1.Use of combination of Oral Levothyroxine and Liothyronine in severe Hypothyroidism with Massive Pericardial Effusion
Poh Shean Wong ; Sue Wen Lim ; Chin Voon Tong ; Masni Mohamad ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2022;37(2):106-112
Thyroid hormone plays an important role in cardiovascular function. Pericardial effusions are commonly seen in cases of severe hypothyroidism. However, large to massive pericardial effusions with cardiac tamponade are exceptionally rare. Herein, we present two cases of severe hypothyroidism with massive pericardial effusion. Our first case demonstrates that a patient with large pericardial effusion can be managed conservatively with aggressive thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In our second case, pericardiocentesis was performed in addition to thyroid hormone replacement therapy as the underlying aetiology of effusion could not be reasonably limited to hypothyroidism. These two cases served to highlight and demonstrate rapid normalisation of thyroid function test by using aggressive oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy using liothyronine, in combination with levothyroxine, which led to resolution of pericardial effusion and prevent its re-accumulation.
Pericardial Effusion
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Thyroxine
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Triiodothyronine
2.Rare presentation of right Adrenal Mass: Extramedullary haematopoiesis in a patient with Thalassaemia Intermedia
Poh Shean Wong ; Lit Sin Yong ; Nor Afidah Binti Karim ; Ee Leng Gan ; See Guan Toh ; Noor Lita Binti Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2021;36(1):80-84
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of adrenal mass. We present a 44-year-old woman who has thalassaemia intermedia, referred to Endocrinology clinic for huge adrenal mass. Along with a paraspinal lesion discovered in this patient, the leading diagnosis was EMH. The patient was treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea, which led to a reduction in the size of the right adrenal mass and paraspinal mass. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition. Although EMH is a rare cause of adrenal mass, the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with a history of a congenital hemolytic disorder, to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.
Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary