented in presumed sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma, suggesting that RET analysis should routinely be extended to exons 13, 14, and 15. The phenotype is characterized by a late onset of the disease, suggesting a delayed appearance of C cell disease rather than a less aggressive form. In familial medullary thyroid carcinoma gene carriers, the optimal timing for thyroidectomy remains controversial. Based on these data, we propose that surgery should be performed before elevation of the basal calcitonin level, potentially as soon as the pentagastrin test becomes abnormal.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pheochromocytoma in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study is to update our knowledge of the chronology of pheochromocytoma occurrence in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), and to better manage MEN 2 patients after the genetic diagnosis. DESIGN: Eighty-seven non-index gene carrier MEN 2 patients were included in this prospective study: 84 patients with MEN 2A (from 52 families) and 3 with MEN 2B (from 3 families). METHODS: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was diagnosed by measuring plasma calcitonin in basal conditions or after pentagastrin stimulation. The search for pheochromocytoma consisted of clinical evaluation, 24 h determination of urinary catecholamines and adrenal imaging. The mean age at genetic diagnosis of MEN 2 was 14.0+/-7.0 years, the mean duration for the follow-up was 7.6+/-2.8 years. RESULTS: All 87 patients had a MTC detected at the same time as the genetic diagnosis was made. Urinary catecholamine measurements led to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and a combination of imaging techniques enabled the correct localization of both unilateral or bilateral adrenal involvement. Pheochromocytoma was detected simultaneously with MTC in only seven patients, and seven others were detected throughout the follow-up. Of the 14 patients with pheochromocytoma, 11 had bilateral involvement: nine were initially bilateral and two became so during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that in MEN 2, MTC is the lesion which appears earliest. Pheochromocytoma develops later during the evolution of the disease, and necessitates regular clinical and biological monitoring throughout follow-up. Determination of urinary and/or plasma catecholamines and metanephrines should be performed to detect pheochromocytoma. Imaging techniques lead to the detection of both unilateral and bilateral pheochromocytoma, thus making video-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

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

OBJECTIVE: Determine a means of establishing the diagnosis of parathyroid cysts preoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Classically, crystal-clear watery fluid removed by fine-needle aspiration of a suspected thyroid mass raises the suspicion of a parathyroid cyst. Immunoradiometric assay of parathyroid hormone level in the fluid may give the diagnosis sparing unnecessary surgery. RESULTS: Over the last 5 years, among the 12 patients presenting a suspected thyroid cyst containing a crystal-clear fluid, we were able to diagnose 3 cases of parathyroid cysts due to the considerable elevation of parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. None of these patients had hyperparathyroidism. In patients with a thyroid cyst, parathyroid hormone level in the puncture fluid was nil. CONCLUSION: The parathyroid nature of cervical cysts containing crystal-clear fluid can be established by assaying parathyroid hormone in the puncture fluid. Non-functional parathyroid cysts may be treated by repeated aspiration. Serum calcium level must be checked regularly to detect potential hyperparathryoidism.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of octreotide acetate LAR and lanreotide SR in patients with acromegaly.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The most effective option for the medical treatment of patients with acromegaly is the use of somatostatin analogues. Long-acting depot formulations for intramuscular injection of two somatostatin analogues have recently become available: octreotide acetate LAR (Sandostatin LAR, Novartis Pharma AG) and lanreotide SR (Somatuline, Ipsen Biotech). We wished to compare efficacy of octreotide LAR and lanreotide SR in acromegalic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 125 patients with acromegaly (67 females; mean age, 47 years; 59 patients had previous pituitary irradiation) from 26 medical centres in France, Spain and Germany were studied. Before the study, all patients had been treated with intramuscular injections of lanreotide SR (mean duration, 26 months) at a dose of 30 mg which was injected every 10 days in 64 and every 14 days in 61 patients, respectively. All patients were switched from lanreotide SR to intramuscular injections of 20 mg of octreotide LAR once monthly for three months. In order to obtain efficacy and safety data of lanreotide SR under study conditions, it was decided to randomly assign at day 1, in a 3 : 1 ratio, the time point of the treatment switch; 27 of the patients were randomly assigned to continue the lanreotide SR treatment for the first 3 months of the study (group A); they were on octreotide LAR 20 mg from month 4-6. The other 98 patients were assigned to be switched to treatment with octreotide LAR 20 mg at day 1 (group B). In group B patients, octreotide LAR treatment was continued until month 6, with an adjustment of the dose based on GH levels obtained at month 3. RESULTS: The mean GH concentration decreased from 9.6 +/- 1.3 mU/l at the last evaluation on lanreotide SR to 6.8 +/- 1.0 mU/l after three injections of octreotide LAR (P < 0.001). The percentages of patients with mean GH values < or = 6.5 mU/l (2.5 microg/l) and < or = 2.6 mU/l (1.0 microg/l) at the last evaluation on lanreotide SR were 54% and 14%, and these values increased after 3 months treatment with octreotide LAR to 68% and 35% (P < 0.001), respectively. IGF-I levels were normal in 48% at the last evaluation on lanreotide SR and in 65% after 3 months on octreotide LAR (P < 0.001). Patients with pre-study pituitary irradiation had lower mean GH and IGF-I concentrations. But the effects of the treatment change did not differ between the irradiated and the nonirradiated patients. In general both drugs were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Octreotide LAR 20 mg administered once monthly was more effective than lanreotide SR 30 mg administered 2 or 3 times monthly in reducing GH and IGF-I in patients with acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2000

21-Hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia is a progressive disorder: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether the clinical features of 21-hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia are correlated with either age at symptom onset or age at presentation, or both, and with the degree of adrenocortical abnormality. STUDY DESIGN: In a multicenter cohort design 220 women with nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia, with a basal or adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone level >30.3 nmol/L, were studied, either prospectively (n = 39) or retrospectively (n = 181). Patients were stratified by age of presentation into 5 groups: (1) <10 years (n = 25), (2) 10 to 19 years (n = 64), (3) 20 to 29 years (n = 83), (4) 30 to 39 years (n = 30), and (5) 40 to 49 years (n = 16). Two patients >50 years old were excluded from the analysis because of age. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of patients <10 years old had premature pubarche at presentation, whereas clitoromegaly and acne were each present in only 20% of these younger subjects. With only patients > or =10 years old considered, presenting clinical features included hirsutism (59%), oligomenorrhea (54%), acne (33%), infertility (13%), clitoromegaly (10%), alopecia (8%), primary amenorrhea (4%), and premature pubarche (4%). Among the patients >/=10 years old, the prevalence but not the degree of hirsutism increased significantly with age. Basal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in adolescents were significantly higher than the levels found either in children (<10 years old) or women 40 to 49 years old (P <.01 and P <.03, respectively), although no difference was noted in the stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels between age groups. The adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated levels but not the basal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone were significantly higher in patients with clitoromegaly than in women without clitoromegaly. Alternatively, there were no differences in either basal or stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels between patients with and those without hirsutism, acne, or alopecia. CONCLUSION: In children <10 years old the most common presenting complaint was premature pubarche, whereas hirsutism and oligomenorrhea were more common in older patients. The prevalence of hirsutism increased with age, suggesting the progressive nature of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia. Furthermore, the adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone were higher in patients with clitoromegaly, which suggests that the degree of adrenocortical dysfunction in nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia determines, at least in part, the clinical presentation.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed2000

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

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

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗
PubMed2000

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

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

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of micronised fenofibrate in a randomised double-blind study comparing four doses from 200 mg to 400 mg daily with placebo in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy on LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of micronised fenofibrate given for three months at doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg once daily, compared with placebo. A double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, multi-centre trial was performed in four centers of France in 340 hypercholesterolemic patients (163M, 177F) aged 18-75 years. After a 2-3 month single-blind run-in period on placebo and diet, patients with LDL-C greater than or equal to 4.65 mmol/l (180 mg/dl) maintained on the same diet throughout the study were randomly allocated to placebo or to 200, 267, 340 or 400 mg micronised fenofibrate, given once daily with the evening meal for 3 months. LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) significantly decreased compared with placebo in all four fenofibrate groups. For all randomised patients, the decrease in the fenofibrate groups ranged from 31.6-38.8% for LDL-C, 24.5-31.9% for TC, 26.7-40.8% for TG, and 27.3-35.0% for Apo B. An increase in HDL-cholesterol of 4.1-8.2% was observed in the fenofibrate groups, but did not reach statistical significance. Lipid values in the placebo group remained unchanged. The therapeutic goal of LDL-C<3.36 mmol/l (130 mg/dl) was reached in 27% in the 200 mg group and increased to 56% in the 300 mg group. There were no major clinical or biological adverse events in the dose interval from 200 mg to 400 mg of micronised fenofibrate per day. This study showed treatment for 3 months with micronised fenofibrate at doses up to 400 mg per day is effective and can reduce LDL-cholesterol up to 30% allowing further evaluation of these doses on longer trials.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of quinagolide in resistance to dopamine agonists: results of a multicenter study. Club de l'Hypophyse.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective French multicenter analysis was carried out to assess changes in tumor volume and plasma prolactin concentration in order to evaluate the efficacy of quinagolide (Norprolac) in patients with prolactinoma resistant to ergot dopamine agonists. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seven patients (46 men and 61 women) from 27 centers were included in the statistical analysis. All had previously been treated with a dopamine agonist (bromocriptine). Fifty-five patients had undergone surgery before being administered quinagolide: 17 of the patients had also received radiotherapy (before and after the initiation of treatment with quinagolide in 14 and 3 cases respectively). Quinagolide was given at doses ranging from 75 to 750 microg daily and continued for more than one year for 84 patients. RESULTS: The prolactin level returned to normal after a mean interval of 9.8 1.6 months (1-48) in 47 of the 107 patients (44%) using a mean dose of quinagolide of 259 32.7 microg/d (75-750). The plasma prolactin concentration had already been normalized using bromocriptine in three patients. The variation in tumor volume was assessed in 82 patients since 8 had no residual tumor post-operatively and 17 had received radiotherapy: at least partial regression of the tumor was noted in 25 (30.8%), including 16 (19.5%) with a more than 50% decrease in the remaining tumor. The mean time taken to observe the anti-tumoral effect was 16.8 3.1 months (3-78) using a mean dose of quinagolide of 255.4 37.8 microg/d d (75-750). The following predictive indicators were identified concerning the efficacy of quinagolide: a pre-quinagolide prolactin level of<300 ng/ml in the group of patients whose plasma prolactin concentration was normalized, and a mean decrease in prolactin of 619 ng/ml in the group of patients showing a reduction in tumor volume treated with quinagolide for 3 months. Side effects (nausea, vomiting, hypotension) were generally mild and were observed in 51 patients (47.6%). Only 11 (10.2%) of patients had to discontinue treatment because of adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: An anti-tumoral effect was noted in 30.8% of patients and occurred within an interval of less than 2 years in 80% of cases at a dose of 300 microg/d. Normalization of the plasma prolactin concentration was obtained in 44% of cases and occurred in less than one year in 80% of patients at a dose of 300 microg/d. Quinagolide is a useful drug and from now on should be prescribed as first-line treatment for patients presenting with bromocriptine-resistant prolactinoma.

Aminoquinolines↗
PubMed1999

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

OBJECTIVES: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the influence of prolonged suppressive L-thyroxin therapy on bone density and biochemical markers of bone remodeling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients (including 28 menopaused women) taking long-term L-T4 for thyroid carcinoma were divided into 3 groups according to their TSH level: low (TSH < 0.04 mlU/l), moderate (0.04 TSH < or = 0.10 mlU/l) and high (TSH > 0.10 mlU/l). Bone density was measured in lumbar vertebrae annually for a mean 4.5 years. Bone metabolism markers were measured over a 4 year period. Bone density measurements of the femur were also obtained for 2 years in 16 menopaused women. RESULTS: Lumbar bone density did not decline whatever the TSH level or the duration of L-T4 treatment. Likewise for menopaused women without substitution estroprogesterone therapy. Over the 4 years, biochemical markers of bone formation, including bone alkaline phosphatases and osteocalcin, or of bone resorption, including urinary hydroxyprolin, did not vary. In addition, in menopaused women, femoral bone density was not significantly lowered over the 2 years follow-up. No lumbar or femoral osteopenia was observed in these patients taking L-thyroxin, even for those with complete TSH blockade. Biochemical markers did not demonstrate a significant acceleration of bone turnover during prolonged administration of L-T4 at suppressive levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in men.

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

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Usefulness of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in patients with occult ectopic adrenocorticotropin syndrome.

SRIF receptor scintigraphy (SRS) has been proposed for the localization of ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors responsible for Cushing's syndrome. However, in most cases reported, the tumors were also visible using conventional imaging. Therefore, the usefulness of SRS in localizing truly occult ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors remains unknown. We report the results of SRS in 12 patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) and in whom the source of ACTH was occult at presentation despite carefully performed conventional imaging. The diagnosis of EAS was made by identification of an ACTH-secreting tumor during follow-up in 5 patients or given a pituitary-to-peripheral ACTH ratio of 1.9 or less during petrosal sinus sampling combined with CRH injection and a negative pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whole-body planar SRS, using (111)In-pentetreotide, was performed 19 times in the 12 patients during initial workup and/or follow-up. Axial tomography imaging (single-photon emission-computed tomography) was performed in 7 of these. Conventional imaging was performed within a month of SRS, allowing comparison of the two approaches for the localization of the ACTH-secreting tumors. In addition, the response of plasma cortisol, after a single injection of 200 microg octreotide, was studied in 6 patients. Five patients had negative SRS and conventional imaging studies. The source of ACTH secretion remains occult despite 10-55 months of follow-up in four of these, whereas a 2-cm ileal carcinoid tumor, with liver micrometastases, was found at laparotomy in one patient, 14 months after presentation. SRS was positive in 4 of 12 patients. It was false-positive in 1 patient with follicular thyroid adenoma. Nineteen months after presentation, SRS identified liver metastasis that was also visible using MRI in one patient, but the primary tumor remains occult. SRS identified a 10-mm pancreatic tumor that became detectable, using computed tomography (CT) scanning 9 months later, in 1 patient; and 2 mediastinal lymph nodes of 10 mm, previously ignored by MRI, in another patient, whereas no tumor was detectable within the parenchymal lung. SRS had little influence on therapeutic options in these 2 patients, in whom no final diagnosis could be made. Repetition of SRS during the follow-up of patients with previously negative scintiscans was useless. Conventional imaging was positive in 6 of 12 patients. In the 2 patients with pancreatic tumor and isolated mediastinal lymph nodes, conventional imaging studies were interpreted as positive only after the results of SRS. One patient had liver metastasis that was also visible using SRS. Thin-section CT scanning visualized ACTH-secreting bronchial tumors and metastatic mediastinal lymph nodes of 10-15 mm in diameter in 3 patients after 14-72 months of follow-up, whereas SRS was negative. There was no evident relationship between the endocrine status (hyper- or eucortisolism) and the results of SRS. The in vivo response of plasma cortisol to octreotide correlated to the results of SRS in 4 of 6 cases. In conclusion, both imaging procedures had a low diagnostic yield in this series. However, the sensitivity of SRS for the detection of bronchial carcinoids was lower than that of thin-section CT scanning. We therefore advocate the use of conventional imaging, including thin-section CT scanning of the chest, analyzed by experienced radiologists, as the first-line investigation in patients with occult EAS. SRS should not be repeated during the follow-up in patients with a previously negative scintigram.

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic↗
PubMed1999

GH deficiency in adults: an epidemiological approach.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of adult onset GH deficiency (GH-D) is poorly documented. Epidemiological data are now required to estimate the financial cost of GH treatment in adults. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of GH-D, from a cohort of 1652 adult patients with hypothalamo-pituitary diseases. DESIGN: The hormonal status of all patients presenting with pituitary diseaseand observed during the year 1994 in 15 endocrine units was retrospectively analyzed, irrespective of the date of disease onset, of the nature and date of pituitary investigations, and whether or not they included specific testing of the GH axis. Of the whole population of 1652 patients, a selected group (RG2) was chosen after exclusion of patients with active acromegaly (n=1414). RESULTS: GH stimulation tests had been performed in 549 patients of the RG2 group and a documented GH-D was found in 301. A relationship between the value of the GH peak and the number of pituitary deficits was evaluated. For instance, it was shown that 93% of patients with three deficits had GH-D. These results constituted the basis for estimating the number of GH-D in the group of untested patients. The number of GH-D deduced from the number of established GH-D (n=301) and from the number of GH-D hypothesized from other pituitary deficits (n=406) was 707 cases. Prevalence and annual incidence were calculated from data recorded in a referral center with a well-defined catchment area, Marseilles (Bouches du Rhône department). We projected a prevalence of 2638 for France and an annual incidence of 12 GH-D per million of the adult population.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in pituitary adenomas: a somatostatin receptor density index can predict hormonal and tumoral efficacy of octreotide in vivo.

UNLABELLED: Previous studies have failed to predict somatostatin analog response with somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in pituitary adenomas. In vitro studies have shown that the density of somatostatin receptors in pituitary tumors might be critical for octreotide response. METHODS: The density of somatostatin receptors was calculated in vivo combining the uptake index obtained from somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and the tumor volume obtained by MRI. The ratio of these two values, called density index (DI), was established in 32 of 37 consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas (11 had growth hormone-secreting adenomas, 4 thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting and 17 nonfunctioning). It was compared with hormonal response, assessed in 15 secreting adenomas on growth hormone or thyroid stimulating hormone suppression (which was considered significant when it reached at least 50% of basal level), and with tumor shrinkage (which was considered significant when > or =20% of pretherapeutic value) in 12 secreting and 14 nonfunctioning adenomas. RESULTS: In agreement with previous reports, uptake index is not predictive of octreotide response. In contrast, DI predicts both hormonal suppression and tumor shrinkage (P = 0.009 and P = 0.0002, respectively) obtained with octreotide therapy. DI sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 92% each, and a positive correlation was found between DI and the percentage of tumor shrinkage (r = 0.54, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The combination of scintigraphic and MRI data allows the computation of a DI for somatostatin receptors that points out patients who can profit from somatostatin analog treatment.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1999

[Trabecular bone microarchitecture and male osteoporosis].

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

Adult↗