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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND: Effective interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic require an understanding of patients' knowledge and perceptions that influence their behaviour. Our study assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients and donors, hitherto unevaluated. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 325 kidney transplant recipients and 172 donors between 1 May 2020 and 30 June 2020. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, sociodemographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and precautionary behaviours during the pandemic. RESULTS: The mean COVID-19 knowledge score of the study population was 7.5 (standard deviation: 2.2) out of 10. The mean score was significantly higher among kidney recipients compared to kidney donors (7.9 [1.9] vs. 6.7 [2.6]; P <0.001). Younger age (21-49 vs. ≥50 years) and higher education (diploma and higher vs. secondary and lower) were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores in donors, but not among recipients ( P -interactions ≤0.01). In both kidney recipients and donors, financial concerns and/or social isolation were associated with lower knowledge levels. CONCLUSIONS Concerted efforts are needed to improve COVID-19 knowledge in kidney transplant recipients and donors, particularly older donors, donors with lower education and patients with financial concerns or feelings of social isolation. Intensive patient education may mitigate the impact of education levels on COVID-19 knowledge levels.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Kidney Transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Transplant Recipients/psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tissue Donors/psychology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Pandemics

Environmental damage affects many aspects of healthcare, from extreme weather events to evolving population disease. Singapore's healthcare sector has the world's second highest healthcare emissions per capita, hampering the nation's pledge to reduce emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In this review, we provide an overview of the impact environmental damage has on healthcare, including facilities, supply chain and human health, and examine measures to address healthcare's impact on the environment. Utilising the 'R's of sustainability - rethinking, reducing/refusing, reusing/repurposing/reprocessing, repairing, recycling and research - we have summarised the opportunities and challenges across medical disciplines. Awareness and advocacy to adopt strategies at institutional and individual levels is needed to revolutionise our environmental footprint and improve healthcare sustainability. By leveraging evidence from ongoing trials and integrating sustainable practices, our healthcare system can remain resilient against environment-driven challenges and evolving healthcare demands while minimising further impacts of environmental destruction.
Humans ; Climate Change ; Delivery of Health Care ; Singapore ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Sustainable Development ; Environment

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the surgical, radiological, and functional outcomes of posterior-only versus combined anterior-posterior approaches in patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures. The ideal approach (anterior-only, posterior-only, or combined anterior-posterior) for the surgical management of thoracolumbar burst fracture remains controversial, with each approach having its advantages and disadvantages. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed (registration no., CRD42018115120). The authors reviewed comparative studies evaluating posterior-only approach compared with combined anterior-posterior approaches with respect to clinical, surgical, radiographic, and functional outcome measures. Five retrospective cohort studies were included. Postoperative neurological deterioration was not reported in either group. Operative time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative length of stay were increased among patients in the combined anterior-posterior group in one study and equivalent between groups in another study. No significant difference was observed between the two approaches with regards to long-term postoperative Cobb angle (mean difference, −0.2; 95% confidence interval, −5.2 to 4.8; p =0.936). Moreover, no significant difference in functional patient outcomes was observed in the 36item Short-Form Health Survey, Visual Analog Scale, and return-to-work rates between the two groups. The available evidence does not indicate improved clinical, radiologic (including kyphotic deformity), and functional outcomes in the combined anterior-posterior and posterior-only approaches in the management of traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures. Further studies are required to ascertain if a subset of patients will benefit from a combined anterior-posterior approach.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death around the world, being the top cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Singapore. Currently, no screening programme for lung cancer exists in Singapore. Since there is mounting evidence indicating a different epidemiology of lung cancer in Asian countries, including Singapore, compared to the rest of the world, a unique and adaptive approach must be taken for a screening programme to be successful at reducing mortality while maintaining cost-effectiveness and a favourable risk-benefit ratio. This review article promotes the use of low-dose computed tomography of the chest and explores the radiological challenges and future directions.