1.Solving the unlocalized parathyroid: Experience with selective venous sampling in three patients
Yee Weai Cheong ; Hwee Ching Tee ; Ho Jin Hui ; Shireen Siow Leng Lui ; Aida Shazlin Binti Hamiddin ; Siti Zubaidah Sharif
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):15-
Introduction:
Accurate preoperative localization is essential for the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).
Although ultrasound, technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy, and 4D-CT provide high localization rates, a subset of
patients have non-localizing or discordant imaging. Selective parathyroid venous sampling (PVS) is an invasive adjunct
that measures regional parathyroid hormone (PTH) gradients to aid localization in challenging cases. We present a threepatient case series demonstrating the utility of PVS in diagnostically complex PHPT.
Cases:
We retrospectively reviewed three female patients (ages 44–63) with biochemically confirmed PHPT who underwent
selective PVS following negative or discordant imaging. Venous sampling was performed via femoral access with
catheterization of bilateral internal jugular, brachiocephalic, and bilateral thyroidal veins. PTH levels were measured at
each site and compared to peripheral levels to identify regional gradients. Surgical findings, intraoperative parathyroid
hormone monitoring (IOPTH), histopathology, and postoperative biochemical outcomes were recorded.
All patients had non-localizing or discordant preoperative imaging (USG, sestamibi, 4D-CT). PVS identified significant
PTH gradients, guiding focused parathyroidectomy. IOPTH monitoring confirmed successful excision in all operated
patients. Histopathology confirmed parathyroid adenoma in two cases; in the third case, the parathyroid tissue was
identified within the thyroid gland. Postoperative PTH levels suppressed (range 0.79–1.48 pg/mL) in keeping with
successful parathyroidectomy.
Conclusion
PVS effectively lateralized disease in imaging-negative PHPT and directly guided surgical management. When conventional
imaging fails, PVS combined with intraoperative PTH monitoring enables targeted surgery and favorable biochemical
outcomes.
Humans
2.Mimicking Pheochromocytoma: Hypertensive crisis from adrenal hematoma in JAK2-positive polycythemia rubra vera
Dhanya Ganesan ; Hwee Ching Tee ; Jin Hui Ho ; Shireen Siow Leng Lui
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):20-21
Introduction:
Hemorrhagic suprarenal masses presenting with hypertensive emergency pose a significant diagnostic challenge,
particularly when biochemical and radiological findings
are inconclusive. The clinical presentation may mimic
catecholamine-secreting tumors, necessitating consideration of a broad differential diagnosis, including pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, retroperitoneal
hemorrhage, and hematological-related extramedullary
lesions. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as management
strategies differ significantly.
Case:
We report a 48-year-old male smoker with no known prior
medical illness who presented with sudden left-sided chest
pain radiating to the epigastrium, associated with vomiting.
On arrival, he was markedly hypertensive (207/131 mmHg).
He reported a 1-year history of paroxysmal palpitations,
headaches, migraines, and intermittent diaphoresis.
Computed tomography angiography excluded aortic
dissection but demonstrated a left retroperitoneal
hemorrhage with non-visualization of the adrenal gland,
suggestive of adrenal or tumor-related hemorrhage.
He was initially managed empirically as a
pheochromocytoma while undergoing biochemical
evaluation; however, urinary metanephrines were only
mildly elevated. Repeat imaging demonstrated interval
enlargement of a non-enhancing suprarenal mass, raising
concern for tumor-related hemorrhage. Subsequent
ultrasonography, however, favored a liquefied hematoma,
and percutaneous drainage yielded 750 mL of sanguineous
fluid, resulting in marked clinical improvement.
Notably, an elevated hematocrit prompted further
evaluation for erythrocytosis. Subsequent testing
confirmed JAK2 mutation-positive polycythemia rubra
vera, providing a unifying explanation for both the
erythrocytosis and spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage. The
patient was commenced on hydroxyurea and referred for
hematology follow-up.
Conclusion
Adrenal hemorrhage may closely mimic pheochromocytoma in hypertensive emergencies. A systematic, multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, biochemical, and
imaging findings is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and
guide appropriate management, particularly in patients
with underlying hematological disorders.
Hypertensive Crisis
;
Pheochromocytoma
;
Polycythemia Vera
;
Hematoma
3.Bilateral Adrenal Masses With Rapid Deterioration: A Rare Case of Primary Adrenal Lymphoma
Melody Tsen Shu Ling ; Cheong Yee Weai ; Hwee Ching Tee ; Jin Hui Ho ; Shireen Siow Leng Lui
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):26-
Introduction:
Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare extranodal
lymphoma, accounting for less than 1% of cases. It often
presents with non-specific constitutional symptoms
and features of adrenal insufficiency. The absence of
pathognomonic findings frequently leads to delayed
diagnosis, by which time the disease is often advanced,
contributing to poor prognosis.
Case:
A 59-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and
previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis presented with
1 month of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and abdominal
pain. He was cachectic but hemodynamically stable
(BP 120/81 mmHg; glucose 5.1 mmol/L), with otherwise
unremarkable systemic examination. Laboratory evaluation
revealed hyponatremia (120 mmol/L), hyperkalemia (6.0
mmol/L), and severe hypercalcemia (4.4 mmol/L). A short
Synacthen test confirmed adrenal insufficiency.
Computed tomography demonstrated marked bilateral
adrenal enlargement with bulky masses (8.9 × 8.7 × 8.7
cm right; 9.9 × 7.6 × 10.2 cm left), suggestive of malignant
infiltration. Adrenal protocol imaging revealed indeterminate lesions with attenuation >40 Hounsfield Unit and
relative washout <40%. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the
right adrenal gland was performed.
The patient was discharged on hydrocortisone replacement
with plans for early follow-up. One week later, he presented
again in adrenal crisis with severe hypoglycemia (1.1
mmol/L) and cardiovascular collapse. Despite resuscitative
efforts, he succumbed. Histopathology subsequently
confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, activated B-cell
subtype, consistent with PAL.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls of PAL,
particularly when constitutional symptoms mimic chronic
infections such as tuberculosis. It underscores the need for
high clinical suspicion in patients with bilateral adrenal
masses and adrenal insufficiency. Early recognition,
adequate steroid replacement including mineralocorticoid therapy, and prompt tissue diagnosis are critical to prevent
rapid deterioration and improve outcomes.
Lymphoma
4.Risk Assessment for Ramadan Fasting in People With Diabetes in Hospital-Based Diabetes Clinics Using the Updated 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator
Raja Nurazni Raja Azwan ; Chin Voon Tong ; Lisa Mohamed Nor ; Marisa Khatijah Borhan ; Syarifah Syahirah Syed Abas ; Poh Shean Wong ; Ying Jie Tan ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Eunice Yi Chwen Lau ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Shu Teng Chai ; Pei Lin Chan ; Xe Hui Lee ; Wei Wei Ng ; Jin Hui Ho ; Miza Hiryanti Zakaria ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Wan Mohd Hafez Wan Hamzah ; Melissa Vergis ; Choon Peng Sun ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Chee Koon Low ; Shazatul Reza Mohd Redzuan ; Xin-Yi Ooi ; Siti Sanaa Wan Azman ; Deviga Lachumanan ; Saiful Shahrizal Shudim ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):42-43
Introduction:
The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously
evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely
accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical
standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently
updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating
modern diabetes technologies, including continuous
glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery
(AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to
enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical
professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall
factors toward promoting safe fasting.
Methodology:
This prospective multicentre observational study recruited
adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public
hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending
to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate
and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in
the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and
19th March 2026.
Results:
A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low
(15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories.
Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3%
having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43%
exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%).
Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including
two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems.
Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%),
81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM.
Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having
unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic
kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30).
Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education.
Conclusion
Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were
in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to
fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases.
Although most participants were on insulin therapy,
hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period.
Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin
therapies, and structured education may support safer
fasting practices.
Risk Assessment
;
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Hospitals
;
Fasting
5.Osteoporosis Treatment Prescription in Very High-Risk Fracture Population: A Single-Centre Experience
Victoria Wei Fang Boey ; Hwee Ching Tee ; Jin Hui Ho
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):69-
Introduction:
Osteoporosis is associated with increased fracture risk,
leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Despite
established clinical guidelines, a substantial gap remains
between recommended and actual prescribing practices.
Patients at very high fracture risk have poorer outcomes
and are recommended to receive anabolic or parenteral
antiresorptive therapies. However, access to these
treatments is limited in Malaysian government hospitals
due to cost constraints.
Methodology:
This retrospective clinical audit evaluated osteoporosis
treatment prescriptions among very high-risk patients
attending the Osteoporosis Endocrine Clinic at Hospital
Queen Elizabeth II from 2020 to 2025. Very high fracture
risk was defined according to the American Association
of Clinical Endocrinologists criteria, including recent
fractures, fractures on therapy, multiple fractures, high fall
risk, glucocorticoid use, very high FRAX probability (>30%
major osteoporotic fracture or >4.5% hip fracture), or very
low bone mineral density (T-score <−3.0).
Results:
A total of 120 patients were included, with a median age
of 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 62–73). Most were of
Chinese ethnicity (60%, n = 72), with a median body mass
index of 22.6 kg/m² (IQR 19.6–26). Secondary osteoporosis
was present in 70% of patients, commonly due to aromatase
inhibitor use (45%), glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
(13.3%), thyroid disorders (10.8%), and vitamin D insufficiency (9.2%). Only 12% of patients (n = 14) received anabolic or parenteral antiresorptive therapy, while 88% (n =
106) were treated with oral alendronate. Among those on
alendronate, 19.8% (n = 21) developed adverse outcomes,
including treatment failure (n = 13), gastrointestinal side
effects (n = 6), and atypical femoral fractures (n = 2).
Conclusion
The uptake of guideline-recommended therapy in very
high-risk osteoporosis patients remains low. A notable proportion of patients treated with oral alendronate
experienced adverse outcomes or suboptimal responses.
Addressing financial and systemic barriers is crucial to
improving access to advanced therapies and optimizing
patient outcomes.
Prescriptions
;
Osteoporosis
6.Clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer: an update of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Guidelines
Ji Geun YOO ; Sung Jong LEE ; Eun Ji NAM ; Jae Hong NO ; Jeong Yeol PARK ; Jae Yun SONG ; So-Jin SHIN ; Bo Seong YUN ; Sung Taek PARK ; San-Hui LEE ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Yong Beom KIM ; Keun Ho LEE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e70-
We describe the updated Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) practice guideline for the management of cervical cancer, version 5.1. The KSGO announced the fifth version of its clinical practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer in March 2024. The selection of the key questions and the systematic reviews were based on data available up to December 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, substantial findings from large-scale clinical trials and new advancements in cervical cancer research remarkably emerged. Therefore, based on the existing version 5.0, we updated the guidelines with newly accumulated clinical data and added 4 new key questions reflecting the latest insights in the field of cervical cancer. For each question, recommendation was formulated with corresponding level of evidence and grade of recommendation, all established through expert consensus.
7.Clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer: an update of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Guidelines
Ji Geun YOO ; Sung Jong LEE ; Eun Ji NAM ; Jae Hong NO ; Jeong Yeol PARK ; Jae Yun SONG ; So-Jin SHIN ; Bo Seong YUN ; Sung Taek PARK ; San-Hui LEE ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Yong Beom KIM ; Keun Ho LEE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e70-
We describe the updated Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) practice guideline for the management of cervical cancer, version 5.1. The KSGO announced the fifth version of its clinical practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer in March 2024. The selection of the key questions and the systematic reviews were based on data available up to December 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, substantial findings from large-scale clinical trials and new advancements in cervical cancer research remarkably emerged. Therefore, based on the existing version 5.0, we updated the guidelines with newly accumulated clinical data and added 4 new key questions reflecting the latest insights in the field of cervical cancer. For each question, recommendation was formulated with corresponding level of evidence and grade of recommendation, all established through expert consensus.
8.Clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer: an update of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Guidelines
Ji Geun YOO ; Sung Jong LEE ; Eun Ji NAM ; Jae Hong NO ; Jeong Yeol PARK ; Jae Yun SONG ; So-Jin SHIN ; Bo Seong YUN ; Sung Taek PARK ; San-Hui LEE ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Yong Beom KIM ; Keun Ho LEE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e70-
We describe the updated Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) practice guideline for the management of cervical cancer, version 5.1. The KSGO announced the fifth version of its clinical practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer in March 2024. The selection of the key questions and the systematic reviews were based on data available up to December 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, substantial findings from large-scale clinical trials and new advancements in cervical cancer research remarkably emerged. Therefore, based on the existing version 5.0, we updated the guidelines with newly accumulated clinical data and added 4 new key questions reflecting the latest insights in the field of cervical cancer. For each question, recommendation was formulated with corresponding level of evidence and grade of recommendation, all established through expert consensus.
9.Clinical practice guidelines for cervical cancer: the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines
Ji Geun YOO ; Sung Jong LEE ; Eun Ji NAM ; Jae Hong NO ; Jeong Yeol PARK ; Jae Yun SONG ; So-Jin SHIN ; Bo Seong YUN ; Sung Taek PARK ; San-Hui LEE ; Dong Hoon SUH ; Yong Beom KIM ; Taek Sang LEE ; Jae Man BAE ; Keun Ho LEE
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(2):e44-
This fifth revised version of the Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer incorporates recent research findings and changes in treatment strategies based on version 4.0 released in 2020. Each key question was developed by focusing on recent notable insights and crucial contemporary issues in the field of cervical cancer. These questions were evaluated for their significance and impact on the current treatment and were finalized through voting by the development committee. The selected key questions were as follows: the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors as firstor second-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer; the oncologic safety of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy in early stage cervical cancer; the efficacy and safety of adjuvant systemic treatment after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer; and the oncologic safety of sentinel lymph node mapping compared to pelvic lymph node dissection. The recommendations, directions, and strengths of this guideline were based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and were finally confirmed through public hearings and external reviews. In this study, we describe the revised practice guidelines for the management of cervical cancer.
10.Ethnic Differences in the Safety and Efficacy of Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Jin Hean KOH ; Claire Yi Jia LIM ; Lucas Tze Peng TAN ; Ching-Hui SIA ; Kian Keong POH ; Vijay Kumar SHARMA ; Leonard Leong Litt YEO ; Andrew Fu Wah HO ; Teddy WU ; William Kok-Fai KONG ; Benjamin Yong Qiang TAN
Journal of Stroke 2024;26(3):371-390
Background:
and Purpose Tenecteplase is a thrombolytic agent with pharmacological advantages over alteplase and has been shown to be noninferior to alteplase for acute ischemic stroke in randomized trials. However, evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase in patients from different ethnic groups is lacking. The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to investigate ethnicity-specific differences in the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase versus alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Methods:
Following an International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)- registered protocol (CRD42023475038), three authors conducted a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases for articles comparing the use of tenecteplase with any thrombolytic agent in patients with acute ischemic stroke up to November 20, 2023. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Two independent authors extracted data onto a standardized data collection sheet. A pairwise meta-analysis was conducted in risk ratios (RR).
Results:
From 34 studies (59,601 participants), the rate of complete recanalization was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Asian (RR: 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30 to 2.80) versus Caucasian patients (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.14). However, Asian patients (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.62) had significantly higher (P=0.01) rates of mortality compared with Caucasian patients (RR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.22). Caucasian patients were also more likely to attain a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 at follow-up (RR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.19) compared with Asian (RR: 1.00, 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.05) patients. There was no significant difference in the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.20) and any intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.83) between Asian and Caucasian patients.
Conclusion
Tenecteplase was associated with significantly higher rates of complete recanalization in Asian patients compared with Caucasian patients. However, tenecteplase was associated with higher rates of mortality and lower rates of mRS 0 to 2 in Asian patients compared with Caucasian patients. It may be beneficial to study the variations in response to tenecteplase among patients of different ethnic groups in large prospective cohort studies.


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