Hyperthyroidism affects arterial stiffness, plasma NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and subendocardial perfusion in patients with Graves' disease.

Background: Arterial stiffness is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events, and in hyperthyroidism increased cardiovascular event rates have been reported.

Aim: To investigate markers of systemic arterial stiffness, volume homeostasis, and subendocardial perfusion and its interrelationship in patients with Graves' disease (GD) in hyperthyroidism and euthyroidism.

Method: Aortic augmentation index (AIx@75) as a measure of systemic arterial stiffness and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) as a surrogate measure of subendocardial perfusion were assessed by applanation tonometry in 59 patients with GD in hyperthyroidism and euthyroidism, and measurements were compared to plasma levels of NT-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP).

Hypocalcemic tetany in the newborn as a manifestation of unrecognized maternal primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) during pregnancy is a very rare event that increases maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We present a case in which hypocalcemic tetany of the neonatal infant - caused by transient hypoparathyroidism in the child - finally revealed asymptomatic maternal PHP. An apparently healthy 30-year-old woman had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery.

Soluble tumour necrosis factor-alpha receptor I and interleukin-6 as markers of activity in thyrotoxic Graves' disease.

Autoimmune thyroid diseases are thought to be mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha and IL-6. Serum levels of cytokines may indicate activity levels of immune functions. We investigated serum levels of IL-6 and of the soluble receptor of TNFalpha in patients with newly diagnosed onset of Graves' hyperthyroidism.

[The insufficiency fracture of the sacrum. An often unrecognized cause of low back pain: results of bone scanning in a major hospital].

Aim: The insufficiency fracture of the sacrum is often radiographically occult. Bone scintigraphy is a method of reference for the diagnosis; the results have been analysed retrospectively.

Methods: Bone scintigraphy was done on patients who, predominantly after minor trauma, suffered from lower back pain and whose radiographic findings were negative.