1.Severe Osteoporosis with Fragility Fracture Revealing Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Sarojini Devi Simanchalam ; Poh Shean Wong ; Nor Afidah Abdul Karim ; Noor Lita Adam ; Fauzi Azizan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):73-
Introduction:
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is frequently asymptomatic or detected incidentally; however, delayed diagnosis may lead to severe skeletal complications. Early recognition is essential, as timely identification and management
of parathyroid disease can prevent significant morbidity,
although diagnosis may be challenging when clinical and
imaging findings are inconclusive.
Case:
A 46-year-old female with severe bilateral hearing impairment presented to the orthopedic clinic with 3 years’ history
of bilateral knee pain and was found to have a right intertrochanteric femur fracture following minimal trauma.
She was referred for evaluation of suspected secondary
osteoporosis. She has had intermittent constipation and
long-standing oligomenorrhea since menarche. There was
no history of childhood fractures or use of medications
affecting bone metabolism. Examination revealed bilateral
knee bowing.
Initial evaluation considered metabolic bone disease, including Paget’s disease; however, skeletal survey showed no
features suggestive of Paget’s disease or multiple myeloma.
Biochemical investigations demonstrated persistent
hypercalcemia (2.65–3.1 mmol/L) with inappropriately
elevated intact parathyroid hormone (peak 7.62 pmol/L),
consistent with PHPT. Serum phosphate was low-normal.
Concomitant vitamin D deficiency (25-OH vitamin D
34.46 nmol/L) improved following replacement. Bone
mineral density confirmed severe osteoporosis (lumbar
spine T-score −5, z-score -4.1); (forearm −6.7, z-score -6.1)
reflecting prolonged untreated disease.
Neck ultrasound demonstrated a mixed solid-cystic
lesion posterior to the right thyroid lobe, suggestive of a
parathyroid adenoma. The TC-99 m Sestamibi scan showed
no definite focal uptake. However, subsequent SPECT-CT
revealed focal tracer uptake at the posterior right thyroid
gland, consistent with a hyperfunctioning parathyroid
gland. Parathyroidectomy was done. Postoperatively, the
calcium level normalized.
Conclusion
Severe osteoporosis and fragility fracture occur, reflecting
prolonged exposure to excess parathyroid hormone and
significant skeletal morbidity. Early biochemical evaluation
in unexplained severe osteoporosis is essential, as timely
diagnosis and definitive management of parathyroid
disease are critical to halt ongoing bone loss and prevent
irreversible complications.
Hyperparathyroidism, Primary
;
Osteoporosis
2.Defying the Scalpel: Management of Pituitary Apoplexy with Hydrocortisone
Lakshna Vani Nadarajan ; Sarojini Devi Simanchalam ; Poh Shean Wong ; Hamizah Hamzah ; Nor Afidah Abdul Karim ; Noor Lita Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):93-
Introduction:
Pituitary apoplexy is an acute endocrine emergency, as early
recognition may influence the outcomes, often presenting
with sudden headache, visual disturbances, ocular palsies,
vomiting, or altered consciousness. Given that urgent surgical decompression is a common management,
emerging evidence supports corticosteroid therapy in our
patient with significant neuro-ophthalmic deficits.
Case:
A 65-year-old male with hypertension, dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage III,
and ischemic heart disease presented with a 4-day history
of fever, vomiting, bifrontal headache, and generalized
abdominal pain. Initially, he was treated for presumed intraabdominal sepsis. On day 3 of admission, he developed
acute right-sided complete ptosis with ophthalmoplegia
involving cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Prior to that, he
had also reduced morning erections for 6 months before
presentation. Biochemical evaluation revealed markedly
reduced total testosterone (0.33 nmol/L) with inappropriately
low–normal gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone 1.5 IU/L,
follicle-stimulating hormone 2.3 IU/L), in keeping with
secondary hypogonadism. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
was suppressed, indicating secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Thyroid function was preserved. Overall findings suggested
partial hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging
confirmed a cystic pituitary lesion measuring 1.4 × 2.6 ×
1.8 cm with cavernous sinus involvement and features of
pituitary apoplexy. His Pituitary Apoplexy Score was 4. He
was offered surgical intervention but was not keen. He was
treated with intravenous hydrocortisone, with rapid clinical
improvement, including near-complete resolution of right
eye ptosis and restoration of extraocular movements within
3 days, and was able to recover without surgery. The
hydrocortisone was gradually tapered, and the patient was
discharged well with Endocrine follow-up.
Conclusion
Timely corticosteroid therapy alone can result in rapid,
near-complete neurological recovery in pituitary apoplexy,
even with multiple cranial nerves involvement. In carefully
selected patients without visual field compromise, conservative management may safely obviate the need for urgent
surgical intervention, emphasizing the importance of early
recognition and individualized treatment strategies.
Hydrocortisone
;
Pituitary Apoplexy


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail