Infectious thyroiditis as a complication of fine-needle biopsy: a systematic review.

Thyroid fine-needle biopsy (FNB) is a simple, reliable and inexpensive procedure for the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy. Furthermore, it is a useful tool for the identification of the causative pathogen in cases of acute suppurative thyroiditis. However, it can also cause infectious thyroiditis, as bacterial seeding can occur.

A case report of subacute thyroiditis during pregnancy: difficulties in differential diagnosis and changes in cytokine levels.

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy may result in both maternal and neonatal complications. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an extremely rare cause of both hyper- and hypothyroidism in pregnant women.

Case Description: A case of first trimester SAT is presented.

Normochromic normocytic anemia in a postmenopausal woman with severe osteoporosis treated with intermittent parathyroid hormone.

Intermittent exogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a potent osteoanabolic agent used for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. Two molecules of recombinant PTH are commercially available: the full-length PTH (PTH 1-84) and teriparatide (PTH 1-34). We present the first report of PTH-induced mild, asymptomatic, normochromic normocytic anemia in a postmenopausal woman treated sequentially with PTH 1-84 and PTH 1-34.

RANKL inhibition for the management of patients with benign metabolic bone disorders.

The receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, essential for osteoclastogenesis. It binds to its receptor activator of NF-kappaB on the surface of osteoclast precursors and enhances their differentiation, survival and fusion, while it activates mature osteoclasts and inhibits their apoptosis. The effects of RANKL are counteracted by osteoprotegerin (OPG), a neutralizing decoy receptor.

Efficacy and safety of denosumab in postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is a cytokine essential for osteoclast differentiation, activation, and survival. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, constitutes a promising antiresorptive agent for osteoporosis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other trial registries through January 2009.

Effect of strontium ranelate on lumbar spine bone mineral density in women with established osteoporosis previously treated with teriparatide.

Teriparatide (TPTD - recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-34) markedly increases bone mineral density (BMD) and reduces fracture risk. Sequential treatment with an antiresorptive agent is believed to preserve or further increase BMD. Strontium ranelate (SR) is thought to uncouple bone remodeling resulting in increased BMD and reduced fracture risk.

Mirizzi syndrome type IV associated with cholecystocolic fistula: a very rare condition--report of a case.

Background: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of prolonged cholelithiasis with presence of large, impacted gallstone into the Hartman's pouch, causing chronic extrinsic compression of common bile duct (CBD). Fistula formation between the CBD and the gallbladder may represent an outcome of that condition. According to Mirizzi's classification and Csendes's subclassification, Mirizzi syndrome type IV represents the most uncommon type (4%).