Ovidiu Mitu

Methods of Paraclinic Diagnosis of Catecholamine Secreting Tumours, Especially of Pheochromocytoma

Summary Catecholamine tumoral syndrome is caused by lesions of the medulosuprarenal cromafin tissue (pheochromocytoma or pheochromocytoblastoma) or of the neural crest (paraganglioma), from the ganglionar cells (ganglioneurinoma or ganglioneuroblastoma) or from the sympathetic nervous cells (sympathogonia – sympathoblastoma and sympathoblasts – neuroblastoma), tumors that excessively secrete cathecolamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), but also neuropeptides. Indications for testing are associated with the clinical context. Because the pheochromocytoma means a heterogeneous group of secretory tumours, there is no analysis achieving the 100% accuracy. The diagnosis can be established by hormonal dosages for basal determinations and by dynamic tests or through nonspecific tests. Imagistic explorations like computer tomography, abdominal and pelvic MRI can localise the tumour. Plasma and urinary metanephrines dosage are the first intention tests because have a higher accuracy compared to catecholamines or other metabolites. Considering the low prevalence of catecholamine secreting tumours, we considered it necessary to systematise diagnostic possibilities.

Subclinical cardiovascular disease assessment and its relationship with cardiovascular risk SCORE in a healthy adult population: A cross-sectional community-based study

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship and the accuracy of SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation Project) risk correlated to multiple methods for determining subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a healthy population. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 120 completely asymptomatic subjects, with an age range 35-75 years, and randomly selected from the general population. The individuals were evaluated clinically and biochemical, and the SCORE risk was computed. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by various methods: carotid ultrasound for intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque detection; aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV); echocardiography - left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and aortic atheromatosis (AA); ankle-brachial index (ABI). RESULTS SCORE mean value was 2.95±2.71, with 76% of subjects having SCORE <5. Sixty-four percent of all subjects have had increased subclinical CVD changes, and SCORE risk score was correlated positively with all markers, except for ABI. In the multivariate analysis, increased cIMT and aPWV were significantly associated with high value of SCORE risk (OR 4.14, 95% CI: 1.42-12.15, p=0.009; respectively OR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01-1.96, p=0.039). A positive linear relationship was observed between 3 territories of subclinical CVD (cIMT, LVMI, aPWV) and SCORE risk (p<0.0001). There was evidence of subclinical CVD in 60% of subjects with a SCORE value <5. CONCLUSIONS As most subjects with a SCORE value <5 have subclinical CVD abnormalities, a more tailored subclinical CVD primary prevention program should be encouraged.

Complex management of electrical storm in a patient with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Electrical storm represents a major clinical emergency characterized by electrical heart instability with several recurrent episodes of ventricular arrhythmias over a short period of time. We present the case of a 67-year old male, hypertensive, diabetic who was referred to the cardiology department after a resuscitated cardiac arrest through sustained ventricular tachycardia. The echocardiography revealed a severe aspect of dilated cardiomyopathy and fibrotic aspect of inferior-posterior wall of the left ventricle. The ischemic coronary cause has been ruled out by coronary computed tomography. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted. One day after, the electrical storm and hemodynamically stability worsened requiring high dosage of amiodarone, putting therapies of ICD on “off” and the intubation of the patient. Taking all into account, an urgent electrophysiological study was performed and led to complex radiofrequency catheter ablation of the substrate of the lateral, medium-ventricular wall. Afterwards, the electrical storm did not reappear, the ICD therapies were put on “on” and the patient was rapidly extubated, being discharged with pharmacological recommendations, the milestone being the anti-arrhythmic treatment. Though the treatment of electrical storm is complex but still unclearly defined, we emphasize the need of applying all the therapeutical measures and having a prompt response to this life-threatening condition.

Increased Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk (Assessed by Findrisc Score) is Associated with Subclinical Atherosclerotic Markers in Asymptomatic Adult Population

Abstract Background and Aims. Risk score questionnaires for the screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) present high accuracy, especially the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC). The aim of the study was to assess the FINDRISC score and its correlations with multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic urban population. Material and Methods. In the current prospective study, 111 randomized asymptomatic subjects, aged 35-75, were evaluated. FINDRISC score, the cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile were evaluated. Multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis were assessed including carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Results. Mean age was 51.87 ± 10.64 years while FINDRISC score was 10.53 ± 4.53. 77% of the subjects were overweight and all parameters of obesity were well associated with FINDRISC score (p<0.001). This asymptomatic population was dyslipidemic (total cholesterol 212.79±44.99 mg/dl). DM risk correlated with age, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and glomerular filtration rate. Increased FINDRISC was associated with IMT (r=0.24, p=0.01), PWV (r=0.26, p=0.008) or LVMI (r=0.23, p=0.01). Conclusions. This asymptomatic population was metabolically uncontrolled. Easily administered type 2 DM screening questionnaires should be routinely performed as increased risk score values are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular complications induced by pheochromocytoma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen’s disease) – case report and review of literature

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (also known as von Recklinghausen’s disease) is a genetic disorder characterized by neurofibromas, skin pigmentation, eye and bone abnormalities. It is associated with pheochromocytoma in 1 to 5% of cases which determines symptoms related to catecholamine excessive secretion. We present the case of a 54-year-old man that was admitted to the cardiology clinic due to acute onset of tachyarrhythmia (atrial flutter) and high blood pressure. Neurofibromatosis type 1 was diagnosed by clinical examination while laboratory exams, 24-hour continuous blood pressure monitoring and imaging exams raised the probability of pheochromocytoma. After proper pharmacological stabilization, the patient underwent surgery and the 110/110 mm left adrenal mass was removed via abdominal laparotomy. The patient evolution was favorable and regular follow-up is scheduled. In conclusion, even though asymptomatic screening for pheochromocytoma is not recommended, this pathology should be suspected in all patients with neurofibromatosis especially if they present acute onset of cardiovascular signs.