Autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas

Beyond symptomatology: A comparative analysis of unilateral and bilateral macronodular mild autonomous cortisol secretion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical, laboratory findings and signal intensity index (SII) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with bilateral and unilateral macronodular mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS).

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Clinical and laboratory findings of 81 patients with MACS were examined from retrospective records. SII of adenomas and internodular areas were evaluated by MRI. The unilateral group included patients with an adrenal macronodule (≥1 cm) in a single adrenal gland, while the bilateral group included patients with at least one macronodule in both adrenal glands.

RESULTS

In total, 46 patients were in the unilateral (57%), while 35 (43%) patients were in the bilateral groups. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) level was lower in the unilateral than in the bilateral group (p < .001). The presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations were higher in the bilateral group (p < .05). However, no significant difference was detected in terms of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) between the two groups (p > .05). There was no difference in SII between adenomas within the same patient, as well as between the unilateral and bilateral groups (p > .05). Logistic regression analysis based on the differentiation between unilateral and bilateral macronodular MACS demonstrated that DHEA-S, HbA1c and LDL concentrations were associated factors.

CONCLUSION

DHEA-S levels may not be as suppressed in patients with bilateral macronodular MACS as compared to those with unilateral adenoma. T2DM and hypercholesterolaemia have a higher frequency in bilateral patients. However, ACTH, overnight 1 mg DST and SII may not provide additional information for differentiation of bilaterality and unilaterality.

Cognitive functions and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion

CONTEXT

The impact of abnormal cortisol secretion on cognitive functions in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To assess cognitive functions, determine serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration in patients with MACS, and investigate the association between cognitive subdomains and BDNF.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 84 participants-28 patients with MACS, 28 patients with nonfunctional adrenal adenoma (NFAA), and 28 control subjects matched for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), visceral adiposity, and educational level. The serum BDNF concentration of participants was measured. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition-focused interviews and Montreal Cognitive Assessments (MoCA) were carried out by an experienced psychiatrist.

RESULTS

Patients with MACS had a higher serum BDNF concentration than the NFAA (P = .001), while that of patients with NFAA was lower than the controls (P = .044). Linear regression analysis revealed BMI and morning cortisol after overnight 1 mg dexamethasone (DST) were mostly associated with BDNF (P < .05). No significant difference was found in MoCA scores between MACS and NFAA groups (P = .967), whereas those were lower than the control group (P = .004). When the cognitive subdomains were examined separately, MACS group performed higher memory score than NFAA (P = .045), but lower language scores than both the NFAA (P = .024) and control groups (P < .001). In the whole group, BDNF concentration was positively correlated with memory score (r = 0.337, P = .002), whereas DST was negatively correlated with language score (r = -0.355, P = .008).

CONCLUSION

Low-grade hypercortisolism is associated with elevated BDNF concentrations, which may be a protective factor for memory function in patients with MACS relative to those with NFAA.

Choroidal Thickness in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Objectives

To evaluate the patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) by means of choroidal thickness (CT) and also investigate whether CT may be a diagnostic tool in the management of MACS or not.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients with MACS and 25 age-sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional comparative study. All the participants underwent CT measurement by using Spectralis optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) with enhanced deep imaging mode at the subfoveal, 500-1000-1500 µm nasal and 500-1000-1500 µm temporal to the foveola.

Results

The groups were similar in terms of spherical equivalence, age and axial lengths. The mean CT was significantly thicker in patients with MACS than controls in all measurement quadrants (p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between CT, size of the adenoma, basal cortisol, 1mg dexamethasone suppression test, salivary cortisol, 24-hour total urine-free cortisol, ACTH and DHEAS levels. However, 2 mg dexamethasone suppression test results were found to be significantly correlated with CT in temporal 500-1000 and 1500 µm quadrants (r=0.436, p=0.023, r=0.443, p=0.021 and r=0.488, p=0.010, respectively). Five (18.5%) eyes had pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy in the MACS group.

Conclusion

CT increases in patients with MACS and those tend to have pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy more frequent than healthy individuals. A thicker choroid in the patients with MACS may be a novel biomarker both as a diagnostic tool for the degree of hypercortisolemia and cortisol-related comorbidity.

Prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus after treatment in primary aldosteronism. Results from the SPAIN-ALDO registry

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and evolution of diabetes mellitus (DM) after targeted treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA).

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter study of PA patients in follow-up at 27 Spanish tertiary hospitals (SPAIN-ALDO Register).

RESULTS

Overall, 646 patients with PA were included. At diagnosis, 21.2% (n = 137) had DM and 67% of them had HbA1c levels < 7%. In multivariate analysis, family history of DM (OR 4.00 [1.68-9.53]), the coexistence of dyslipidemia (OR 3.57 [1.51-8.43]) and advanced age (OR 1.04 per year of increase [1.00-1.09]) were identified as independent predictive factors of DM. Diabetic patients were on beta blockers (46.7% (n = 64) vs. 27.5% (n = 140), P < 0.001) and diuretics (51.1% (n = 70) vs. 33.2% (n = 169), p < 0.001) more frequently than non-diabetics. After a median follow-up of 22 months [IQR 7.5-63.0], 6.9% of patients developed DM, with no difference between those undergoing adrenalectomy and those treated medically (HR 1.07 [0.49-2.36], p = 0.866). There was also no significant difference in the evolution of glycemic control between DM patients who underwent surgery and those medically treated (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

DM affects about one quarter of patients with PA and the risk factors for its development are common to those of the general population. Medical and surgical treatment provides similar benefit in glycemic control in patients with PA and DM.

An Integrated CT and MRI Imaging Model to Differentiate between Adrenal Adenomas and Pheochromocytomas

PURPOSE

to perform an external validation of our predictive model to rule out pheochromocytoma (PHEO) based on unenhanced CT in a cohort of patients with PHEOs and adenomas who underwent adrenalectomy.

METHODS

The predictive model was previously developed in a retrospective cohort of 1131 patients presenting with adrenal lesions. In the present study, we performed an external validation of the model in another cohort of 214 patients with available histopathological results.

RESULTS

For the external validation, 115 patients with PHEOs and 99 with adenomas were included. Our previously described predictive model combining the variables of high lipid content and tumor size in unenhanced CT (AUC-ROC: 0.961) had a lower diagnostic accuracy in our current study population for the prediction of PHEO (AUC: 0.750). However, when we excluded atypical adenomas (with Hounsfield units (HU) > 10, n = 39), the diagnostic accuracy increased to 87.4%. In addition, in the whole cohort (including atypical adenomas), when MRI information was included in the model, the diagnostic accuracy increased to up to 85% when the variables tumor size, high lipid content in an unenhanced CT scan, and hyperintensity in the T2 sequence in MRI were included. The probability of PHEO was <0.3% for adrenal lesions <20 mm with >10 HU and without hyperintensity in T2.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that our predictive model combining tumor size and lipid content has high reliability for the prediction of PHEO when atypical adrenal lesions are excluded. However, for atypical adrenal lesions with >10 HU in an unenhanced CT scan, MRI information is necessary for a proper exclusion of the PHEO diagnosis.

The degree of cortisol secretion is associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal tumors

BACKGROUND

Similarly to cortisol-secreting adrenal tumors, also non-functioning adrenal tumors (NFAT) may be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. We assessed in NFAT patients: (i) the association between hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity (OB), dyslipidemia (DL) and cardiovascular events (CVE) and cortisol secretion; (ii) the cut-off of the cortisol secretion parameters for identifying NFAT patients with a worse cardiometabolic profile.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 615 NFAT patients (with cortisol levels after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test, F-1mgDST < 1.8 µg/dL [50 nmol/L]) F-1mgDST and adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH) levels and data on HT, DM, OB, DL and CVEs prevalence were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

HT, DM and HT plus DM were associated with F-1mgDST levels (area under the ROC curve: 0.588 ± 0.023, 0.610 ± 0.028, 0.611 ± 0.033, respectively, p < 0.001 for all comparisons) but not with ACTH. The cut-off for identifying patients with either HT or DM or HT plus DM was set at ≥ 1.2 µg/dL (33 nmol/L). As compared with patients with F-1mgDST < 1.2 µg/dL (n = 289), patients with F-1mgDST 1.2-1.79 µg/dL (33-49.4 nmol/L) (n = 326) had lower ACTH levels (17.7 ± 11.9 vs 15.3 ± 10.1 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.008), older age (57.5 ± 12.3 vs 62.5 ± 10.9 years, respectively, p < 0.001), and higher prevalence of HT (38.1% vs 52.5% respectively p < 0.001), DM (13.1% vs 23.3%, respectively, p = 0.001), HT plus DM (8.3% vs 16.9%, respectively, p < 0.002) and CVE (3.2% vs 7.3%, respectively, p = 0.028). F-1mgDST 1.2-1.79 µg/dL was associated with either HT (odd ratio, OR, 1.55, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.08-2.23, p = 0.018) or DM (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.01-2.57, p = 0.045) after adjusting for age, gender, OB, DL, and DM (for HT) or HT (for DM), and with the presence of HT plus DM (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.12-3.41, p = 0.018) after adjusting for age, gender, OB and DL.

CONCLUSIONS

In NFAT patients, F-1mgDST 1.2-1.79 µg/dL seems to be associated with a higher prevalence of HT and DM and a worse cardiometabolic profile, even if the poor accuracy of these associations suggests caution in interpreting these results.

Characterisation of the urinary steroid profile of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas: A matched controlled cross-sectional study

AIM

To identify alterations in steroid metabolism in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) through the analysis of their urinary steroid profile (USP).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with one study group (NFAIs, cortisol post dexamethasone suppression test [DST] ≤ 1.8 µg/dl [49.7 nmol/L]) and 2 control groups: patients with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS group, cortisol post-DST > 1.8 µg/dl (49.7 nmol/L) and patients without adrenal tumours (healthy-adrenal group). Twenty-four-hour urine collections for USP measurement (total and free fraction of 51 24 h-urine specimens) were obtained from 73 participants (24 with NFAIs, 24 without AIs, and 25 with ACS). USP was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Patients of the three groups were matched according to sex, age (±5 years-old) and body mass index (±5 kg/m² ).

RESULTS

Compared to healthy-adrenal controls, patients with NFAIs had a lower excretion of androgen metabolites (230.5 ± 190.12 vs. 388.7 ± 328.58 µg/24 h, p = .046) and a higher excretion of urinary free cortisol (UFC) (54.3 ± 66.07 vs. 25.4 ± 11.16 µg/24 h, p = .038). UFC was above the reference range in 20.8% of patients in the NFAI, compared to 0% in the healthy-adrenal group (p = .018). Patients with ACS had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes than patients with NFAIs or the control group. A lower excretion of androgen metabolites (218.4 ± 204.24 vs. 231 ± 190 µg/24 h, p = .041) and a nonsignificant higher excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (2129.6 ± 1195.96 vs. 1550.8 ± 810.03 µg/24 h, p = .180) was found in patients with ACS compared to patients with NFAIs.

CONCLUSION

NFAIs seem to secrete a subtle, yet clinically relevant, excess of glucocorticoids. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings; and to identify metabolic alterations associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk.

Evaluation of Body Composition in Patients With and Without Adrenal Tumors and Without Overt Hypersecretory Syndromes

OBJECTIVE

To compare body composition between patients with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), those with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs), and control subjects without adrenal tumors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed, incluidng the following 3 groups: patients with ACS (cortisol post-dexamethasone suppression test [DST] >1.8 μg/dL), NFAIs (cortisol post-DST ≤ 1.8 μg/dL), and patients without adrenal tumors (control group). Patients of the 3 groups were matched according to age (±5 years), sex, and body mass index (±5 kg/m²). Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance and abdominal computed tomography (CT) and urinary steroid profile by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 25 patients with ACS, 24 with NFAIs, and 24 control subjects. Based on CT images, a weak positive correlation between the serum cortisol level post-DST and subcutaneous fat area (r = 0.3, P =.048) was found. As assessed by bioelectrical impedance, lean mass and bone mass were positively correlated with the excretion of total androgens (r = 0.56, P <.001; and r = 0.58, P <.001, respectively); visceral mass was positively correlated with the excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites and total glucocorticoids (r = 0.28, P =.031; and r = 0.42, P =.001, respectively). Based on CT imaging evaluation, a positive correlation was observed between lean mass and androgen metabolites (r = 0.30, P =.036) and between visceral fat area, total fat area, and visceral/total fat area ratio and the excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (r = 0.34, P =.014; r = 0.29, P =.042; and r = 0.31, P =.170, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The urinary steroid profile observed in adrenal tumors, comprising a low excretion of androgen metabolites and high excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites, is associated with a lower lean mass and bone mass and higher level of visceral mass in patients with adrenal tumors.

Adrenal nodules for the non-specialist: What to look out for and when to refer

Almost all medical specialities utilise cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen to evaluate many different medical conditions. This ever-increasing use of cross-sectional imaging has led to a dramatic increase in the detection rate of adrenal nodules. Following appropriate biochemical and radiological evaluation, the vast majority of these are shown to be benign adrenal adenomas. A small minority are diagnosed with a functional or malignant lesion that may result in significant morbidity and mortality requiring specialist management.

Cardiometabolic profile and urinary metabolomic alterations in non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas: A review

BACKGROUND

The incidence of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) has increased over the last 20 years, most of which are apparently non-functioning adrenal adenomas. However, increased evidence supports the existence of an association between non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) and an unfavourable cardio-metabolic profile.

METHODS

This study offers a comprehensive review of the available evidence supporting a higher cardiometabolic risk in NFAIs compared to controls without adrenal tumours. Moreover, it summarises the studies focused on the differential urinary metabolomic profile of NFAI and controls without adrenal lesions.

RESULTS

This adverse metabolic profile of patients with NFAI includes a higher prevalence of insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular alterations and mortality compared to healthy controls without adrenal tumours. Although the pathophysiology that explains the association between NFAI and the parameters of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk is a relatively unexplored field of study, some evidence supports that there are a series of incipient alterations in cortisol metabolism not detected with the classical tests that led to this detrimental profile. These alterations may be potentially detected by a comprehensive metabolomics approach. Several studies detected a shift towards an increase of urinary cortisol metabolites excretion in NFAIs compared to controls without adrenal tumours.

CONCLUSION

In view of the higher cardiometabolic risk in NFAI than in controls without adrenal tumours, and the detected alterations in metabolomics profile of NFAI, I propose that the term of NFAI should be changed for another term that best fits to its linked cardiometabolic profile.

Retrospective Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Pediatric Patients with Adrenocortical Tumor from Unique Tertiary Center with Long-Term Follow-Up

Pediatric adrenocortical tumors (PACTs) represent rare causes of malignancies. However, the south/southeast regions of Brazil are known to have a high incidence of PACTs because of the founder effect associated with a germline pathogenic variant of tumor suppressor gene TP53. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the types of variables among hormone production, radiological imaging, tumor staging, histological and genetic features that were associated with the occurrence of malignancy in 95 patients (71% females) with PACTs from a unique center. The worst prognosis was associated with those aged > 3 years (p < 0.05), high serum levels of 11-desoxicortisol (p < 0.001), tumor weight ≥ 200 g (p < 0.001), tumor size ≥ 5 cm (p < 0.05), Weiss score ≥ 5 (p < 0.05), Wieneke index ≥ 3 (p < 0.001) and Ki67 ≥ 15% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients with MacFarlane stage IV had an overall survival rate almost two times shorter than patients with other stages (p < 0.001). Additionally, the subtractions of BUB1B-PINK1 (<6.95) expression (p < 0.05) and IGF-IR overexpression (p = 0.0001) were associated with malignant behavior. These results helped identify patients who are likely to have an aggressive course; further multicenter prospective studies are required to confirm our results. In conclusion, PACTs with these patterns of prognostic factors could be treated using an adjuvant approach that may improve the overall survival in such patients.

Adrenalectomy improves blood pressure control in nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas and glycemic and lipid control in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion

PURPOSE

To compare the evolution of the cardiometabolic parameters in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) and autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) who underwent adrenalectomy and those who were conservatively managed.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all patients with NFAI and ACS submitted to surgery or in follow-up in our center between January 2011-October 2020. NFAI was defined as an adrenal incidentaloma with cortisol post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) ≤ 50 nmol/L and ACS as values >50 nmol/L without specific clinical signs of overt Cushing´s syndrome.

RESULTS

A total of 486 patients with NFAI (16 in the surgical group and 470 in the control group) and 259 with ACS (42 in the surgical group and 217 in the control group) were included. At baseline, patients with ACS were older than those with NFAI (P = 0.010). After adjusting by age, patients with ACS had a higher prevalence of hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.9 [1.36-2.60]) and higher levels of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c (adjusted β = 6.9 [2.05-11.83] and adjusted β = 0.4 [0.12-0.63]) than NFAI. During follow-up, ACS patients who underwent adrenalectomy had a greater decrease in glucose levels (-16.6 ± 45.07 vs. -1.0 ± 26.92 mg/dL, P = 0.035) and in triglycerides (-20.21 ± 55.97 vs. 1.3 ± 59.23 mg/dL, P = 0.029) than ACS patients conservatively managed. NFAI patients who underwent surgery experienced an improvement in systolic blood pressure compared to NFAI of the conservative group (-11.1 ± 15.94 vs 1.0 ± 17.54 mmHg, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The benefits of adrenalectomy in the cardiometabolic profile in adrenal incidentalomas are not limited only to the group of patients with ACS, an improvement in blood pressure control is also observed in NFAI patients after surgery.

Tumour size in adrenal tumours: its importance in the indication of adrenalectomy and in surgical outcomes-a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relevance of tumour size in adrenal tumours in the estimation of malignancy risk and in the outcomes of adrenalectomy.

METHODS

We evaluate the histological results and surgical outcomes (intraoperative and postsurgical complications) in a retrospective single-centre cohort of patients without history of active extraadrenal malignancy with adrenal tumours consecutively operated in our centre during January 2010 and December 2020. We compared these results in lesions smaller and larger than 40, 50, and 60 mm.

RESULTS

Of 131 patients with adrenal tumours who underwent adrenalectomy, 76 (58.0%) had adrenal masses measuring ≥ 40 mm; 47 were > 50 mm and 28 > 60 mm. The final diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in 7 patients, pheochromocytoma in 35, and benign lesions in the remaining. All patients with ACC had adrenal masses > 50 mm, with Hounsfield units > 40 and low lipidic content in the CT. The risk of ACC and pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size did. The diagnostic accuracy of tumour size was quite good for the prediction of ACC (AUC-ROC 0.883). Nevertheless, when only adrenal tumours with HU < 40 were considered, the risk of ACC was 0% independent of tumour size. For pheochromocytomas, the risk was of 8.6% independent of tumour size for lesions with < 20HU. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was independent of tumour size.

CONCLUSION

Risk of malignancy and of pheochromocytoma increased as tumour size increased, but, in the presurgical estimation of malignancy risk and of pheochromocytoma, not only tumour size, also lipidic content and other radiological features, should be considered. The risk of complications was independent of tumour size, but hospital stay was longer in patients with complication or open approach.

A machine learning approach to distinguishing between non-functioning and autonomous cortisol secreting adrenal incidentaloma on magnetic resonance imaging using texture analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the possibility of distinguishing between nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) and autonomous cortisol secreting adrenal incidentalomas (ACSAI) with a model created with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics and clinical features.

METHODS

In this study, 100 adrenal lesions were evaluated. The lesions were segmented on unenhanced T1-weighted in-phase (IP) and opposed-phase (OP) as well as on T2-weighted (T2-W) 3Tesla MRIs. The LASSO regression model was used to select potential predictors from 108 texture features for each sequence. Subsequently, a combined radiomics score and clinical features were created and compared.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between median rad-scores for ACSAI and NFAI in training and test sets (p < 0.05 for all sequences). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the length of the tumor (OR = 1.09, p = 0.007) was an independent risk factor related to ACSAI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for building clinical-radiomics (combined) models. The Op, IP, and IP plus T2-W model had a higher performance with area under curve (AUC) 0.758, 0.746, and 0.721 on the test dataset, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ACSAI can be distinguished from NFAI with high accuracy on unenhanced MRI. Radiomics analysis and the model constructed by machine learning algorithms seem superior to another radiologic assessment method. The inclusion of chemical shift MRI and the length of the tumor in the radiomics model could increase the power of the test.

A Proposal for Nomenclature Revision of Non-functioning Adrenal Incidentalomas as Adrenal Lesions of Undetermined Secretion of Adrenal Steroids (ALUSAS)

In this commentary we propose a change of the nomenclature of non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) to adrenal lesions of undetermined secretion of adrenal steroids (ALUSAS) since there are mounting evidence suggesting that a substantial proportion of so-called NFAIs do actually secrete steroids in excess. In fact, it is known that some NFAIs develop ACS over time. In the commentary we justify the change of term by summarizing the evidence that shows that NFAIs present a higher cardiometabolic risk than the general population, and the metabolomics studies in which an increase in cortisol metabolites is observed in patients with NFAI.

Prevalence and phenotype of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with autonomous cortisol secretion: a study of 98 patients

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.

Performance of DHEAS as a Screening Test for Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Adrenal Incidentalomas: A Prospective Study

CONTEXT

Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) affects up to 30% of patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). The current guidelines for ACS diagnosis are not decisive. A lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) level is a potential biomarker, but the evidence is conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective study aimed to evaluate and validate the ACS screening and diagnostic accuracy of DHEAS.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

Recruited patients with AI were screened for adrenal medullary and cortisol hypersecretion. The diagnosis of ACS was based on a serum cortisol level ≥ 50 nmol/L following a 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and a low-dose DST. Age- and sex-specific DHEAS ratios were also calculated.

RESULTS

In the development cohort (45 ACS and 242 non-ACS patients), the areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUCs) of DHEAS and the DHEAS ratio were 0.869 (95% CI 0.824-0.906) and 0.799 (95% CI 0.748-0.844), respectively. The optimal DHEAS cutoff for diagnosing ACS was 60 μg/dL, with a sensitivity of 75.6% (95% CI 60.5-87.1) and a specificity of 81.4% (95% CI 76.4-86.5). The midnight serum cortisol level had moderate diagnostic accuracy [AUC 0.875 (95% CI 0.831-0.911)]. Suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone (≤2.2 pmol/L) had a lower sensitivity (55.6%), and the 24-hour urinary free cortisol lacked sensitivity and specificity [AUC 0.633 (95% CI 0.603-0.721)]. In the validation cohort (14 ACS and 45 non-ACS patients), the sensitivity and specificity of the optimized DHEAS cutoff were 71.4% (95% CI 41.9-91.6) and 82.2% (95% CI 68.0-92.0), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A single basal measurement of DHEAS is valuable for identifying ACS. Because of its stability and ease of use, the DHEAS level could be used as an ACS screening test.

Pathophysiological Link between Insulin Resistance and Adrenal Incidentalomas

Adrenal incidentalomas are incidentally discovered adrenal masses greater than one centimeter in diameter. An association between insulin resistance and adrenal incidentalomas has been established. However, the pathophysiological link between these two conditions remains incompletely characterized. This review examines the literature on the interrelationship between insulin resistance and adrenal masses, their subtypes, and related pathophysiology. Some studies show that functional and non-functional adrenal masses elicit systemic insulin resistance, whereas others conclude the inverse. Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and the anabolic effects on adrenal gland tissue, which have insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors, offer possible pathophysiological links. Conversely, autonomous adrenal cortisol secretion generates visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Further investigation into the mechanisms and timing of these two pathologies as they relate to one another is needed and could be valuable in the prevention, detection, and treatment of both conditions.

The association between adrenal adenoma size, autonomous cortisol secretion and metabolic derangements

OBJECTIVE

Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is common in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). ACS is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Data regarding the association between radiological characteristics of adrenal adenomas, their hormonal functionality and metabolic outcomes, are scarce and inconclusive. In this study, we aim to delineate the association between radiological characteristics of AI, ACS and metabolic status.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 77 patients with AI who underwent a comprehensive hormonal evaluation. Radiological assessments were performed by an independent radiologist blinded to the clinical and hormonal phenotype of each case. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between post dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol levels, metabolic indices and radiological measurements.

RESULTS

Mean maximal adenoma diameter was greater in patients with versus without ACS (20.35 ± 6 vs. 27.09 ± 9.3 mm, respectively, p < .01). Maximal adenoma diameter was found to be positively and linearly correlated with post-DST morning cortisol levels across their entire range (R = .474, p < .01). Linear correlations between maximal adenoma diameter and indices of glycemic control showed a correlation coefficient (R) of .481 and .463 for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), respectively, p < .01. When analysis included only patients with ACS, an R = .584 and R = .565 was observed for FPG and HbA1c, respectively (p < .01 for both). The association between maximal adenoma diameter and both FPG and post-DST morning cortisol intensified in patients with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

There is a quantitative positive mild correlation between AI size and both cortisol autonomy and metabolic parameters.

Pathophysiology of Mild Hypercortisolism: From the Bench to the Bedside

Mild hypercortisolism is defined as biochemical evidence of abnormal cortisol secretion without the classical detectable manifestations of overt Cushing’s syndrome and, above all, lacking catabolic characteristics such as central muscle weakness, adipose tissue redistribution, skin fragility and unusual infections. Mild hypercortisolism is frequently discovered in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, with a prevalence ranging between 5 and 50%. This high variability is mainly due to the different criteria used for defining this condition. This subtle cortisol excess has also been described in patients with incidentally discovered pituitary tumors with an estimated prevalence of 5%. To date, the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of mild hypercortisolism of pituitary origin are still not well clarified. At variance, recent advances have been made in understanding the genetic background of bilateral and unilateral adrenal adenomas causing mild hypercortisolism. Some recent data suggest that the clinical effects of glucocorticoid (GC) exposure on peripheral tissues are determined not only by the amount of the adrenal GC production but also by the peripheral GC metabolism and by the GC sensitivity. Indeed, in subjects with normal cortisol secretion, the combined estimate of cortisol secretion, cortisone-to-cortisol peripheral activation by the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme and GC receptor sensitizing variants have been suggested to be associated with the presence of hypertension, diabetes and bone fragility, which are three well-known consequences of hypercortisolism. This review focuses on the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both the different sources of mild hypercortisolism and their clinical consequences (bone fragility, arterial hypertension, subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular remodeling, dyslipidemia, glucose metabolism impairment, visceral adiposity, infections, muscle damage, mood disorders and coagulation).

Cushing´s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal cortical disease: Bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease and bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease

Cushing´s syndrome (CS) secondary to bilateral adrenal cortical disease may be caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease (BMACD) or by bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease (miBACD). The size of adrenal nodules is a key factor for the differentiation between these two entities (>1cm, BMACD and <1cm; miBACD). BMACD can be associated with overt CS, but more commonly it presents with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Surgical treatment of BMACD presenting with CS or with ACS and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities should be the resection of the largest adrenal gland, since it leads to hypercortisolism remission in up to 95% of the cases. Medical treatment focused on the blockade of aberrant receptors may lead to hypercortisolism control, although cortisol response is frequently transient. miBACD is mainly divided in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). miBACD can present at an early age, representing one of the main causes of CS at a young age. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test can be useful in identifying a paradoxical increase in 24h-urinary free cortisol, that is a quite specific in PPNAD. Bilateral adrenalectomy is generally the treatment of choice in patients with overt CS in miBACD, but unilateral adrenalectomy could be considered in cases with asymmetric disease and mild hypercortisolism. This article will discuss the clinical presentation, genetic background, hormonal and imaging features and treatment of the main causes of primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia associated with hypercortisolism.

Current challenges in laboratory diagnostics of autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas

Adrenal incidentalomas are unexpectedly identified adrenal masses without prior suspicion of the existence of adrenal disease. The majority of adrenal incidentalomas are benign adrenal adenomas (80-90%), and they are non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas in more than 70% of cases. Mild hypercortisolemia is the most common finding in hormonally active adrenal incidentalomas. It is defined as autonomous cortisol secretion in up to 15% of patients. Despite a lot of research that anticipated higher cardiometabolic risk in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion, there is still no clear consensus on biochemical criteria for an autonomous cortisol secretion diagnosis in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. This review delineates the advantages and limitations of different laboratory tests recommended for the diagnosis of autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas.

Accuracy of the dexamethasone suppression test for the prediction of autonomous cortisol secretion-related comorbidities in adrenal incidentalomas

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) for the prediction of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS)-related comorbidities in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter study. We recruited patients with AI/s ≥ 1 cm, excluding those who, during the study, were found during the extension study of an extra-adrenal cancer, with a known diagnosis of hereditary syndromes characterized by adrenal tumors, those presenting with overt hormonal excess syndromes, and those in whom the DST results were missing.

RESULTS

A total of 823 patients met the inclusion criteria. Based on the 1.8, 3.0, and 5.0 µg/dl post-DST cortisol thresholds, the prevalence of ACS was 33.5%, 13.7%, and 5.6%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.4), diabetes (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.2), and dyslipidemia (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-1.9) was higher with cortisol post-DST ≥ 1.8 µg/dl; the prevalence of hypertension (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.4-3.3) and diabetes (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6) was higher with values ≥ 3.0 µg/dl; and the prevalence of hypertension (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0-3.7) was higher with levels ≥ 5.0 µg/dl. However, the diagnostic accuracy of the DST for the prediction of cardiometabolic comorbidities in patients with AIs was poor, with areas under the ROC curve < 0.61.

CONCLUSIONS

The DST is a poor predictor of cardiometabolic comorbidities in patients with AIs regardless of the cortisol cut-off values applied. This finding suggests that the diagnosis of ACS should not be based solely on the results of the DST. Other clinical, metabolic, or imaging markers showing a better performance for the prediction of the development and progression of cardiometabolic comorbidities in AIs need to be identified.

[Cardiometabolic risk in patients with primary aldosteronism and autonomous cortisol secretion. Case-control study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the differences in the cardio-metabolic profile of patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) matched by age and sex.

METHODS

Case-control study; cases of PA without associated ACS and as controls patients with ACS (dexamethasone suppression test ≥ 1.8 μg/dL in the absence of specific hypercortisolism clinical data), matched by age and sex. Comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, chronic kidney failure, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were analysed, as well as their degree of control.

RESULTS

57 patients with PA and 57 with ACS were included. On diagnosis, in addition to a higher prevalence of hypertension in the PA patients (100 vs. 52.7%, p < .0001) and higher systolic blood pressure levels (143.2 (2.5) vs. 135.3 (2.6) mmHg, p = .032) than in the ACS patients, no other differences were detected in the prevalence of other cardio-metabolic comorbidities. Nevertheless, the patients with ACS had higher HbA1c levels (p = .028) than the PA patients. After a median follow-up of 2.25 years, the patients with PA presented a greater deterioration in kidney function (Average decrease in glomerular filtration rate (MDRD-4) -17.4 (3.0) vs. -2.3 (4.4) mL/min/1.73 m^2, p = .005) and lipid profile (Δtriglycerides of 34.5 (15.8) vs. -6.7 (11.3) mg/dL, p = .038) than the ACS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the higher prevalence of hypertension in the patients with PA than in the patients with ACS matched by age and sex, no differences were detected in the prevalence of other cardio-metabolic comorbidities. However, the PA patients showed a greater deterioration in kidney function and lipid profile throughout the follow-up than the ACS patients.

Predictors of Tumour Growth and Autonomous Cortisol Secretion Development during Follow-Up in Non-Functioning Adrenal Incidentalomas

PURPOSE

To assess the risk of developing autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and tumour growth in non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs).

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective observational study of patients with NFAIs. ACS was defined as serum cortisol >1.8 µg/dL after 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) without specific data on Cushing's syndrome. Tumour growth was defined as an increase in maximum tumour diameter >20% from baseline; and of at least 5 mm.

RESULTS

Of 654 subjects with NFAIs included in the study, both tumour diameter and DST were re-evaluated during a follow-up longer than 12 months in 305 patients. After a median follow-up of 41.3 (IQR 24.7-63.1) months, 10.5% of NFAIs developed ACS. The risk for developing ACS was higher in patients with higher serum cortisol post-DST levels (HR 6.45 for each µg/dL, p = 0.001) at diagnosis. Significant tumour growth was observed in 5.2% of cases. The risk of tumour growth was higher in females (HR 10.7, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of re-evaluation with DST in NFAIs during the initial 5 years from diagnosis can probably be tailored to the serum cortisol post-DST level at presentation. Re-evaluation of NFAIs with imaging studies, on the other hand, seems unnecessary in most cases, particularly if the initial imaging demonstrates features specific to typical adenoma, given the low rate of significant tumour growth.

Maximum adenoma diameter, regardless of uni- or bilaterality, is a risk factor for autonomous cortisol secretion in adrenal incidentalomas

PURPOSE

To evaluate differences between patients with unilateral and bilateral adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) in the prevalence of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and related comorbidities.

METHODS

In this multicentre retrospective study, AIs ≥ 1 cm without overt hormonal excess were included in the study. ACS was defined by a post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) serum cortisol ≥ 5.0 µg/dl, in the absence of signs of hypercortisolism. For the association of ACS with the prevalence of comorbidities, post-DST serum cortisol was also analysed as a continuous variable.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 823 patients, 66.3% had unilateral and 33.7% bilateral AIs. ACS was demonstrated in 5.7% of patients. No differences in the prevalence of ACS and related comorbidities were found between bilateral and unilateral AIs (P > 0.05). However, we found that tumour size was a good predictor of ACS (OR = 1.1 for each mm, P < 0.001), and the cut-off of 25 mm presented a good diagnostic accuracy to predict ACS (sensitivity of 69.4%, specificity of 74.1%). During a median follow-up time of 31.2 (IQR = 14.4-56.5) months, the risk of developing dyslipidaemia was increased in bilateral compared with unilateral AIs (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3.0 but, this association depended on the tumour size observed at the end of follow-up (HR adjusted by last visit-tumour size = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.1-16.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour size, not bilaterality, is associated with a higher prevalence of ACS. During follow-up, neither tumour size nor bilaterality were associated with the development of new comorbidities, yet a larger tumour size after follow-up explained the association of bilateral AIs with the risk of dyslipidaemia.

Diagnostic accuracy of the different hormonal tests used for the diagnosis of autonomous cortisol secretion

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the different tests commonly used in the evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) for the identification of autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and comorbidities potentially related to ACS. In a retrospective study of patients with AIs ≥ 1 cm, we evaluated the diagnostic reliability and validity of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), urinary free cortisol (UFC), ACTH, late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) for the diagnosis of comorbidities potentially related to ACS. Diagnostic indexes were also calculated for UFC, ACTH, LNSC, and DHEAS considering DST as the gold standard test for the diagnosis of ACS, using three different post-DST cortisol thresholds (138 nmol/L, 50 nmol/L and 83 nmol/L). We included 197 patients with AIs in whom the results of the five tests abovementioned were available. At diagnosis, 85.9% of patients with one or more AIs had any comorbidity potentially related to ACS, whereas 9.6% had ACS as defined by post-DST cortisol > 138 nmol/L. The reliability of UFC, ACTH, LNSC, and DHEAS for the diagnosis of ACS was low (kappa index < 0.30). Of them, LNSC reached the highest diagnosis accuracy for ACS identification (AUC = 0.696 [95% CI 0.626–0.759]). The diagnostic performances of these tests for comorbidities potentially related to ACS was poor; of them, the DST was the most accurate (AUC = 0.661 [95% CI 0.546–0.778]) and had the strongest association with these comorbidities (OR 2.6, P = 0.045). Patients presenting with increased values of both DST and LNSC had the strongest association with hypertension (OR 7.1, P = 0.002) and with cardiovascular events (OR 3.6, P = 0.041). In conclusion, LNSC was the test showing the highest diagnosis accuracy for the identification of ACS when a positive DST was used as the gold standard for its diagnosis. The DST test showed the strongest association with comorbidities potentially related to ACS. The definition of ACS based on the combination of elevated DST and LNSC levels improved the identification of patients with increased cardiometabolic risk.

Nonfunctional adrenal adenomas and impaired glucose metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Evidence on nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma's (NFAI) associated comorbidities and in particular, glucose disorders, is unclear in contrast to adrenal tumors with mild autonomous cortisol secretion. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the burden of impaired glucose metabolism including diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting blood insulin (FBI) levels in patients with NFAI and 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) ≤ 1.8 μg/dl across published studies.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for identifying studies published between 1956 and March 2021. Twenty-five studies met the selection criteria including prospective, retrospective, and case-control studies. Two reviewers independently extracted studies, participants' characteristics and outcome data in a total pooled sample of 1548 patients.

RESULTS

Patients with NFAI had twofold [(odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.03 (1.39-2.98)] increased odds to present T2DM as well as higher FBG [weighted mean difference (WMD) (95% CI): 3.85 (1.96-5.74)] and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) [WMD (95% CI): 0.68 (0.23-1.12)] with respect to controls. On the contrary, the WMD of FBI levels did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of T2DM in a subgroup analysis of patients with NFAI without glucose disorders at baseline was 6% [pooled incidence (95% CI): 0.06 (0.04-0.09)].

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NFAI and 1-mg ODST ≤ 1.8 μg/dl presented higher odds of T2DM and higher levels of FBG and HOMA index than healthy controls.

Impact of Adrenalectomy on Morbidity in Patients with Non-Functioning Adrenal Cortical Tumours, Mild Hypercortisolism and Cushing's Syndrome as Assessed by National and Quality Registries

Background

The impact of adrenalectomy on morbidity in patients with mild hypercortisolism and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma is unclear. The present study evaluated morbidity before and after adrenalectomy in patients with benign adrenocortical tumour with Cushing´s syndrome (CS), autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma as assessed by national and quality registries.

Methods

Patients registered in the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery (SQRTPA) 2009–2017 with CS, ACS or non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma, were included in this retrospective study and analysed with age- and sex-matched controls, 1:3. Morbidity associated with CS was assessed pre- and postoperatively by analysing data from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register.

Results

Some 271 patients were included, CS (127), ACS (45) and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (99), with 813 matched controls. The frequency of hypertension was almost 50% in all tumour groups. Antihypertensive medication preoperatively was more frequent in all tumour groups compared with controls. No preoperative differences in medication were detected between patients with CS and ACS. A decrease in the use of hypertensive drugs was noticed annually for all patient groups after adrenalectomy.

Conclusions

Hypertension is common in patients with benign adrenocortical tumours regardless of cortisol hypersecretion. The use of antihypertensive drugs in patients with CS, ACS and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma was reduced after adrenalectomy. These findings highlight the need for a randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of adrenalectomy on morbidity in patients with mild hypercortisolism.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-021-06214-0.

Cardiovascular and metabolic consequences in patients with asymptomatic adrenal adenomas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence of adrenal tumors has increased over the past 20 years, most of which are incidentally discovered nonfunctioning adenomas (NFA) and tumors with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). This review aimed to summarize recent progress in understanding cardiometabolic risk in patients with NFA and MACS and to provide updates on the effect of treatment on improving outcomes in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

NFA and MACS are associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic derangements, which are likely mediated by excessive glucocorticoid secretion. Recent studies showed significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, obesity, and dyslipidemia in patients with NFA and MACS. Adrenalectomy may improve comorbidities in selected patients.

SUMMARY

Asymptomatic adrenal adenomas are common and are associated with adverse cardiometabolic changes. In selected patients, adrenalectomy may reduce cardiometabolic risk and improve clinical outcomes.

Urine steroid profile as a new promising tool for the evaluation of adrenal tumors. Literature review

PURPOSE

To review the literature assessing the diagnostic performance of urinary steroid profiling (USP) by high-performance liquid chromatography (LC-MS) or gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) in the evaluation of adrenal lesions, both in terms of functionality and malignancy.

RESULTS

The evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas (AI) aims to rule out malignancy and hormone excess. Current diagnostic protocols have several limitations and include time consuming and relatively complicated multi-step processes in most cases. On the contrary, USP by LC-MS/MS or LC-GC/MS offer an easy, comprehensive and non-invasive assessment of adrenal steroid secretion. USP complements current workups used in the evaluation of AIs by improving our ability to identify malignancy and/or autonomous hormone secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine steroid profiling by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS allows a thorough, non-invasive, assessment of adrenal steroidogenesis as a whole which complement the current evaluation of AIs, and holds a promising role in the diagnosis of autonomous cortisol secretion, primary aldosteronism, and adrenal malignancy.

Cardiovascular complications of mild autonomous cortisol secretion

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) may be associated with a mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) in up to one third of cases. There is growing evidence that MACS patients actually present increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rate, driven by increased prevalence of known cardiovascular risk factors, as well as accelerated cardiovascular remodelling. Adrenalectomy seems to have cardiometabolic beneficial effects in MACS patients but their management is still a debated topic due to the lack of high-quality studies. Several studies suggested that so called "non-functioning" AI may be actually "functioning" with an associated increased cardiovascular risk. Although the individual cortisol sensitivity and peripheral activation have been recently suggested to play a role in influencing the cardiovascular risk even in apparently eucortisolemic patients, to date the degree of cortisol secretion, as mirrored by the cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression test remains the best predictor of an increased cardiovascular risk in AI patients. However, whether or not the currently used cut-off set at 50 nmol/L for cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression could be considered completely reliable in ruling out hypercortisolism remains unclear.

The Quantitative Relationship Between Autonomous Cortisol Secretion, Dysglycemia and the Metabolic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is the most common endocrine abnormality in the evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas. The categorization of ACS is derived from a 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Impaired DST is associated with several metabolic derangements. In this study we analyzed the association between post-DST cortisol level, analyzed as a continuous parameter, and indices of glycemic metabolism.

METHODS

We prospectively collected data of 1,976 patients evaluated for adrenal incidentalomas in a large tertiary medical center between December 1, 2017, and August 31, 2019. Seventy-three patients completed the evaluation process. Post-DST cortisol levels were analyzed for correlation with various metabolic parameters, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among the general cohort and for subgroups stratified by the number of metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria.

RESULTS

Post-DST cortisol demonstrated a linear association with FPG and HbA1c across its entire cortisol range (R = 0.51 and 0.41, respectively; P≤.01). The association between post-DST cortisol and FPG was strengthened with an increased number of metabolic syndrome criteria. Patients with 4 MS criteria show a stronger association (R = 0.92) compared to patients with only a single criterion (R = 0.509). Furthermore, mean post-DST cortisol levels increased as the number of MS criteria accumulated.

CONCLUSION

Post-DST cortisol should be viewed as a continuous parameter in risk stratification algorithms for the development of MS and particularly dysglycemia.

Epidemiology and mortality of Cushing's syndrome

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrine disorder characterised by excess cortisol secretion due to either ACTH-dependent conditions [commonly an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease)] or ACTH-independent causes (with most common aetiology being a benign adrenal adenoma). Overall, the annual incidence of CS ranges between 1.8 and 3.2 cases per million population. Mortality in active CS is elevated compared to the general population, and a number of studies support the view that survival is also compromised even after apparent successful treatment. The main cause of death is cardiovascular disease highlighting the negative impact of cortisol excess on cardiovascular risk factors. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the cortisol excess, as well as vigilant monitoring and stringent control of cardiovascular risk factors are key elements for the long-term prognosis of these patients.

Adrenal Incidentaloma

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.

Treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism is associated with higher cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality than essential hypertension in age- and sex-matched patients with the same degree of blood pressure elevation. Therefore, it is essential to establish a specific treatment to avoid the deleterious effects of aldosterone excess. Although adrenalectomy is generally considered the treatment of choice in cases of primary aldosteronism due to unilateral disease, several aspects and circumstances should be taken into account that may make medical treatment more appropriate. Among them, in this review we mention the limited experience and efficacy, and the potential risks of adrenal vein sampling; the risks and low efficacy of adrenalectomy; the high safety and efficacy of medical treatment and some special situations such as primary aldosteronism during pregnancy, in patients of advanced age or hereditary forms of primary aldosteronism, in which medical treatment is considered especially indicated as the first line therapy. The main studies comparing medical and surgical treatment in primary aldosteronism are also discussed.

The prevalence and characteristics of non-functioning and autonomous cortisol secreting adrenal incidentaloma after patients' stratification by body mass index and age

BACKGROUND

The escalating prevalence of adrenal incidentaloma (AI) has been associated with the improvement of radiologic techniques and widespread imaging in aging population. It is currently unclear whether patients with obesity more likely develop AI and the current rise in the prevalence of AI could be at least partly associated with the respective rise in obesity. We compared the prevalence and characteristics of non-functional (NF) and autonomous cortisol secreting (ACS) adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) after the study population was stratified by different body mass indexes (BMI) and age groups.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study comprising of 432 patients (40.6% male, 59.4% female) with NFAI (N = 290) and ACS (N = 142), of median age 63.4 (54.0-71.6) years and median BMI 28.6 (25.5-31.7) kg/m². The data collection contained 11.132 points including demographic, anthropometric, radiologic, hormonal and metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

We observed 68-87% higher prevalence of AI across different age groups in NFAI and ACS in obese/overweight compared to normal weight subjects. Patients with ACS were older (P = 0.008), with higher basal cortisol (P < 0.001), lower basal DHEAS (P = 0.001), lower suppression DHEAS (P = 0.027) and higher aldosterone (P = 0.039). AIs with ACS were larger than NFAI (P < 0.001). Interestingly, ACS group had lower body mass (P = 0.023) and did not differ in BMI, blood pressure, heart rate, lipid profile, fasting glucose and presence of diabetes mellitus type 2 when compared to NFAI., By contrast to the similarity of metabolic profiles in ACS and NFAI, some components of adverse metabolic traits were rather associated with higher BMI and older age, in particular in NFAI.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of NFAI and ACS were significantly higher in overweight/obese subgroup across the age distribution. Stratification by age and BMI displayed significant differences in some metabolic traits, in particular in NFAI.

Practical guide on the initial evaluation, follow-up, and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas Adrenal Diseases Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition

Initial evaluation of adrenal incidentalomas should be aimed at ruling out malignancy and functionality. For this, a detailed clinical history should be taken, and an adequate radiographic assessment and a complete blood chemistry and hormone study should be performed. The most controversial condition, because of the lack of consensus in its definition, is autonomous cortisol secretion. Our recommendation is that, except when cortisol levels <1.8μg/dL in the dexamethasone suppression test rule out diagnosis and levels ≥5μg/dL establish the presence of autonomous cortisol secretion, diagnosis should be based on a combined definition of dexamethasone suppression test ≥3μg/dL and at least one of the following: elevated urinary free cortisol, ACTH level <10 pg/mL, or elevated nocturnal cortisol (in serum and/or saliva). During follow-up, dexamethasone suppression test should be repeated, usually every year, on an individual basis depending on the results of prior tests and the presence of comorbidities potentially related to hypercortisolism. The initial radiographic test of choice for characterization of adrenal incidentalomas is a computed tomography scan without contrast, but there is no unanimous agreement on subsequent monitoring. Our general recommendation is a repeat imaging test 6-12 months after diagnosis (based on the radiographic characteristics of the lesion). If the lesion remains stable and there are no indeterminate characteristics, no additional radiographic studies would be needed. We think that patients with autonomous cortisol secretion with comorbidities potentially related to hypercortisolism, particularly if they are young and there is a poor control, may benefit from unilateral adrenalectomy. The indication for unilateral adrenalectomy is clear in patients with overt hormonal syndromes or suspected malignancy. In conclusion, adrenal incidentalomas require a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account the possible clinical signs and comorbidities related to hormonal syndromes or malignancy; a complete hormone profile (taking into account the conditions that may lead to falsely positive and negative results); and an adequate radiographic study. Monitoring and/or treatment will be decided based on the results of the initial evaluation.

Perinatal programming of metabolic diseases: The role of glucocorticoids

The worldwide increase in metabolic diseases has urged the scientific community to improve our understanding about the mechanisms underlying its cause and effects. A well supported area of studies had related maternal stress with early programming to the later metabolic diseases. Mechanisms upon origins of metabolic disturbances are not yet fully understood, even though stressful factors rising glucocorticoids have been put out as pivotal trigger by programming metabolic diseases as long-term consequence. Considering energy balance and glucose homeostasis, by producing and/or sensing regulator signals, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and endocrine pancreas are directly affected by glucocorticoids excess. We focus on the evidences reporting the role of increased glucocorticoids due to perinatal insults on the physiological systems involved in the metabolic homeostasis and in the target organs such as endocrine pancreas, white adipose tissue and blood vessels. Besides, we review some mechanisms underlining the malprogramming of type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Studies on this field are currently ongoing and even there is a good understanding regarding the effects of glucocorticoids addressing metabolic diseases, few is known about the relationship between maternal insults rising glucocorticoids to pups' metabolic disturbances, a thorough understanding about that may provide pivotal clinical clues regarding those disorders.

Cardiometabolic profile of non-functioning and autonomous cortisol-secreting adrenal incidentalomas. Is the cardiometabolic risk similar or are there differences?

OBJECTIVE

To study the differences in the cardiometabolic profile between patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) and incidentalomas with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS).

METHODS

A total of 149 patients with adrenal incidentalomas were retrospectively evaluated and followed-up for a mean time of 34.6 months at Departments of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Units of four tertiary Spanish hospitals. Patients were grouped as NFAI or ACS adenomas based on two cutoffs in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST): 3.0 µg/dl (NFAI_DST3 or ACS_DST3) and 1.8 µg/dl (ACS_DST1.8 and NFAI_DST1.8).

RESULTS

The mean age of both groups was 62.0 (10.31) and was similar in ACS and NFAI. The prevalence of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease was higher in ACS than in NFAI, but differences only reached statistical significance for cerebrovascular disease using the 3.0 µg/dl cutoff (15.8% vs 2.3%, p = 0.01) and for diabetes using the 1.8 µg/dl cutoff (38.0% vs 22.0%, p = 0.04). No differences were found in the prevalence of dyslipidemia. The prevalence of obesity was lower in patients with ACS than in NFAI 26.3% vs 39.2%, p = 0.18 (NFAI_DST3 vs ACS_DST3) and 32.1% vs 40.6%, p = 0.56 (ACS_DST1.8 vs NFAI_DST1.8), but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Maximum adenoma diameter (R-squared = 0.15, p < 0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (OR = 1.59, p = 0.04) were the only parameters that could be predicted by the DST. The DST was an inadequate predictor of clinical (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index), hormonal (DHEAS, ACTH, UFC, and basal serum cortisol), biochemical (glucose, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides), and other radiological (laterality, lipid content) parameters. Throughout the follow-up, patients did not develop overt Cushing's Syndrome; three NFAI_DST3 developed ACS_DST3, eight NFAI_DST1.8 developed ACS_DST1.8, and one NFAI_DST1.8 progressed to ACS_DST3. In both groups (NFAI and ACS) the metabolic profile remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest higher prevalence of diabetes and cerebrovascular disease in ACS patients compared with NFAI. However, probably because of the small sample size, the differences only reached statistical significance using the cutoffs of 1.8 µg/dl for diabetes and 3.0 µg/dl for cerebrovascular disease. Patients with ACS and NFAI rarely progress to more aggressive forms of hypercortisolism, and the metabolic profile usually remains stable during the follow-up.

THE MULTIFARIOUS CUSHING'S - LESSONS FROM A CASE SERIES

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is rare, with an incidence of 0.7-2.4 per a million people a year. Clinical presentation of Cushing syndrome can be pleomorphic, and establishing diagnosis can be difficult. Early recognition and rapid control of hypercortisolaemia are necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality in these patients. We report a series of 6 endogenous Cushing's syndromes of different etiologies (4 Cushing's disease and 2 adrenal Cushing's syndrome) assessed in our endocrine department over a decade (2009-2019). In order to highlight the diversity of clinical forms, diagnostic tools and specific management of this condition we labelled each case suggestively: the typical Cushing's disease, the Pseudo Cushing's, the elusive Cushing's disease, the mild autonomous cortisol hypersecretion, Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy and Cushing's disease with thromboembolism. We discussed their particularities which were revelatory for the diagnosis, such as dermatologic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neuropsychiatric, or reproductive signs, reviewing literature for each manifestation. We also discuss the commonalities and differences in laboratory and imagistic findings. Therapeutic approach can also differ with respect to the particular condition of each patient and the multiple choices of therapy will be reviewed.