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Nowak E, Vogel F, Albani A, Braun L, Rubinstein G, Zopp S, Ritzel K, Beuschlein F, Theodoropoulou M, Reincke M. Diagnostic challenges in cyclic Cushing's syndrome: a systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023:S2213-8587(23)00150-X. [PMID: 37429301 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic Cushing's syndrome is a subentity of Cushing's syndrome in which phases of biochemical hypercortisolism (peaks) are followed by spontaneous periods of physiological or even hypocortisolaemic cortisol secretion (troughs). To identify common features of cyclic Cushing's syndrome, we systematically reviewed single case reports and case series in MEDLINE from database inception to Oct 10, 2022, and identified 707 articles, of which 149 articles were assessed for eligibility and 118 articles (covering 212 cases) were included in the analysis. Pituitary tumours accounted for 67% of cases of cyclic Cushing's syndrome (n=143), ectopic tumours for 17% (n=36), and adrenal tumours for 11% (n=23). Occult tumours accounted for 2% of cases (n=4), and 3% of cases were unclassified (n=6). We compared the clinical symptoms and comorbidities of patients with cyclic Cushing's syndrome with those of patients with non-cyclic Cushing's syndrome and observed no major difference. In adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent cyclic Cushing's syndrome, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling had a positive (ie, true pituitary) and negative (ie, true ectopic) predictive value of 100% when performed during periods of hypercortisolism, versus a positive predictive value of 73% and a negative predictive value of 86% when performed, irrespective of cortisolaemic status. Overall, 6% of patients (n=12) with cyclic Cushing's syndrome had unnecessary surgery due to misclassification. Remission rates were significantly lower and the time to remission significantly longer in patients with cyclic Cushing's syndrome compared with patients with non-cyclic Cushing's syndrome (p<0·001). Variations in biochemical test results due to unpredictable cycle duration and frequency might cause diagnostic challenges resulting in misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Nowak
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Frederick Vogel
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Adriana Albani
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leah Braun
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - German Rubinstein
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritzel
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Cai Y, Ren L, Tan S, Liu X, Li C, Gang X, Wang G. Mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of cyclic Cushing's syndrome: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113301. [PMID: 35717778 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is caused by hypercortisolemia, leading to the occurrence of characteristic clinical symptoms. A small number of patients with CS have periodic and intermittent increases in cortisol levels, resulting in recurrent episodes of clinical symptoms. Such patients are known as having cyclic CS (CCS). The cortisol secretion cycle of patients with CCS is unpredictable, and laboratory tests often show negative results during the normal cortisol secretion period; therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of the disease are currently difficult. Although the pathogenesis of CCS remains uncertain, recent studies have suggested that it may be closely related to hypothalamic factors, feedback mechanisms, and tumor infarction. Our review summarizes the current state of research on the potential mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of CS and provides an outlook for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjia Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Linan Ren
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shuwen Tan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xinming Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaokun Gang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Tsujimoto Y, Shichi H, Fukuoka H, Yamamoto M, Sato I, Imanishi T, Nakamura T, Inoshita N, Ishida A, Yamada S, Takahashi Y, Chihara K. Tumor Shrinkage by Metyrapone in Cushing Disease Exhibiting Glucocorticoid-Induced Positive Feedback. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab055. [PMID: 34061117 PMCID: PMC8143664 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Paradoxical increases in serum cortisol in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) have been rarely observed in Cushing disease (CD). Its pathophysiology and prevalence remain unclear. Case Description A 62-year-old woman with suspected CD showed paradoxical increases in cortisol after both 1-mg and 8-mg DST (1.95-fold and 2.52-fold, respectively). The initiation of metyrapone paradoxically decreased plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and suppressed cortisol levels. Moreover, the pituitary tumor considerably shrank during metyrapone treatment. Ex Vivo Experiments The resected tumor tissue was enzymatically digested, dispersed, and embedded into Matrigel as 3D cultured cells. ACTH levels in the media were measured. In this tumor culture, ACTH levels increased 1.3-fold after dexamethasone treatment (P < 0.01) while control tumor cultures exhibited no increase in ACTH levels, but rather a 20% to 40% suppression (P < 0.05). Clinical Study A cross-sectional, retrospective, multicenter study that included 92 patients with CD who underwent both low-dose and high-dose DST from 2014 to 2020 was performed. Eight cases (8.7%) showed an increase in serum cortisol after both low-dose and high-dose DST. Conclusion This is the first report of a patient with glucocorticoid (GC)-driven positive feedback CD who showed both ACTH suppression and tumor shrinkage by metyrapone. Our cohort study revealed that 8.7% of patients with CD patients possibly possess GC-driven positive-feedback systems, thereby suggesting the presence of a new subtype of CD that is different from the majority of CD cases. The mechanisms exhibiting GC positive feedback in CD and the therapeutic approach for these patients remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasutaka Tsujimoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Akashi Medical Center Hospital, Akashi 674-0063, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shichi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Itsuko Sato
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Imanishi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakamura
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Akashi Medical Center Hospital, Akashi 674-0063, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoshita
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Medical Center, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ishida
- Pituitary Center, Moriyama Memorial Hospital, Tokyo 134-0088, Japan
| | - Shozo Yamada
- Pituitary Center, Moriyama Memorial Hospital, Tokyo 134-0088, Japan.,Department of Hypothalamic and Pituitary Surgery, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo 105-8470, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kazuo Chihara
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Akashi Medical Center Hospital, Akashi 674-0063, Japan
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Mahata R, Chakraborty PP, Sinha A, Maiti A. Paradoxical Cortisol Response to Dexamethasone in Corticotroph Microadenoma: A Useful Feature of Underlying Cyclic Hormonogenesis. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2020; 24:220-222. [PMID: 32699797 PMCID: PMC7333752 DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_95_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rahin Mahata
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, 88 College Street, Kolkata 73, West Bengal, India
| | - Partha Pratim Chakraborty
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, 88 College Street, Kolkata 73, West Bengal, India
| | - Anirban Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, 88 College Street, Kolkata 73, West Bengal, India
| | - Animesh Maiti
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical College, Kolkata, 88 College Street, Kolkata 73, West Bengal, India
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Berlińska A, Świątkowska-Stodulska R, Sworczak K. Factors Affecting Dexamethasone Suppression Test Results. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2019; 128:667-671. [PMID: 31652475 DOI: 10.1055/a-1017-3217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone suppression tests are basic tools in diagnostics of hypercortisolemia. Low-dose tests play major role in screening and initial assessment. High-dose tests are aimed at more elaborate diagnostics, however their clinical value is questionable. Dexamethasone is a highly potent, synthetic steroid. It is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), and so are various other xenobiotics. Due to wide spectrum of substances processed by CYP3A4, interferences and interactions are not uncommon. Physicians should be familiar with drugs modifying dexamethasone metabolism, and therefore the results of dynamic tests. Other important concerns are: drugs enhancing cortisol-binding globulin production, organ dysfunction, pseudo-Cushing states, pregnancy and other physiological conditions leading to elevated blood cortisol, cyclic Cushing disease. To properly assess and assist patients, it is crucial for health professionals to understand and be able to overcome such clinical dilemmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Berlińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - R Świątkowska-Stodulska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - K Sworczak
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Seki Y, Morimoto S, Saito F, Takano N, Kimura S, Yamashita K, Yoshida N, Bokuda K, Sasaki N, Yatabe M, Watanabe D, Yatabe J, Ando T, Amano K, Kawamata T, Ichihara A. ACTH-Dependent Cyclic Cushing Syndrome Triggered by Glucocorticoid Excess Through a Positive-Feedback Mechanism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1788-1791. [PMID: 30561712 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cyclic Cushing syndrome is a rare variant of Cushing syndrome that demonstrates periodic cortisol excess. It has been thought that inhibition of a glucocorticoid positive-feedback loop is associated with remission of hypercortisolism in ACTH-dependent cyclic Cushing syndrome. However, the underlying mechanism that triggers the development of the hypercortisolism is still unknown. We observed a case of ACTH-dependent cyclic Cushing syndrome that was developed by exogenous glucocorticoids, possibly through a glucocorticoid positive-feedback loop. CASE DESCRIPTION A 75-year-old woman had experienced cyclic ACTH and cortisol elevations six times in the previous 4 years. Her diagnosis was cyclic Cushing syndrome. During the hypercortisolemic phase, neither low-dose nor high-dose dexamethasone suppressed her plasma ACTH and cortisol levels. Daily metyrapone therapy decreased her plasma cortisol and ACTH levels during every hypercortisolemic phase. After the sixth remission of a hypercortisolemic phase, she took 25 mg of hydrocortisone for 4 weeks and developed ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia. Treatment with 1 mg of dexamethasone gradually increased both plasma ACTH and cortisol levels over 2 weeks, resulting in the eighth hypercortisolemic phase. Treatment using a combination of dexamethasone and metyrapone did not increase plasma ACTH or cortisol level and successfully prevented development of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. CONCLUSION We present an interesting case of cyclic Cushing syndrome in which ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemic phases relapsed during exogenous glucocorticoid treatment. A glucocorticoid positive-feedback loop and endogenous glucocorticoid synthesis may play key roles in the periodicity of hypercortisolism in cyclic Cushing syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasufumi Seki
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Morimoto
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Saito
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Takano
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shihori Kimura
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yamashita
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Yoshida
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanako Bokuda
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobukazu Sasaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Midori Yatabe
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Watanabe
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Yatabe
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ando
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosaku Amano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takakazu Kawamata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Ichihara
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Carmichael JD, Zada G, Selman WR. Making the diagnosis of cyclic Cushing's syndrome: a position statement from the topic editors. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 38:E8. [PMID: 25639326 DOI: 10.3171/2014.11.focus14778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John D Carmichael
- USC Pituitary Disorders Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; and
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Lila AR, Sarathi V, Bandgar TR, Shah NS. Paradoxical response to dexamethasone and spontaneous hypocortisolism in Cushing's disease. BMJ Case Rep 2013; 2013:bcr-2012-008035. [PMID: 23365169 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-008035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Paradoxical response to dexamethasone and spontaneous development of hypocortisolism are rare features of Cushing's disease. We report a 13-year-old boy with Cushing's disease owing to a pituitary macroadenoma. On initial evaluation, he had partial suppression of serum cortisol by dexamethasone. He developed transient hypocortisolism after first adenomectomy, but the disease recurred after 1 year. Repeat evaluation showed recurrent hypercortisolism and paradoxical response to dexamethasone. He underwent second surgery and, postoperatively, hypercostisolism persisted even after 2 years of surgery. Repeat evaluations after 8 years of second surgery revealed persistent hypocortisolism despite residual tumour of same size and similar plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. We have also shown that the paradoxical increase in serum cortisol was preceded by a paradoxical increase in ACTH. The paradoxical response persisted despite hypocortisolism. This patient with Cushing's disease had two very rare features: paradoxical response to dexamethasone and spontaneous development of hypocortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag R Lila
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Starkey SR, Morrisey JK, Stewart JE, Buckles EL. Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a cockatoo. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2008; 232:394-8. [PMID: 18241105 DOI: 10.2460/javma.232.3.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 13-year-old female intact Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was evaluated because of coelomic distention, presumed to be secondary to an abdominal hernia. The patient also had a history of rapid weight gain and polyuria and polydipsia. CLINICAL FINDINGS Ultrasonography was used to confirm the existence of a pseudohernia that appeared to contain the small intestines, pancreas, and reproductive tract. Results of plasma biochemical analysis revealed hyperglycemia, hypophosphatemia, and high nonfasting bile acid concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase activity. A CBC revealed a relative heterophilia with a concomitant lymphopenia and mild monocytosis. Histologic evaluation of a liver biopsy specimen indicated chronic hepatic lipidosis. Despite a strong clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The pseudohernia was strengthened with a prolene mesh. Despite ongoing medical and surgical care, the patient developed complications associated with the herniorrhaphy and was euthanatized. The clinical suspicion of hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed on the basis of histologic evaluation of the pituitary gland by use of special stains. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism has not been previously confirmed in Psittaciformes. The condition should be considered in birds with clinical signs consistent with those observed in mammals. For the cockatoo of this report, ACTH stimulation test results were equivocal and additional diagnostic tests should be developed for avian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Starkey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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