1.Suprasellar Mogad: Rare endocrine manifestations of hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):16-
Introduction:
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an uncommon inflammatory demyelinating
disorder of the central nervous system, with a reported prevalence of 1.3–2.5 per 100,000. Hypothalamic–pituitary
involvement is rare and can mimic structural lesions, presenting with varying degrees of hypopituitarism and central
diabetes insipidus.
Case:
A 30-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of poor concentration, blurring of vision and lethargy. Initial investigations revealed severe hypernatremia (serum sodium 165 mmol/L) and a 1.4 × 2.1 × 1.3 cm suprasellar cistern mass on
CT scan, with differential diagnoses including meningioma and germinoma. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed
abnormal signals in the optic pathways and hypothalamus, raising suspicion of a demyelinating process.
Endocrine evaluation confirmed panhypopituitarism: elevated prolactin (1125.2 mIU/L), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
(follicle-stimulating hormone 0.7 IU/L, LH 0.3 IU/L, testosterone <0.35 nmol/L), central hypothyroidism (TSH 3.8 mIU/L,
free T4 5.88 pmol/L) and low cortisol (33.1 nmol/L). Persistent hypernatremia (up to 171 mmol/L) with high serum osmolality
(370 mOsm/kg) and low urine osmolality (237 mOsm/kg) confirmed central diabetes insipidus, as urine osmolality rose
to 755 mOsm/kg following intravenous desmopressin.
He was commenced on sublingual desmopressin 60 micrograms twice daily, hydrocortisone (10 mg morning, 5 mg
afternoon), levothyroxine 75 micrograms daily and monthly intramuscular testosterone 150 mg. Subsequent readmissions
for generalized weakness and fever led to cerebrospinal fluid analysis and serum testing, which were positive for MOG
antibodies and negative for aquaporin-4 antibodies, confirmed MOGAD.
During a third admission with recurrent generalized weakness, he responded favorably to intravenous methylprednisolone
(1 g daily for 5 days), followed by a tapering oral prednisolone regimen.
Conclusion
MOGAD can involve the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and mimic a suprasellar mass. In patients with panhypopituitarism,
central diabetes insipidus and compatible imaging, inflammatory demyelination should be suspected. MOG antibody
positivity and response to corticosteroids support diagnosis and guide management.
Diabetes Insipidus
;
Hypopituitarism
2.Hidden Burden of Diabetes Risk Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Hui Soon Lim ; Ee Wen Loh ; Sing Yee Sim ; Pei Lin Chan ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):40-
Introduction:
The increasing prevalence of diabetes represents a
significant global health challenge. Modifiable risk factors,
including physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, and obesity contribute substantially to this rising burden.
In conjunction with the 2025 World Diabetes Day (WDD)
campaign focusing on “diabetes and the workplace,” we
assessed diabetes risk among healthcare workers in our
hospital using the Modified Asian Finnish Diabetes Risk
Score (ModAsian FINDRISC).
Methodology:
Healthcare workers from various departments were invited
to participate in the hospital WDD celebration. A total of
286 attendees underwent anthropometric measurements
and completed the ModAsian FINDSRIC questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the
prevalence of risk factors and overall diabetes risk.
Results:
The participants included doctors, nurses, allied healthcare
professionals, as well as hospital support and administrative
staff. The majority of participants (74.8%) were aged below
45 years. 39.2% were overweight while 30.8% were obese.
One-third (37.4%) had increased waist circumference
(WC) (≥90 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women). Additionally,
20% of respondents reported being on antihypertensive
medication, and 23.8% had previously recorded high blood
glucose. A family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) was
reported by 62.6% of respondents. Additionally, about onethird were sedentary with less than 30 minutes of daily
exercise or physical activity, another one-third did not
consume fruits or vegetables on a daily basis. The median
ModAsian FINDRISC score was 8, with approximately
30% of them classified as having moderate to very high
risk of developing DM (moderate: 17.5%; high: 10.8%; very
high: 2.8%).
Conclusion
These results revealed high metabolic risk in healthcare
workers and highlight the need for targeted workplace
health promotion strategies to reduce the risk of developing
diabetes.
Tertiary Care Centers
;
Health Personnel
;
Diabetes Mellitus
3.Clinical Use of Denosumab for Refractory Hypercalcemia: A Retrospective Case Series
Mohammad Amirul Shahril ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan ; Ee Wen Loh ; Pei Lin Chan ; Sing Yee Sim
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):71-
Introduction:
Severe hypercalcemia is most commonly caused by primary
hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and malignancy. While
standard therapies are effective in most cases, a subset of
patients have persistent or refractory hypercalcemia. We
present a retrospective case series detailing the clinical
characteristics, biochemistry, and outcomes of patients
treated with denosumab for hypercalcemia.
Cases:
Seven patients with severe hypercalcemia were identified,
comprising five with PHPT and two with malignancyassociated hypercalcemia. The mean age was 70.4 years
(range 55–86), with 71% female (n = 5) and 29% male (n
= 2). Baseline corrected calcium ranged from 2.92 to 4.59
mmol/L, with a mean of 3.26 mmol/L. In the PHPT cohort,
parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly
elevated (16.7–168 pmol/L), while malignancy patients had
suppressed PTH (0.6 and 0.9 pmol/L).
Prior to denosumab, 4/7 patients (57%) received bisphosphonates, 3/7 (43%) received calcitonin, and 1/7 (14%) was
treated with cinacalcet. Denosumab resulted in a mean
reduction in corrected calcium of 0.22 mmol/L from 3.26
to 3.03 mmol/L.
Biochemical response was observed in 5/7 patients (71%).
Of these, 3 patients (43%) achieved normocalcemia,
while 2 patients (29%) demonstrated a partial response.
The remaining 2/7 patients (29%) showed no significant
improvement in calcium levels. Among responders, the
mean time to calcium reduction to <3.0 mmol/L was 27 days
(range 7–47). Repeat dosing was required in the majority
of patients, with a mean of 1.7 doses per patient (range
1–4), indicating variability in both onset and durability
of response. Among patients with PHPT, four underwent
parathyroidectomy, and one declined surgery. Both patients
with malignancy were managed nonsurgically.
Conclusion
Denosumab achieved normocalcemia in 43% of patients,
with additional partial responses. Its effects were variable,
with delayed response and frequent need for repeat dosing,
supporting its role as an adjunctive or bridging therapy
rather than as a definitive treatment.
Denosumab
;
Hypercalcemia
;
Retrospective Studies
4.A Diagnostic Dilemma in Ectopic ACTH Syndrome: When Biochemistry and Imaging Conflict
Ioanna Ting Yung Sim ; Florence Hui Sieng Tan ; Sing Yee Sim ; Pei Lin Chan ; Ee Wen Loh
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):83-84
Introduction:
Ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) is a rare cause of Cushing’s
syndrome, accounting for 5–15% of cases. Pulmonary
neuroendocrine tumors are the most frequent cause.
However, primary tumor localization remains a significant
diagnostic challenge, delaying effective treatment.
Case:
A 59-year-old female with diabetes mellitus presented
with refractory hypertension and hypokalemia. Initial
laboratory findings revealed a baseline cortisol of 1,164
nmol/L and morning adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) of 19.5 pmol/L (normal <10.2 pmol/L), with an
overnight dexamethasone suppression test cortisol of
624 nmol/L. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
and computed tomography (CT) scans of the thorax,
abdomen, and pelvis were initially unremarkable. A PET
scan identified mild hypermetabolism in the left adrenal
gland and gastrointestinal tract, though colonoscopy
revealed only chronic colitis. An intravenous desmopressin
stimulation test demonstrated a 181% rise in ACTH and a
35% rise in cortisol, pointing toward pituitary Cushing’s.
However, repeat pituitary MRI remained normal.
A high-dose dexamethasone suppression test showed
approximately 34% cortisol suppression (cortisol 1,128
nmol/L to 745 nmol/L), suggesting ectopic Cushing’s
syndrome. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling
demonstrated a peak central-to-peripheral ACTH ratio of
1.8 on the right and 1.6 on the left, pointing toward ectopic
Cushing’s.
Localization with DOTATATE PET-CT identified a 7 × 9 ×
8 mm nodule in the right middle lobe. A wedge resection
was performed. Histopathology confirmed a typical
carcinoid tumor with clear resection margins. Immunohistochemistry revealed tumor cells positive for CK AE1/ AE3, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and INSM-1, with
weak positivity for ACTH. The latest 8 am cortisol was 117
nmol/L and ACTH 1.74 pmol/L, confirming biochemical
cure. Hypokalemia resolved, with improvement in her
metabolic profile.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic complexities of EAS,
particularly when initial imaging is inconclusive and
biochemical tests yield conflicting results. Timely, precise
localization of the causative tumor is crucial for successful
surgical intervention and to prevent severe complications
of hypercortisolism, thereby improving patient outcomes.
ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic
5.Expression Trend of Selected Ribosomal Protein Genes in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Xiang-Ru Ma ; Edmund Ui-Hang Sim ; Teck-Yee Ling ; Thung-Sing Tiong ; Selva Kumar Subramaniam ; Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2012;19(4):23-30
Background: Ribosomal proteins are traditionally associated with protein biosynthesis until recent studies that implicated their extraribosomal functions in human diseases and cancers. Our previous studies using GeneFishingTM DEG method and microarray revealed underexpression of three ribosomal protein genes, RPS26, RPS27, and RPL32 in cancer of the nasopharynx. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and nucleotide sequence integrity of these genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma to further delineate their involvement in tumourigenesis. The relationship of expression level with clinicopathologic factors was also statistically studied.
Methods: Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed on nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their paired normal tissues. Expression and sequence of these three genes were analysed.
Results: All three ribosomal protein genes showed no significant difference in transcript expressions and no association could be established with clinicopathologic factors studied. No nucleotide aberrancy was detected in the coding regions of these genes.
Conclusion: There is no early evidence to substantiate possible involvement of RPS26, RPS27, and RPL32 genes in NPC tumourigenesis.


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