Salvatore Alesci, Ioannis Ilias, Emmanuil Souvatzoglou, Alan G. Harris, Philip W. Gold, Alejandro R. Ayala, George P. Chrousos
The standard intravenous short Synacthen® test (SSST) has long been accepted as one of the most reliable diagnostic tests of adrenocortical insufficiency. Intramuscular (i.m.) administration of ACTH obviates the need of venous cannulation and can be used as an alternative to the intravenous test …
Valentin V. Fadeyev, Tatiana B. Morgunova, Julia P. Sytch, Galina A. Melnichenko
The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters of thyroid function in patients with primary hypothyroidism receiving either monotherapy with L-T4 or combination L-T4+L-T3. Fifty-eight women with primary hypothyroidism receiving L-T4 were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomised into two groups: Group 1 (n=42) patients continued monotherapy with L-T4, and Group 2 …
Leonidas H. Duntas
The introduction of synthetic levothyroxine (LT4) in the late 60’s for treatment of hypothyroidism radically changed the therapeutic approach for patients with thyroid failure, enabling a more physiologic, dose-related treatment. Subsequently, the availability of LT4 preparations at a variety of doses led to an even more precise and individualized treatment schedule. Concomitantly, the acquired knowledge that …
George N. Zografos, Alexandra Stathopoulou, George Mitropapas, John Karoubalis, George Kontogeorgos, Gregory Kaltsas, George Piaditis, George I. Papastratis
We report a case of an insulinoma that was not identified on either Computerized Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a small insulinoma located at the body of the pancreas, which was histologically confirmed. The patient underwent a laparotomy but no tumour was identified either on palpation or with intra-operative ultrasound …
Athanasios Diamandopoulos, Pavlos Goudas, Demetra Patsy
Physicians and scholars of antiquity were well aware that the function of the testicles of humans and animals was not restricted to the production of sperm alone but that it was directly related to sexuality and secondary sexual characteristics. This concept was the natural conclusion of their observations on the macroscopical results of the removal of testicular tissue …
George Mastorakos, Maria Pavlatou, Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis, George P. Chrousos
Exercise represents a physical stress that challenges homeostasis. In response to this stressor, autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are known to react and to participate in the maintenance of homeostasis. This includes elevation of cortisol and cathecholamines in plasma. However, sustained physical conditioning in highly trained athletes is associated…
Dafni-Kalliopi Papafragkaki, George Tolis
Obesity is one of the most frequently encountered medical problems of our time. Among the complications of this pathologic entity, renal disease is an important issue and its pathophysiologic mechanisms are a challenge for the physician, since a variety of etiologic factors are implicated in its genesis. For example, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance …