1.Large "Growing" Adrenal Mass with an Unexpected Histology
Ling Hui Kiu ; Ee Wen Loh ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):24-
Introduction:
Large, rapidly enlarging adrenal masses typically mandate
surgical intervention given the high probability of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, benign processes can mimic these aggressive growth kinetics, creating a
diagnostic challenge for clinicians.
Case:
A 74-year-old male with hypertension, atrial fibrillation on
rivaroxaban, and prostate cancer was referred for evaluation
of a right adrenal incidentaloma detected on computed
tomography imaging performed for prostate cancer
staging. The well-defined mass measured 8.9 × 7.8 × 7.5 cm
(AP × W × CC) with areas of calcification. Mean attenuation
was +40 Hounsfield Unit, with no significant washout.
Biochemical evaluation confirmed a non-functioning
lesion (24-hour urine metanephrines 756 mcg/24 hours
[N 246–753 mcg/24 hours]; serum cortisol 62 nmol/L post
overnight dexamethasone suppression test). The patient was otherwise asymptomatic and declined surgical intervention. Repeat imaging 4 months later demonstrated
interval enlargement of the mass to 9.8 × 8.8 × 10.7 cm. Due
to this rapid growth, which was highly concerning for ACC,
the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy.
Histopathological examination unexpectedly revealed
an adrenal hematoma without evidence of an underlying
tumor or malignancy.
This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating
aggressive cortical tumors from atypical hemorrhagic
events. Larger series on adrenal hemorrhage reported
trauma and procedural complications as the leading causes,
with a median size of 3–4 cm. Idiopathic large adrenal
hematomas presenting as rapidly expanding “pseudotumors” are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 20 cases
reported in which surgical resection was performed due to
high preoperative suspicion of malignancy. Additionally,
adrenal hemorrhage attributed to anticoagulant therapy
often occurs bilaterally. Unilateral lesion, especially when
large, can pose a diagnostic challenge as highlighted in
this case.
Conclusion
In patients on anticoagulation, rapid interval growth of
an adrenal mass does not always equate to malignancy.
Recognizing this mimicry in the era of widespread Direct
Oral Anticoagulant use is essential for refining treatment
decision regarding surgical intervention, as most cases exhibited a self-limiting process with spontaneous resolution.
2.Hidden Burden of Diabetes Risk Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Hui Soon Lim ; Ee Wen Loh ; Sing Yee Sim ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):40-
Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of diabetes represents a
significant global health challenge. Modifiable risk factors,
including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, and obesity contribute substantially to this rising burden.
In conjunction with the 2025 World Diabetes Day (WDD)
campaign focusing on “diabetes and the workplace,” we
assessed diabetes risk among healthcare workers in our
hospital using the Modified Asian Finnish Diabetes Risk
Score (ModAsian FINDRISC).
Methodology:
Healthcare workers from various departments were invited
to participate in the hospital WDD celebration. A total of
286 attendees underwent anthropometric measurements
and completed the ModAsian FINDSRIC questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the
prevalence of risk factors and overall diabetes risk.
Results:
The participants included doctors, nurses, allied healthcare
professionals, as well as hospital support and administrative
staff. The majority of participants (74.8%) were aged below
45 years. 39.2% were overweight while 30.8% were obese.
One-third (37.4%) had increased waist circumference
(WC) (≥90 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women). Additionally,
20% of respondents reported being on antihypertensive
medication, and 23.8% had previously recorded high blood
glucose. A family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) was
reported by 62.6% of respondents. Additionally, about onethird were sedentary with less than 30 minutes of daily
exercise or physical activity, another one-third did not
consume fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. The median
ModAsian FINDRISC score was 8, with approximately
30% of them classified as having moderate to very high
risk of developing DM (moderate: 17.5%; high: 10.8%; very
high: 2.8%).
Conclusion
These results revealed high metabolic risk in healthcare
workers and highlight the need for targeted workplace
health promotion strategies to reduce the risk of developing
diabetes.
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Health Personnel
;
Diabetes Mellitus
3.Individualizing Therapy With Repaglinide: A Single-Centre Experience
Ioanna Ting Yung Sim ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan ; Pei Lin Chan ; Ee Wen Loh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):55-
Introduction:
Repaglinide, a meglitinide analogue, has a rapid onset
and short duration of action. It offers prandial glucose
control while reducing hypoglycemia risk compared to
sulfonylureas. We describe its use in our special cohorts
of diabetic patients where repaglinide was prescribed to
reduce hypoglycemia in vulnerable patients or to optimize
glycemic control through pharmacotherapy intensification
or deintensification.
Cases:
Cohort A comprised 12 elderly patients with multiple
comorbidities (mean age: 70.3 years; mean DM duration:
18.3 years) characterized by high glucose variability and
problematic hypoglycemia. In seven patients, low-dose
gliclazide was replaced with repaglinide with reduction
in hypoglycemic episodes. One patient on low-dose premixed insulin was successfully switched to preprandial
repaglinide. Two patients on basal insulin were able to
reduce their insulin requirements and stabilize their glucose
levels. A younger patient with autonomic dysfunction had
hypoglycemia while on insulin glulisine, while its omission
led to severe hyperglycemia. Substituting glulisine with
repaglinide resolved the glucose variability. Repaglinide
effectively reduced hypoglycemic episodes while maintaining glycemic stability, with a mean hemoglobin A1c
(HbA1c) reduction of 0.36% over 3–6 months.
Cohort B consisted of six younger patients (mean age: 35.3
years) with focus on optimizing HbA1c and improving
treatment adherence. Two patients on basal-bolus regimes
success-fully transitioned off bolus insulin to repaglinide,
significantly improving compliance. One patient on
basal insulin was successfully transitioned to an all-oral
regimen. Three patients on existing oral hypoglycemic
agents were started on repaglinide to close the glycemic
gap. Cohort B achieved a robust mean HbA1c reduction of
2.1% within 3–6 months.
Conclusion
Repaglinide remains an important armamentarium in
personalized diabetes management. Its pharmacokinetics
and flexible dosing allow intensification of glycemic
control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. It also
offers a viable strategy for selected patients struggling
with complex insulin regime.
Repaglinide


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail