Phthalate exposure has recently been associated with behavioral actions that are linked to its endocrine-disrupting properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular, anatomical, and behavioral effects of indirect perinatal benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) exposure in offspring of BBP-treated pregnant dams. In two separate experiments, we administered BBP (10.0 μg/ml) on food pellets to pregnant dams and examined the offspring. The first experiment revealed reproductive anatomical abnormalities linked to BBP's endocrine-disrupting properties, whereas histological analysis revealed preserved hippocampal neuronal migration. The second experiment demonstrated learning and memory impairments accompanied by molecular abnormalities in multiple brain regions. Offspring from BBP-treated dams had altered levels of several proteins important for neuronal circuitry formation, tissue development, and maturation. We suggest that BBP administration disrupts normal learning and that these effects could be related to alterations in brain development and result in a phenotype similar to that observed in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Patient: Male, 71-year-old Final Diagnosis: Myxedema coma Symptoms: Altered mental state • bradycardia Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic Objective: Rare disease Background: Myxedema coma is an uncommon severe thyroid disorder that is fatal in 25–60% of cases. Although the differential diagnosis for altered mental status is extensive, including many more common causes such as infection, medication changes, electrolyte abnormalities, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses, profound hypothyroidism is an uncommon cause that can be overlooked. Case Report: We describe the case of a 71-year-old man on long-term amiodarone treatment for atrial fibrillation who presented with altered mental status initially ascribed to uremia, hyponatremia, and pneumonia. When his mental status did not resolve, thyroid tests showed his thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 89 μIU/mL, along with clinical criteria for myxedema coma. Conclusions: We suggest that thyroid function tests should be considered in encephalopathic older adults on amiodarone.

Statin therapy is a widely prescribed medication class for hypercholesterolemia. In statin-induced autoimmune myopathy, genetically predisposed and at-risk patients can develop antibodies against hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), the key enzyme in the production of cholesterol. As a result, an autoimmune reaction causing weakness, myalgia, with possible severe rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and myonecrosis also can occur. A 73-year-old female presented to clinic with myalgia and fatigue. She was on atorvastatin 20 mg/day for over 1 year, which she stopped 1 week prior to her initial presentation. Patient did experience rhabdomyolysis as well as a transaminitis. She underwent an autoimmune workup which was positive for HMG-CoA reductase antibodies. Patient was initially treated on a prednisone taper, starting dose 50 mg/day. Without remission of symptoms, methotrexate 15 mg/week was initiated.

Whipple’s disease (WD) is an uncommon cause of seronegative arthritis. WD is known for its gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. However, arthritis may precede gastrointestinal symptoms by 6 to 7 years. We describe a case of an 85-year-old Caucasian male with multiple joint complaints, not responsive to traditional treatments for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. We suggest that WD be considered for seronegative arthritis especially affecting large joints.