View clinical trials related to Endocrine System Diseases.
Filter by:OBJECTIVES: I. Assess pituitary size and anatomic configuration by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 4 affected dwarfs in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. II. Evaluate ultradian growth hormone (GH) secretory patterns in 4 affected dwarfs.
This study was designed to allow inpatient and outpatient evaluation of women with a variety of reproductive and endocrine-related disorders for purposes of research and physician education. The evaluations may include ultrasound examinations, blood, saliva, and/or urine samples. In some cases, specific laboratory or X-ray studies will be performed to confirm the diagnosis or assist in the treatment of the patient. These additional tests will be conducted within the guidelines of current gynecologic practice. In some cases, the patient will receive medical or surgical treatment for their disorder. The purpose of this study is to provide an opportunity for physicians to evaluate women with medical conditions of reproduction. These evaluations and treatments will support clinical training and research for the accredited training program in reproductive endocrinology at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).<TAB>
Cushing Syndrome is an endocrine disorder causing an over production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced in the adrenal gland as a response to the production of corticotropin (ACTH) in the pituitary gland. Between 10% and 20% of patients with hypercortisolism (Cushing Syndrome) have ectopic production of the hormone ACTH. Meaning, the hormone is not being released from the normal site, the pituitary gland. In many cases the ectopic ACTH is being produced by a tumor of the lung, thymus, or pancreas. However, in approximately 50% of these patients the source of the ACTH cannot be found even with the use of extensive imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear scans (111-indium pentetreotide). The ability of these tests to locate the source of the hormone production is dependent on the changes of anatomy and / or the dose and adequate uptake of the radioactive agent. The inability to detect the source of ectopic ACTH production often results in unnecessary pituitary surgery or irradiation. Unlike the previously described tests, positron emission tomography (PET scan) has the ability to detect pathologic tissue based on physiologic and biochemical processes within the abnormal tissue. This study will test whether fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), fluorine-18-dihydroxyphenylalanine (F-DOPA) or use of a higher dose of 111-indium pentetreotide can be used to successfully localize the source of ectopic ACTH production.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent methods for studying the brain. In this study, researchers will use MRI to assess brain anatomy and function in X and Y chromosome variation, healthy volunteers, and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome. Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations.