Endocrinology

Diabetes mellitus: The center is a recognized regional hub for diabetes technology, authorized to prescribe glucose monitoring sensors and insulin pumps for patients requiring these devices, with comprehensive follow-up care. A multidisciplinary team—comprising a diabetologist, a specialized nurse, a dietitian, and a psychologist (if necessary)—is dedicated to patient education and training. This activity is primarily managed by Dr. Simonetta Bacci and Dr. Anna Rauseo, in collaboration with the Internal Medicine Department. Over the years, the unit has gained substantial expertise in managing the chronic complications of diabetes, establishing itself as a leading referral center for central and southern Italy. Additionally, it conducts extensive research in the fields of genetics and epidemiology, with results frequently published in prestigious international journals.

This condition is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations. The unit emphasizes both prevention (diagnosis, screening, and risk stratification) and treatment, in line with International Guidelines (IWGDF). Treatment approaches include: Neuropathic lesions: offloading techniques to reduce pressure, Vasculopathic lesions: revascularization procedures and therapies using mononuclear cells, Infected ulcers: advanced wound management protocols. The unit is recognized as one of the highest-volume centers for diabetic foot management in central and southern Italy. This activity is led by Dr. Ornella Ludovico and is supported by collaborations with other hospital units, including Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Orthopedics, and Infectious Diseases. 

 The team specializing in metabolic bone diseases, led by Dr. Alfredo Scillitani, Dr. Claudia Battista, and Dr. Flavia Pugliese, focuses on the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, with a particular emphasis on secondary forms, and the investigation of hypercalcemia. The Unit is recognized as one of the leading centers in Italy, managing one of the largest national case registries.

The Unit has developed highly specialized expertise in adrenal disorders, including both hyperfunction and hypofunction, with particular focus on: Adrenal masses (incidentalomas), Subclinical hypercortisolism, Primary hyperaldosteronism. The clinical and research expertise of the team is demonstrated through numerous publications in prestigious international journals. The reference physicians for this area are Dr. Alfredo Scillitani, Dr. Claudia Battista, and Dr. Flavia Pugliese. 

The management of obesity is led primarily by Dr. Anna Rauseo and Dr. Simonetta Bacci, with a focus on the screening of endocrine causes of obesity and the assessment of cardiovascular risk. The center is at the forefront of employing innovative medical therapies for obesity, serving both patients with and without diabetes. The Unit collaborates with the C.O.U. of Abdominal Surgery and Gastroenterology to offer bariatric surgery or endoscopic bariatric procedures, when appropriately indicated and agreed upon by the patient.

Additionally, there is active collaboration with the hospital’s Nutrition Services to provide comprehensive patient care.

The Unit is among the largest referral centers for thyroid cancer in central and southern Italy. Its activities are conducted in close partnership with other departments, including Nuclear Medicine, Thoracic Surgery, and Oncology, all of which have developed leading expertise in thyroid cancer management in recent years. The reference physicians are Dr. Umberto Crocetti, Dr. Michela Massa, and Dr. Carla Columbu.

Beyond thyroid cancer, the Unit also addresses common thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroiditis.

The diagnosis and treatment of pituitary disorders are managed by a specialized interdisciplinary team comprising an endocrinologist (Dr. Claudia Battista), a neurosurgeon, a neuroradiologist, and a radiotherapist. This collaborative approach has been recognized by the Association of Endocrinologists (AME), which has designated this center as the location for a Level II Master’s Program on pituitary disorders in southern Italy.

In the inpatient setting, significant attention is given to the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly and Cushing’s disease, with clinical research focusing on their complications. The findings of these studies have been published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Another key area of focus is the genetic and clinical study of multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) types 1 and 2, which remains a cornerstone of the Unit’s research initiatives.