Introduction: Primary adrenal insufficiency is rare and potentially lifethreatening, with an estimated prevalence of five cases per million in Southeast Asia. Local data remain limited, and diagnosis is frequently delayed due to non-specific clinical manifestations. Widespread use of traditional medication in Malaysia may further undermine recognition, particularly when steroid exposure is concealed. We report a female on prolonged use of traditional remedies presented with classic features of Addison’s disease rather than cushingoid features, confirmed by biochemical results. Case: A 65-year-old female with underlying dyslipidemia and osteoarthritis presented with 4 days of giddiness, poor intake, nausea, and diarrhea. Further history revealed prolonged use of multiple traditional Chinese medicines, discontinued months prior, raising suspicion of prior steroid exposure. She claimed her skin has become darker over the past 2 months. She denied any infectious symptoms, contact with PTB patients, or exposure to birds. There was no family history of autoimmune disease. Clinically, she was dehydrated and hypotensive. Her blood pressure improved after fluid resuscitation. There was hyperpigmentation involving the face, extremities, tongue, and buccal mucosa. Investigation results showed severe hyponatremia (119 mmol/L), hyperkalemia (4.93 mmol/L), with normal creatinine and negative infective markers. Hyponatremia persisted despite adequate hydration. Thyroid function test was normal (Free T4 12.28 pmol/L and thyroid-stimulating hormone 4.16 µIU/mL). Morning cortisol was suppressed (37 nmol/L) with markedly elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels (1,134 pg/mL), confirming the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency. Hence, hydrocortisone was commenced, and serum sodium was normalized 2 days later. The underlying etiology remains under evaluation, although autoimmune adrenalitis is the most likely cause. Conclusion Primary adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients presenting with unexplained hyponatremia and hypotension. In a setting where traditional medication use is prevalent, unrecognized steroid exposure may further complicate diagnosis. A thorough clinical and appropriate biochemical assessment is crucial to differentiating primary from secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Hyponatremia

Introduction: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a common complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus marked by neuropathic pain and sensory deficits. Evidence supporting combination antioxidant and vitamin-based therapy remains limited, particularly in patients with chronic disease. This study aims to determine symptom improvement after 12 weeks of oral alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B complex, and vitamin E (Bionerv E+) in chronic diabetic patients with symptomatic DSPN. Methodology: This single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial at HCTM enrolled 31 patients with symptomatic DSPN, assigned to Bionerv E+ (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and post intervention using the Neuropathy Impairment Score–Lower Limb (NIS LL), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF MPQ), Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Results: A total of 31 participants were recruited; 18 completed the study (11 intervention, 7 placebo). The cohort was predominantly elderly (median age 68 ± 12 years), male (51.6%), with long-standing diabetes (mean duration of 18.6 ± 8.2 years), and a mean hemoglobin A1c of 7.3 ± 0.6%. A statistically significant reduction in TCSS score was observed in the intervention arm (5.5 ± 3.8 vs 3.3 ± 3.4; p = 0.002), indicating improvement in neuropathic symptom severity in this chronic population. The SF MPQ scores showed a downward trend in both arms, but were not statistically significant. Among intervention participants who completed sural NCS, three patients demonstrated normalization, and five showed partial amplitude gains, indicating directional improvement in nerve function. Four patients with normal baseline studies exhibited further amplitude gains. Otherwise, limited improvements were observed in those with abnormal conduction velocity parameters. Bionerv E+ was well tolerated, with only mild and self-limiting adverse events reported. Conclusion Short-term supplementation with Bionerv E+ showed improvement in neuropathic symptoms among longstanding diabetic patients. However, longer-term studies with larger cohorts are necessary to determine its effects on patients with DSPN.
Thioctic Acid ; Vitamin B Complex ; Polyneuropathies ; Vitamin E

Introduction: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare, comprising less than 3% of all pancreatic neoplasms. These tumors are broadly classified as functioning or nonfunctioning. Insulinoma is the most common functioning PNET. Non-functioning PNETs often present significant diagnostic issues and may be misdiagnosed as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially when immunohistochemical evaluation is omitted during histological examination. We describe a case of metastatic insulinoma that was misdiagnosed as a poorly differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Case: A 65-year-old female first presented to a private hospital in 2023 with obstructive jaundice and was found to have a pancreatic head lesion that was causing biliary obstruction. As a result, a biliary stent was placed. She underwent aortocaval lymph node biopsy, and the result showed poorly differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Nonetheless, she refused surgical and oncological intervention. Even so, she remained clinically stable and maintained good functional status for 2 years. In 2025, she presented to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz with recurrent hypoglycemia fulfilling Whipple’s triad. The unexpectedly indolent clinical course prompted reassessment of the initial diagnosis. Biochemical evaluation confirmed endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, with inappropriately elevated insulin (11.03 µIU/mL) and C-peptide levels (1,089 pmol/L). Computer tomography of the abdomen revealed multiple hepatic lesions and progressive lymphadenopathy, suggestive of metastatic disease. Re-evaluation of the initial histopathological specimen showed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (Grade 1, Ki-67 ~2%). Hence, the diagnosis was revised to metastatic insulinoma. She was referred to the hepatobiliary surgical team for surgical debulking, but the procedure was deemed highrisk and likely to have high mortality due to the extent of the disease. She was managed with diazoxide and longacting somatostatin analogues for glycemic control. Conclusion This case highlights the critical importance of diagnostic vigilance when evaluating pancreatic neoplasms. Persistent or unexplained clinical courses, especially when endocrine symptoms arise, should prompt thorough reassessment. Immunohistochemical confirmation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure optimal patient management.
Adenocarcinoma ; Insulinoma ; Pancreatic Neoplasms

Introduction: Pituitary apoplexy is a rare, life-threatening endocrine emergency caused by acute hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary, often in the setting of a pre-existing adenoma (2–12%). While classically presenting with sudden headache, visual loss, and altered consciousness, it can occasionally mimic an acute stroke. Occurrence after coronary procedures is exceptionally rare, particularly when accompanied by cerebral infarction. We report a middle-aged male who developed an acute stroke following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and subsequently had panhypopituitarism secondary to pituitary apoplexy. Case: A 50-year-old male, with underlying diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease stage G3A, initially admitted to a private centre for PCI, however, complicated with acute left-sided weakness, headache, and reduced consciousness 2 days postprocedure. He had a history of progressive left visual loss for 3 months. Examination revealed Glasgow Coma Scale E2V4M4, blood pressure 118/82 mmHg, left-sided power 4/5, and temporal pallor of the left optic disc. His blood sugar was 15.5 mmol/L. Urgent computer tomography scan of the brain demonstrated a right basal ganglia infarct with sellar mass measuring 15 × 15 × 20 mm extending into the suprasellar cistern with mass effect. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed multifocal acute and chronic infarcts with an acute pituitary hemorrhage compressing the optic chiasm. Biochemistry showed mild acute kidney injury (urea 11.7 mmol/L, creatinine 119 µmol/L) without electrolyte imbalance, thrombocytopenia, or anemia. Hormonal studies revealed partial hypopituitarism with normal thyroid function, secondary adrenal insufficiency (serum morning cortisol 40 nmol/L), and central hypogonadism (serum testosterone 2.2 nmol/L). Hydrocortisone was initiated inpatient, followed later by testosterone replacement and antiplatelet therapy during follow-up. Conclusion This case illustrates pituitary apoplexy with an atypical presentation: acute neurological deficits following invasive cardiovascular procedures. It underscores the importance of multidisciplinary management involving endocrinologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons to optimize outcomes. Early recognition, prompt neuroimaging, and timely treatment are vital to prevent irreversible neurological and endocrine complications.
Infarction

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Complications such as cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) are well recognized. The association between CF and autoimmune thyroid disease, however, is rare and poorly understood. We report a case of CFRD complicated by Graves’ disease. Case: A 22-year-old male was diagnosed with CF at age 5, confirmed by a positive sweat chloride test. Following the diagnosis, lifelong pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (Creon) was initiated to treat exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In 2021, he developed type 3c diabetes, attributed to endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and required regular basal insulin therapy. In early 2024, he developed hypokalemic periodic paralysis with proximal myopathy, despite potassium correction, and was admitted to the hospital. On admission, examination revealed a fine tremor and diffuse bilateral neck swelling. Biochemical evaluation showed thyrotoxicosis with Free T4 of 37 pmol/L and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <0.01 mIU/L. He started a tapering dose of carbimazole and propranolol. An urgent neck ultrasound showed a heterogeneous thyroid parenchyma with increased vascularity and no nodules. Elevated anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-thyroid peroxidase, >600 IU/mL) and TSH receptor antibodies (thyrotropin receptor antibody, 2.57 IU/L) confirmed a diagnosis of Graves’ disease. During follow-ups, he had issues with compliance with the antithyroid therapy. However, the latest thyroid function test in February 2026 showed Free T4 of 20.5 pmol/L with suppressed TSH of <0.01 mIU/L. He remains clinically euthyroid throughout the follow-up. Conclusion This case highlights a rare but clinically relevant coexistence. Clinicians managing symptomatic CF patients should vigilantly screen for thyroid dysfunction to ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention. Early recognition and treatment may improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify the immunological link between CF and autoimmunity.
Cystic Fibrosis ; Graves Disease

Managing a patient with both pituitary hypersecretory and hyposecretory manifestations may be perplexing. We report a 14-year-old female who presented with weight gain, polyuria and polydipsia. Biochemical results were consistent with Cushing disease with central diabetes insipidus. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging showed right adenoma with stalk thickening. The immunohistochemistry staining of both adenomas was positive for adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone and luteinizing hormone. Postoperatively, the patient developed panhypopituitarism with persistent diabetes insipidus. The coexistence of double adenomas can pose diagnostic and management challenges and is a common cause of surgical failure. Intraoperative evaluation is important in the identification of double or multiple pituitary adenomas in a patient presenting with multiple secretory manifestations.
Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion ; Cushing disease ; Diabetes Insipidus

Autoimmunity associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been well-described as the mechanism of development of thyroid dysfunction following Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, the occurrence of thyroid eye disease (TED) after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is scarcely described. The postulated mechanisms include immune reactivation, molecular mimicry and the autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). We report a case of new-onset TED after receiving the SARSCoV- 2 vaccine.
Thyroid eye disease ; SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ; Molecular Mimicry

(T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concernworldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk andknowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunityfor early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine theperceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledgeamong the offspring of diabetic patients.Methods: A cross sectional study using a self-administeredquestionnaire was conducted among university studentswhose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine theirperceived risk and knowledge on T2DM. Results: A total of 336 university students participated inthis study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselvesat risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) hadhigher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to havebetter risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females whilethose with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higherknowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of theirinformation regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet(87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).Conclusion: The students whose mothers had T2DM appearto have better knowledge and information regarding T2DMand this was mostly obtained from the internet and familymembers. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthylifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficialfor their offspring.

Goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) is a rare neoplasm of the vermiform appendix and can be mistaken as a typical neuroendocrine tumour (TNET). The natural history of this disease is more aggressive compared to TNETs and requires a more aggressive approach. We report a case of a 37-year-old male who was initially diagnosed with TNET, but subsequently revised as Tang's A GCC. He underwent appendectomy and right hemicolectomy. Aside from a persistently elevated carcinoembyrogenic antigen (CEA) result, his 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and a 68-Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT scan showed no FDG or DOTATATE avid lesions. 

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with risks to the woman and her developing fetus. Management of the condition at the primary care level includes pre-conception care, screening, diagnosis, as well as antenatal and postpartum care. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in ensuring its holistic management.