Clinical Study The Role of Serum Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Osteodystrophy in Male Cirrhotic Patients

Objective. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible role of serum cytokines in the development of hepatic osteodystrophy. Matherial and Methods. 44 consecutive male cirrhotic patients (17 alcoholic, 20 hepatitis B, 7 hepatitis C), 15 age-and sex-matched chronic alcoholics without liver disease, and 17 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study during one year period. Bone mineral density was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar vertebrate and femoral neck. Serum interleukin levels were measured by ELISA method. Results. Although osteopenia frequency between our cirrhotic patients was 20%, there was no difference in T-scores among the controls and other groups. Serum interleukin-1, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were not different between all groups. Serum interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 levels were higher in the cirrhotics than controls (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant difference between osteopenic and nonosteopenic cirrhotics. Conclusion. According to the results of the study in this small population of 44 male cirrhotic patients, frequency of hepatic osteopenia is small and serum interleukins 1, 2, 6, 8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha may not play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic osteodystrophy. Further studies in which large number of patients involved are necessary in this field

Subacute thyroiditis following treatment for Cushing syndrome

Thyroid diseases frequently accompany Cushing syndrome (CS). Nodular or diffuse goitre and autoimmune thyroid diseases may be evident during or after treatment of CS. A 29-year-old female presented with weight gain, hypertension and hirsutismus. Examinations revealed hypercortisolemia. Computed tomography revealed a solid mass 2.5-3 cm in size in the left surrenal gland and adrenalectomy was done. The diagnosis was adrenal cortical adenoma. A few days later she complained of pain in the left ear, neck, and head, which was diagnosed as subacute thyroiditis. To our knowledge, subacute thyroiditis accompanying CS is not reported in the literature before

Depression and anxiety in patients with Behcet's disease compared with that in patients with psoriasis

Background Behcet's disease ( BD) is a chronic, episodic disease with an often devastating course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression and anxiety levels in patients with BD and to compare them with those in patients with psoriasis

A case of double parathyroid adenoma mimicing intrathoracic tumor

Adenoma is the leading pathologic entity in primary hyperparathyroidism (85%-90%). Although brown tumors are rarely seen, they may be the initial presentation and confused with tumors of the contiguous structures. Bilateral neck exploration by an experienced surgeon is the preferred approach. However, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and isotope scanning can delineate most cases (75%-85%). We present a man with 2 adenomas. The second tumor was not recognized until the first one was removed. Combined imaging modalities and the measurement of intraoperative parathormone did not help in identifying the second adenoma. We review the common problems associated with diagnosis and treatment of multiple parathyroid adenomas