Distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN) are a rare heterogeneous group of inherited disorders specifically affecting the motor axons, leading to distal limb neurogenic muscular atrophy. The GARS gene has been identified as a causative gene responsible for clinical features of dHMN type V in families from different ethnic origins and backgrounds. We present the first cohort of family members of Nigerian descent with a novel heterozygous p.L272R variant on the GARS gene. We postulate that this variant is the cause of dHMN-V in this family, leading to variable phenotypical expressions that are earlier than reported in previous cases. The exact cause for the observed clinical heterogeneity within the family is unknown. One explanation is that there are modifier genes that affect the phenotype. These cases highlight the possibility of considering pathogenic variants in the GARS gene as a potential cause of early onset axonal polyneuropathy with atypical presentation.
There is a well-established association between hyperglycemia and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, regardless of the diagnosis of diabetes prior to the infection. However, it is unusual for patients with a mild infection to present with severe hyperglycemia and insulin resistance requiring intravenous insulin therapy. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia is associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19, making it crucial to achieve optimal glycemic control, which occasionally requires IV insulin therapy. We report a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), on hemodialysis, who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to non-adherence to insulin. He was found to be incidentally positive for COVID-19 on admission. Although he was asymptomatic and did not require steroids for the treatment of COVID-19, he was noted to have persistent severe hyperglycemia requiring unusually high levels of intravenous insulin. This proposes that even a mild infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can trigger a systemic response that can lead to downstream manifestations including insulin resistance and severe hyperglycemia. Interestingly, our patient had three admissions within the past six months as well as another admission two weeks after the current presentation with DKA secondary to insulin non-compliance, all of which required IV insulin for <24 hours following which he was transitioned to a basal-bolus insulin regimen with well-controlled glucose levels.
Background: Bone disease is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), more frequently in Crohn’s disease than ulcerative colitis (UC). We present the case of a patient with prior history of ulcerative colitis with severe 25 OH vitamin D deficiency and metabolic bone disease. Case: 67 year old male with h/o ulcerative colitis, colon cancer s/p proctocolectomy and ileostomy, chemo-radiation, h/o primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) 20 years prior presented with presented with severe muscle aches, severe limitation in mobility and severe vitamin D deficiency. He had been on chronic prednisone and tacrolimus, mycophenolate. Three years after OLT, he had fragility fractures at different times in both hips requiring hip arthroplasty. Labs were significant for persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) up to 1569 U/L for last 10 years, bone specific ALP at 423.6 mcg/L, Calcium 9 mg/dl, phosphorus 2 mg/dl, 25 OH vitamin D was 4 ng/ml, 1, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was 34 ng/ml, PTH was 189 pg/ml, urine calcium/creatinine ratio was 50 mg/g and urine NTX at 223 nM BCE/mM. Celiac screen was negative and tacrolimus levels were within normal range. Patient had extensive workup by gastroenterology for elevated ALP including three liver biopsies which were unrevealing. A bone scan showed increased uptake in thoracic region and metaphyses of large joints. A diagnosis of osteomalacia and secondary hyperparathyroidism was made and he was started on high dose vitamin D gradually increased to 8000 units thrice a day. Within few weeks, he noted marked improvement in mobility, bone pain and need for pain medications. In few months, BSAP decreased to 144.9 mcg/l, NTX and PTH also improved. 25 OH has also increased slightly to 13. He continues on high dose vitamin D and 1200mg of calcium daily. Discussion: Our patient likely had severe osteomalacia due to prolonged vitamin D deficiency, caused by multiple etiologies. Firstly, poor absorption in UC might lower 25-OHD levels. Secondly CYP3A enzymes are involved in the metabolism of calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus as well as vitamin D, this could result in enhanced vitamin D metabolism, which would explain persistently low vitamin D level despite replacement with such high doses. The significant improvement in his symptoms with supplementation resulting in increased mobility despite not having a normal vitamin D level suggest other pleiotropic effects of vitamin D on muscle and bone as well. Additionally effects of liver transplantation on vitamin D metabolism need to be explored further.
Introduction Covid-19 infection (CI) is known to cause hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in patients with and without diabetes. Prior reports have correlated the degree of hyperglycemia to the severity of the CI. However, not much data is available regarding severe insulin resistance in patients with mild CI who are otherwise asymptomatic and not on steroids. Case We report a 48-year old male with type-1 diabetes, asymptomatic CI and renal failure, on dialysis who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Patient had refused insulin and hemodialysis treatments for one week and was noted to be confused by staff in his long-term facility. Upon presentation, he was initiated on intravenous (IVIT) insulin infusion therapy and transitioned to subcutaneous (SQ) insulin the following morning. That evening, hyperglycemia worsened (>500 mg/dl), necessitating reinstatement of the IVIT. Hyperglycemia persisted (no excess carbohydrate intake reported by nursing) and IVIT was continued as attempts to change to SQ therapy were unsuccessful. He was dialyzed for two consecutive days after admission and then changed to alternate day schedule. On day 4, hyperglycemia worsened to >500 mg/dl persistently, IVIT rate was increased to 24 units/hr but blood sugars persisted in the >500 range. Work up for evaluating Covid-related inflammation and insulin resistance was sent. After 6 hours of IVIT at 24 U/hr, he was given a relatively higher dose of SQ-insulin (insulin glargine 20 units and insulin lispro 30 units SQ). IVIT rate was gradually tapered based on blood sugars and stopped 6 hours after SQ-insulin was given. Approximately eight hours after receiving SQ-insulin, he was noted to be hypoglycemic, and he received two amps of D-50. His blood sugar stabilized, and he continued to do well subsequently and was maintained on basal-bolus therapy. The on-call nurse confirmed good IV access for the IVIT access line. The IV insulin infusion fluid from bag was sent for analysis which showed that insulin was present in the infusion bag. Inflammatory markers showed high levels of cortisol, ferritin, growth hormone, C-reactive protein and sedimentation rate. Insulin antibodies were also present. D-dimer was normal, and fibrinogen was only mildly elevated. Conclusion This is a rare case of severe insulin resistance in a patient with mild Covid-19 infection and underlying type 1 diabetes, who developed severe insulin resistance with poor response to high doses IV insulin. He ultimately responded a combination of high dose subcutaneous insulin and high doses IV insulin infusion therapy with resolution of ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Introduction Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) accounting for 1-2% of pancreatic neoplasms. Usually benign, even small tumors can cause significant morbidity due to hypoglycemia. Surgical resection is preferable choice of treatment, but diagnosis is usually delayed and localization can be evasive. We present a case of insulinoma in a patient who battled his symptoms with high carbohydrate intake leading to massive weight gain associated with severe insulin resistance. Case A 70 year old male presented to the ED after being found unconscious in his home. Blood glucose was 34 mg/dl after missing a meal. He had a remote history of diabetes mellitus, which gradually resolved. Five years ago, he began experiencing sweats, tremors, headaches and confusion early in the morning or when fasting that improved with eating. He was hospitalized four years ago due to hypoglycemia where he was suspected to have endogenous hyperinsulinemia. CT abdomen at that time was unremarkable. Possibility of insulinoma was raised, but patient did not pursue further investigations. In the last 4 years, he avoided severe hypoglycemic events with frequents meals, but had gained more than 50 lbs with resultant BMI of 51 kg/m2. While admitted, he underwent a 72h fasting test showed glucose 42 mg/dl, insulin level was 84.8 IU/L (range <3), proinsulin was 105.7 (pmol/l) and C-peptide was 4.83 ng/ml (ref <0.2). EUS revealed 7 mm×4 mm mass in pancreatic body. FNAB confirmed well differentiated PNET, grade 1. CT abdomen remained unrevealing. He was started on weight based diazoxide therapy with resolution of hypoglycemic events and persistent hyperglycemia, which required high dose insulin therapy and improved with significant decrease in diazoxide dose. Hospitalization was complicated by hypoxic hypercarbic respiratory failure due to obesity hypoventilation syndrome, COVID19 infection and new onset rapid atrial fibrillation. Patient was deemed not to be a surgical candidate due to multiple comorbidities and his medical management was switched to octreotide with low dose insulin therapy, which patient tolerated well. Conclusion Diagnosis of insulinoma can be significantly delayed in cases with mild or slowly progressive course of the disease. We suggest that progressive development of severe insulin resistance in patients with baseline obesity and insulin resistance-driven DM2 can mask endogenous hyperinsulinemia for extended period of time. This gives a false sense of slower progression or even resolution of symptomatology, as well as diversion to alternative diagnoses, like postprandial hypoglycemia. We also argue that "resolution" of diabetes with significant weight gain, especially when associated with increased calorie intake through frequent meals and symptomatology suggestive of hypoglycemia should be a red flag for workup towards possible insulinoma, akin to suspecting adrenal insufficiency in diabetic patients with an unexplained decrease in insulin requirements. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:05 p.m.
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