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Frye CC, Akhund R, Murcy M, Veazey LG, McLeod MC, Osborne JD, Cochran M, Negrete H, Tridandipani S, Rothenberg S, Gillis A, Fazendin J, Chen H, Lindeman B. A natural language processing-informed adrenal gland incidentaloma clinic improves guideline-based care. World J Surg 2024. [PMID: 39289740 DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenal gland incidentalomas (AGIs) are found in up to 5% of cross-sectional images. However, rates of guideline-based workup for AGIs are notoriously low. We sought to determine if a natural language processing (NLP)-informed AGI clinic could improve the rates of indicated biochemical evaluation and adrenal-specific imaging. METHODS An NLP algorithm was created to detect clinically significant adrenal nodules from radiology reports of cross-sectional images at an academic institution. The NLP algorithm was applied to scans occurring between June 2020 and July 2021 to form a baseline cohort. The NLP algorithm was re-applied to scans from August 2021 to February 2023 and identified patients were invited to join an outpatient clinic dedicated to AGIs. Patients evaluated in the clinic from March 2022 to February 2023 were included in the intervention cohort. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square, t-test, and a multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The baseline and intervention cohorts included 1784 and 322 unique patients, respectively. Patients in the intervention cohort were more likely to be female (59% vs. 51%, p = 0.01), be younger (60 ± 13.1 vs. 64 ± 13.2 years, p < 0.001), have smaller nodules (1.7 cm, IQR 1.4-2.1 vs. 1.8 cm, IQR 1.4-2.5 cm, p = 0.017), have had biochemical workup (99% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and have had adrenal-specific imaging (40% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, intervention cohort patients were significantly more likely to have had biochemical workup (odds ratio ,OR 1209, confidence interval ,CI 434-5117, p < 0.001) and adrenal-specific imaging (OR 8.89, CI 6.42-12.4, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The implementation of an NLP-informed AGI clinic was associated with a seven-fold increase in biochemical workup and a three-fold increase in adrenal-specific imaging in participating patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Corbin Frye
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ramsha Akhund
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammad Murcy
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Lillie Grace Veazey
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - M Chandler McLeod
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - John D Osborne
- Department of Computer Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Micah Cochran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Haleigh Negrete
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Srini Tridandipani
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Steven Rothenberg
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Andrea Gillis
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jessica Fazendin
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Brenessa Lindeman
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Allahwasaya A, Akhund R, Balachandra S, McLeod C, Lindeman B, Fazendin J, Gillis A, Zmijewski P, Chen H. Adrenal Referral Pattern: Management of Patients With an Adrenal Incidentaloma. J Surg Res 2024; 302:144-149. [PMID: 39096742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.07.051] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are found in 3%-4% of abdominal computed tomography scans. Timely evaluation of their functional status and malignant potential is necessary to guide nonoperative surveillance or surgery. This study aims to evaluate the adherence of referring service patterns to the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines for the biochemical workup of AIs at a tertiary surgical clinic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 125 patients evaluated for AIs at the endocrine surgery clinic between 2017 and 2022. Information on patient demographics, referral source, and reasons for referral was collected. The appropriateness of the biochemical workup for AIs by referring physicians was assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS Referrals came from endocrinologists (44.8%), other subspecialists (31.2%), and primary care physicians (PCPs) (19.2%). Among 125 patients, diagnoses included benign adrenal masses (52.8%), aldosteronomas (10.4%), cortisol-secreting tumors (15.2%), pheochromocytomas (12.8%), and metastatic masses (4.0%). Endocrinologists were more likely to conduct a complete biochemical workup compared to other subspecialties and PCPs (P < 0.001). Eighty-three (66.4%) patients underwent adrenalectomy, with those referred by endocrinologists more likely to undergo surgery than those referred by other subspecialties and PCPs (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the time from the initial clinic visit to surgery by referral source (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Over half of AIs referrals to the endocrine surgery clinic came from subspecialists and PCPs rather than endocrinologists. Familiarizing all referring physicians with American Association of Endocrine Surgeons/Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines may reduce undiagnosed functional AI cases and facilitate timely surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashba Allahwasaya
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Ramsha Akhund
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Sanjana Balachandra
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Chandler McLeod
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Brenessa Lindeman
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Jessica Fazendin
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Andrea Gillis
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Polina Zmijewski
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham Alabama.
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Trandafir AI, Ghemigian A, Ciobica ML, Nistor C, Gurzun MM, Nistor TVI, Petrova E, Carsote M. Diabetes Mellitus in Non-Functioning Adrenal Incidentalomas: Analysis of the Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) Impact on Glucose Profile. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1606. [PMID: 39062179 PMCID: PMC11274780 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071606] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) have been placed in relationship with a higher risk of glucose profile anomalies, while the full-blown typical picture of Cushing's syndrome (CS) and associated secondary (glucocorticoid-induced) diabetes mellitus is not explicitly confirmed in this instance. Our objective was to highlight the most recent data concerning the glucose profile, particularly, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in NFAIs with/without mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). This was a comprehensive review of the literature; the search was conducted according to various combinations of key terms. We included English-published, original studies across a 5-year window of publication time (from January 2020 until 1 April 2024) on PubMed. We excluded case reports, reviews, studies on T1DM or secondary diabetes, and experimental data. We identified 37 studies of various designs (14 retrospective studies as well 13 cross-sectional, 4 cohorts, 3 prospective, and 2 case-control studies) that analysed 17,391 individuals, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.47 (aged between 14 and 96 years). T2DM prevalence in MACS (affecting 10 to 30% of NFAIs) ranged from 12% to 44%. The highest T2DM prevalence in NFAI was 45.2% in one study. MACS versus (non-MACS) NFAIs (n = 16) showed an increased risk of T2DM and even of prediabetes or higher fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c (no unanimous results). T2DM prevalence was analysed in NFAI (N = 1243, female-to-male ratio of 1.11, mean age of 60.42) versus (non-tumour) controls (N = 1548, female-to-male ratio of 0.91, average age of 60.22) amid four studies, and two of them were confirmatory with respect to a higher rate in NFAIs. Four studies included a sub-group of CS compared to NFAI/MACS, and two of them did not confirm an increased rate of glucose profile anomalies in CS versus NFAIs/ACS. The longest period of follow-up with concern to the glycaemic profile was 10.5 years, and one cohort showed a significant increase in the T2DM rate at 17.9% compared to the baseline value of 0.03%. Additionally, inconsistent data from six studies enrolling 1039 individuals that underwent adrenalectomy (N = 674) and conservative management (N = 365) pinpointed the impact of the surgery in NFAIs. The regulation of the glucose metabolism after adrenalectomy versus baseline versus conservative management (n = 3) was improved. To our knowledge, this comprehensive review included one of the largest recent analyses in the field of glucose profile amid the confirmation of MACS/NFAI. In light of the rising incidence of NFAI/AIs due to easier access to imagery scans and endocrine evaluation across the spectrum of modern medicine, it is critical to assess if these patients have an increased frequency of cardio-metabolic disorders that worsen their overall comorbidity and mortality profile, including via the confirmation of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Ioana Trandafir
- PhD Doctoral School of “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Adina Ghemigian
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai-Lucian Ciobica
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine I and Rheumatology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4-Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Thoracic Surgery Department, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria-Magdalena Gurzun
- Cardiology Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Exploration, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Vasile Ioan Nistor
- Medical Biochemistry Discipline, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugenia Petrova
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Woods AP, Feeney T, Gupta A, Knapp PE, McAneny D, Drake FT. Prospective Study of a System-Wide Adrenal Incidentaloma Quality Improvement Initiative. J Am Coll Surg 2024; 238:961-970. [PMID: 38116951 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate follow-up of incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) is infrequent. We implemented a quality improvement (QI) program to improve management of IAMs. STUDY DESIGN This system-wide initiative targeted primary care providers (PCPs) after IAM detection. It incorporated (1) chart-based messages and emails to PCPs, (2) an evidence-based IAM evaluation algorithm, (3) standardized recommendations in radiology reports, and (4) access to a multispecialty adrenal clinic. Patients diagnosed with an IAM from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, were prospectively included (the "QI cohort") and compared with a historical, preintervention cohort diagnosed with IAMs in 2016. The primary outcomes were the initiation of an IAM investigation by the PCP, defined as relevant clinical history-taking, laboratory screening, follow-up imaging, or specialist referral. RESULTS The QI cohort included 437 patients and 210 in the historical cohort. All patients had 12 months or more of follow-up. In the QI cohort, 35.5% (155 of 437) met the primary endpoint for PCP-initiated evaluation, compared with 27.6% (58 of 210) in the historical cohort (p = 0.0496). Among the subgroup with a documented PCP working within our health system, 46.3% (74 of 160) met the primary endpoint in the QI cohort vs 33.3% (38 of 114) in the historical cohort (p = 0.035). After adjusting for insurance status, presence of current malignancy, initial imaging setting (outpatient, inpatient, or emergency department), and having an established PCP within our health system, patients in the QI cohort had 1.70 times higher odds (95% CI 1.16 to 2.50) of undergoing a PCP-initiated IAM evaluation. Adrenal surgery was ultimately performed in 2.1% (9 of 437) of QI cohort patients and 0.95% (2 of 210) of historical cohort patients (p = 0.517). CONCLUSIONS This simple, moderately labor-intensive QI intervention was associated with increased IAM evaluation initiated by PCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison P Woods
- From the Departments of Surgery (Woods, McAneny, Drake), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Woods)
| | - Timothy Feeney
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC (Feeney)
| | - Avneesh Gupta
- Radiology (Gupta), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Philip E Knapp
- Medicine (Knapp), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - David McAneny
- From the Departments of Surgery (Woods, McAneny, Drake), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Frederick Thurston Drake
- From the Departments of Surgery (Woods, McAneny, Drake), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Hamilton AE, Green RL, Gao TP, Taylor GA, Dunham PC, Rao A, Kuo LE. To report hounsfeld units or not: There is no question. Am J Surg 2024; 229:111-115. [PMID: 38065724 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.11.040] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most adrenal incidentalomas are not appropriately evaluated. Reporting the mass in the radiology report summary and providing recommendations in the report can positively impact evaluation. This study evaluated the effect of reporting Hounsfield units(HU) on adrenal incidentaloma follow-up. METHODS Patients with adrenal incidentalomas identified on noncontrast CT scan from 2015 to 2020 at a tertiary care institution were studied. Chart review was conducted. Patient and imaging characteristics were compared between patients who did and did not have HU reported. Outcomes of interest were 1)outpatient referral, 2)biochemical evaluation, and 3)dedicated imaging if appropriate. Multivariate analysis determined the impact of HU, reporting in the summary and provision of recommendations on the outcomes. RESULTS 363 patients were studied, 36(9.9 %) had HU reported. When HU were used in addition to recommendations and reporting in the summary, the likelihood of outpatient referral increased from 10.1 to 32.6-fold (95%CI 7.7-138.1, p < 0.001). Similarly, the likelihood of biochemical workup increased from 2.5 to 7.8-fold (95%CI 2.5-24.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Recording adrenal incidentaloma HU on non-contrast CT scans was associated with increased rates of outpatient referral and biochemical workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Hamilton
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Rebecca L Green
- Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Terry P Gao
- Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - George A Taylor
- Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Patricia C Dunham
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University 3500 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Ajay Rao
- Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Lindsay E Kuo
- Temple University Hospital, 3401 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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Beninato T, Duh QY, Long KL, Kiernan CM, Miller BS, Patel S, Randle RW, Wachtel H, Zanocco KA, Zern NK, Drake FT. Challenges and controversies in adrenal surgery: A practical approach. Curr Probl Surg 2023; 60:101374. [PMID: 37770163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2023.101374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Beninato
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Quan-Yang Duh
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Colleen M Kiernan
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Health System, Nashville, TN
| | - Barbra S Miller
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Snehal Patel
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Kyle A Zanocco
- David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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Annesi CA, Talutis SD, Goldman AL, Childs E, Knapp PE, McAneny D, Drake FT. Point-of-care access to clinical guidelines may improve management of incidental findings in the primary care setting. J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:632-638. [PMID: 36602429 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13806] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Incidental radiographic findings are common, and primary care providers (PCPs) are often charged with the conducting or initiating an appropriate evaluation. Clinical guidelines are available for management of common 'incidentalomas' including lung and adrenal nodules, but guidelines-adherent evaluations are not always performed; for example, in the setting of incidental adrenal masses (IAMs), recent literature suggests that an evidence-based evaluation occurs in <25% of patients for whom it is warranted-a quality and safety concern. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine whether point-of-care access to concise clinical guidelines would promote appropriate evaluations of two common incidentalomas: IAMs and lung nodules. METHOD This study was a survey-based, single-blinded, randomized experiment of decision-making within clinical vignettes. Respondents were PCPs in a variety of clinical practice settings, and half were randomly assigned to surveys that included concise clinical guidelines while the other half served as controls without access to guidelines. Scenarios involved patients with IAMs and lung nodules, and the scenarios included both higher-risk and lower-risk lesions. Our primary analysis examined safe versus inappropriate clinical decisions, while a secondary analysis compared guidelines-concordant versus guidelines-discordant responses. RESULTS For both the higher-risk IAM and higher-risk lung nodule scenarios, safe answer choices were selected at a similar rate by respondents regardless of whether they had access to guidelines or not. However, for the lower risk scenarios, inappropriate answer choices were chosen substantially more frequently by respondents without access to guidelines compared to those with the guidelines (lung: 29.3% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.003, adrenal: 31.6% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.01). There was less variation in the secondary analysis. CONCLUSION Survey respondents were significantly more likely to make safe management decisions in lower-risk clinical scenarios when clinical guidelines were available. Point-of-care access to clinical guidelines for incidentalomas is an intervention that may reduce management errors and improve patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie D Talutis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna L Goldman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Philip E Knapp
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David McAneny
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frederick Thurston Drake
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Woods AP, Godley F, Feeney T, Vigna C, Crable EL, O'Brien M, Gupta A, Walkey AJ, Drainoni ML, McAneny D, Drake FT. A Standardized Radiology Template Improves Incidental Adrenal Mass Follow-Up: A Prospective Effectiveness and Implementation Study. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:87-97. [PMID: 36521629 PMCID: PMC9898147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) are common but rarely evaluated. To improve this, we developed a standardized radiology report recommendation template and investigated its implementation and effectiveness. METHODS We prospectively studied implementation of a standardized IAM reporting template as part of an ongoing quality improvement initiative, which also included primary care provider (PCP) notifications and a straightforward clinical algorithm. Data were obtained via medical record review and a survey of radiologists. Outcomes included template adoption rates and acceptability (implementation measures), as well as the proportion of patients evaluated and time to follow-up (effectiveness outcomes). RESULTS Of 4,995 imaging studies, 200 (4.0%) detected a new IAM. The standardized template was used in 54 reports (27.0%). All radiologists surveyed were aware of the template, and 91% affirmed that standardized recommendations are useful. Patients whose reports included the template were more likely to have PCP follow-up after IAM discovery compared with those with no template (53.7% versus 36.3%, P = .03). After adjusting for sex, current or prior malignancy, and provider ordering the initial imaging (PCP, other outpatient provider, or emergency department or inpatient provider), odds of PCP follow-up remained 2.0 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.02-3.9). Patients whose reports included the template had a shorter time to PCP follow-up (log-rank P = .018). PCPs ultimately placed orders for biochemical testing (35.2% versus 18.5%, P = .01), follow-up imaging (40.7% versus 23.3%, P = .02), and specialist referral (22.2% versus 4.8%, P < .01) for a higher proportion of patients who received the template compared with those who did not. CONCLUSIONS Use of a standardized template to communicate IAM recommendations was associated with improved IAM evaluation. Our template demonstrated high acceptability, but additional strategies are necessary to optimize adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison P Woods
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Frederick Godley
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. https://twitter.com/GusGodley
| | - Timothy Feeney
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. https://twitter.com/TFeend
| | - Chelsea Vigna
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erika L Crable
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California. https://twitter.com/ErikaCrable
| | - Mollie O'Brien
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Avneesh Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Abdominal Imaging Fellowship Director, Department of Radiology, Information Technology Officer, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan J Walkey
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; The Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; and Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; Codirector of the Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University. https://twitter.com/WalkeyAllan
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA; Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; and Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Codirector of the Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Boston University
| | - David McAneny
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Boston Medical Center
| | - Frederick Thurston Drake
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief of Endocrine Surgery, Boston Medical Center. https://twitter.com/F_ThurstonDrake
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Bernardi S, Calabrò V, Cavallaro M, Lovriha S, Eramo R, Fabris B, de Manzini N, Dobrinja C. Is the Adrenal Incidentaloma Functionally Active? An Approach-To-The-Patient-Based Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144064. [PMID: 35887828 PMCID: PMC9323753 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas are a common occurrence. Most of them are adrenocortical adenomas that do not cause harm and do not require surgery, but a non-negligible proportion of incidentalomas is represented by functionally active masses, including cortisol-secreting adenomas (12%), pheochromocytomas (3–6%), aldosterone-secreting adenomas (2–3%), as well as malignant nodules, such as adrenocortical carcinomas (2–5%), which can be either functioning or non-functioning. All patients with an adrenal incidentaloma should undergo a few biochemical screening and confirmatory tests to exclude the presence of a functionally active mass. In this approach-to-the-patient-based review, we will summarize current recommendations on biochemical evaluation and management of functionally active adrenal incidentalomas. For this purpose, we will present four case vignettes, whereby we will describe how patients were managed, then we will review and discuss additional considerations tied to the diagnostic approach, and conclude with practical aspects of patient perioperative management. To improve the perioperative management of patients with functional adrenal incidentalomas, multidisciplinary meetings are advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (B.F.); (N.d.M.); or (C.D.)
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)403994318
| | - Veronica Calabrò
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Marco Cavallaro
- UCO Radiologia, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sara Lovriha
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (B.F.); (N.d.M.); or (C.D.)
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Rita Eramo
- UCO Clinica Chirurgica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (B.F.); (N.d.M.); or (C.D.)
- SS Endocrinologia, UCO Medicina Clinica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Nicolò de Manzini
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (B.F.); (N.d.M.); or (C.D.)
- UCO Clinica Chirurgica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Chiara Dobrinja
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (S.L.); (B.F.); (N.d.M.); or (C.D.)
- UCO Clinica Chirurgica, ASUGI (Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
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