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Birtolo MF, Grossrubatscher EM, Antonini S, Loli P, Mazziotti G, Lania AG, Chiodini I. Preoperative management of patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma: a case series and review of the literature. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1983-1994. [PMID: 37195583 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02105-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome, posing a clinical challenge for the severity of its clinical presentation, the difficulty in the prevention and the management of surgical complications. Sparse data are currently available about the optimal preoperative management of the severe symptoms due to both hypercortisolism and catecholamine excess, especially regarding the role and timing of medical therapies. METHODS We present a series of three patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. A brief review of the available literature evidence on the preoperative management of this rare clinical condition is also conducted. DISCUSSION Patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma show peculiarities as compared to other forms of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, in terms of clinical presentation, preoperative management, and peri- and post-surgical short-term outcome. Pheochromocytoma should be ruled out in patient with ectopic CS of unknown origin because of the high anesthesiologic risk of proceeding to surgery with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. Proper preoperative recognition of complications of both hypercortisolism and catecholamines excess is the key to prevent the morbidity and mortality of an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. In these patients the absolute priority is to control excessive cortisol secretion since the rapid correction of the hypercortisolism is the most effective treatment of all the related comorbidities and it is mandatory to prevent severe complications during surgery, opting if necessary for a "block-and-replace" regimen. CONCLUSION Our additional cases and this literature review could provide a better understanding of the complications to be evaluated at diagnosis and some suggestions on their management during the preoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Birtolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - E M Grossrubatscher
- Endocrine Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - S Antonini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - P Loli
- Endocrinology, Clinica San Carlo, Via Ospedale 21, 20037 Paderno Dugnano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Mazziotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - A G Lania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4 Pieve Emanuele, 20090, Milan, Italy.
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Medical Andrology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56 Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy.
| | - I Chiodini
- Endocrine Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
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Ganni R, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H, Louise Rushworth R. Adrenal Medullary Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e885-e892. [PMID: 36896586 PMCID: PMC10438876 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. OBJECTIVE To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH. SETTING Literature review and analysis. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS All cases of AMH published to date. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships. RESULTS A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05). CONCLUSION AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Ganni
- School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Louise Rushworth
- School of Medicine, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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Araujo-Castro M, García Sanz I, Mínguez Ojeda C, Calatayud M, Hanzu FA, Mora M, Vicente Delgado A, Carrera CB, de Miguel Novoa P, Del Carmen López García M, Manjón-Miguélez L, Rodríguez de Vera Gómez P, Del Castillo Tous M, Barahona San Millán R, Recansens M, Fernández-Ladreda MT, Valdés N, Gracia Gimeno P, Robles Lazaro C, Michalopoulou T, Gómez Dos Santos V, Alvarez-Escola C, García Centeno R, Lamas C, Herrera-Martínez A. An Integrated CT and MRI Imaging Model to Differentiate between Adrenal Adenomas and Pheochromocytomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3736. [PMID: 37509397 PMCID: PMC10378495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143736] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Departmen, University of Alcalá, 28801 Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñigo García Sanz
- General & Digestive Surgery Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - César Mínguez Ojeda
- Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Calatayud
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Concepción Blanco Carrera
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paz de Miguel Novoa
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Laura Manjón-Miguélez
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - María Del Castillo Tous
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Macarena, 41009 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Recansens
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Institut Català de la Salut Girona, 17001 Girona, Spain
| | | | - Nuria Valdés
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, 33394 Asturias, Spain
| | - Paola Gracia Gimeno
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Royo Villanova, 50015 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Robles Lazaro
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Theodora Michalopoulou
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Joan XXIII University Hospital, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | | | | | - Rogelio García Centeno
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Lamas
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Albacete, 02008 Albacete, Spain
| | - Aura Herrera-Martínez
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Reina Sofía Hospital, 31500 Córdoba, Spain
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Crimì F, Agostini E, Toniolo A, Torresan F, Iacobone M, Tizianel I, Scaroni C, Quaia E, Campi C, Ceccato F. CT Texture Analysis of Adrenal Pheochromocytomas: A Pilot Study. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:2169-2177. [PMID: 36826128 PMCID: PMC9955696 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiomics is a promising research field that combines big data analysis (from tissue texture analysis) with clinical questions. We studied the application of CT texture analysis in adrenal pheochromocytomas (PCCs) to define the correlation between the extracted features and the secretory pattern, the histopathological data, and the natural history of the disease. A total of 17 patients affected by surgically removed PCCs were retrospectively enrolled. Before surgery, all patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT and complete endocrine evaluation (catecholamine secretion and genetic evaluation). The pheochromocytoma adrenal gland scaled score (PASS) was determined upon histopathological examination. After a resampling of all CT images, the PCCs were delineated using LifeX software in all three phases (unenhanced, arterial, and venous), and 58 texture parameters were extracted for each volume of interest. Using the Mann-Whitney test, the correlations between the hormonal hypersecretion, the malignancy score of the lesion (PASS > 4), and texture parameters were studied. The parameters DISCRETIZED_HUpeak and GLZLM_GLNU in the unenhanced phase and GLZLM_SZE, CONVENTIONAL_HUmean, CONVENTIONAL_HUQ3, DISCRETIZED_HUmean, DISCRETIZED_AUC_CSH, GLRLM_HGRE, and GLZLM_SZHGE in the venous phase were able to differentiate secreting PCCs (p < 0.01), and the parameters GLZLM_GLNU in the unenhanced phase and GLRLM_GLNU and GLRLM_RLNU in the venous differentiated tumors with low and high PASS. CT texture analysis of adrenal PCCs can be a useful tool for the early identification of secreting or malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Crimì
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Agostini
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Toniolo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Torresan
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Campi
- Department of Mathematics (DIMA), University of Genova, Via Dodecaneso 33, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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5
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Carsote M. The Entity of Connshing Syndrome: Primary Aldosteronism with Autonomous Cortisol Secretion. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112772. [PMID: 36428832 PMCID: PMC9689802 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Connshing syndrome (CoSh) (adrenal-related synchronous aldosterone (A) and cortisol (C) excess) represents a distinct entity among PA (primary hyperaldosteronisms) named by W. Arlt et al. in 2017, but the condition has been studied for more than 4 decades. Within the last few years, this is one of the most dynamic topics in hormonally active adrenal lesions due to massive advances in steroids metabolomics, molecular genetics from CYP11B1/B2 immunostaining to genes constellations, as well as newly designated pathological categories according to the 2022 WHO classification. In gross, PA causes 4-10% of all high blood pressure (HBP) cases, and 20% of resistant HBP; subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) is identified in one-third of adrenal incidentalomas (AI), while CoSh accounts for 20-30% to 77% of PA subjects, depending on the tests used to confirm autonomous C secretion (ACS). The clinical picture overlaps with PA, hypercortisolemia being mild. ACS is suspected in PA if a more severe glucose and cardiovascular profile is identified, or there are larger tumours, ACS being an independent factor risk for kidney damage, and probably also for depression/anxiety and osteoporotic fractures. It seems that one-third of the PA-ACS group harbours mutations of C-related lines like PRKACA and GNAS. A novel approach means we should perform CYP11B2/CYP11B1 immunostaining; sometimes negative aldosteronoma for CYP11B1 is surrounded by micronodules or cell clusters with positive CYP11B1 to sustain the C excess. Pitfalls of hormonal assessments in CoSh include the index of suspicion (check for ACS in PA patients) and the interpretation of A/C ratio during adrenal venous sample. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice. Post-operative clinical remission rate is lower in CoSh than PA. The risk of clinically manifested adrenal insufficiency is low, but a synthetic ACTH stimulating testing might help to avoid unnecessary exposure to glucocorticoids therapy. Finally, postponing the choice of surgery may impair the outcome, having noted that long-term therapy with mineralocorticoids receptors antagonists might not act against excessive amounts of C. Awareness of CoSh improves management and overall prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
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Wang TS, Solórzano CC. Importance of a Multidisciplinary and Comprehensive Approach to Management of Adrenal Tumors. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:877-878. [PMID: 35976661 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.3549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy S Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Carmen C Solórzano
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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7
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Tizianel I, Caccese M, Torresan F, Lombardi G, Evangelista L, Crimì F, Sepulcri M, Iacobone M, Padovan M, Galuppini F, Zagonel V, Scaroni C, Ceccato F. The Overall Survival and Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Advanced Adrenocortical Cancer Is Increased after the Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163904. [PMID: 36010898 PMCID: PMC9406070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the role of adrenal multidisciplinary team evaluation (MTE) in affecting the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We included in a retrospective monocentric study 47 patients with ACC. We divided our cohort into group 1 (without adrenal-MTE discussion, ACC diagnosis from 2004 to 2012, n = 14) and group 2 (diagnosis and beginning of treatments after 2013, all discussed in the adrenal MTE, n = 33). OS was defined by the survival between the first and the last visit, while PFS as the time from the first visit to the progression of the disease. Kaplan−Meier curves were used to compare OS and PFS between Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1stages III−IV (n = 10) presented a shorter median OS than Group 2stages III−IV (25 patients, 4 vs. 31 months, p = 0.023). Likewise, the median PFS was lower in Group 1 as compared to Group 2 (2.9 vs. 17.2 months, p < 0.001). The gain in PFS (6 months) was also confirmed in stage III-IV patients (2.9 vs. 8.7 months, respectively, for Group 1 and Group 2, p = 0.02). Group 1 presented a median PFS of 4 months, while the median PFS of Group 2 was 14.7 months (p = 0.128). In conclusion, we found a significant gain in terms of survival in patients after the MTE discussion in 2013. Therefore, ACC patients should be referred to a tertiary center, ideally from the time of diagnosis, to promptly apply all available treatments, according to the single patient’s clinical history and based on multidisciplinary management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Torresan
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Evangelista
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Crimì
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Sepulcri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Padovan
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Pathology Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Hadjikyriacou E, Egan R. Adrenal incidentalomas. Br J Surg 2022; 109:647-649. [PMID: 35639611 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Egan
- Department of General Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Swansea, UK.,Swansea University, Singleton Park, Sketty, Swansea, UK
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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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10
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Crimì F, Barbiero G, Tizianel I, Evangelista L, Ceccato F. An incidental finding behind adrenal incidentaloma. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep 2022; 2022:22-0255. [PMID: 35642689 PMCID: PMC9175613 DOI: 10.1530/edm-22-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary A 61-year-old man went to the Emergency Department with left upper abdominal quadrant pain and low-grade fever, as well as a loss of weight (3 kg in 6 weeks). A solid-cystic lesion in the left adrenal lodge was discovered by abdominal ultrasonography. A slight increase in the serum amylase with normal lipase was observed, but there were no signs or symptoms of pancreatitis. A contrast-enhanced CT revealed a tumor that was suspected of adrenocortical cancer. Therefore, he was referred to the endocrine unit. The hormonal evaluation revealed no signs of excessive or inadequate adrenal secretion. To characterize the mass, an MRI was performed; the lesion showed an inhomogeneous fluid collection with peripheral wall contrast-enhancement, as well as a minor 18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake at PET/CT images. The risk of primary adrenal cancer was minimal after the multidisciplinary discussion. An acute necrotic collection after focal pancreatitis was suspected, according to the characteristics of imaging. Both CT-guided drainage of the necrotic accumulation and laboratory analysis of the aspirated fluid confirmed the diagnosis. Learning points Different types of expansive processes can mimic adrenal incidentalomas. Necrotic collection after acute focal pancreatitis could be misdiagnosed as an adrenal mass, since its CT characteristics could be equivocal. MRI has stronger capacities than CT in differentiating complex lesions of the adrenal lodge. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental in the management of patients with a newly discovered adrenal incidentaloma and equivocal/suspicious imaging features (low lipid content and size >4 cm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Crimì
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Evangelista
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Araujo-Castro M, García Centeno R, Robles Lázaro C, Parra Ramírez P, Gracia Gimeno P, Rojas-Marcos PM, Fernández-Ladreda MT, Percovich Hualpa JC, Sampedro Núñez M, López-García MC, Lamas C, Álvarez Escolá C, Calatayud Gutiérrez M, Blanco Carrera C, de Miguel Novoa P, Valdés Gallego N, Hanzu F, Marazuela M, Mora Porta M, Mínguez Ojeda C, García Gómez Muriel I, Escobar-Morreale HF, Valderrabano P. Predictive model of pheochromocytoma based on the imaging features of the adrenal tumours. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2671. [PMID: 35177692 PMCID: PMC8854552 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06655-0] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to develop a predictive model to rule out pheochromocytoma among adrenal tumours, based on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. We performed a retrospective multicentre study of 1131 patients presenting with adrenal lesions including 163 subjects with histological confirmation of pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and 968 patients showing no clinical suspicion of pheochromocytoma in whom plasma and/or urinary metanephrines and/or catecholamines were within reference ranges (non-PHEO). We found that tumour size was significantly larger in PHEO than non-PHEO lesions (44.3 ± 33.2 versus 20.6 ± 9.2 mm respectively; P < 0.001). Mean unenhanced CT attenuation was higher in PHEO (52.4 ± 43.1 versus 4.7 ± 17.9HU; P < 0.001). High lipid content in CT was more frequent among non-PHEO (83.6% versus 3.8% respectively; P < 0.001); and this feature alone had 83.6% sensitivity and 96.2% specificity to rule out pheochromocytoma with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.899. The combination of high lipid content and tumour size improved the diagnostic accuracy (AUC-ROC 0.961, sensitivity 88.1% and specificity 92.3%). The probability of having a pheochromocytoma was 0.1% for adrenal lesions smaller than 20 mm showing high lipid content in CT. Ninety percent of non-PHEO presented loss of signal in the “out of phase” MRI sequence compared to 39.0% of PHEO (P < 0.001), but the specificity of this feature for the diagnosis of non-PHEO lesions low. In conclusion, our study suggests that sparing biochemical screening for pheochromocytoma might be reasonable in patients with adrenal lesions smaller than 20 mm showing high lipid content in the CT scan, if there are no typical signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rogelio García Centeno
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Robles Lázaro
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Virgen de La Concha, Zamora, Spain
| | - Paola Parra Ramírez
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Gracia Gimeno
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Rollo Villanova, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Miguel Sampedro Núñez
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Carmen López-García
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Cristina Lamas
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Paz de Miguel Novoa
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Valdés Gallego
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Asturias, Spain
| | - Felicia Hanzu
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora Porta
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Héctor F Escobar-Morreale
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Crimì F, Quaia E, Cabrelle G, Zanon C, Pepe A, Regazzo D, Tizianel I, Scaroni C, Ceccato F. Diagnostic Accuracy of CT Texture Analysis in Adrenal Masses: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020637. [PMID: 35054823 PMCID: PMC8776161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are incidentally discovered adrenal neoplasms. Overt endocrine secretion (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and catecholamines) and malignancy (primary or metastatic disease) are assessed at baseline evaluation. Size, lipid content, and washout characterise benign AIs (respectively, <4 cm, <10 Hounsfield unit, and rapid release); nonetheless, 30% of adrenal lesions are not correctly indicated. Recently, image-based texture analysis from computed tomography (CT) may be useful to assess the behaviour of indeterminate adrenal lesions. We performed a systematic review to provide the state-of-the-art of texture analysis in patients with AI. We considered 9 papers (from 70 selected), with a median of 125 patients (range 20–356). Histological confirmation was the most used criteria to differentiate benign from the malignant adrenal mass. Unenhanced or contrast-enhanced data were available in all papers; TexRAD and PyRadiomics were the most used software. Four papers analysed the whole volume, and five considered a region of interest. Different texture features were reported, considering first- and second-order statistics. The pooled median area under the ROC curve in all studies was 0.85, depicting a high diagnostic accuracy, up to 93% in differentiating adrenal adenoma from adrenocortical carcinomas. Despite heterogeneous methodology, texture analysis is a promising diagnostic tool in the first assessment of patients with adrenal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Crimì
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulio Cabrelle
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Zanon
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessia Pepe
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Daniela Regazzo
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.C.); (E.Q.); (G.C.); (C.Z.); (A.P.); (D.R.); (I.T.); (C.S.)
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-8211323; Fax: +39-049-657391
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13
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Ceccato F, Tizianel I, Voltan G, Maggetto G, Merante Boschin I, Quaia E, Crimì F, Scaroni C. Attenuation Value in Adrenal Incidentalomas: A Longitudinal Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:794197. [PMID: 34925247 PMCID: PMC8678594 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.794197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context A tendency to grow has been reported in adrenal incidentalomas. However, long-term data regarding attenuation value, a measure of lipid content, are not available. Aim This study aims to collect radiological data (diameter in mm and attenuation value in Hounsfield units, HU) with computed tomography (CT) in adrenal incidentalomas, in order to compare baseline characteristics with the last follow-up imaging. Design This is a longitudinal study which included patients with a new diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma, evaluated from January 2002 to June 2020. Setting Referral University-Hospital center. Patients Two hundred seventy-seven patients with 355 different cortical adenomas (baseline group) were evaluated at the first outpatient visit; the follow-up cohort consists of 181 patients with 234 adenomas (12-175 months after baseline). Inclusion criteria were conservative management and radiological features able to minimize malignancy or risk of progression. Main Outcome Measure CT modification according to endocrine function: autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) if cortisol >50 nmol/L after 1-mg dexamethasone test (DST). Results At baseline CT, mean diameter was 18.7 mm and attenuation value was 0.8 HU (higher in ACS, 66 cases >10 HU), without modification in early imaging (12-36 months). The size increased over time (r = 0.289), achieving the largest differences after at least 60 months of follow-up (mean diameter, +2 mm; attenuation value, -4 HU), combined with a reduction in the attenuation value (r = -0.195, especially in patients with ACS). Lipid-poor adenomas (>10 HU) presented a reduced cortisol suppression after 1-mg DST, an increase in size and the largest decrease in attenuation value during follow-up. Univariate analysis confirmed that larger adenomas presented reduced suppression after DST and increase in size during follow-up. Conclusions Growth is clinically modest in adrenal incidentaloma: the first follow-up CT 5 years after baseline is a reasonable choice, especially in ACS. Mean density is increased in patients with ACS and overt hypercortisolism. Mean density reduces during follow-up in all adrenal adenomas, suggesting an increase in lipid content, especially in those with ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience (DNS), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomo Voltan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Merante Boschin
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Emilio Quaia
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Crimì
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Radiology, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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14
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Cheng Y, Kou W, Zhu D, Yu X, Zhu Y. Future Directions in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Disease Monitoring of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Novel Non-Invasive Biomarkers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:811293. [PMID: 35178030 PMCID: PMC8844185 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.811293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with frequent metastatic spread and poor prognosis. The disease can occur at any age with unexpected biological behavior. Recent genome-wide studies of ACC have contributed to our understanding of the disease, but diagnosis of ACC remains a challenge, even for multidisciplinary expert teams. Patients with ACC are frequently diagnosed in advanced stages and have limited therapeutic options. Therefore, for earlier diagnosis and better clinical management of adrenocortical carcinoma, specific, sensitive, and minimal invasive markers are urgently needed. Over several decades, great efforts have been made in discovering novel and reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers including microRNAs, steroid profilings, circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNAs and radiomics. In this review, we will summarize these novel noninvasive biomarkers and analyze their values for diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and disease monitoring. Current problems and possible future application of these non-invasive biomarkers will also be discussed.
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