Introduction: Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly detected with the widespread use of imaging, whereby the large or heterogeneous lesions often raise concern for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, certain rare benign and infectious conditions may closely mimic malignant features, posing a diagnostic challenge. Case: A 64-year-old female with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was noted to have progressively rising alkaline phosphatase during routine follow-up. She had non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. A computed tomography abdomen pelvis showed a large, lobulated mass at the left flank, likely of adrenal origin. An adrenal protocol computed tomography revealed a large, heterogeneously enhancing left suprarenal mass measuring 10.7 × 10.3 × 10.7 cm, with a plain-phase attenuation of +81 Hounsfield Unit and absolute (28%) and relative (18%) washout. The right adrenal gland was normal, with no evidence of distant metastasis. Hormonal evaluation showed normal 24-hour urinary metanephrines, excluding pheochromocytoma. The overnight dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated cortisol of 89 nmol/L, suggestive of mild autonomous cortisol secretion, without clinical features of overt hypercortisolism. DHEA was low (0.371 µmol/L), and adrenocorticotropic hormone was suppressed (1.26 pg/mL). Evaluation for primary aldosteronism was not done due to the absence of resistant hypertension or hypokalemia. The gonadotropin profile was consistent with postmenopausal status (follicle-stimulating hormone (89 IU/L) and luteinizing hormone (28.9 IU/L) with low estradiol. The patient underwent open left adrenalectomy. Histopathology revealed an adrenal cavernous hemangioma with extensive hemorrhage and infarction, alongside necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with numerous intracellular fungal organisms and narrow-based budding yeast forms, highly suggestive of histoplasmosis, with no evidence of malignancy. She was subsequently comanaged with infectious disease team and commenced on intravenous amphotericin B. Conclusion This is a rare coexistence of an adrenal hemangioma and histoplasmosis, presenting as a large adrenal mass mimicking ACC. The limitations of imaging in differentiating benign from malignant adrenal lesions are revealed and emphasize the role of histopathological confirmation. Increased awareness of such entities can support the diagnosis and management.
Neoplasms

Introduction: Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH), characterized by bilateral adrenal macronodules >1 cm, is a rare genetic disease contributing to <2% of Cushing syndrome. Case: A 56-year-old male with underlying diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with worsening proximal muscle weakness. Detailed neurological assessment was unremarkable. Re-assessment revealed more apparent cushingoid features, prompting referral to endocrinology. Basal cortisol was markedly elevated at 957 nmol/L (145.4– 619.4 nmol/L). Unsuppressed cortisol after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone and low-dose dexamethasone test confirmed Cushing Syndrome. Suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH <0.33 pmol/L) suggested autonomous cortisol secretion from adrenal glands. Computed tomography adrenal reported massively enlarged hypodense multinodular adrenal glands of varying sizes. Oral ketoconazole, an adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitor, was initiated. Despite careful titration to keep serum cortisol 400–500 nmol/L, he experienced glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy was planned but deferred as he continued to lose weight despite persistent hypercortisolism. Extensive investigations were conducted for possible opportunistic infections or malignancy. His chest X-ray revealed a suspicious right lung cavity. Positive serum galactomannan and bronchial alveolar lavage galactomannan suggested pulmonary aspergillosis. Voriconazole was introduced, with drug-drug interaction judiciously addressed. He underwent bilateral adrenalectomy and required lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. Histopathological report confirms bilateral macronodular adrenocortical disease. A referral to a genetic clinic was made to explore the potential hereditary basis. Conclusion PBMAH is a highly heterogeneous disease with variable presentation and a wide spectrum of hypercortisolism. Definitive management remained controversial and individualized. Multidisciplinary discussion is crucial, and genetic study is highly recommended for long-term prognostication and familial screening.

Introduction: Diabetes literacy represents personal knowledge and competencies related to diabetes mellitus (DM) among people living with DM (PLWD). It is a crucial component for optimizing care and empowering effective selfmanagement. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban (HTJS) and Klinik Kesihatan Seremban (KKS) using a validated simplified Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT). DKT assessed understanding in six domains, namely, awareness, lifestyle modification, diet and monitoring, general knowledge, preventive screening, and insulin. A score of >75% was classified as adequate diabetes literacy. Significant predictive factors identified from univariate Pearson Chi Square were further analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 250 PLWDs, with equal contribution from each centre, were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 50.3 (13.6) years, 58.4% female, and 43.2% Malays. A total of 21.2% demonstrated adequate diabetes literacy. The results demonstrated the highest proficiency in the preventive screening domain (92.6%) and the lowest in the awareness domain (50.2%). Unemployed PLWDs had significantly lower odds of adequate diabetes literacy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.20, p = 0.010). Similarly, PLWDs with hemoglobin A1c levels >10% exhibited approximately 2.6-fold lower odds of adequate diabetes literacy. In contrast, PLWDs who reported healthcare personnel as their primary source of diabetes-related information had significantly higher odds of adequate literacy (OR = 1.59, p = 0.017). No significant association was demonstrated between diabetes literacy and frequency of hospital admissions, medication adherence, and diabetes-related target organ damage Conclusion Diabetes literacy among PLWD in HTJS and KKS is suboptimal, with notable gaps in awareness of the disease. Targeted, culturally tailored education strategies are essential to address these disparities and to empower them for effective diabetes self-management.
Literacy ; Diabetes Mellitus

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

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

Introduction: Painful Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a rare and atypical form of autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by thyroid pain and tenderness. It can closely resemble subacute thyroiditis and must be distinguished from other causes of thyroid pain, including hemorrhage into a cyst and thyroid abscess. This distinction is particularly important in pregnancy, where radionuclide imaging is not recommended. Case: A 27-year-old pregnant female (G4P3) at 24 weeks’ gestation, with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis and dietcontrolled gestational diabetes, was diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism at 14 weeks following evaluation of a painless goiter. Initial tests showed markedly elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (>150 mIU/L), low free thyroxine (3.5 pmol/L), and positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (319 IU/mL), consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Levothyroxine therapy achieved biochemical euthyroidism. At 24 weeks, she developed acute right-sided anterior neck pain radiating to the ear, with dysphagia, odynophagia, and fever. Examination revealed a tender thyroid without lymphadenopathy. Ultrasound demonstrated diffuse enlargement with bilateral ill-defined hypoechoic avascular areas. Inflammatory markers showed markedly elevated C-reactive protein (184 mg/L) with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (16 mm/h), while thyroid function remained within target range. Imaging and clinical findings made abscess and hemorrhage unlikely. The presence of pre-existing autoimmune thyroid disease, antibody positivity, and hypothyroidism before symptom onset supported painful Hashimoto's thyroiditis over subacute thyroiditis. This case highlights that normal thyroid function tests do not necessarily indicate disease remission, as inflammatory activity may persist independently of hormone levels. Conclusion Painful Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be considered in pregnant patients with known autoimmune thyroid disease presenting with acute thyroid pain despite normal thyroid function. Diagnosis requires integration of clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings to guide appropriate management.
Female ; Pregnancy ; Thyroiditis, Subacute

Introduction: Muscle weakness in thyroid disease is commonly attributed to thyrotoxic myopathy or hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Nevertheless, autoimmune conditions such as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and myasthenia gravis (MG) should be considered, as they may coexist with Graves’ disease. Case: A 54-year-old female with hypertension and Graves’ disease, treated with carbimazole for 2 years, had her therapy discontinued after remission. She was restarted on low-dose carbimazole following symptom recurrence. Three weeks later, she developed progressive proximal weakness, dysphagia, hoarseness, anorexia, and weight loss. On examination, body mass index was 22 kg/m² with mild proptosis, symmetrical proximal weakness (MRC 4/5), and erythematous rashes on thighs and shins. Otorhinolaryngology evaluation confirmed bilateral vocal cord palsy. Investigations revealed markedly elevated creatine kinase (7,950 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (349 U/L), and alanine aminotransferase (179 U/L), with euthyroid biochemistry (thyroid-stimulating hormone 5.21 mIU/L, free thyroxine 4 16.6 pmol/L). Hypokalemia correction failed to improve symptoms, excluding periodic paralysis. ANA, C3, and C4 were normal. Myositis panel showed strong anti-Cytosolic 5’-nucleotidase 1A positivity with borderline anti-Ro-52. A diagnosis of IIM with bulbar involvement was made. She was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin, with clinical improvement. Conclusion This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of muscle weakness in thyroid disease. While thyrotoxic myopathy is often presumed, markedly elevated creatinine kinase, rash, and bulbar involvement should prompt suspicion of IIM. Early immunosuppressive therapy is essential to achieve favorable outcomes.
Muscle Weakness ; Thyroid Diseases ; Muscular Diseases

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