Secondary Causes (secondary + cause)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Hyperthyroidism: A Secondary Cause of Isolated Systolic Hypertension

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 8 2006
L. Michael Prisant MD
Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common form of hypertension, especially among patients 50 years or older. What is not appreciated is that there are secondary causes of isolated systolic hypertension. Hyperthyroidism increases systolic blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance, increasing heart rate, and raising cardiac output. Potential cardiovascular consequences of hyperthyroidism include atrial arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. The prevalence of hypertension is greater among hyperthyroid patients than euthyroid patients. Whether there is a blunted nocturnal decline in ambulatory blood pressure among hyperthyroid patients is more controversial. Treatment is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output. [source]


Coarctation of the Aorta: A Secondary Cause of Hypertension

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 6 2004
L. Michael Prisant MD
Coarctation of the aorta is a constriction of the aorta located near the ligamentum arteriosum and the origins of the left subclavian artery. This condition may be associated with other congenital disease. The mean age of death for persons with this condition is 34 years if untreated, and is usually due to heart failure, aortic dissection or rupture, endocarditis, endarteritis, cerebral hemorrhage, ischemic heart disease, or concomitant aortic valve disease in uncomplicated cases. Symptoms may not be present in adults. Diminished and delayed pulses in the right femoral artery compared with the right radial or brachial artery are an important clue to the presence of a coarctation of the aorta, as are the presence of a systolic murmur over the anterior chest, bruits over the back, and visible notching of the posterior ribs on a chest x-ray. In many cases a diagnosis can be made with these findings. Two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler interrogation is used to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical repair and percutaneous intervention are used to repair the coarctation; however, hypertension may not abate. Because late complications including recoarctation, hypertension, aortic aneurysm formation and rupture, sudden death, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and cerebrovascular accidents may occur, careful follow-up is required. [source]


Favorable Response to Analgesics Does Not Predict a Benign Etiology of Headache

HEADACHE, Issue 6 2008
Jennifer V. Pope MD
Background., Distinguishing between primary and secondary headaches (HAs) is essential for the safe and effective management of patients with HA. A favorable response to analgesics may be observed with both classes of HAs and therefore is not a good predictor of who needs further evaluation. Objective., To systematically review the data that a favorable response to analgesics including triptans should not be used to exclude a serious secondary cause of HA. Design., PubMed search of English-language articles between 1980 and 2007 and reference lists of these articles. Two authors independently reviewed articles for study results and quality. Inclusion was based on 100% agreement between authors. We included articles that described secondary HAs as (1) having a favorable response to analgesics and/or (2) having a favorable response to sumatriptan. Of the 548 studies identified by our search strategy, 18 were included in our final analysis. Results., Seven of the 18 studies found that 46/103 patients (44%) described a significant or complete resolution of secondary HA from medications such as anti-emetics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Eleven of the 18 articles including 25/25 patients (100%) described a significant or complete resolution of secondary HA from sumatriptan, a serotonin 5HT agonist. Conclusions., A favorable response to analgesics including triptans should not be used to exclude a serious secondary cause of HA. [source]


Unilateral Orbital Bruit in an Adolescent With Daily Persistent Headache

HEADACHE, Issue 2 2006
Todd D. Rozen MD
The presence of an orbital bruit in a patient with daily headache suggests an underlying secondary cause. A case is presented in which a unilateral orbital bruit appeared to be the only physical sign of a dural venous sinus thrombosis. [source]


Primary hyperparathyroidism: new concepts in clinical, densitometric and biochemical features

JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2005
J. P. BILEZIKIAN
Abstract. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized most commonly now as an asymptomatic disorder with hypercalcaemia and elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The elevation in PTH is detected by both the standard immunoradiometric assays (IRMA) and a more recent IRMA that detects only the 1,84 full-length PTH molecule. The serum calcium concentration is usually <1 mg dL,1 above normal. Recently, another variant of PHPT (normocalcaemic PHPT) has been described in which the serum calcium is normal but the serum PTH is elevated, in the absence of any secondary cause for PTH elevation. Although usually sporadic, PHPT also occurs in inherited syndromes. Skeletal manifestations are appreciated by densitometry showing a typical pattern in which cancellous bone of the lumbar spine is reasonably well preserved whilst the cortical bone of the distal third of the radius is preferentially reduced. Although reduced in incidence, renal stones remain the most common overt complication of PHPT. Other organs are theoretical targets of PHPT such as the neurobehavioural axis and the cardiovascular system. Vitamin D looms as an important determinant of the activity of the PHPT state. The 2002 NIH Workshop on asymptomatic PHPT has led to revised guidelines to help doctors determine who is best advised to have parathyroid surgery and who can be safely followed without surgery. New information about the natural history of PHPT in those who did not undergo surgery has helped to define more precisely who is at-risk for complications. At the NIH workshop, a number of items were highlighted for further investigation such as pharmacological approaches to controlling hypercalcaemia, elevated PTH levels and maintaining bone density. [source]


Retransplantation After BK Virus Nephropathy in Prior Kidney Transplant: An OPTN Database Analysis

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2010
V. R. Dharnidharka
BK virus (BKV) has emerged as a major complication of kidney transplantation. Since June 30, 2004, the OPTN in the USA collects BKV as a primary or secondary cause of graft loss and also if treatment for BK virus (TBKV) is administered. In this study, we determined characteristics of those recipients of repeat kidney transplants from the OPTN database, where either (a) a graft loss occurred between June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2008 and database recorded prior TBKV in that allograft or (b) a graft loss between June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2008 was attributed primarily or secondarily due to BKV. In the study time period, 823 graft losses have occurred where TBKV or graft failure attributable to BKV was reported in prior transplant; of these, 126 have received a retransplant as of June 5, 2009. Induction and maintenance immunosuppression usage mirrored current trends. As of June 5, 2009, 118/126 grafts are still functioning, one graft failure attributed to BKV. TBKV was reported in 17.5% of the retransplants. In the retransplants performed through December 31, 2007, 1-year acute rejection rate was 7%, 1-year and 3-year Kaplan,Meier graft survival rates and median GFR were 98.5%, 93.6%, 65.5 and 68.4 mL/min, respectively. Retransplantation after BKV appears to be associated with good results. [source]


Evaluation of chronic hypertension in pregnant young women

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Joana DE SOUSA
Women with chronic hypertension are at higher risk of adverse obstetric outcomes. It is essential that the condition is identified and evaluated appropriately in early pregnancy. Therefore, an audit has been carried out to assess how well young pregnant women with chronic hypertension were investigated for secondary cause in South Auckland, compared with the recommendations of the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. The evaluation of chronic hypertension by history taking, physical examination, laboratory assessment and radiology tests was highly variable. Only 76% of women had appropriate follow-up for their hypertension. Screening for secondary causes was not consistent, and the majority had incomplete investigation. [source]


Etiology and outcome of extreme leukocytosis in 758 nonhematologic cancer patients

CANCER, Issue 17 2009
A retrospective, single-institution study
Abstract BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, the literature regarding extreme leukocytosis in solid tumor patients is sparse, consisting of a few case reports and small case series. METHODS: A total of 3770 consecutive solid tumor patients with a white blood cell count>40,000/,L were retrospectively identified over a 3-year period (2005-2008). Those patients without a secondary cause of their leukocytosis were defined as having a paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction. RESULTS: A total of 758 (20%) patients with solid tumors and extreme leukocytosis were identified. The etiology of the leukocytosis was hematopoietic growth factors in 522 (69%) patients, infection in 112 (15%) patients, high-dose corticosteroids in 38 (5%) patients, newly diagnosed leukemia in 9 (1%) patients, and paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction in 77 (10%) patients. The patients diagnosed with a paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction typically had neutrophil predominance (96%) and radiographic evidence of metastatic disease (78%), were clinically stable, and had a poor prognosis; 78% either died or were discharged to hospice within 12 weeks of their initial extreme leukocyte count. All of the 8 (10%) patients who survived>1 year received effective antineoplastic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Infection was an uncommon cause of extreme leukocytosis in patients with solid tumors. Patients with paraneoplastic leukemoid reactions typically were clinically stable despite having large tumor burdens. However, clinical outcomes were poor unless effective antineoplastic treatment was received. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society. [source]


Oropharyngeal Skeletal Disease Accompanying High Bone Mass and Novel LRP5 Mutation,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005
Michael R Rickels
Abstract Gain-of-function mutation in the gene encoding LRP5 causes high bone mass. A 59-year-old woman carrying a novel LRP5 missense mutation, Arg154Met, manifested skeletal disease affecting her oropharynx as well as dense bones, showing that exuberant LRP5 effects are not always benign. Introduction: Gain-of-function mutation (Gly171Val) of LDL receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) was discovered in 2002 in two American kindreds with high bone mass and benign phenotypes. In 2003, however, skeletal disease was reported for individuals from the Americas and Europe carrying any of six novel LRP5 missense mutations affecting the same LRP5 protein domain. Furthermore, in 2004, we described a patient with neurologic complications from dense bones and extensive oropharyngeal exostoses caused by the Gly171Val defect. Materials and Methods: A 59-year-old woman was referred for dense bones. Three years before, mandibular buccal and lingual exostoses (osseous "tori") were removed because of infections from food trapping between the teeth and exostoses. Maxillary buccal and palatal exostoses were asymptomatic. Radiographic skeletal survey showed marked thickening of the skull base and diaphyses of long bones (endosteal hyperostosis). BMD Z scores assessed by DXA were +8.5 and +8.7 in the total hip and L1 -L4 spine (both ,195% average control), respectively. LRP5 mutation analysis was carried out for the LRP5 domain known to cause high bone mass. Results: Biochemical evaluation excluded most secondary causes of dense bones, and male-to-male transmission in her family indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. PCR amplification and sequencing of LRP5 exons 2-4 and adjacent splice sites revealed heterozygosity for a new LRP5 missense mutation, Arg154Met. Conclusions: LRP5 Arg154Met is a novel defect that changes the same first ",-propeller" module as the eight previously reported LRP5 gain-of-function missense mutations. Arg154Met alters a region important for LRP5 antagonism by dickkopf (Dkk). Therefore, our patient's extensive oropharyngeal exostoses and endosteal hyperostosis likely reflect increased Wnt signaling and show that exuberant LRP5 effects are not always benign. [source]


Pseudohyperaldosteronism, Liquorice, and Hypertension

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 2 2008
Bruno Sontia PhD
Consumption of large quantities of liquorice can cause hypokalemia and hypertension. These effects are associated with increased cortisol-mediated activation of renal mineralocorticoid receptors and hypoaldosteronism. The authors describe a patient with long-standing hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension related to excessive ingestion of liquorice. The case highlights the importance of obtaining a detailed dietary history, especially considering the increasing use of liquorice-containing foods, teas, and herbal products. The authors also discuss secondary causes of hypertension, focusing on pseudohyperaldosteronism. [source]


Hyperthyroidism: A Secondary Cause of Isolated Systolic Hypertension

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 8 2006
L. Michael Prisant MD
Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common form of hypertension, especially among patients 50 years or older. What is not appreciated is that there are secondary causes of isolated systolic hypertension. Hyperthyroidism increases systolic blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance, increasing heart rate, and raising cardiac output. Potential cardiovascular consequences of hyperthyroidism include atrial arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. The prevalence of hypertension is greater among hyperthyroid patients than euthyroid patients. Whether there is a blunted nocturnal decline in ambulatory blood pressure among hyperthyroid patients is more controversial. Treatment is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output. [source]


Diagnosis And Treatment Of Hypertension In Children And Adolescents

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 2 2003
Rosalind M. Peters PhD
Purpose To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with updated information regarding the etiology, diagnosis,and treatment of childhood hypertension. Data Sources Extensive review of the scientific literature regarding hypertension, including the latest NIH recommendations. Conclusions Hypertension affects more than 350,000 American children. While the majority of hypertension in early childhood occurs from secondary causes, the incidence of essential hypertension in later childhood and adolescence is rising, raising concerns as elevated pressures in childhood "track" into adulthood. Early detection and treatment of elevated childhood pressures represent important steps in reducing long-term cardiovascular risk. Implications for Practice NPs must be able to accurately differentiate between primary and secondary hypertension in childhood. Secondary hypertension requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, and controlling primary childhood hypertension has life-long implications. Given the familial predispo-sition to hypertension, it is important for adult NPs to be aware of the risks faced by children of hypertensive patients. [source]


The management of tics,,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 1 2009
David Shprecher DO
Abstract A tic is a stereotyped repetitive involuntary movement or sound, frequently preceded by premonitory sensations or urges. Most tic disorders are genetic or idiopathic in nature, possibly due to a developmental failure of inhibitory function within frontal-subcortical circuits modulating volitional movements. Currently available oral medications can reduce the severity of tics, but rarely eliminate them. Botulinum toxin injections can be effective if there are a few particularly disabling motor tics. Deep brain stimulation has been reported to be an effective treatment for the most severe cases, but remains unproven. A comprehensive evaluation accounting for secondary causes, psychosocial factors, and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions is essential to successful treatment of tic disorders. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [source]


An unusual case of vascular hypogonadism treated with clomiphene citrate and testosterone replacement

ANDROLOGIA, Issue 1 2009
R. S. Tan
Summary Many male patients are discovered on screening to suffer from hypogonadism and age related hypogonadism is being increasingly recognized. However, secondary causes of hypogonadism should not be overlooked, especially in patients who may have concomitant morbidity as highlighted in this case. Our patient with vascular hypogonadism was treated with testosterone and clomiphene citrate in cycles; with a hope of improving not only androgen levels but overall pituitary function as there were co-existing endocrine pathologies of albeit primary hypothyroidism and low IGF-1 levels. Treatment with exogenous testosterone is fairly well established; but there is also increasing evidence of the effectiveness and short-term safety of clomiphene citrate in restoring not only biological levels but functional states in males as well. As such, we report an unusual case of a patient seen at our Men's Health & Andrology clinic in which both the cause of some otherwise unremarkable symptoms and the treatment, using a combination of clomiphene citrate and testosterone, were remarkable. [source]


Evaluation of chronic hypertension in pregnant young women

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Joana DE SOUSA
Women with chronic hypertension are at higher risk of adverse obstetric outcomes. It is essential that the condition is identified and evaluated appropriately in early pregnancy. Therefore, an audit has been carried out to assess how well young pregnant women with chronic hypertension were investigated for secondary cause in South Auckland, compared with the recommendations of the Australasian Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. The evaluation of chronic hypertension by history taking, physical examination, laboratory assessment and radiology tests was highly variable. Only 76% of women had appropriate follow-up for their hypertension. Screening for secondary causes was not consistent, and the majority had incomplete investigation. [source]


What is chronic headache in the general population?

ACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2009
The Akershus study of chronic headache
Background ,, Studies of chronic headache including both primary and secondary causes from the general population is lacking. Aims ,, To provide prevalence data on chronic headache. Materials & Methods ,, We studied chronic headaches defined as headache 15 days per month on average for at least 3 months in the general population. An age and gender stratified random sample of 30,000 persons aged 30,44 years received a mailed questionnaire. Those with self-reported headache on 15 days or more within the last month and/or headache on more than 180 days within the last year were invited to an interview and examination by a neurological resident. The criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders were applied. Results ,, Chronic headache occurred in 3.71% of the general population.Women had chronic headache twice as often as men. About half of those with chronic headache also had medication overuse, irrespectively of the types of chronic headache. Secondary chronic headaches attributed to chronic rhinosinusitis, head injury, whiplash injury and cervicogenic headache were relatively frequent, i.e. from 1 of 300 to 1 of 600 persons from the general population. Discussion ,, Primary and secondary chronics headaches should not be ignored. Conclusion ,, Primary and secondary chronic headaches are common in the general population. [source]