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Prete A, Bancos I. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion: pathophysiology, comorbidities and management approaches. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:460-473. [PMID: 38649778 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-00984-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The majority of incidentally discovered adrenal tumours are benign adrenocortical adenomas and the prevalence of adrenocortical adenomas is around 1-7% on cross-sectional abdominal imaging. These can be non-functioning adrenal tumours or they can be associated with autonomous cortisol secretion on a spectrum that ranges from rare clinically overt adrenal Cushing syndrome to the much more prevalent mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) without signs of Cushing syndrome. MACS is diagnosed (based on an abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test) in 20-50% of patients with adrenal adenomas. MACS is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, frailty, fragility fractures, decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Management of MACS should be individualized based on patient characteristics and includes adrenalectomy or conservative follow-up with treatment of associated comorbidities. Identifying patients with MACS who are most likely to benefit from adrenalectomy is challenging, as adrenalectomy results in improvement of cardiovascular morbidity in some, but not all, patients with MACS. Of note, diagnosis and management of patients with bilateral MACS is especially challenging. Current gaps in MACS clinical practice include a lack of specific biomarkers diagnostic of MACS-related health outcomes and a paucity of clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of adrenalectomy on comorbidities associated with MACS. In addition, little evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of long-term medical therapy in patients with MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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2
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Vassiliadi DA, Delivanis DA, Papalou O, Tsagarakis S. Approach to the Patient With Bilateral Adrenal Masses. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:2136-2148. [PMID: 38478374 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Bilateral adrenal masses, increasingly encountered in clinical practice, manifest across diverse contexts, including incidental discovery, malignancy staging, and targeted imaging after hormonal diagnosis of adrenal disorders. The spectrum encompasses various pathologies, such as cortical adenomas, macronodular adrenal disease, pheochromocytomas, myelolipomas, infiltrative disorders, and primary and secondary malignancies. Notably, not all masses in both adrenal glands necessarily share the same etiology, often exhibiting diverse causes. Recently, the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors updated guidelines, introduced a 4-option schema based on imaging, aiding in targeted hormonal testing and management. This "Approach to the Patient" review delves into the latest advancements in imaging, biochemical, and genetic approaches for the diagnostic and management nuances of bilateral adrenal masses. It provides insights and a contemporary framework for navigating the complexities associated with this clinical entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Argyro Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (ENDO-ERN), Evangelismos Hospital, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Danae Anastasia Delivanis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Olga Papalou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (ENDO-ERN), Evangelismos Hospital, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (ENDO-ERN), Evangelismos Hospital, 10676, Athens, Greece
- Private Practice, 10675, Athens, Greece
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Trandafir AI, Stanciu M, Albu SE, Stoian VR, Ciofu I, Persu C, Nistor C, Carsote M. Management of Adrenal Cortical Adenomas: Assessment of Bone Status in Patients with (Non-Functioning) Adrenal Incidentalomas. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4244. [PMID: 37445279 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aim is to analyse the bone profile in adults with (non-functioning) adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), specifically addressing the impact of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). This narrative review, based on a PubMed search from inception to February 2023 (case reports, non-ACS, and other secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded), included 40 original studies, a total of 3046 patients with female prevalence (female:male ratio of 1921:1125), aged between 20.5 and 95.5 years old. This three decade-based analysis showed that 37 studies provided dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) information; another five studies reports results on bone micro-architecture, including trabecular bone score (TBS), spinal deformity index, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography; 20 cohorts included data on bone turnover markers (BTMs), while four longitudinal studies followed subjects between 1 and 10.5 years old (surgical versus non-adrenalectomy arms). Post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol was inversely associated with bone mineral density (BMD). TBS predicted incidental vertebral fractures (VFx) regardless of BMD, being associated with post-DST cortisol independently of age and BMD. Low BTMs were identified in ACS, but not all studies agreed. An increased prevalence of ACS-related osteoporosis was confirmed in most studies (highest prevalence of 87.5%), as well as of VFx, including in pre-menopause (42.5%), post-menopause (78.6%), and male patients (72.7%) depending on the study, with a 10-fold increased incidental VFx risk up to a 12-fold increased risk after a 2-year follow-up. No specific medication against osteoporosis is indicated in ACS, but adrenalectomy (according to four studies) should be part of the long-term strategy. This bone profile case sample-based study (to our knowledge, one of the largest of its kind) showed that AIs, including the subgroup designated as having ACS, embraces a large panel of osseous complications. The level of evidence remains far from generous; there are still no homogenous results defining ACS and identifying skeletal involvement, which might be a consequence of different investigation clusters underling adrenal and bone assessments over time. However, bone status evaluations and associated therapy decisions remain an essential element of the management of adults with AIs-ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Ioana Trandafir
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology & Carol Davila Doctoral School, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Stanciu
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Simona Elena Albu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vasile Razvan Stoian
- Department 10-Surgery, General Surgery Department 3, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Ciofu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Persu
- Department of Urology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4-Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Thoracic Surgery Department, "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania
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Araujo-Castro M, Reincke M. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: A series of 32 cases and literature review. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2023; 70:229-239. [PMID: 37116968 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) accounts for <2% of cases of Cushing's syndrome. The majority of patients present with no obvious steroid excess it means with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). The classic treatment for patients with overt Cushing's syndrome is bilateral adrenalectomy, but unilateral resection of the larger adrenal gland can result in clinical and/or biochemical remission in >90% of cases, especially in cases of ACS. In this article, a series of 32 cases with PBMAH is described. Most of the cases of PBMAH had ACS, except for one case with overt Cushing's syndrome. A study of aberrant receptors was performed in six patients, being negative in three cases, positive in the metoclopramide test in two cases and positive in the metoclopramide test and in the mixed meal test in another patient. The patient with overt Cushing's syndrome was treated with adrenostatic therapy achieving biochemical control, while two patients with ACS underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with resection of the largest adrenal gland, demonstrating hypercortisolism remission and improvement of cardiovascular risk factors after surgery. This article describes a series of 32 cases of PBMAH and offers a comprehensive review of PBMAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal [Ramon y Cajal University Hospital], Instituto de Investigación Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS) [Ramon y Cajal Research Institute], Spain; Universidad de Alcalá [University of Alcalá], Madrid, Spain.
| | - Martín Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Bertherat J, Bourdeau I, Bouys L, Chasseloup F, Kamenicky P, Lacroix A. Clinical, pathophysiologic, genetic and therapeutic progress in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia. Endocr Rev 2022:6957368. [PMID: 36548967 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) usually present bilateral benign adrenocortical macronodules at imaging and variable levels of cortisol excess. PBMAH is a rare cause of primary overt Cushing's syndrome, but may represent up to one third of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas with evidence of cortisol excess. The increased steroidogenesis in PBMAH is often regulated by various G-protein coupled receptors aberrantly expressed in PBMAH tissues; some receptor ligands are ectopically produced in PBMAH tissues creating aberrant autocrine/paracrine regulation of steroidogenesis. The bilateral nature of PBMAH and familial aggregation, led to the identification of germline heterozygous inactivating mutations of the ARMC5 gene, in 20-25% of the apparent sporadic cases and more frequently in familial cases; ARMC5 mutations/pathogenic variants can be associated with meningiomas. More recently, combined germline mutations/pathogenic variants and somatic events inactivating the KDM1A gene were specifically identified in patients affected by GIP-dependent PBMAH. Functional studies demonstrated that inactivation of KDM1A leads to GIP-receptor (GIPR) overexpression and over or down-regulation of other GPCRs. Genetic analysis is now available for early detection of family members of index cases with PBMAH carrying identified germline pathogenic variants. Detailed biochemical, imaging, and co-morbidities assessment of the nature and severity of PBMAH is essential for its management. Treatment is reserved for patients with overt or mild cortisol/aldosterone or other steroid excesses taking in account co-morbidities. It previously relied on bilateral adrenalectomy; however recent studies tend to favor unilateral adrenalectomy, or less frequently, medical treatment with cortisol synthesis inhibitors or specific blockers of aberrant GPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerôme Bertherat
- Department of Endocrinology and National Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 24 rue du Fg St Jacques, Paris 75014, France
| | - Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lucas Bouys
- Department of Endocrinology and National Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 24 rue du Fg St Jacques, Paris 75014, France
| | - Fanny Chasseloup
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Peter Kamenicky
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Research Center, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Bengoa-Rojano N, Fernández-Argüeso M, Botella-Carretero J, Pascual-Corrales E, Araujo-Castro M. Prevalencia y fenotipo de la hiperplasia suprarrenal macronodular bilateral primaria con secreción autónoma de cortisol: un estudio de 98 pacientes. Rev Clin Esp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Delivanis DA, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S. Current approach of primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:243-252. [PMID: 35621176 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the most recent findings on the pathophysiology, the genetic and molecular causes of primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (PBAH). The diagnostic approach of patients with PBAH will also be presented in detail with an emphasis on the emerging diagnostic tools and finally, the treatment of PBAH will be discussed with an emphasis on the newest surgical and medical treatment approaches. RECENT FINDINGS PBAH is a highly heterogeneous condition mostly detected incidentally on abdominal imaging. Based on the size of the nodules, PBAH is subdivided into primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) and micronodular adrenal hyperplasia. A substantial proportion of patients with PBMAH harbor a germline mutation of the armadillo repeat containing 5 tumor suppression gene and therefore genetic testing is strongly recommended. Measurements of plasma or urinary multisteroid profiles show promising results in that PBMAH has a distinctive plasma steroid fingerprint that can help in diagnosis and subtyping of PBMAH. Finally, although surgery is the mainstay of treatment of patients with PBAH, medical therapy is increasingly emerging as an alternative option. SUMMARY PBAH is a poorly studied and therefore a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. Hopefully with these newest diagnostic and therapeutic tools, a more comprehensive approach will be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae A Delivanis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dimitra A Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Bengoa-Rojano N, Fernández-Argüeso M, Botella-Carretero JI, Pascual-Corrales E, Araujo-Castro M. Prevalence and phenotype of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with autonomous cortisol secretion: a study of 98 patients. Rev Clin Esp 2022; 222:458-467. [PMID: 35597729 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study evaluated prevalence of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH). It also analyzed the differential phenotype of patients with PBMAH compared to other bilateral adrenal lesions that do not meet the definition of PBMAH. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 732 patients diagnosed with an adrenal incidentaloma at our center. Ninety-eight patients with subclinical hypercortisolism were included in the analysis. We defined PBMAH as the presence of plasma cortisol > 1.8 μg/dL after an over-night 1-mg dexamethasone test, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and bilateral adrenal nodules > 1 cm. RESULTS A total of 31 patients had PBMAH. Patients with PBMAH showed greater prevalence of autonomous cortisol secretion (plasma cortisol > 5.0 μg/dL after an overnight 1-mg dexamethasone test) than patients without PBMAH (OR 4.1, 95%CI 1.38-12.09, p = 0.010). Tumor size and total adenomatous mass were significantly greater in patients with PBMAH compared to patients without PBMAH (30.2 ± 12.16 vs. 24.3 ± 8.47 mm, p = 0.010 and 53.9 ± 20.8 vs. 43.3 ± 14.62 mm, p = 0.023), respectively. A greater proportion of patients with PBMAH had diabetes compared to patients without PBMAH (45.2% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION PBMAH is present in one-third of patients with adrenal incidentaloma and subclinical hypercortisolism. Patients with PBMAH showed greater autonomous cortisol secretion, bigger tumor size, and higher rates of diabetes than those without PBMAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bengoa-Rojano
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fernández-Argüeso
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - J I Botella-Carretero
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biosanitaria en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid. Spain
| | - E Pascual-Corrales
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Araujo-Castro
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares (Madrid). Spain.
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Sherlock M, Scarsbrook A, Abbas A, Fraser S, Limumpornpetch P, Dineen R, Stewart PM. Adrenal Incidentaloma. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa008. [PMID: 32266384 PMCID: PMC7431180 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An adrenal incidentaloma is now established as a common endocrine diagnosis that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. The majority of patients can be reassured and discharged, but a personalized approach based upon image analysis, endocrine workup, and clinical symptoms and signs are required in every case. Adrenocortical carcinoma remains a real concern but is restricted to <2% of all cases. Functional adrenal incidentaloma lesions are commoner (but still probably <10% of total) and the greatest challenge remains the diagnosis and optimum management of autonomous cortisol secretion. Modern-day surgery has improved outcomes and novel radiological and urinary biomarkers will improve early detection and patient stratification in future years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sherlock
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Scarsbrook
- Department of Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Afroze Abbas
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sheila Fraser
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Padiporn Limumpornpetch
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
| | - Rosemary Dineen
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul M Stewart
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
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Vassiliadi DA, Partsalaki E, Tsagarakis S. Approach to patients with bilateral adrenal incidentalomas. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2020; 27:125-131. [PMID: 32209820 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review provides a summary on the most recent developments regarding the cause, work-up and management of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas (BAI). RECENT FINDINGS The recent ENS@T/ESE guidelines provide comprehensive directions on the evaluation and management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas with special focus on those with bilateral tumours. Intraadrenal ACTH synthesis that may locally stimulate cortisol secretion challenging the traditionally used term 'ACTH-independent'. Inactivating mutations of a new tumour suppressor gene, armadillo repeat containing 5 (ARMC5), are implicated in a number of patients, especially those with multiple macronodules (bilateral macronodular hyperplasia) and evidence of hypercortisolism. Loss-of-function mutations of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) consist a new possible genetic cause of BAIs. Regarding management an increasing number of studies provide data on the benefits and safety of unilateral rather than bilateral adrenalectomy. There is also emerging data on the beneficial use of steroidogenesis inhibitors in a dosing schedule that aims to mimic the normal cortisol rhythm with promising short-term results, but the long-term clinical benefits of this approach remain to be demonstrated. SUMMARY The diagnostic approach consists of imaging and hormonal evaluation. Imaging characterization should be done separately for each lesion. Hormonal evaluation includes testing for primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and evaluation for autonomous cortisol secretion, using the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Midnight cortisol or 24-h urinary-free cortisol may aid in establishing the degree of cortisol excess. In patients with hypercortisolism ACTH levels should be measured to establish ACTH-independency. The appropriate management of BAI associated with cortisol excess remains controversial. Bilateral adrenalectomy results in lifetime steroid dependency and is better reserved only for patients with overt and severe hypercortisolism. Unilateral adrenalectomy might be considered in selected patients. Medical therapy is not an established approach yet but it may be considered when control of hypercortisolism is desired, but surgery is not an option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra A Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, National Expertise Center for Rare Endocrine Disorders, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Ferri J, Perelló E, Lorente RI, Argente C, Rossetti P, Pedro T, Martinez-Hervas S, Real JT. Study of abnormal adrenal receptors in subjects with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome and nodular adrenal hyperplasia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 67:245-252. [PMID: 31672533 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2019.07.005] [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: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ACTH-independent Cushing's Syndrome (AICS) accounts for 15-20% of cases of Cushing's syndrome, with <1% due to abnormal receptors. Our aim is to study the presence of abnormal receptors in subjects diagnosed with AICS with nodular adrenal hyperplasia in a 14-year period (2002-2016), as well as its clinical-biological and evolutive characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS A multicentre descriptive study of a 15-case series of AICS with nodular adrenal hyperplasia (study period: 2002-2016). In these cases, abnormal receptor screening was performed by means of stimulation tests, with a plasma cortisol increase of ≥ 25% from baseline being considered pathologic. RESULTS Of the 15 cases, 13 were female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 56.8 years. In 12 of the 15 cases studied, positivity was detected with stimulation tests, and, of them, 25% were positive for the meal test, 58.3% for posture walking test, 33.3% for desmopressin; 25% for terlipressin; 33.3% for GnRH; 25% for LH and 50% for metoclopramide. Regarding treatment, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 16.7% and unilateral adrenalectomy in 41.7%. The rest continue under observation with periodic follow-up (41.7%). CONCLUSIONS In most of the cases studied with AICS and nodular adrenal hyperplasia (80%), an abnormal cortisol response is detected due to the presence of abnormal receptors. The test with the highest percentage of positivity was the postural walking test (58.3%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ferri
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, España
| | - Eva Perelló
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, España
| | - Rosario I Lorente
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, España
| | - Carlos Argente
- Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Marina Baixa, Villajoyosa (Alicante), España
| | - Paolo Rossetti
- Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital de Gandía, Gandía (Valencia), España
| | - Teresa Pedro
- Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital de Dénia, Dénia (Alicante)
| | - Sergio Martinez-Hervas
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, España; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España; CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM).
| | - José T Real
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, España; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, España; CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM)
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12
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Araujo-Castro M, Sampedro Núñez MA, Marazuela M. Autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas. Endocrine 2019; 64:1-13. [PMID: 30847651 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in Endocrinology, as they are present in 3-10% of the general population. Up to 20% of them may have autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), a term that refers to AI carriers with biochemical evidence of excess cortisol, but without the "specific" clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome. As ACS is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure (HBP), osteoporosis, cardiovascular events, and global mortality; its correct identification is of great importance. There are different laboratory assays to detect ACS, but all of them have some limitations. The dexamethasone suppression test is the most accepted for screening. However, there is no consensus on the cutoff point that should be used. Low levels of ACTH and DHEA-S and high urinary free cortisol are also associated with ACS, but in isolation they are of little value to establish the diagnosis. Considering its clinical implications and the lack of consensus in the diagnosis and in which is the most appropriate management of these patients, this review offers a quick reference guide of ACS, presenting an exhaustive review of the topic: its definition, epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical implications, treatment, and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miguel Antonio Sampedro Núñez
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
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Bourdeau I, El Ghorayeb N, Gagnon N, Lacroix A. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Differential diagnosis, investigation and therapy of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 179:R57-R67. [PMID: 29748231 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The investigation and management of unilateral adrenal incidentalomas have been extensively considered in the last decades. While bilateral adrenal incidentalomas represent about 15% of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), they have been less frequently discussed. The differential diagnosis of bilateral incidentalomas includes metastasis, primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and bilateral cortical adenomas. Less frequent etiologies are bilateral pheochromocytomas, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH secretion with secondary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, primary malignancies, myelolipomas, infections or hemorrhage. The investigation of bilateral incidentalomas includes the same hormonal evaluation to exclude excess hormone secretion as recommended in unilateral AI, but diagnosis of CAH and adrenal insufficiency should also be excluded. This review is focused on the differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of bilateral AIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Bourdeau
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nada El Ghorayeb
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nadia Gagnon
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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14
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Marina LV, Ivović M, Tančić-Gajić M, Arizanović Z, Raković D, Milin-Lazović J, Kendereški A, Micić D, Vujović S. Luteinizing hormone and insulin resistance in menopausal patients with adrenal incidentalomas: The cause-effect relationship? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 88:541-548. [PMID: 29288564 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A high prevalence of insulin resistance (IR) has proven to manifest in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). It has been demonstrated that an increase in IR is related to the size of tumourous masses; additionally, luteinizing hormone (LH)-dependent adrenal pathologies are well documented in patients with LH-responsive adrenal tumours occurring under conditions of physiologically elevated LH. We hypothesized that an association between LH and insulin might play a role in adrenal tumourigenesis and steroidogenesis. DESIGN The aim of our study was to investigate the association between LH and IR; adrenal tumour size (ATS) and IR; LH and cortisol after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone test (1 mg DST); and ATS and 1 mg DST cortisol in AI patients. This was a case-control study conducted in the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases in Belgrade, Serbia. The total study group consisted of 105 menopausal women: 75 AI patients [27 with nonfunctional AI (NAI) and 48 with (possible) autonomous cortisol secretion ((P)ACS)] and 30 age-, BMI-, LH- and menopause duration-matched healthy control (HC) women. To estimate IR, we used homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). RESULTS Luteinizing hormone and ATS are in a significant positive correlation with HOMA-IR and 1 mg DST cortisol in menopausal patients with AI and (P)ACS. CONCLUSIONS Our data point to a possible cause-effect relationship between LH and insulin in patients with AI and (P)ACS adding to the body of evidence of their involvement in adrenal tumourigenesis and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana V Marina
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miomira Ivović
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milina Tančić-Gajić
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorana Arizanović
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Raković
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Aleksandra Kendereški
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Micić
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Vujović
- Department for Obesity, Reproductive and Metabolic Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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15
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Fassnacht M, Arlt W, Bancos I, Dralle H, Newell-Price J, Sahdev A, Tabarin A, Terzolo M, Tsagarakis S, Dekkers OM. Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 175:G1-G34. [PMID: 27390021 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 930] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
: By definition, an adrenal incidentaloma is an asymptomatic adrenal mass detected on imaging not performed for suspected adrenal disease. In most cases, adrenal incidentalomas are nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas, but may also represent conditions requiring therapeutic intervention (e.g. adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hormone-producing adenoma or metastasis). The purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with best possible evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. We predefined four main clinical questions crucial for the management of adrenal incidentaloma patients, addressing these four with systematic literature searches: (A) How to assess risk of malignancy?; (B) How to define and manage low-level autonomous cortisol secretion, formerly called 'subclinical' Cushing's syndrome?; (C) Who should have surgical treatment and how should it be performed?; (D) What follow-up is indicated if the adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed? SELECTED RECOMMENDATIONS: (i) At the time of initial detection of an adrenal mass establishing whether the mass is benign or malignant is an important aim to avoid cumbersome and expensive follow-up imaging in those with benign disease. (ii) To exclude cortisol excess, a 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test should be performed (applying a cut-off value of serum cortisol ≤50nmol/L (1.8µg/dL)). (iii) For patients without clinical signs of overt Cushing's syndrome but serum cortisol levels post 1mg dexamethasone >138nmol/L (>5µg/dL), we propose the term 'autonomous cortisol secretion'. (iv) All patients with '(possible) autonomous cortisol' secretion should be screened for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to ensure these are appropriately treated. (v) Surgical treatment should be considered in an individualized approach in patients with 'autonomous cortisol secretion' who also have comorbidities that are potentially related to cortisol excess. (vi) In principle, the appropriateness of surgical intervention should be guided by the likelihood of malignancy, the presence and degree of hormone excess, age, general health and patient preference. (vii) Surgery is not usually indicated in patients with an asymptomatic, nonfunctioning unilateral adrenal mass and obvious benign features on imaging studies. We provide guidance on which surgical approach should be considered for adrenal masses with radiological findings suspicious of malignancy. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the follow-up of patients with adrenal incidentaloma who do not undergo adrenal surgery, for those with bilateral incidentalomas, for patients with extra-adrenal malignancy and adrenal masses and for young and elderly patients with adrenal incidentalomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine IDivision of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenUniversity of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism & Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Institute of Metabolism & Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK Division of EndocrinologyMetabolism, Nutrition and Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Henning Dralle
- Department of GeneralVisceral, and Vascular Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismMedical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK Endocrine UnitRoyal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anju Sahdev
- Department of ImagingSt Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health, London, UK
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Department of Endocrinology and INSERM U862University and CHU of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Internal Medicine 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stylianos Tsagarakis
- Department of EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Departments of Clinical Epidemiology and Internal MedicineLeiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands Department of Clinical EpidemiologyAarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Perogamvros I, Vassiliadi DA, Karapanou O, Botoula E, Tzanela M, Tsagarakis S. Biochemical and clinical benefits of unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism and bilateral adrenal incidentalomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 173:719-25. [PMID: 26330465 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The treatment of subclinical hypercortisolism in patients with bilateral adrenal incidentalomas (AI) is debatable. We aimed to compare the biochemical and clinical outcome of unilateral adrenalectomy vs a conservative approach in these patients. DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS The study included 33 patients with bilateral AI; 14 patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest lesion (surgical group), whereas 19 patients were followed up (follow-up group). At baseline and at each follow-up visit, we measured 0800 h plasma ACTH, midnight serum cortisol (MSF), 24-h urinary-free cortisol (UFC) and serum cortisol following a standard 2-day low-dose-dexamethasone-suppression test (LDDST). We evaluated the following comorbidities: arterial hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. RESULTS Baseline demographic, clinical characteristics and the duration of follow-up (53.9±21.3 vs 51.8±20.1 months, for the surgical vs the follow-up group) were similar between groups. At the last follow-up visit the surgical group had a significant reduction in post-LDDST cortisol (2.4±1.6 vs 6.7±3.9 μg/dl, P=0.002), MSF (4.3±2 vs 8.8±4.6 μg/dl, P=0.006) and 24-h UFC (50.1±21.1 vs 117.9±42.4 μg/24 h, P=0.0007) and a significant rise in mean±s.d. morning plasma ACTH levels (22.2±9.6 vs 6.9±4.8 pg/ml, P=0.002). Improvement in co-morbidities was seen only in the surgical group, whereas no changes were noted in the follow-up group. CONCLUSIONS Our early results show that removal of the largest lesion offers significant improvement both to cortisol excess and its metabolic consequences, without the debilitating effects of bilateral adrenalectomy. A larger number of patients, as well as a longer follow-up, are required before drawing solid conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D A Vassiliadi
- Department of EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, GreeceEndocrine UnitSecond Department of Internal Medicine-Propaedeutic, Research Institute and Diabetes Center, Attiko University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece
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17
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Comte-Perret S, Zanchi A, Gomez F. Long-term low-dose ketoconazole treatment in bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2014; 2014:140083. [PMID: 25535576 PMCID: PMC4256723 DOI: 10.1530/edm-14-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical therapy for Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH) is generally administered for a limited time before surgery. Aberrant receptors antagonists show inconsistent efficacy in the long run to prevent adrenalectomy. We present a patient with BMAH, treated for 10 years with low doses of ketoconazole to control cortisol secretion. A 48-year-old woman presented with headaches and hypertension. Investigations showed the following: no clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome; enlarged lobulated adrenals; normal creatinine, potassium, and aldosterone; normal urinary aldosterone and metanephrines; elevated urinary free cortisol and steroid metabolites; and suppressed plasma renin activity and ACTH. A screening protocol for aberrant adrenal receptors failed to show any illegitimate hormone dependence. Ketoconazole caused rapid normalisation of cortisol and ACTH that persists over 10 years on treatment, while adrenals show no change in shape or size. Ketoconazole decreases cortisol in patients with Cushing's syndrome, and may prevent adrenal overgrowth. Steroid secretion in BMAH is inefficient as compared with normal adrenals or secreting tumours and can be controlled with low, well-tolerated doses of ketoconazole, as an alternative to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Comte-Perret
- Service of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine , CHUV-University Hospital , Lausanne, CH-1011 , Switzerland
| | - Anne Zanchi
- Service of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine , CHUV-University Hospital , Lausanne, CH-1011 , Switzerland
| | - Fulgencio Gomez
- Service of Endocrinology Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine , CHUV-University Hospital , Lausanne, CH-1011 , Switzerland
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18
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Olsen H, Nordenström E, Bergenfelz A, Nyman U, Valdemarsson S, Palmqvist E. Subclinical hypercortisolism and CT appearance in adrenal incidentalomas: a multicenter study from Southern Sweden. Endocrine 2012; 42:164-73. [PMID: 22350586 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9622-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) including its correlation to size, attenuation at unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and unilateral or bilateral adrenal disease. Nine hospitals in Southern Sweden investigated during 2005-2007 consecutively patients with AI with hormonal and CT examinations according a regional protocol. Two hundred and twenty-eight patients with AI with median size 2.0 cm were included. One mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed in 223 patients and basal P-ACTH measured in 146 patients. SH was defined as cortisol ≥ 50 nmol/l at DST in combination with basal ACTH <2 pmol/l. In patients with unilateral AI 42% (76/180) had inadequate suppression at DST and 23% (27/115) had SH. The probability for SH and inadequate suppression at DST correlated positively to size and inversely to attenuation at CT. Bilateral AI were found in 43 patients and of these 70% (30/43) had inadequate suppression at DST and 42% (13/31) SH. The patients with SH or inadequate suppression at DST had increased frequency of hypertension which increased further in patients with post-DST cortisol ≥ 140 nmol/l. The applied criterion for SH is useful for initial evaluation of patients with AI. SH is common in patients with AI, particular in bilateral disease. In patients with unilateral AI the probability for SH correlated positively to size and inversely to attenuation at CT. Furthermore, SH and the post-DST cortisol concentration was associated with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Olsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Helsingborg, 251 87, Helsingborg, Sweden.
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19
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Belaya ZE, Iljin AV, Melnichenko GA, Rozhinskaya LY, Dragunova NV, Dzeranova LK, Butrova SA, Troshina EA, Dedov II. Diagnostic performance of late-night salivary cortisol measured by automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in obese and overweight patients referred to exclude Cushing's syndrome. Endocrine 2012; 41:494-500. [PMID: 22447310 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9658-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study estimates diagnostic performance of late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) as measured by automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), evaluates the clinical implication of two consecutive LNSC measurements, and compares its accuracy with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum cortisol after low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in obese and overweight patients referred for suspected Cushing's syndrome (CS). One hundred twenty three consecutive obese and overweight referred patients and 98 healthy volunteers provided two saliva samples collected at 23:00 using a Salivette (Sarstedt, Germany), assayed by ECLIA (Cobas e601) and ELISA. The patients underwent DST and were further evaluated until CS was pathologically confirmed (n = 45) or excluded. Diagnostic performance of LNSC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The total areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated to compare the different tests. We found that a cut-off value of 9.4 nmol/l can differentiate CS among obese and overweight patients with sensitivity of 84.4 % (95% CI 71.2-92.2), specificity of 92.3 % (95% CI 84.2-96.4), and diagnostic odds ratio of 65.1 (95% CI 20.4-207.6). No difference was found between AUCs from the first, second, and the mean from the two LNSC measurements (ECLIA), LNSC (ELISA), or DST. The single LNSC (ECLIA) and DST improved the sensitivity and specificity for concordant results up to 100 and 97.4 %, respectively. In conclusion, due to its automation and its comparable diagnostic performance, ECLIA is preferable as a first-line LNSC screening test for CS. The initial use of single LNSC followed by DST provides better diagnostic performance for concordant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanna E Belaya
- The National Research Center for Endocrinology, Dmitria Uljanova, 11, Moscow, Russia, 117036.
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20
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Giordano R, Guaraldi F, Berardelli R, Karamouzis I, D'Angelo V, Marinazzo E, Picu A, Ghigo E, Arvat E. Glucose metabolism in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome. Endocrine 2012; 41:415-23. [PMID: 22391939 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This clinical review will summarize the available data regarding the effect of either physiological or increased glucocorticoid concentrations on glucose metabolism and insulin-sensitivity, in order to clarify the role, if any, of subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS), a status of altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis secretion in the absence of the classical signs or symptoms of overt cortisol excess, in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI) and diabetes mellitus type 2. Focusing on patients with SCS associated to AI, while there is convincing evidence in the literature that even a mild hyper cortisolemia is associated with alterations of glucose metabolism, evidence is insufficient to conclude that the simple correction of chronic, even mild, hypercortisolism can completely revert metabolic, mainly glycemic alterations. At the same time, considering the variability of the prevalence of Cushing's syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 reported in the literature, no agreement does exist whether screening for CS can be useful and recommended in those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordano
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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