Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Sipple syndrome; MEN II


Symptoms

The symptoms may vary. However, they are similar to those of:

  • Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Parathyroid adenoma
  • Parathyroid hyperplasia

Signs and tests

To diagnose this condition, the health care provider looks for a mutation in the RET gene. This can be done with a blood test. Additional tests are done to determine which hormones are being overproduced.

A physical examination may reveal:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Thyroid nodules

Imaging tests used to identify tumors may include:

  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Imaging of the kidneys or ureters
  • MIBG scintiscan
  • MRI of abdomen
  • Radioimmune assay of parathyroid hormone
  • Thyroid scan
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid

Blood tests are used to evaluate the function of each endocrine gland. The following tests may be performed:

  • Calcitonin level
  • Blood alkaline phosphatase
  • Blood calcium
  • Blood phosphorus
  • Urine catecholamines
  • Urine metanephrine

Other tests or procedures that may be done include:

  • Adrenal biopsy
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Thyroid biopsy
  • Parathyroid biopsy

Review Date: 03/02/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)