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.

Proinflammatory parameters as CRP and IL-6 do not discriminate between post-PCI cardiac patients with and without exercise-induced ischemia as indicated by Tl-201 myocardial scintigraphy.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is looked upon as an inflammatory disease. The production of proinflammatory markers may indicate activity in this inflammatory state.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated a range of proinflammatory serum parameters in 136 cardiac patients who had previously undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Bone scintigraphy using Tc-99m DPD and F18-FDG in a patient with SAPHO syndrome.

Synovitis (inflammatory arthritis), acne (pustulosa), palmoplantar pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (bland osteomyelitis) are symptoms forming the acronym SAPHO. We present the case of a 48-year old man with sterno-costo-clavicular hyperostosis and typical pustulosis palmaris. We performed Tc-99m DPD serial bone scanning to monitor the course of disease and to assess therapeutic efficiency.

Is there a gender difference of somatostatin-receptor density in the human brain?

Animal experiments and observations in human brains have convincingly shown that sexual differentiation not only concerns the genitalia but also the brain. This has been investigated also in the light of a possible explanation of a presumed biological aetiology of transsexuality. The volume of the central subdivision of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, a brain area that is essential for sexual behaviour, has been reported to be larger in men than in women.

[Subacute thyroiditis with cell destruction and temporary hyperthyroidism in Graves'disease--case report].

We present the case of a 60-year old woman with painful swelling of the thyroid gland and temporary thyrotoxicosis. 30 years ago she had experienced a period of hyperthyroidism because of Graves' disease. This time thyrotropin-receptor-antibodies were negative, Tc-99 m scan revealed decreased uptake in both lobes (this pattern normalised later on) and fine needle aspiration presented leucocyte infiltration of the thyroid.

[Diagnosis and therapy of Graves' ophthalmopathy--consensus guidelines].

On 22-09-2001 the VIth Grazer Hormonsymposion took place. Diagnosis and therapy of Graves' Ophthalmopathy was discussed in an interdisciplinary way by endocrinologists, surgeons and ophthalmologists. The results of the round-table discussion and the consensus talk are presented.

Pro-inflammatory role of serotonin and interleukin-6 in arthritis and spondyloarthropathies--measurement of disease activity by bone scan and effect of steroids.

Objective: As serotonin is a mediator of inflammatory joint disease, serum levels were investigated in human patients with arthritis for a possible corresponding role as a disease marker.

Design: 48 patients were evaluated by bone scan for disease activity. 5-HT and CRP were measured in the whole group, and IL-6 in those not yet receiving corticosteroids.