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Multiple idiopathic mucocutaneous neuromas: a new entity?

We report a 53-year-old woman who presented with multiple painful red cutaneous papules that had been growing slowly for 13 years. Histopathology showed typical features of neuroma. Biological, morphological and genetic investigations were negative and excluded the diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b. After reviewing the literature, we concluded that our patient has an extremely unusual acquired disease, which must be considered as a distinct entity in the spectrum of cutaneous neurological disorders.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in varying forms of human pheochromocytoma.

We performed a comparative study of catecholamine content, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, and TH mRNA levels in normal human adrenals and various clinical forms of human pheochromocytoma. We studied sporadic, benign intra-adrenal chromaffin tumors and other non-malignant intra-adrenal tumors associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) and von Hippel-Lindau disease along with one extra-adrenal malignant pheochromocytoma. Our findings suggest substantial differences in TH transcriptional rates or the stability of TH mRNA or both may contribute to altered TH expression in human chromaffin cells associated with "normal" adrenal tissues and various forms of pheochromocytoma and distinctive patterns of expression in the different settings in which these tumors arise.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

[From gene to disease; from the RET gene to multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2A and 2B, sporadic and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma, Hirschsprung disease and papillary thyroid carcinoma].

The RET gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in normal and neoplastic development of neural crest cell lineages. Activating RET mutations are present in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2A and 2B (MEN2A, 2B) and in familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) patients, whereas inactivating RET mutations are found in patients with Hirschsprung (HSCR) disease. In particular for MEN2A and FMTC, the clinical management largely depends on the specific mutation found.

Carcinoma, Medullary↗

Distinction between sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) by mutation analysis of the RET proto-oncogene. "Study Group Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Austria (SMENA)".

Germline and somatic mutations of the RET proto-oncogene are important pathogenetic factors in hereditary and sporadic forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). We have therefore analysed exons 10, 11, 13, 14 and 16 of this gene in 85 individuals from 16 Austrian families who, according to clinical criteria, were at risk of suffering from hereditary forms of MTC. We found mutations (codons 620,634 and 804) in the germline of 3 families with familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC), of 5 with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A; codon 634) and of 2 with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B; codon 918). The codon 804 mutation in one FMTC family led to the substitution of Val (GTG) for Met (ATG) and has not been reported previously. Within these 10 families, 32 carriers and 32 non-carriers were identified. Somatic mutations in the tumors of 3 other families suggested a sporadic origin of the neoplasms. In the remaining 3 families, no mutations were identified. Fifty-nine individuals with an apparently sporadic MTC lacked germline mutations in the RET gene, whereas 7 of 24 available tumors (29%) contained a somatic mutation in codon 918. Our findings provide further evidence that molecular genetic evaluation of hereditary and sporadic forms of MTC is a necessary prerequisite for counselling and management of patients and their families.

Adult↗

Description of the first two seemingly unrelated Greek Cypriot families with a common C618R RET proto-oncogene mutation.

Germ-line mutations of the RET proto-oncogene cause three different cancer syndromes: multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A), multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B, and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). The objective of the present study was the clinical and molecular characterization of the first two Greek Cypriot families diagnosed with MEN2A and FMTC. The clinical diagnosis of the probands was based on clinical presentation and supported with laboratory findings (calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen tumor marker levels). We screened the RET gene by direct DNA sequencing of exons 10, 11, and 16 using genomic DNA as templates. After identification of the mutation, we also developed the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) as an alternative method to direct sequencing for genetic diagnosis of 22 additional individuals from both families. We identified the germ-line missense mutation T --> C of codon 618 of exon 10 (C618R) in the probands of both families. By using ARMS, two members of the MEN2A family and five members of the FMTC family were also found positive for the C618R mutation. These are the first seemingly unrelated families in Cyprus investigated clinically and molecularly in detail and shown to transmit this common RET proto-oncogene mutation.

Adolescent↗

RET(Men2B)-transgene produces sympathoadrenal tumors but does not prevent intestinal aganglionosis in gdnf-/- or gfr alpha-1(-/-) mice.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) syndrome is caused by a missense mutation in the RET gene, which replaces Met918 by Thr in the intracellular kinase domain of the protein. This single amino acid substitution transforms the receptor into a constitutively active monomeric kinase (RET(Men2B)) and produces an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytomas, musculoskeletal anomalies, and mucosal ganglioneuromas. The ligand, GDNF, stimulates RET activity through a co-receptor, GFR alpha-1. In vitro studies have shown that the kinase and mitogenic properties of RET(Men2B) are enhanced by GDNF/GFR alpha-1 stimulation. A relevant clinical question is whether ablation of either GDNF or GFR alpha-1 could alter penetrance or severity of the MEN2B syndrome. We report that ganglioneuromatous tumors caused by a RET(Men2B) transgene in mice are not affected grossly or microscopically by the absence of gdnf or gfr alpha-1. Loss-of-function mutations in ret, gdnf, or gfr alpha-1 cause pan-intestinal aganglionosis in mice. We find that expression of the RET(Men2B) transgene in enteric neural progenitors, after they colonize the gut, does not prevent intestinal aganglionosis associated with gdnf or gfr alpha-1 deficiency.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Quantitative phenotyping as an efficient means to estimate C-cell number in a knock-in mouse model of MEN2B.

Over the last two decades we have witnessed the generation of hundreds, if not thousands, of lines of genetically altered mice, large numbers of which are being produced in order to model human disease. Given that their creation is still rather technically demanding and labour intensive, the time taken analysing the resultant phenotypes should be such that the maximal amount of information can be gleaned efficiently in an unbiased manner so as to be as close to the 'true' value as possible. In an attempt to characterise a cell-specific phenotype in a genetically defined knock-in mouse model of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) we used a modern, unbiased, stereological approach called the optical fractionator to estimate total cell number in 3-D space. By applying a sampling technique to tissue blocks in a systematic random uniform manner, we demonstrate that the total number of calcitonin-immunoreactive C-cells in the thyroid glands of littermate mice harbouring activating mutations in one or both alleles of ret does not vary significantly (p = 0.46) from an unbiased estimate of 23,000 in wild-type controls; likewise, neither does mean thyroid volume (p = 0.78) when estimated using Cavalieri's principle. We demonstrate that the variation associated with the quantitative phenotyping method is negligible. Using this efficient, unbiased stereological method our results provide new insights into cell number and positioning with consequences for both normal and disease states. In summary, this unbiased stereological technique is conceptually simple, can be applied efficiently, and is pertinent to quantitating a wide variety of cell phenotypes thereby bridging specialisation boundaries. We propose the adoption of this technique to mouse experimental geneticists and recommend its horizontal transmission across all fields within experimental biology.

Animals↗

Rare syndromes.

Dermatologists may also encounter patients presenting with skin lesions that reflect an underlying endocrine disorder not commonly seen in daily practice. Some of these endocrine disorders include glucagonoma, neurofibromatosis type 1, McCune-Albright syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia, the Carney complex, carcinoid tumors, and mastocytosis. The clinical syndrome classically associated with glucagonoma includes necrolytic migratory erythema, weight loss, diabetes mellitus, anemia, cheilitis, venous thrombosis, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 are the multiple café-au-lait spots and associated cutaneous neurofibromas. Other presenting features include freckling, peripheral neurofibromas, Lisch nodules, bone abnormalities, tumors, neurologic abnormalities and hypertension. McCune-Albright syndrome is characterized by café-au-lait spots, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, sexual precocity, and hyperfunction of multiple endocrine glands. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A is characterized by medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and primary parathyroid hyperplasia. In some patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, cutaneous lichen amyloidosis may also be present. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B is characterized by medullary thyroid cancer and pheochromocytoma but not hyperparathyroidism. The syndrome also includes mucosal neuromas, typically involving the lips and tongue, intestinal ganglioneuromas and a marfanoid habitus. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is an autosomal dominant predisposition to tumors of the parathyroid glands (four-gland hyperplasia), anterior pituitary, and pancreatic islet cells; hence, the mnemonic device of the "3 Ps"; multiple cutaneous lesions (angiofibromas and collagenomas) are frequent in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Carney complex may be viewed as a form of multiple endocrine neoplasia because affected patients often have tumors of two or more endocrine glands, including primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (some with Cushing's syndrome), pituitary adenoma, testicular neoplasms, thyroid adenoma or carcinoma, and ovarian cysts. Additional unusual manifestations include psammomatous melanotic schwannoma, breast ductal adenoma, and a rare bone tumor, osteochondromyxoma. Carcinoid syndrome is the term applied to a constellation of symptoms mediated by various humoral factors elaborated by some carcinoid tumors; the major manifestations are diarrhea, flushing, bronchospasm, and cardiac valvular lesions. Mast cell diseases include all disorders of mast cell proliferation. These diseases can be limited to the skin, referred to as "cutaneous mastocytosis," or involve extracutaneous tissues, called "systemic mastocytosis." Patients present with urticaria pigmentosa, mastocytoma, or diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. Systemic involvement may be gastronintestinal, hematologic, neurologic, and skeletal.

Endocrine System Diseases↗

Mucocutaneous neuromas: an underrecognized manifestation of PTEN hamartoma-tumor syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of clinical findings associated with PTEN tumor suppressor gene germline mutations, referred to as PTEN hamartoma-tumor syndrome (PHTS), includes Cowden and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndromes. Although the skin is the ectodermal structure most often affected by these autosomal dominant genodermatoses, abnormalities of neural tissues are frequently observed. OBSERVATIONS: We describe a 5-year-old boy with macrocephaly, prominent corneal nerves, and progressive development of multiple painful, dome-shaped, translucent pink to skin-colored papules on the vermilion portion of the upper lip, fingers, palms, and shins. Histologic evaluation demonstrated dermal proliferation of well-demarcated nerve bundles associated with abundant mucin and surrounded by a distinct perineural sheath, findings diagnostic of a nonencapsulated neuroma. Genetic analysis revealed a novel heterozygous germline nonsense mutation in PTEN, predicted to result in a truncated PTEN protein. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of multiple neuromas as the sole mucocutaneous manifestation of PHTS. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights neuromas as a cutaneous sign of PHTS, drawing attention to manifestations of PHTS in neural tissues of the skin, eye, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. Along with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B, PHTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple mucocutaneous neuromas, particularly those involving extrafacial sites.

Child, Preschool↗

Heterogeneous mutation of the RET proto-oncogene in subpopulations of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are associated with the pathogenesis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). In an attempt to understand this process, we examined microdissected subpopulations from MTC and multiple metastases from these tumors. Approximately 80% of sporadic MTC's had at least one subpopulation with the RET codon 918 mutation, which is a mutation previously detected in sporadic MTC as a somatic mutation and in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B as a germline mutation. However, the distribution of this mutation was nonhomogeneous, occurring only in subpopulations in most tumors and among subsets of multiple metastases, thus implying that although the codon 918 mutation could be an early event, it is not necessarily an early or essential event in tumorigenesis. This heterogeneity suggests either that the codon 918 mutation can arise as an event in progression within a metastatic clone or within a single tumor, or that MTC can be of polyclonal origin. Of significance, one of two multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A MTCs carried a somatic mutation at codon 918, in addition to the RET mutation present in the germline. We found no correlation between the presence of other somatic genetic events, such as loss of heterozygosity on chromosome arms 1p and 22q, and RET mutation status in the various subpopulations of MTC.

Carcinoma, Medullary↗

[Type-2B multiple endocrine neoplasms with diffuse liver metastases as the cause of chronic diarrhea].

During examination before surgical correction of pes valgus a 20-year-old man reported having 3-5 pasty, foul smelling diarrhoeic motions per day for the past 3 years. He was noted to have rather thick lips and Marfan-like body build. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 18/34 mm, serum activity of GOT 22.5 U/l, GPT 35.7 U/l. Faecal weight was increased to 640 g/d, fat content to 12 g/d. Serum levels of the carcinoembryonic antigen (2494 ng/ml; normal: < 2.5) and of calcitonin (1,619,760 pg/ml; normal < 100) were elevated. Gastroscopy, partial coloscopy, colon-contrast imaging, ultrasonography and computed tomography of the neck and abdomen, as well as magnetic nuclear imaging of the neck were all normal. But laparoscopy revealed the liver to be infiltrated by small whitish nodules which immunohistologically proved to be metastases of a C-cell carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy was performed and the diagnosis of a C-cell carcinoma of the thyroid confirmed intra-operatively. After the operation the diarrhoea was stopped with codeine (9 mg/d). In case of tumour progression, therapy with octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, will be carried out. The concomitant occurrence of C-cell carcinoma, Marfan-like body build, thick lips and skeletal changes is typical of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B, which is caused by a chromosomal defect.

Adult↗

Surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma in a thirteen-year-old girl with MEN 2B.

Patients with palpable medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) have lymph node metastases in 90% of cases. In most series such patients continue to have elevated serum calcitonin (CT) levels after surgery indicating residual tumor tissue. We attempted a microdissection technique for the treatment of MTC. "Micro" refers not to a small incision or a limited exploration but to a more safe operation associated with good lighting and magnification and minimal bleeding. This technique was used in a 13-year-old girl with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B). The prognosis for MTC in MEN 2B is worse than for sporadic MTC and the MTC of MEN 2A. Every possible effort should be made to remove all tumor tissue in MEN 2B patients with MTC. In this case the pathologist found bilateral MTC and metastases in eight of 129 lymph nodes removed. The preoperative stimulated CT levels, which were markedly elevated, decreased to near normal postoperatively.

Adolescent↗

Cellular effects of imatinib on medullary thyroid cancer cells harboring multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2A and 2B associated RET mutations.

BACKGROUND: Activating mutations in the RET gene, which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor, often cause medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Surgical resection is the only curative treatment; no effective systemic treatment is available. We evaluated imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, as a potential drug for systemic treatment of MTC, in 2 MTC-derived cell lines expressing multiple endocrine neoplasia-associated mutant RET receptors. METHODS: We determined RET expression and Y1062 phosphorylation using Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We determined the effects on cell proliferation by a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and we used fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with annexin V/propidium iodide staining to study imatinib-induced cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell death. RESULTS: Imatinib inhibited RET Y1062 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner after 1.5 hours of exposure. After 16 hours both RET Y1062 phosphorylation and protein expression levels were affected. Dose-dependent decreases in cell proliferation of both cell lines after exposure to imatinib with inhibitory concentration of 50% levels of 23 +/- 2 micromol/L and 25 +/- 4 micromol/L were seen. These values are high, compared with those for chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We further could show that imatinib induced cell-cycle arrest, and apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Imatinib inhibits RET-mediated MTC cell growth affecting RET protein levels in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration of imatinib necessary to inhibit RET in vitro, however, makes it impossible to conclude that imatinib monotherapy will be a good option for systemic therapy of MTC.

Apoptosis↗

Pheochromocytoma and pregnancy: the epitome of high risk.

BACKGROUND: Past review has shown that one half of the fetuses and nearly that many mothers died of pheochromocytoma if the tumor was not detected in the mother before delivery. The rarity of the occurrence adds to the potential danger because experience with diagnosis and management is unusual. However, the diagnosis is straightforward when considered because pregnancy does not alter diagnostic levels of catecholamines. Management must be individualized and can be done safely. METHODS: The cases of five patients with pheochromocytomas during pregnancy are presented here. Diagnosis was made by urinary catecholamine measurement. Localization methods included caval catheterization and ultrasonography. Blood pressure control was done with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers. Treatment strategy was planned by a team of internists, obstetricians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. RESULTS: All five mothers and three fetuses survived. The two fetal deaths were planned terminations. Two mothers and one fetus had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B syndrome. One mother had two recurrences, one of which was involved with the pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy does not alter urinary catecholamine levels to confuse the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Localization by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging is safe to the fetus. alpha- And beta-adrenergic blockers are well tolerated. Every effort should be made to save a normal fetus when the tumor is first discovered during the third trimester. Timing of excision is a decision best done by team planning.

Abortion, Induced↗

Somatic and MEN 2A de novo mutations identified in the RET proto-oncogene by screening of sporadic MTC:s.

Since germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene (RET) predisposing to tumor development in Familial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (FMTC), Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A), and Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) were reported, it has become possible to identify gene carriers with a very high degree of accuracy. Mutations in FMTC and MEN 2A exclusively affect cysteine residues in exon 10 and 11 of RET, whereas in MEN 2B codon 918 in exon 16 is involved. This latter mutation has also been described in a subset of apparently sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC). Mutations in MEN 2B often occur as de novo germline mutations, whereas de novo mutations have not yet been described in FMTC or MEN 2A. We analyzed ten MTC:s and ten pheochromocytomas, all clinically judged to be sporadically occurring, by direct DNA sequencing of exons 10, 11, and 16 of RET. This analysis revealed a de novo germline mutation of codon 634 in exon 11 in a patient with MTC. In addition, somatic mutations of codon 918 in exon 16 in six of the remaining MTC:s were found. Interestingly, the presence of this somatic mutation was associated with a significantly less favorable clinical outcome.

Adult↗

Conjunctival nerve pathology in multiple endocrine neoplasia. A case report.

A 31-year-old male with typical clinical features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b (MEN 2b) was subjected to conjunctival biopsy. The patient had previously been operated for pheochromocytoma and medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. He came for ophthalmologic consultation because of redness and irritation of the eye due to dry eye syndrome. The conjunctival biopsy taken from his left eye revealed not only an increase in the number of conjunctival nerves but also an increase of their axons. The ultrastructure of the nerves was mostly normal, but the perineurium was often incomplete, and the interaxonal space appeared to be enlarged. Immunohistochemically, SP-, neurofilament- and, unexpectedly, leucine-enkephalin-positive nerve fibres were demonstrated in the conjunctival stroma. The rat is the only species in which enkephalin-like immunoreactivity has been described in the anterior segment of the eye. Thus, the presence of enkephalin-positive nerves in the conjunctiva of our MEN 2b patient may reflect a profound neural alteration.

Adult↗

The surgical management of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid may occur in three patient groups: multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2b (MEN2b), MEN2a, and sporadic. The prognosis is best in MEN2a and worst in MEN2b. Multicentric disease occurs in approximately 90% of patients in the MEN groups and in 20% of the patients in the sporadic group. The minimal surgical procedure advocated is total thyroidectomy with dissection of the central compartment nodes. When neck dissection is performed, there appears to be no advantage in resecting the internal jugular vein or the sternomastoid muscle. Primary relatives of all patients with medullary carcinoma should be screened by measurement of plasma immunoreactive calcitonin to identify C-cell disease in a generally unsuspecting group/reservoir and because it results in earlier diagnosis, which leads to a less extensive surgical procedure and a higher percentage of patients with a disease-free state.

Adolescent↗