Hereditary Pheochromocytoma as a Main Manifestation of von Hippel Lindau Disease (vHL) in Childhood - A Long-term Follow-up of 5 Patients with vHL from One Family.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (vHL) is a hereditary, autosomal dominant syndrome manifested by a predisposition to the occurrence of benign and malignant neoplasms. The spectrum of vHL-related neoplasms includes: pheochromocytoma (PHEO), central nervous system and retinal hemangioblastomas, renal clear cell carcinoma, epididymal cystadenomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors as well as visceral (renal and pancreatic) cysts. We report the family (5 patients) with genetically confirmed vHL in which every member had PHEO diagnosed during pediatric care.

POLG gene mutation. Clinico-neuropathological study.

We present a female patient with a mutation of the POLG gene (POLG DNA polymerase gamma, catalytic subunit; *174763) in which the clinical course suggested a mitochondrial disease, a neuropathological examination identified the syndrome more closely, and a genetic test confirmed the disease. Apart from the morphological lesions typical of Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, rarely observed symmetrical degenerative changes in the accessory olivary nuclei were found. It was unusual in the clinical course of the disease that pancreatitis was diagnosed before symptoms of liver failure appeared.

Is there a common cause for paediatric Cushing's disease?

Introduction: According to recent literature, somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are the most common changes in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Data on the frequency of these mutations in the paediatric population are limited. The aim of the presented study was to determine the frequency of the USP8 gene mutations in a group of paediatric patients with CD treated at the Children's Memorial Health Institute (CMHI).

Predictive factors for the recurrence of Cushing's disease after surgical treatment in childhood.

Introduction: Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare cause of hypercortisolaemia caused by excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) excretion by a pituitary adenoma. Data on the predictive factors for the recurrence of the disease are limited in comparison with those for the adult population. The identification of the predictive factors for CD recurrence in patients after surgical treatment in childhood was the aim of the presented study.

Long-term outcome in patients after treatment for Cushing's disease in childhood.

Introduction: Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare cause of hypercortisolemia presenting a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Data on pituitary function in long-term follow-up after CD treatment in childhood is limited.

Aim: Long-term assessment of patients of the Children's Memorial Health Institute (CMHI) after CD treatment in childhood.

Treatment challenges in pediatric Cushing's disease: Review of the literature with particular emphasis on predictive factors for the disease recurrence.

Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare endocrine condition caused by a corticotroph pituitary tumor that produces adrenocorticotropic hormone. The current state of knowledge of CD treatment is presented in this article including factors that can be helpful in predicting remission and/or recurrence of the disease. The primary goals in CD treatment are quick diagnosis and effective, prompt treatment as the persistent disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

New Insights in Genetic Cholestasis: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications.

Cholestasis is characterised by impaired bile secretion and accumulation of bile salts in the organism. Hereditary cholestasis is a heterogeneous group of rare autosomal recessive liver disorders, which are characterised by intrahepatic cholestasis, pruritus, and jaundice and caused by defects in genes related to the secretion and transport of bile salts and lipids. Phenotypic manifestation is highly variable, ranging from progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC)-with onset in early infancy and progression to end-stage liver disease-to a milder intermittent mostly nonprogressive form known as benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC).

Liver involvement in children with collagen vascular diseases.

Liver injury such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and various degrees of biochemical abnormalities are quite common in children with collagen vascular diseases. They may be primary or secondary, particularly due to drug therapy (drug toxicity, fatty infiltration), superadded infections, diabetes or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis.