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Detomas M, Deutschbein T, Altieri B. Medical Therapy of Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome with Steroidogenesis Inhibitors: Treatment Rationale, Available Drugs, and Therapeutic Effects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38688315 DOI: 10.1055/a-2317-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disease characterized by a glucocorticoid excess. If inadequately treated, hypercortisolism can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Surgical removal of the underlying tumor is the first-line treatment but is sometimes not feasible or even contraindicated. Additionally, in cases with severe CS, rapid control of hypercortisolism may be required. In these scenarios, steroidogenesis inhibitors represent a therapeutic alternative to surgery. Over the last years, the knowledge of the broad therapeutic effects of steroidogenesis inhibitors per se and the number of available drugs have increased. However, large comparative studies are still lacking. Accordingly, the decision on which drug to be used in a certain patient or clinical setting may be difficult. This review aims to summarize the main characteristics of steroidogenesis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Alkwatli K, Kodali A, Pantalone KM. Low Rates of Screening for Hypercortisolism Among Patients With Severe Insulin Resistance Requiring U-500 Insulin. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:479-480. [PMID: 38354951 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenda Alkwatli
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Alimitha Kodali
- Department of Endocrinology, Carolina Health Specialties, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
| | - Kevin M Pantalone
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Gómez-Gutiérrez MA, Huertas-Cañas JM, Bedoya-Ossa A. From Knee Pain Consultation to Pituitary Surgery: The Challenge of Cushing Disease Diagnosis. JCEM CASE REPORTS 2024; 2:luae048. [PMID: 38601065 PMCID: PMC11005830 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luae048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cushing syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrinological disorder resulting from chronic exposure to excessive cortisol. The term Cushing disease is used specifically when this is caused by excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by a pituitary tumor, usually an adenoma. This disease is associated with a poor prognosis, and if left untreated, it has an estimated 5-year survival rate of 50%. We present the case of a 66-year-old female patient who received a referral to endocrinology for an evaluation of obesity due to right knee arthropathy. Taking into consideration her age, she was screened for osteoporosis, with results that showed diminished bone density. Considering this, combined with other clinical features of the patient, suspicion turned toward hypercortisolism. Laboratory findings suggested that the CS was ACTH-dependent and originated in the pituitary gland. After a second look at the magnetic resonance imaging results, a 4-mm lesion was identified on the pituitary gland, prompting a transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrés Bedoya-Ossa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, 110231, Colombia
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Mu D, Fang J, Yu S, Ma Y, Cheng J, Hu Y, Song A, Zhao F, Zhang Q, Qi Z, Zhang K, Xia L, Qiu L, Zhu H, Cheng X. Comparison of Direct and Extraction Immunoassay Methods With Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Measurement of Urinary Free Cortisol for the Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome. Ann Lab Med 2024; 44:29-37. [PMID: 37665283 PMCID: PMC10485861 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2024.44.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurement is the initial diagnostic test for Cushing's syndrome (CS). We compared UFC determination by both direct and extraction immunoassays using Abbott Architect, Siemens Atellica Solution, and Beckman DxI800 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, we evaluated the value of 24-hr UFC measured by six methods for diagnosing CS. Methods Residual 24-hr urine samples of 94 CS and 246 non-CS patients were collected. A laboratory-developed LC-MS/MS method was used as reference. UFC was measured by direct assays (D) using Abbott, Siemens, and Beckman platforms and by extraction assays (E) using Siemens and Beckman platforms. Method was compared using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot analyses. Cut-off values for the six assays and corresponding sensitivities and specificities were calculated by ROC analysis. Results Abbott-D, Beckman-E, Siemens-E, and Siemens-D showed strong correlations with LC-MS/MS (Spearman coefficient r=0.965, 0.922, 0.922, and 0.897, respectively), while Beckman-D showed weaker correlation (r=0.755). All immunoassays showed proportionally positive bias. The areas under the curve were 0.975 for Abbott-D, 0.972 for LC-MS/MS, 0.966 for Siemens-E, 0.948 for Siemens-D, 0.955 for Beckman-E, and 0.877 for Beckman-D. The cut-off values varied significantly (154.8-1,321.5 nmol/24 hrs). Assay sensitivity and specificity ranged from 76.1% to 93.2% and from 93.0% to 97.1%, respectively. Conclusions Commercially available immunoassays for measuring UFC show different levels of analytical consistency compared to LC-MS/MS. Abbott-D, Siemens-E, and Beckman-E have high diagnostic accuracy for CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jiadan Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Songlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yichen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ailing Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Qi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyu Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xinqi Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
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Castinetti F. Pharmacological Treatment of Cushing's Syndrome. Arch Med Res 2023; 54:102908. [PMID: 37977919 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.102908] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The 1st line treatment of Cushing's syndrome is surgery, whatever the aetiology. The role of pharmacological treatment is clear in cases where surgery fails or is impossible, in cases of metastases, or while awaiting the delayed effects of radiotherapy. However, certain situations remain controversial, in particular the possible role of pharmacological treatment as a preparation for surgery. This situation must be divided into 2 parts, severe hypercortisolism with immediate vital risk and non-severe hypercortisolism with diagnostic delay. The initiation and adjustment of treatment doses is also controversial, with the possibility of titration by gradual dose increase based on biological markers, or a more radical "block and replace" approach in which the ultimate goal is to achieve hypocortisolism, which can then be supplemented. Each of these approaches has its advantages and drawbacks and should probably be reserved for different patient profiles depending on the severity of hypercortisolism. In this review, we will focus specifically on these 2 points, namely the potential role of preoperative pharmacological treatment and, more generally, the optimal way to initiate and monitor drug treatment to ensure that eucortisolism or hypocortisolism is achieved. We will define for each part which profiles of patients should be the most adapted to try to give advice on the optimal management of patients with hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Castinetti
- Aix Marseille Univ, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Marseille Medical Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Biology Hospital La Conception, Marseille, France; Department of Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France.
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Mondin A, Ceccato F, Voltan G, Mazzeo P, Manara R, Denaro L, Scaroni C, Barbot M. Complications and mortality of Cushing's disease: report on data collected over a 20-year period at a referral centre. Pituitary 2023; 26:551-560. [PMID: 37495935 PMCID: PMC10539191 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01343-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cushing's disease (CD) is rare condition burdened by several systemic complications correlated to higher mortality rates. The primary goal of clinicians is to achieve remission, but it is unclear if treatment can also increase life expectancy. AIM To assess the prevalence of cortisol-related complications and mortality in a large cohort of CD patients attending a single referral centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical charts of CD patients attending a referral hospital between 2001 and 2021 were reviewed. RESULTS 126 CD patients (median age at diagnosis 39 years) were included. At the last examination, 78/126 (61.9%) of the patients were in remission regardless of previous treatment strategies. Patients in remission showed a significant improvement in all the cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities (p < 0.05). The CV events were more frequent in older patients (p = 0.003), smokers and persistent CD groups (p < 0.05). Most of the thromboembolic (TE) and infective events occurred during active stages of the disease. The CV events were the most frequent cause of death. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) resulted increased in persistent cases at the last follow-up (SMR 4.99, 95%CI [2.15; 9.83], p < 0.001) whilst it was not higher in those in remission (SMR 1.66, 95%CI [0.34; 4.85], p = 0.543) regardless of the timing or number of treatments carried out. A younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.005), a microadenoma (p = 0.002), and remission status at the last follow-up (p = 0.027) all increased survival. Furthermore, an elevated number of comorbidities, in particular arterial hypertension, increased mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS Patients with active CD presented a poor survival outcome. Remission restored the patients' life expectancy regardless of the timing or the types of treatments used to achieve it. Persistent CD-related comorbidities remained major risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mondin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Voltan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mazzeo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Renzo Manara
- Neuroradiology Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Denaro
- Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Fleseriu M, Varlamov EV, Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Langlois F, Melmed S. An individualized approach to the management of Cushing disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:581-599. [PMID: 37537306 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Cushing disease caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary corticotroph adenoma leads to hypercortisolaemia with high mortality due to metabolic, cardiovascular, immunological, neurocognitive, haematological and infectious conditions. The disorder is challenging to diagnose because of its common and heterogenous presenting features and the biochemical pitfalls of testing levels of hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Several late-night salivary cortisol and 24-h urinary free cortisol tests are usually required as well as serum levels of cortisol after a dexamethasone suppression test. MRI might only identify an adenoma in 60-75% of patients and many adenomas are small. Therefore, inferior petrosal sinus sampling remains the gold standard for confirmation of ACTH secretion from a pituitary source. Initial treatment is usually transsphenoidal adenoma resection, but preoperative medical therapy is increasingly being used in some countries and regions. Other management approaches are required if Cushing disease persists or recurs following surgery, including medications to modulate ACTH or block cortisol secretion or actions, pituitary radiation, and/or bilateral adrenalectomy. All patients require lifelong surveillance for persistent comorbidities, clinical and biochemical recurrence, and treatment-related adverse effects (including development of treatment-associated hypopituitarism). In this Review, we discuss challenges in the management of Cushing disease in adults and provide information to guide clinicians when planning an integrated and individualized approach for each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Elena V Varlamov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jose M Hinojosa-Amaya
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González", Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Fabienne Langlois
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shlomo Melmed
- Department of Medicine and Pituitary Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mohammedi K, Bertherat J, Raverot G, Drui D, Reznik Y, Castinetti F, Chanson P, Fafin M, Brossaud J, Tabarin A. Evidence of Persistent Mild Hypercortisolism in Patients Medically Treated for Cushing Disease: the Haircush Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e963-e970. [PMID: 37144820 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cortisol-lowering drugs may not restore a normal cortisol secretion in Cushing disease (CD). OBJECTIVE This work aimed to assess the long-term cortisol exposure in medically treated CD patients using hair-cortisol (HF) and hair-cortisone (HE) measurement. METHODS This multicenter prospective study included 3 groups of female patients: CushMed = 16 treated with a stable cortisol-lowering drug dosage and normal urinary free cortisol (UFC); CushSurg = 13 cured by pituitary surgery; CushBla = 15 receiving stable recommended doses of hydrocortisone following bilateral adrenalectomy. Patients were evaluated for 3 months with their usual treatments. Two late-night saliva and 24-hour urine samples were collected monthly in CushMed, and at study end in CushSurg and CushBla patients. A 3-cm hair sample was collected at study end from all patients. Main outcome measures included clinical score and centralized measurement of UFC, late-night salivary cortisol (LNSF), late-night salivary cortisone (LNSE), HE, HF. RESULTS Despite having almost all UFCs normalized, CushMed patients exhibited increased HE as compared to CushSurg controls (P = .003). CushMed patients also had increased clinical score (P = .001), UFC (P = .03), LNSF, LNSE (P = .0001), and variability in the latter parameters (P = .004). CushBla patients had increased HF and HE, contrasting with LNSEs similar to CushSurg patients. Six of 15 CushMed patients exhibited increased HE concentrations and had increased antihypertensive drug dosage compared to CushMed patients with normal HE (P = .05). CONCLUSION Despite normalized UFCs, a subset of medically treated CD patients displays an altered circadian rhythm of serum cortisol. A single HE measurement identifies chronic mild persistent hypercortisolism and could replace multiple saliva analyzes to monitor medical treatments in CD patients once UFC is normalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Mohammedi
- Department of Endocrinology, French Reference Center for Adrenal Cancer, EURACAN European Expert Center on Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors, Hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU and University of Bordeaux, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Jerome Bertherat
- Department of Endocrinology, French Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, Hôpital Cochin, Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Department of Endocrinology, French Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, Hospices Civils de Lyon and Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, F-69001, Lyon, France
| | - Delphine Drui
- Department of Endocrinology and Institut du thorax, CHU de Nantes, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Yves Reznik
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Côte de Nacre, F-14033 Caen, France
| | - Frederic Castinetti
- Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, French Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases, EURACAN European Expert Center on Rare Pituitary Tumors, La Conception Hospital, Aix Marseille University, F-13385, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Department of Endocrinology, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, CHU Bicêtre, F-94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Manon Fafin
- Department of Endocrinology, French Reference Center for Adrenal Cancer, EURACAN European Expert Center on Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors, Hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU and University of Bordeaux, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Julie Brossaud
- Laboratory of Hormonology and Tumor Markers, Nutrition and Integrated Neurobiology Laboratory, UMR 1286, CHU de Bordeaux, F-33300, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Department of Endocrinology, French Reference Center for Adrenal Cancer, EURACAN European Expert Center on Rare Neuroendocrine Tumors, Hôpital Haut-Lévèque, CHU and University of Bordeaux, F-33604 Pessac, France
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Wright K, van Rossum EFC, Zan E, Werner N, Harris A, Feelders RA, Agrawal N. Emerging diagnostic methods and imaging modalities in cushing's syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1230447. [PMID: 37560300 PMCID: PMC10407789 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1230447] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disease characterized by prolonged glucocorticoid excess. Timely diagnosis is critical to allow prompt treatment and limit long-term disease morbidity and risk for mortality. Traditional biochemical diagnostic modalities each have limitations and sensitivities and specificities that vary significantly with diagnostic cutoff values. Biochemical evaluation is particularly complex in patients whose hypercortisolemia fluctuates daily, often requiring repetition of tests to confirm or exclude disease, and when delineating CS from physiologic, nonneoplastic states of hypercortisolism. Lastly, traditional pituitary MRI may be negative in up to 60% of patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas (termed "Cushing's disease" [CD]) whereas false positive pituitary MRI findings may exist in patients with ectopic ACTH secretion. Thus, differentiating CD from ectopic ACTH secretion may necessitate dynamic testing or even invasive procedures such as bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Newer methods may relieve some of the diagnostic uncertainty in CS, providing a more definitive diagnosis prior to subjecting patients to additional imaging or invasive procedures. For example, a novel method of cortisol measurement in patients with CS is scalp hair analysis, a non-invasive method yielding cortisol and cortisone values representing long-term glucocorticoid exposure of the past months. Hair cortisol and cortisone have both shown to differentiate between CS patients and controls with a high sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, advances in imaging techniques may enhance detection of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. While conventional pituitary MRI may fail to identify microadenomas in patients with CD, high-resolution 3T-MRI with 3D-spoiled gradient-echo sequence has thinner sections and superior soft-tissue contrast that can detect adenomas as small as 2 mm. Similarly, functional imaging may improve the identification of ACTH-secreting adenomas noninvasively; Gallium-68-tagged corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) combined with PET-CT can be used to detect CRH receptors, which are upregulated on corticotroph adenomas. This technique can delineate functionality of adenomas in patients with CD from patients with ectopic ACTH secretion and false positive pituitary lesions on MRI. Here, we review emerging methods and imaging modalities for the diagnosis of CS, discussing their diagnostic accuracy, strengths and limitations, and applicability to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla Wright
- New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elisabeth F. C. van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical College (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elcin Zan
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicole Werner
- New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alan Harris
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard A. Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical College (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nidhi Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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10
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Nowak E, Vogel F, Albani A, Braun L, Rubinstein G, Zopp S, Ritzel K, Beuschlein F, Theodoropoulou M, Reincke M. Diagnostic challenges in cyclic Cushing's syndrome: a systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023:S2213-8587(23)00150-X. [PMID: 37429301 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic Cushing's syndrome is a subentity of Cushing's syndrome in which phases of biochemical hypercortisolism (peaks) are followed by spontaneous periods of physiological or even hypocortisolaemic cortisol secretion (troughs). To identify common features of cyclic Cushing's syndrome, we systematically reviewed single case reports and case series in MEDLINE from database inception to Oct 10, 2022, and identified 707 articles, of which 149 articles were assessed for eligibility and 118 articles (covering 212 cases) were included in the analysis. Pituitary tumours accounted for 67% of cases of cyclic Cushing's syndrome (n=143), ectopic tumours for 17% (n=36), and adrenal tumours for 11% (n=23). Occult tumours accounted for 2% of cases (n=4), and 3% of cases were unclassified (n=6). We compared the clinical symptoms and comorbidities of patients with cyclic Cushing's syndrome with those of patients with non-cyclic Cushing's syndrome and observed no major difference. In adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent cyclic Cushing's syndrome, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling had a positive (ie, true pituitary) and negative (ie, true ectopic) predictive value of 100% when performed during periods of hypercortisolism, versus a positive predictive value of 73% and a negative predictive value of 86% when performed, irrespective of cortisolaemic status. Overall, 6% of patients (n=12) with cyclic Cushing's syndrome had unnecessary surgery due to misclassification. Remission rates were significantly lower and the time to remission significantly longer in patients with cyclic Cushing's syndrome compared with patients with non-cyclic Cushing's syndrome (p<0·001). Variations in biochemical test results due to unpredictable cycle duration and frequency might cause diagnostic challenges resulting in misdiagnoses and missed diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Nowak
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Frederick Vogel
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Adriana Albani
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leah Braun
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - German Rubinstein
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritzel
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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11
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van Houten P, Peng C, Jaeger M, van Herwaarden AE, Netea MG, van de Ven AC, Netea‐Maier RT. Concomitant systemic inflammation and cellular immunosuppression in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1314. [PMID: 37448214 PMCID: PMC10345458 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn van Houten
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Chunying Peng
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Martin Jaeger
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious DiseasesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Annenienke C. van de Ven
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Romana T. Netea‐Maier
- Department of Internal MedicineDivision of EndocrinologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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12
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Flowers KC, Shipman KE. Pitfalls in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypercortisolism (Cushing Syndrome) in Humans; A Review of the Laboratory Medicine Perspective. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081415. [PMID: 37189516 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081415] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biochemical confirmation of a diagnosis of hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) is vital to direct further investigations, especially given the overlap with non-autonomous conditions, such as pseudo-Cushing, and the morbidity associated with missed diagnoses. A limited narrative review was performed focusing on the laboratory perspective of the pitfalls of making a biochemical diagnosis of hypercortisolism in those presenting with presumed Cushing syndrome. Although analytically less specific, immunoassays remain cheap, quick, and reliable in most situations. Understanding cortisol metabolism can help with patient preparation, specimen selection (e.g., consideration of urine or saliva for those with possible elevations of cortisol binding globulin concentration), and method selection (e.g., mass spectrometry if there is a high risk of abnormal metabolites). Although more specific methods may be less sensitive, this can be managed. The reduction in cost and increasing ease of use makes techniques such as urine steroid profiles and salivary cortisone of interest in future pathway development. In conclusion, the limitations of current assays, particularly if well understood, do not impede diagnosis in most cases. However, in complex or borderline cases, there are other techniques to consider to aid in the confirmation of hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kade C Flowers
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK
| | - Kate E Shipman
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer Campus, Brighton BN1 9PX, UK
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13
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Varricchio L, Geer EB, Martelli F, Mazzarini M, Funnell A, Bieker JJ, Papayannopoulou T, Migliaccio AR. Patients with hypercortisolemic Cushing disease possess a distinct class of hematopoietic progenitor cells leading to erythrocytosis. Haematologica 2023; 108:1053-1067. [PMID: 35861015 PMCID: PMC10071118 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2021.280542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although human cell cultures stimulated with dexamethasone suggest that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activates stress erythropoiesis, the effects of GR activation on erythropoiesis in vivo remain poorly understood. We characterized the phenotype of a large cohort of patients with Cushing disease, a rare condition associated with elevated cortisol levels. Results from hypercortisolemic patients with active Cushing disease were compared with those obtained from eucortisolemic patients after remission and from volunteers without the disease. Patients with active Cushing disease exhibited erythrocytosis associated with normal hemoglobin F levels. In addition, their blood contained elevated numbers of GR-induced CD163+ monocytes and a unique class of CD34+ cells expressing CD110, CD36, CD133 and the GR-target gene CXCR4. When cultured, these CD34+ cells generated similarly large numbers of immature erythroid cells in the presence and absence of dexamethasone, with raised expression of the GR-target gene GILZ. Of interest, blood from patients with Cushing disease in remission maintained high numbers of CD163+ monocytes and, although their CD34+ cells had a normal phenotype, these cells were unresponsive to added dexamethasone. Collectively, these results indicate that chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids in vivo leads to erythrocytosis by generating erythroid progenitor cells with a constitutively active GR. Although remission rescues the erythrocytosis and the phenotype of the circulating CD34+ cells, a memory of other prior changes is maintained in remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Varricchio
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Departments of Medicine and Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Fabrizio Martelli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome
| | - Maria Mazzarini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotorial Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy; Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, WA
| | | | - James J Bieker
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Anna Rita Migliaccio
- Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Integrated Biomedical Research, Campus Bio-medico, Rome.
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14
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Vega-Beyhart A, Araujo-Castro M, Hanzu FA, Casals G. Cortisol: Analytical and clinical determinants. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:235-271. [PMID: 36858647 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol, the main human glucocorticoid, is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex and predominantly metabolized by the liver. Interpretation of quantitative results from the analysis of serum, urine and saliva is complicated by variation in circadian rhythm, response to stress as well as the presence of protein-bound and free forms. Interestingly, cortisol is the only hormone routinely measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Preanalytical and analytical challenges arise in each matrix and are further compounded by the use of various stimulation and suppression tests commonly employed in clinical practice. Although not yet included in clinical guidelines, measurement of cortisol in hair may be of interest in specific situations. Immunoassays are the most widely used methods in clinical laboratories to measure cortisol, but they are susceptible to interference from synthetic and endogenous steroids, generally producing a variable overestimation of true cortisol results, especially in urine. Analysis by mass spectrometry provides higher specificity and allows simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids including synthetic steroids, thus reducing diagnostic uncertainty. An integrated review of cortisol in various disease states is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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15
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Liu NA, Ben-Shlomo A, Carmichael JD, Wang C, Swerdloff RS, Heaney AP, Barkhoudarian G, Kelly D, Noureddin M, Lu L, Desai M, Stolyarov Y, Yuen K, Mamelak AN, Mirocha J, Tighiouart M, Melmed S. Treatment of Cushing Disease With Pituitary-Targeting Seliciclib. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:726-735. [PMID: 36214832 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Preclinical studies show seliciclib (R-roscovitine) suppresses neoplastic corticotroph proliferation and pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) production. OBJECTIVE To evaluate seliciclib as an effective pituitary-targeting treatment for patients with Cushing disease (CD). METHODS Two prospective, open-label, phase 2 trials, conducted at a tertiary referral pituitary center, included adult patients with de novo, persistent, or recurrent CD who received oral seliciclib 400 mg twice daily for 4 consecutive days each week for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint in the proof-of-concept single-center study was normalization of 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC; ≤ 50 µg/24 hours) at study end; in the pilot multicenter study, primary endpoint was UFC normalization or ≥ 50% reduction in UFC from baseline to study end. RESULTS Sixteen patients were consented and 9 were treated. Mean UFC decreased by 42%, from 226.4 ± 140.3 µg/24 hours at baseline to 131.3 ± 114.3 µg/24 hours by study end. Longitudinal model showed significant UFC reductions from baseline to each treatment week. Three patients achieved ≥ 50% UFC reduction (range, 55%-75%), and 2 patients exhibited 48% reduction; none achieved UFC normalization. Plasma ACTH decreased by 19% (P = 0.01) in patients who achieved ≥ 48% UFC reduction. Three patients developed grade ≤ 2 elevated liver enzymes, anemia, and/or elevated creatinine, which resolved with dose interruption/reduction. Two patients developed grade 4 liver-related serious adverse events that resolved within 4 weeks of seliciclib discontinuation. CONCLUSION Seliciclib may directly target pituitary corticotrophs in CD and reverse hypercortisolism. Potential liver toxicity of seliciclib resolves with treatment withdrawal. The lowest effective dose requires further determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ai Liu
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Anat Ben-Shlomo
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - John D Carmichael
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
| | - Anthony P Heaney
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Garni Barkhoudarian
- Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Daniel Kelly
- Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Manish Desai
- Southern California Permanente Group-Antelope Valley, Lancaster, CA 93534, USA
| | | | - Kevin Yuen
- Barrow Pituitary Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine and Creighton School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Adam N Mamelak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - James Mirocha
- Biostatistics Core, Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mourad Tighiouart
- Biostatistics Core, Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Shlomo Melmed
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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16
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Ekladios C, Khoury J, Mehr S, Feghali K. Osilodrostat-induced adrenal insufficiency in a patient with Cushing's disease. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6607. [PMID: 36415717 PMCID: PMC9675382 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease is a rare condition caused by a benign pituitary tumor underlying adrenocorticotropic hormone excess. Medical treatment is implemented when surgical resection is not curative. We present a case of Cushing's disease with recurrence of macroadenoma who developed iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency in the setting of Osilodrostat treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shahzad Mehr
- Roger Williams Medical CenterProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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17
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Petersenn S. Overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test and 24 h urine free cortisol-accuracy and pitfalls when screening for Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary 2022; 25:693-697. [PMID: 35821308 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS) is often delayed due to variable clinical features and its rarity. Simple and accurate screening tests are required to enhance screening for hypercortisolism. Both overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CS. However, each test has its own distinctive features, making it preferable in specific clinical conditions. This review will discuss the pitfalls for each of those tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Petersenn
- ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Erik-Blumenfeld-Platz 27a, 22587, Hamburg, Germany.
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18
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Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, clotting disorders) and shortens life because of infections, pulmonary thromboembolism, and cardiovascular disease. Its clinical presentation is immensely variable, and diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. Thus, there are many opportunities for basic and clinical research leading to better tests, faster diagnosis, and optimized medical treatments. This review focuses on CS caused by excessive adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production. It describes current concepts of the regulation of ACTH synthesis and secretion by normal corticotropes and mechanisms by which dysregulation occurs in corticotrope (termed "Cushing's disease") and noncorticotrope (so-called ectopic) ACTH-producing tumors. ACTH causes adrenal gland synthesis and pulsatile release of cortisol; the excess ACTH in these forms of CS leads to the hypercortisolism of endogenous CS. Again, the differences between healthy individuals and those with CS are highlighted. The clinical presentations and their use in the interpretation of CS screening tests are described. The tests used for screening and differential diagnosis of CS are presented, along with their relationship to cortisol dynamics, pathophysiology, and negative glucocorticoid feedback regulation in the two forms of ACTH-dependent CS. Finally, several gaps in current understanding are highlighted in the hope of stimulating additional research into this challenging disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette K Nieman
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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19
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Balomenaki M, Margaritopoulos D, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S. Diagnostic workup of Cushing's syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13111. [PMID: 35979805 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare but detrimental endocrine disorder. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential since the duration of hypercortisolism has an adverse impact on the extent of comorbidities and overall survival. The diagnostic approach involves a stepwise process that includes (1) screening and confirming the diagnosis and (2) establishing the aetiology of CS. The tests currently used to confirm the diagnosis of CS include urinary free cortisol measurements, the dexamethasone suppression test and late- night salivary cortisol or midnight serum cortisol measurements. None of these tests are ideal; all have pitfalls and require careful interpretation. Following confirmation of CS, measurement of ACTH discriminates between ACTH-dependent and non-ACTH dependent causes of CS. Adrenal imaging provides clues for the aetiology of non-ACTH dependent forms. Differentiation between the ACTH-dependent forms that involve pituitary corticotroph adenomas and ectopic ACTH sources is more complex and include pituitary MRI imaging, the high dose dexamethasone suppression test, the CRH test, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling and, when required imaging modalities to detect ectopic ACTH secreting lesions. This review, which is part of a special issue on "Update of Cushing's syndrome: 100 years after Minnie G" will provide an update on our current diagnostic workup for the confirmation and differential diagnosis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Balomenaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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20
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Tabarin A, Assié G, Barat P, Bonnet F, Bonneville JF, Borson-Chazot F, Bouligand J, Boulin A, Brue T, Caron P, Castinetti F, Chabre O, Chanson P, Corcuff JB, Cortet C, Coutant R, Dohan A, Drui D, Espiard S, Gaye D, Grunenwald S, Guignat L, Hindie E, Illouz F, Kamenicky P, Lefebvre H, Linglart A, Martinerie L, North MO, Raffin-Samson ML, Raingeard I, Raverot G, Raverot V, Reznik Y, Taieb D, Vezzosi D, Young J, Bertherat J. Consensus statement by the French Society of Endocrinology (SFE) and French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology (SFEDP) on diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2022; 83:119-141. [PMID: 35192845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome is defined by prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids, leading to excess morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of this rare pathology is difficult due to the low specificity of the clinical signs, the variable severity of the clinical presentation, and the difficulties of interpretation associated with the diagnostic methods. The present consensus paper by 38 experts of the French Society of Endocrinology and the French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology aimed firstly to detail the circumstances suggesting diagnosis and the biologic diagnosis tools and their interpretation for positive diagnosis and for etiologic diagnosis according to ACTH-independent and -dependent mechanisms. Secondly, situations making diagnosis complex (pregnancy, intense hypercortisolism, fluctuating Cushing's syndrome, pediatric forms and genetically determined forms) were detailed. Lastly, methods of surveillance and diagnosis of recurrence were dealt with in the final section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Tabarin
- Service Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Université, Hôpital Haut-Leveque CHU de Bordeaux, 33604 Pessac, France.
| | - Guillaume Assié
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale (CRMRS), Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Barat
- Unité d'Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Gynécologie-Obésité Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fidéline Bonnet
- UF d'Hormonologie Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
| | | | - Françoise Borson-Chazot
- Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Louis-Pradel, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1290, Université Lyon1, 69002 Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Bouligand
- Faculté de Médecine Paris-Saclay, Unité Inserm UMRS1185 Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Paris, France
| | - Anne Boulin
- Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital Foch, 92151 Suresnes, France
| | - Thierry Brue
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INSERM) U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares HYPO, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Caron
- Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, Pôle Cardiovasculaire et Métabolique, CHU Larrey, 24, chemin de Pouvourville, TSA 30030, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Frédéric Castinetti
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INSERM) U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics, Marseille, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares HYPO, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Chabre
- Université Grenoble Alpes, UMR 1292 INSERM-CEA-UGA, Endocrinologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse HYPO, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jean Benoit Corcuff
- Laboratoire d'Hormonologie, Service de Médecine Nucléaire, CHU Bordeaux, Laboratoire NutriNeuro, UMR 1286 INRAE, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Cortet
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie, Métabolisme et Nutrition, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Régis Coutant
- Service d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, CHU Angers, Centre de Référence, Centre Constitutif des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Anthony Dohan
- Department of Radiology A, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Delphine Drui
- Service Endocrinologie-Diabétologie et Nutrition, l'institut du Thorax, CHU Nantes, 44092 Nantes cedex, France
| | - Stéphanie Espiard
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie, Métabolisme et Nutrition, INSERM U1190, Laboratoire de Recherche Translationnelle sur le Diabète, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Delphine Gaye
- Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Haut-Lêveque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33604 Pessac, France
| | - Solenge Grunenwald
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Larrey, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Guignat
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale (CRMRS), Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Elif Hindie
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire, CHU de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Illouz
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Thyroïde et des Récepteurs Hormonaux, Service Endocrinologie-Diabétologie-Nutrition, CHU Angers, 49933 Angers cedex 9, France
| | - Peter Kamenicky
- Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Maladies Métaboliques, CHU de Rouen, Rouen, France
| | - Agnès Linglart
- Paris-Saclay University, AP-HP, Endocrinology and Diabetes for Children, Reference Center for Rare Disorders of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism, Filière OSCAR, and Platform of Expertise for Rare Disorders, INSERM, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Bicêtre Paris-Saclay Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laetitia Martinerie
- Service d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, CHU Robert-Debré, AP-HP, Paris, France; Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie Odile North
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie Laure Raffin-Samson
- Service d'Endocrinologie Nutrition, Hôpital Ambroise-Paré, GHU Paris-Saclay, AP-HP Boulogne, EA4340, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Raingeard
- Maladies Endocriniennes, Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Hypophysaires, "Groupement Hospitalier Est", Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Véronique Raverot
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, LBMMS, Centre de Biologie Est, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 69677 Bron cedex, France
| | - Yves Reznik
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Côte-de-Nacre, 14033 Caen cedex, France; University of Caen Basse-Normandie, Medical School, 14032 Caen cedex, France
| | - David Taieb
- Aix-Marseille Université, CHU La Timone, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Delphine Vezzosi
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Larrey, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Young
- Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale (CRMRS), Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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21
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Vega-Beyhart A, Laguna-Moreno J, Díaz-Catalán D, Boswell L, Mora M, Halperin I, Casals G, Hanzu FA. Ketoconazole- and Metyrapone-Induced Reductions on Urinary Steroid Metabolites Alter the Urinary Free Cortisol Immunoassay Reliability in Cushing Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:833644. [PMID: 35282465 PMCID: PMC8905543 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.833644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Twenty-four-hour urinary free cortisol (24h-UFC) is the most used test for follow-up decision-making in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) under medical treatment. However, 24h-UFC determinations by immunoassays (IA) are commonly overestimated because of steroid metabolites' cross-reaction. It is still uncertain how ketoconazole (KTZ)- and metyrapone (MTP)-induced changes on the urinary steroid metabolites can alter the 24h-UFC*IA determinations' reliability. METHODS 24h-UFC was analyzed by IA and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in 193 samples (81 before treatment, 73 during KTZ, and 39 during MTP) from 34 CS patients. In addition, urinary steroidome was analyzed by GC-MS on each patient before and during treatment. RESULTS Before treatment, 24h-UFC*IA determinations were overestimated by a factor of 1.75 (95% CI 1.60-1.94) compared to those by GC-MS. However, during KTZ treatment, 24h-UFC*IA results were similar (0.98:1) to those by GC-MS (95% CI, 0.83-1.20). In patients taking MTP, IA bias only decreased 0.55, resulting in persistence of an overestimation factor of 1.33:1 (95% CI, 1.09-1.76). High method agreement between GC-MS and IA before treatment (R2 = 0.954) declined in patients under KTZ (R2 = 0.632) but not in MTP (R2 = 0.917). Upper limit normal (ULN) reductions in patients taking KTZ were 27% larger when using 24h-UFC*IA compared to 24h-UFC*GC-MS, which resulted in higher false efficacy and misleading biochemical classification of 15% of patients. Urinary excretion changes of 22 urinary steroid metabolites explained 86% of the 24h-UFC*IA interference. Larger urinary excretion reductions of 6β-hydroxy-cortisol, 20α-dihydrocortisol, and 18-hydroxy-cortisol in patients with KTZ elucidated the higher 24h-UFC*IA bias decrement compared to MTP-treated patients. CONCLUSION KTZ and MTP alter the urinary excretion of IA cross-reactive steroid metabolites, thus decreasing the cross-reactive interference of 24h-UFC*IA determinations present before treatment. Consequently, this interference reduction in 24h-UFC*IA leads to loss of method agreement with GC-MS and high risk of overestimating the biochemical impact of KTZ and MTP in controlling CS because of poor reliability of reference ranges and ULN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Daniela Díaz-Catalán
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Boswell
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Mora
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Halperin
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Biomedical Diagnostics Center, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felicia A. Hanzu
- Group of Endocrine Disorders, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Felicia A. Hanzu,
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Fleseriu M, Auchus R, Bancos I, Ben-Shlomo A, Bertherat J, Biermasz NR, Boguszewski CL, Bronstein MD, Buchfelder M, Carmichael JD, Casanueva FF, Castinetti F, Chanson P, Findling J, Gadelha M, Geer EB, Giustina A, Grossman A, Gurnell M, Ho K, Ioachimescu AG, Kaiser UB, Karavitaki N, Katznelson L, Kelly DF, Lacroix A, McCormack A, Melmed S, Molitch M, Mortini P, Newell-Price J, Nieman L, Pereira AM, Petersenn S, Pivonello R, Raff H, Reincke M, Salvatori R, Scaroni C, Shimon I, Stratakis CA, Swearingen B, Tabarin A, Takahashi Y, Theodoropoulou M, Tsagarakis S, Valassi E, Varlamov EV, Vila G, Wass J, Webb SM, Zatelli MC, Biller BMK. Consensus on diagnosis and management of Cushing's disease: a guideline update. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:847-875. [PMID: 34687601 PMCID: PMC8743006 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's disease requires accurate diagnosis, careful treatment selection, and long-term management to optimise patient outcomes. The Pituitary Society convened a consensus workshop comprising more than 50 academic researchers and clinical experts to discuss the application of recent evidence to clinical practice. In advance of the virtual meeting, data from 2015 to present about screening and diagnosis; surgery, medical, and radiation therapy; and disease-related and treatment-related complications of Cushing's disease summarised in recorded lectures were reviewed by all participants. During the meeting, concise summaries of the recorded lectures were presented, followed by small group breakout discussions. Consensus opinions from each group were collated into a draft document, which was reviewed and approved by all participants. Recommendations regarding use of laboratory tests, imaging, and treatment options are presented, along with algorithms for diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and management of Cushing's disease. Topics considered most important to address in future research are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jerome Bertherat
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Leiden University Medical Center and European Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - John D Carmichael
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Santiago de Compostela University and Ciber OBN, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Frederic Castinetti
- Aix Marseille Université, Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM, Marseille, France; Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France; Department of Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Mônica Gadelha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ashley Grossman
- University of London, London, UK; University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Gurnell
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Center, Cambridge, UK; Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken Ho
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - André Lacroix
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ann McCormack
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Molitch
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alberto M Pereira
- Leiden University Medical Center and European Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stephan Petersenn
- ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Hamburg, Germany and University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Hershel Raff
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ilan Shimon
- Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | | | | | - Antoine Tabarin
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Elena Valassi
- Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; Research Center for Pituitary Diseases (CIBERER Unit 747), Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Greisa Vila
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - John Wass
- Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Webb
- Research Center for Pituitary Diseases (CIBERER Unit 747), Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is the most prevalent cause of endogenous hypercortisolism. CD is responsible for multiple co-morbidities and increased mortality. Accurate and prompt diagnosis and optimal treatment are essential to improve the prognosis of CD. However, the diagnosis of CD is probably one of the most difficult in endocrinology and, therefore, diagnostic workup should be performed in an experienced center. Transsphenoidal surgery performed by an expert surgeon is the only therapeutic option that can offer definitive cure and remains the first-line treatment in most patients. Second-line treatments include pharmacotherapy, pituitary radiotherapy and bilateral adrenalectomy. The second-line therapeutic strategy is complex, must be individualized and performed in a multidisciplinary expert center. Symptomatic treatments of persisting co-morbidities after remission, which are responsible for increased mortality and impaired quality of life is an important part of medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Ferriere
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, University Hospital (CHU) of Bordeaux and University of Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, University Hospital (CHU) of Bordeaux and University of Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1215, NeuroCentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, France.
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24
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van Baal L, Wichert M, Zwanziger D, Dralle H, Weber F, Kreitschmann-Andermahr I, Führer D, Unger N. Distinct Late-Night Salivary Cortisol Cut-Off Values for the Diagnosis of Hypercortisolism. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:662-671. [PMID: 34607366 DOI: 10.1055/a-1608-1720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Due to high morbidity and mortality of untreated hypercortisolism, a prompt diagnosis is essential. Measurement of late-night salivary cortisol provides a simple and non-invasive method. However, thresholds and reference ranges differ among studies. The goal of this study was to define a threshold of late-night salivary cortisol for the diagnosis of hypercortisolism based on the used assay. Moreover, the influence of different aetiologies of hypercortisolism and individual comorbidities were investigated. Prospective analyses of 217 patients, including 36 patients with proven hypercortisolism were carried out. A sum of 149 patients with suspicion of hypercortisolism but negative endocrine testing and 32 patients with hypercortisolism in remission served as control group. Late-night salivary cortisol was measured using an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. Cut-off values were calculated by ROC analysis. The calculated cut-off value for the diagnosis of hypercortisolism was 10.1 nmol/l (sensitivity 94%; specificity 84%). Only slightly lower thresholds were obtained in patients with suspected hypercortisolism due to weight gain/obesity (9.1 nmol/l), hypertension or adrenal tumours (both 9.8 nmol/l) or pituitary adenomas (9.5 nmol/l). The late-night salivary cortisol threshold to distinguish between Cushing's disease and Cushing's disease in remission was 9.2 nmol/l. The cut-off value for the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH-production was 109.0 nmol/l (sensitivity 50%, specificity 92%). Late-night salivary cortisol is a convenient and reliable parameter for the diagnosis of hypercortisolism. Except for ectopic ACTH-production, thresholds considering different indications for evaluation of hypercortisolism were only slightly different. Therefore, they might only be useful if late-night salivary cortisol results near the established cut-off value are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas van Baal
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Wichert
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Denise Zwanziger
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Henning Dralle
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank Weber
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicole Unger
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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25
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Castinetti F, Nieman LK, Reincke M, Newell-Price J. Approach to the Patient Treated with Steroidogenesis Inhibitors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2114-2123. [PMID: 33675650 PMCID: PMC8427736 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis inhibitors can be given to control the hypercortisolism of Cushing's syndrome in various situations: when surgery has been unsuccessful or not possible; in metastatic adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) or cortisol-secreting tumors; when waiting for the maximal efficacy of radiation techniques; for rapid treatment of severe hypercortisolism in patients with occult ACTH-producing tumors; or as a presurgical treatment in patients with severe comorbidities. Whilst biochemical "control" can be achieved in more than 50% of cases, daily management of such drugs can be challenging. Indeed, with a "dose-titration" or a "block and replace" approach, defining eucortisolism is usually difficult, requiring the measurement of several biological markers. Moreover, each drug has its own side effects, which must be monitored closely. The aim of this "approach to the patient" is to shed light on the management of hypercortisolism with 4 steroidogenesis inhibitors (ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, metyrapone, osilodrostat) to help endocrinologists dealing with patients with Cushing's syndrome. Various points will be discussed, such as initial dose of treatment, dose schedule, monitoring of efficacy, and side effects of monotherapy. The combination of steroidogenesis inhibitors will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Castinetti
- Aix Marseille University, Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM U1251 and Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, La Conception Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Marseille 13005, France
- Correspondence: Frederic Castinetti, MD, PhD, Department of Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France. E-mail:
| | - Lynnette K Nieman
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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26
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Tamanini JVG, Dal Fabbro M, de Freitas LLL, Vassallo J, de Souza Queiroz L, Rogerio F. Digital analysis of hormonal immunostaining in pituitary adenomas classified according to WHO 2017 criteria and correlation with preoperative laboratory findings. Neurosurg Focus 2021; 48:E12. [PMID: 32480373 DOI: 10.3171/2020.3.focus2039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors sought to evaluate clinical and laboratory data from pituitary adenoma (PA) patients with functioning PA (associated with acromegaly [n = 10] or Cushing disease [n = 10]) or nonfunctioning PA (NFPA; n = 10) that were classified according to 2017 WHO criteria (based on the expression of the transcription factors pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1 [Pit-1], a transcription factor member of the T-box family [Tpit], and steroidogenic factor 1 [SF-1]) and to assess the immunostaining results for growth hormone (GH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the corresponding tumors. METHODS Clinical and laboratory data were collected retrospectively. The percentage of tumoral cells positive for Pit-1, Tpit, or SF-1 was assessed and ImageJ software was used to evaluate immunopositivity in PAs with 2 different antibodies against GH (primary antibody 1 [AbGH-1] and primary antibody 2 [AbGH-2]) and 2 different antibodies against ACTH (primary antibody 1 [AbACTH-1] and primary antibody 2 [AbACTH-2]). RESULTS Cells with positive Pit-1 staining were more frequently observed in lesions from patients with acromegaly (acromegaly group) than in lesions from patients with Cushing disease (Cushing group; p < 0.001) and those from patients with NFPA (NFPA group; p < 0.001). The percentage of Tpit-positive cells was higher in the Cushing group than in the acromegaly (p < 0.001) and NFPA (p < 0.001) groups. No difference was detected regarding SF-1 frequency among all groups (p = 0.855). In acromegalic individuals, GH immunostaining levels varied depending on the antibody employed, and only one of the antibodies (AbGH-2) yielded higher values in comparison with the values for NFPA patients (p < 0.001). For all of the antibodies employed, no significant correlations were detected between GH tissue expression and the laboratory data (serum GH vs AbGH-1, p = 0.933; serum GH vs AbGH-2, p = 0.853; serum insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] vs AbGH-1, p = 0.407; serum IGF-1 vs AbGH-2, p = 0.881). In the Cushing group data, both antibodies showed similar ACTH tissue expression, which was higher than that obtained in the NFPA group (p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between ACTH immunohistochemical findings and ACTH serum levels (serum ACTH vs AbACTH-1, p = 0.651; serum ACTH vs AbACTH-2, p = 0.987). However, ACTH immunostaining evaluated with AbACTH-1 showed a significant correlation with 24-hour urinary cortisol (24-hour cortisol vs AbACTH-1, p = 0.047; 24-hour cortisol vs AbACTH-2, p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS Immunostaining for Pit-1 and Tpit accurately identified lesions associated with acromegaly and Cushing disease, respectively. Conversely, SF-1 did not differentiate NFPA from lesions of the other two groups. Regarding hormonal tissue detection, results of the current investigation indicate that different antibodies may lead not only to divergent immunohistochemical results but also to lack of correlation with laboratory findings. Finally, PA classification based on transcription factor expression (Pit-1, Tpit, and SF-1), as proposed by the 2017 WHO classification of pituitary tumors, may avoid the limitations of PA classification based solely on digital immunohistochemical detection of hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mateus Dal Fabbro
- 2Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Carton T, Mathieu E, Wolff F, Bouziotis J, Corvilain B, Driessens N. Two-day low-dose dexamethasone suppression test more accurate than overnight 1-mg in women taking oral contraceptives. ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES & METABOLISM 2021; 4:e00255. [PMID: 34277979 PMCID: PMC8279609 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Late-night salivary cortisol (LSaC) and 24-h urinary free cortisol measurement, and overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST) are the first-line screening tests recommended for Cushing's syndrome. Through elevations in the level of cortisol-binding globulin, oral contraceptive agents lead to increases in the total plasma cortisol concentration, yielding false-positive 1 mg-DST results. Objective To compare the accuracy of the overnight 1-mg DST and two-day low-dose DST (2d-DST) in female volunteers taking combined oestrogen-progestin oral contraceptives (COCs). Methods This prospective study enrolled 30 healthy participants. Their plasma cortisol response levels were compared after the 1-mg DST and 2d-DST and classified into three categories: normal (≤50 nmol/L), doubtful (51-138 nmol/L) and abnormal (>138 nmol/L). Salivary cortisol was also measured at late night and after the DSTs. Results Following the 1-mg DST and 2d-DST, the plasma cortisol concentrations decreased to a median of 69 nmol/L and 37 nmol/L, respectively (p < 0.001). A statistically significant higher proportion of unclear or abnormal results were observed after the 1-mg DST (63%) than after the 2d-DST (27%) (p = 0.004). None of the values were >138 nmol/L after the 2d-DST, while 11% of them were abnormal after the 1-mg DST (p = 0.25). No LSaC value was abnormal. Conclusion Our results suggest that, when late-night salivary cortisol is not available, the 2d-DST could be a better screening option than the 1-mg DST for women taking oral contraceptive agents who are reluctant to stop them. This finding requires confirmation in those with a suspicion of hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Carton
- Department of Endocrinology Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Elise Mathieu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (LHUB-ULB) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Fleur Wolff
- Department of Clinical Chemistry Laboratoire Hospitalier Universitaire de Bruxelles (LHUB-ULB) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Jason Bouziotis
- Service de la Recherche Biomédicale Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Bernard Corvilain
- Department of Endocrinology Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
| | - Natacha Driessens
- Department of Endocrinology Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles Hôpital Erasme Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
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28
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Aouinati Y, Mjabber A, Haraj NE, Aziz SE, Chadli A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) independent Cushing's syndrome due to unilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia: two case reports. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:367. [PMID: 34367446 PMCID: PMC8308852 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.367.26040] [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: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal unilateral macronodular hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. We discuss the case of two patients who present Cushing syndrome due to unilateral adrenal hyperplasia. They presented the signs of clinical hypercorticism as well as metabolic, cardiovascular and osteoporotic complications. Both patients presented clinical and laboratory signs of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome with elevated urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels, adrenal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the appearance of unilateral adrenal adenoma and normal contralateral adrenal gland. Adrenalectomy was performed under laparoscopic surgery; the resected mass was pathologically diagnosed as unilateral nodular adrenal hyperplasia. Unilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a very rare etiology of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, often mistaken for adenoma on CT and only pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra Aouinati
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Center Ibn ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amal Mjabber
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Center Ibn ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Nassim Essabah Haraj
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Center Ibn ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Siham El Aziz
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Center Ibn ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Asmaa Chadli
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Center Ibn ROCHD, Casablanca, Morocco
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29
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Wilson JB, Zopey M, Augustine J, Schaffer R, Chiang M, Friedman TC. High Prevalence of Adrenal Remnant Tissue in Patients Undergoing Bilateral Adrenalectomy for Cushing's Disease. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:161-168. [PMID: 33091942 PMCID: PMC8570053 DOI: 10.1055/a-1253-2854] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) is a treatment option for patients with Cushing's Disease (CD) if transsphenoidal pituitary surgery fails or is not a therapeutic option. For most patients, BLA eliminates endogenous glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production, but for a small number of patients, endogenous secretion of adrenal hormones from adrenal tissue continues or recurs, leading to signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism. If adrenal tissue is confined to the adrenal bed, it is considered adrenal remnant tissue, while if it is outside the adrenal bed, it is considered adrenal rest tissue. We retrospectively evaluated morning serum cortisol, nighttime serum cortisol, nighttime salivary cortisol, and 24-h urine free cortisol on at least three occasions in 10 patients suspected of having endogenous cortisol production. Imaging of adrenal remnant tissue was also reviewed. Ten of 51 patients who underwent BLA during this time period had adrenal remnant/rest tissue marked by detectable endogenous glucocorticoid production; 9 of the 10 patients had signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism. Localization and treatment proved difficult. We conclude that the incidence of adrenal remnant/rest tissue in those undergoing BLA following unsuccessful pituitary surgery was 12% although there may have been a selection bias affecting this prevalence. The first indication of remnant tissue occurrence is a reduction in glucocorticoid replacement with symptoms of hypercortisolism. If this occurs, endogenous cortisol production should be tested for by cortisol measurements using a highly specific cortisol assay while the patient is taking dexamethasone or no glucocorticoid replacement. Endocrinologists need to monitor the development of both adrenal remnant tissue and Nelson's syndrome following BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian B. Wilson
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Mohan Zopey
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Jaimie Augustine
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Randolph Schaffer
- Department of Surgery, Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Manfred Chiang
- Brookfield Surgical Associates, Brookfield, WI 53005, USA
| | - Theodore C. Friedman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
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Abstract
Severe hypercortisolism is characterized as a life-threatening endocrine condition in patients with Cushing syndrome, usually related to the concomitant onset of one or more comorbidities, requiring rapid normalization of cortisol concentrations and aggressive treatment of associated complications. It is mainly, but not exclusively, caused by ectopic ACTH syndrome, and the diagnosis of severity is more accurate when is based on simultaneous evaluation of the clinical course and manifestations of the disease, cortisol levels and systematic search of comorbidities. Once the severity and imminent risk to life are established, urgent therapeutic measures must be taken and etiological investigation postponed until the patient is stabilized. Adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors (mainly etomidate, ketoconazole, and metyrapone), alone or in combined therapy, are commonly the first-line treatment for severe hypercortisolemia due to their rapid action, good efficacy and safety profile. The new drug osilodrostat is a future potential candidate to be included in the list. The glucocorticoid receptor antagonist mifepristone has also a rapid action, but its use has been limited due to difficulties to monitor its efficacy and safety. Other slow-acting cortisol-lowering drugs (mainly mitotane, cabergoline, and pasireotide) might be included in the therapeutic scheme to synergize and overcome a possible escape phenomenon frequently observed with the fast-acting drugs in the prolonged follow-up. When medical therapies fail, are unavailable or contra-indicated, bilateral adrenalectomy should be indicated as a life-saving measure. Adrenal arterial embolization is rarely encountered in routine clinical practice, being a last alternative in specialized centers when all other options fail or are contra-indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Vieira Oberger Marques
- SEMPR, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Cesar Luiz Boguszewski
- SEMPR, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
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St-Jean M, Lim DST, Langlois F. Hypercoagulability in Cushing's syndrome: From arterial to venous disease. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101496. [PMID: 33795197 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with multisystemic complications; the hematological system is not spared. Alteration in hemostatic parameters and in vivo endothelial dysfunction lead to increased thrombotic events. Arterial and venous thrombotic events carry significant morbidity and mortality. Death from cardiovascular and pulmonary embolism account for more than 50% of mortality. Surgery is a critical period; close to 50% of events occur in the 1-2 months after intervention. The evaluation and risk stratification of patients with CS is key to prevent events, balancing the risk-benefit of anticoagulation in this population. This current review will focus on up-to-date data on epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of hypercoagulability in CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu St-Jean
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
| | - Dawn S T Lim
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Fabienne Langlois
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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32
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Geer EB, Salvatori R, Elenkova A, Fleseriu M, Pivonello R, Witek P, Feelders RA, Bex M, Borresen SW, Puglisi S, Biller BMK, Cohen F, Pecori Giraldi F. Levoketoconazole improves clinical signs and symptoms and patient-reported outcomes in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary 2021; 24:104-115. [PMID: 33216275 PMCID: PMC7864823 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-020-01103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The efficacy of levoketoconazole in treating hypercortisolism was demonstrated in an open-label phase 3 study (SONICS) of adults with endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) and baseline mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) ≥ 1.5× ULN. Clinical signs and symptoms and patient-reported outcomes from the SONICS trial were evaluated in the current manuscript. METHODS Patients titrated to an individualized therapeutic dose entered a 6-month maintenance phase. Secondary endpoints included investigator-graded clinical signs and symptoms of CS during the maintenance phase, and patient-reported quality of life (CushingQoL questionnaire) and depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II [BDI-II]). RESULTS Of 94 enrolled patients, 77 entered the maintenance phase following individualized dose titration. Significant mean improvements from baseline were noted at end of maintenance (Month 6) for acne, hirsutism (females only), and peripheral edema. These improvements were observed as early as Day 1 of maintenance for hirsutism (mean baseline score, 7.8; ∆ - 1.9; P < 0.0001), end of Month 1 for acne (mean baseline score, 2.8; ∆ - 1.2; P = 0.0481), and Month 4 for peripheral edema (mean baseline score, 1.0; ∆ - 0.5; P = 0.0052). Significant mean improvements from baseline were observed by Month 3 of maintenance for CushingQoL (mean baseline score, 44.3; ∆ + 6.9; P = 0.0018) and at Month 6 for BDI-II (mean baseline score, 17.1; ∆ - 4.3; P = 0.0043) scores. No significant mean improvement was identified in a composite score of 7 other clinical signs and symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with levoketoconazole was associated with sustained, meaningful improvements in QoL, depression, and certain clinical signs and symptoms characteristic of CS. ClinialTrials.gov identifier: NCT01838551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza B Geer
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Przemyslaw Witek
- Department of Internal Diseases, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marie Bex
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stina W Borresen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Soraya Puglisi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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33
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Abstract
Due to the variable clinical features and its rarity diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD) is often delayed. Clearly, awareness for CD needs to be raised, accompanied by the availability of simple and accurate screening tests. Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST), and urinary free cortisol (UFC) have all been extensively studied, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. However, each of those well-established tests has its own distinctive features, making it preferable in specific clinical conditions and patient groups. To choose the most appropriate test in individual patients, an expert endocrinologist should be consulted. This review will discuss the pitfalls for each of those tests.
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Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Cuevas-Ramos D. The definition of remission and recurrence of Cushing's disease. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101485. [PMID: 33472761 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Accurate classification of postsurgical remission, and early recognition of recurrence are crucial to timely treat and prevent excess mortality in Cushing's Disease, yet the criteria used to define remission are variable and there is no consensus to define recurrence. Remission is defined as postsurgical hypocortisolemia, but delayed remission may occur. Recurrence is the return of clinical manifestations with biochemical evidence of hypercortisolism. The proper combination of tests and their timing are controversial. Reliable predicting tools may lead to earlier diagnosis upon recurrence. Many factors have been studied independently for prediction with variable performance. Novel artificial intelligence approaches seek to integrate these variables into risk calculators and machine-learning algorithms with an acceptable short-term predictive performance but lack longer-term accuracy. Prospective studies using these approaches are needed. This review summarizes the evidence behind the definitions of remission and recurrence and provide an overview of the available tools to predict and/or diagnose them.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Pituitary Clinic, Endocrinology Division and Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González", Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
| | - Daniel Cuevas-Ramos
- Neuroendocrinology Clinic, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Chen AX, Haas AV, Williams GH, Vaidya A. Dietary sodium intake and cortisol measurements. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 93:539-545. [PMID: 32511774 PMCID: PMC7859973 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the influence of a dietary sodium intake intervention on cortisol measurements within the general population. DESIGN Cross-over intervention. PATIENTS Six hundred thirty adults without known Cushing syndrome, cardiovascular or renal disease completed a restricted dietary sodium diet (10 mmol/d, 230 mg/d) followed by cross-over to a liberalized dietary sodium diet (200 mmol/d, 4600 mg/d). Twenty-four-hour urine collection and biochemical investigations were performed at the end of each dietary intervention. RESULTS Mean 24-hour urinary free cortisol increased with liberalized sodium intake when compared with restricted sodium intake (178.0 ± 89.7 vs 121.3 ± 65.6 nmol/d, P < .001). Nearly all participants (84%) had an increase in the urinary free cortisol following liberalized sodium intake. This translated to a substantial difference in the proportion of participants exceeding categorical thresholds of urinary cortisol on liberalized vs restricted sodium intake: 62% vs 27% for 138 nmol/d (50 mcg/d), 46% vs 17% for 166 nmol/d (60 mcg/d), 32% vs 10% for 193 nmol/d (70 mcg/d), 23% vs 6% for 221 nmol/d (80 mcg/d), 17% vs 4% for 248 nmol/d (90 mcg/d). In parallel, there was a small decrease in morning total serum cortisol with liberalized sodium intake (303.0 ± 117.3 vs 326.4 ± 162.5 nmol/L, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Increased dietary sodium intake increases urinary free cortisol excretion and may increase the risk for false-positive results. Variations in dietary sodium intake may influence the interpretations of cortisol measurements performed to evaluate for hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela X Chen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department Endocrinology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - Andrea V. Haas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gordon H. Williams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Capatina C, Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Poiana C, Fleseriu M. Management of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease after initial pituitary surgery. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2020; 15:321-339. [PMID: 32813595 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2020.1802243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment options for persistent and recurrent Cushing's disease (CD) include an individualized approach for repeat surgery, medical treatment, radiation therapy (RT), and bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA). AREAS COVERED In this expert opinion perspective, the authors review the latest treatment(s) for persistent/recurrent CD. A PubMed search was undertaken (English articles through May 2020) and relevant articles discussed. Repeat pituitary surgery should be considered in most patients with proven hypercortisolism; there is potential for cure with low risk of major complications. Medical therapy is valuable either alone, while awaiting the effects of RT, or in preparation for BLA. Medical therapy includes steroidogenesis inhibitors, agents that act at the pituitary or glucocorticoid receptor level, and novel agents in development. Radiation therapy has been used successfully to treat CD, but hypopituitarism risk and delayed efficacy (improved with radiosurgery) are major drawbacks. Laparoscopic BLA is safe and effective in patients with severe, difficult-to-manage hypercortisolism, but long-term follow-up is required as corticotroph tumor progression can develop. EXPERT OPINION Treatment of persistent/recurrent CD is challenging. Most patients require >1 therapy to achieve long-lasting remission. There is currently no ideal single treatment option that provides high and rapid efficacy, low adverse effects, and preserves normal pituitary-adrenal axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology , Bucharest, Romania
| | - José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon, USA
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González, Universidad Autónoma De Nuevo León , Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology , Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, and Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon, USA
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The diagnostic utility of late night salivary cortisol (LNSF) and cortisone (LNSE) in Cushing's syndrome. Ir J Med Sci 2020; 190:615-623. [PMID: 32803648 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurement of late night salivary cortisol (LNSF) is useful in the identification of cyclical Cushing's syndrome (CS); the usefulness of its metabolite cortisone (late night salivary cortisone, LNSE) is less well described. AIM The aim of this study was to determine the utility of measuring LNSE in patients with confirmed CS compared with other diagnostic tests and to analyse serial LNSF measurements for evidence of variable hormonogenesis. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study including patients with confirmed CS in whom LNSF and LNSE were measured. RESULTS Twenty-three patients with confirmed CS were included, 21 with Cushing's disease. LNSF had a sensitivity of 92%, LNSE 87% and combined LNSF/LNSE 94% per sample. Four patients had cyclical hormonogenesis, when the definition of one trough and two peaks was applied to LNSF measurements, and a fifth patient fell just outside the criteria. Six patients had evidence of variable hormonogenesis, defined as doubling of LNSF concentration on serial measurements. Sensitivity of 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) was 89% per collection. Sixteen patients had simultaneous measurements of LNSF and UFC; in three patients, they provided discordant results. CONCLUSION LNSF appears more sensitive than LNSE and UFC in the diagnosis of CS, combining LNSF and LNSE results leads to superior sensitivity. Half of our cohort had evidence of cyclical or variable hormonogenesis. Fluctuations in LNSF did not always correlate with changes in UFC concentration, emphasising the importance of performing more than one screening test, particularly if pretest clinical suspicion is high.
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Ceccato F, Artusi C, Barbot M, Lizzul L, Pinelli S, Costantini G, Niero S, Antonelli G, Plebani M, Scaroni C. Dexamethasone measurement during low-dose suppression test for suspected hypercortisolism: threshold development with and validation. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1105-1113. [PMID: 32060745 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01197-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), recommended for Cushing's Syndrome (CS) diagnosis, explores the pituitary feedback to glucocorticoids. Its diagnostic accuracy could be affected by dexamethasone bioavailability, and therefore, we have developed and validated a dexamethasone threshold after 1-mg DST. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 200 subjects: 125 patients were considered retrospectively and 75 were enrolled prospectively as the validation cohort. Serum dexamethasone, Late Night Salivary Cortisol (LNSC), and Urinary Free Cortisol (UFC) were measured with LC-MS/MS. Normal LNSC and UFC levels were used to exclude CS. The lower 2.5th percentile of dexamethasone distribution in non-CS patients with cortisol ≤ 50 nmol/L after 1-mg DST was used as threshold. RESULTS 16 patients were CS and 184 non-CS (108 adrenal incidentaloma and 76 excluded CS); 4.5 nmol/L resulted the calculated threshold. Cortisol after 1-mg DST confirmed high sensitivity (100% at 50 nmol/L cut-off) and moderate-low specificity (63%, increased to 91% at 138 nmol/L) to diagnose CS in the whole cohort of patients. We could reduce the number of false-positive results (from 10 to 6 and from 7 to 4 in AI and excluded CS) considering adequate dexamethasone levels. Dexamethasone levels were not affected by hypercortisolism, age, gender, smoke, weight, and creatinine. 6% of non-CS patients did not achieve adequate dexamethasone levels (40% of tests with serum cortisol > 138 nmol/L after 1-mg DST). CONCLUSIONS We developed and validated the routine dexamethasone measurement during 1-mg DST: it is independent from patient's clinical presentation, and it should be used to increase the specificity of serum cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences DNS, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - C Artusi
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - L Lizzul
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - S Pinelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - G Costantini
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - S Niero
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
| | - G Antonelli
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Plebani
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padua, Italy
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39
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Abstract
Overt Cushing's syndrome is a severe condition responsible for multiple comorbidities and increased mortality. Effective treatment is essential to reduce mortality, improve comorbidities and long-term quality of life. Surgical resection of the causal lesion(s) is generally the first-line and most effective treatment to normalize cortisol secretion. Adjunctive symptomatic treatments of co-morbidities are often necessary both during the active phase of the disease and for persisting co-morbidities after cessation of hypercortisolism. Second-line treatments include various pharmacological treatments, bilateral adrenalectomy, and radiotherapy of corticotroph tumors. The choice of these treatments is complex, must be performed in a multidisciplinary expert team to be individualized for each patient, and use a shared decision-making approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Ferriere
- Service d'endocrinologie, Diabétologie et maladies métaboliques, CHU de bordeaux, Avenue Magellan 33600, Pessac, France.
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Service d'endocrinologie, Diabétologie et maladies métaboliques, CHU de bordeaux, Avenue Magellan 33600, Pessac, France; INSERM and University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, France.
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40
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Barbot M, Zilio M, Scaroni C. Cushing's syndrome: Overview of clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and complications. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101380. [PMID: 32165101 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a severe condition that results from chronic exposure to elevated circulating cortisol levels; it is a rare but potentially life-threating condition, especially when not timely diagnosed and treated. Even though the diagnosis can be straightforward in florid cases due to their typical phenotype, milder forms can be missed. Despite the availability of different screening tests, the diagnosis remains challenging as none of the available tools proved to be fully accurate. Due to the ubiquitous effect of cortisol, it is easy understandable that its excess leads to a variety of systemic complications including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, bone damages and neurocognitive impairment. This article discusses clinical presentation of CS with an eye on the most frequent cortisol-related comorbidities and discuss the main pitfalls of first- and second-line tests in endogenous hypercortisolism diagnostic workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy.
| | - Marialuisa Zilio
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy
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41
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Newell-Price J, Pivonello R, Tabarin A, Fleseriu M, Witek P, Gadelha MR, Petersenn S, Tauchmanova L, Ravichandran S, Gupta P, Lacroix A, Biller BMK. Use of late-night salivary cortisol to monitor response to medical treatment in Cushing's disease. Eur J Endocrinol 2020; 182:207-217. [PMID: 31804965 PMCID: PMC7003692 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Monitoring of patients with Cushing's disease on cortisol-lowering drugs is usually performed with urinary free cortisol (UFC). Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) has an established role in screening for hypercortisolism and can help to detect the loss of cortisol circadian rhythm. Less evidence exists regarding the usefulness of LNSC in monitoring pharmacological response in Cushing's disease. DESIGN Exploratory analysis evaluating LNSC during a Phase III study of long-acting pasireotide in Cushing's disease (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01374906). METHODS Mean LNSC (mLNSC) was calculated from two samples, collected on the same days as the first two of three 24-h urine samples (used to calculate mean UFC [mUFC]). Clinical signs of hypercortisolism were evaluated over time. RESULTS At baseline, 137 patients had evaluable mLNSC measurements; 91.2% had mLNSC exceeding the upper limit of normal (ULN; 3.2 nmol/L). Of patients with evaluable assessments at month 12 (n = 92), 17.4% had both mLNSC ≤ULN and mUFC ≤ULN; 22.8% had mLNSC ≤ULN, and 45.7% had mUFC ≤ULN. There was high variability in LNSC (intra-patient coefficient of variation (CV): 49.4%) and UFC (intra-patient CV: 39.2%). mLNSC levels decreased over 12 months of treatment and paralleled changes in mUFC. Moderate correlation was seen between mLNSC and mUFC (Spearman's correlation: ρ = 0.50 [all time points pooled]). Greater improvements in systolic/diastolic blood pressure and weight were seen in patients with both mLNSC ≤ULN and mUFC ≤ULN. CONCLUSION mUFC and mLNSC are complementary measurements for monitoring treatment response in Cushing's disease, with better clinical outcomes seen for patients in whom both mUFC and mLNSC are controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Newell-Price
- The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to J Newell-Price;
| | | | - Antoine Tabarin
- Department of Endocrinology, CHU of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Przemysław Witek
- Department of Endocrinology, Military Institute of Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mônica R Gadelha
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Pritam Gupta
- Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | - André Lacroix
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Beverly M K Biller
- Neuroendocrine Clinical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Suarez MG, Stack M, Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Mitchell MD, Varlamov EV, Yedinak CG, Cetas JS, Sheppard B, Fleseriu M. Hypercoagulability in Cushing Syndrome, Prevalence of Thrombotic Events: A Large, Single-Center, Retrospective Study. J Endocr Soc 2019; 4:bvz033. [PMID: 32064411 PMCID: PMC7009121 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of Cushing syndrome (CS) patients experiencing a thrombotic event (TE) is significantly higher (odds ratio; OR 18%) than that of the general population. However, there are currently no anticoagulation guidelines. Methods A retrospective, single-center, longitudinal study of patients undergoing all types of treatment—surgical (pituitary, unilateral, and bilateral adrenalectomy) and medical treatment—was undertaken. TEs were recorded at any point up until last patient follow-up; myocardial infarction (MI), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE) or stroke. Patients’ doses and complications of anticoagulation were recorded. Results Included were 208 patients; a total of 165 (79.3%) were women, and mean age at presentation was 44 ± 14.7 years. Thirty-nine (18.2%) patients had a TE; extremity DVT (38%), cerebrovascular accident (27%), MI (21%), and PE (14%). Of 56 TEs, 27 (48%) were arterial and 29 (52%) were venous. Patients who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) had an odds ratio of 3.74 (95% CI 1.69-8.27) of developing a TE. Of patients with TEs, 40.5% experienced the event within the first 60 days after surgery. Baseline 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels did not differ in patients with or without TE after BLA. Of 197 patients who underwent surgery, 50 (25.38%) received anticoagulation after surgery, with 2% having bleeding complications. Conclusions The risk of TEs in patients with CS was approximately 20%. Many patients had more than 1 event, with higher risk 30 to 60 days postoperatively. The optimal prophylactic anticoagulation duration is unknown, but most likely needs to continue up to 60 days postoperatively, particularly after BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Suarez
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Madeleine Stack
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jose Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. Jose E. Gonzalez", Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | | | - Elena V Varlamov
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Chris G Yedinak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Justin S Cetas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Operative Care Division, Portland Veterans Administration Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Brett Sheppard
- Department of General Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Department of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality if not appropriately treated. Recurrence and/or persistence of hypercortisolemia after surgical treatment, especially for Cushing's disease, are high, and long-term medical treatment is used to decrease cortisol levels and risk of metabolic comorbidities. Medical treatment is also often required while waiting for radiation effects to take place. In some cases, severe or life-threatening hypercortisolism must be urgently and medically treated, via intravenous medications or with combination therapy, before patients can undergo surgery. In the last decade, medical treatment has progressed from a few steroidogenesis inhibitors to three novel drug groups: new inhibitors for steroidogenic enzymes with possibly fewer side effects, pituitary-directed drugs that aim to inhibit the pathophysiological pathways of Cushing's disease, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists that block cortisol's action. Understanding the pathophysiology of Cushing's syndrome has also led to the identification of potential targets that may decrease adrenocorticotrophic hormone and/or cortisol excess, and/or decrease tumor cell proliferation, and induce senescence or apoptosis. We provide here a review of current and near-future medical options to treat Cushing's syndrome, and discuss updates on clinical trials and the efficacy and safety of novel or in-development drugs, as well as future potential targets.
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Nishioka H, Yamada S. Cushing's Disease. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111951. [PMID: 31726770 PMCID: PMC6912360 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with Cushing's disease (CD), prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for favorable long-term outcomes, although this remains a challenging task. The differential diagnosis of CD is still difficult in some patients, even with an organized stepwise diagnostic approach. Moreover, despite the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with advanced fine sequences, some tumors remain invisible. Surgery, using various surgical approaches for safe maximum tumor removal, still remains the first-line treatment for most patients with CD. Persistent or recurrent CD after unsuccessful surgery requires further treatment, including repeat surgery, medical therapy, radiotherapy, or sometimes, bilateral adrenalectomy. These treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, the most important thing is that this complex disease should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with collaborating experts. In addition, a personalized and individual-based approach is paramount to achieve high success rates while minimizing the occurrence of adverse events and improving the patients' quality of life. Finally, the recent new insights into the pathophysiology of CD at the molecular level are highly anticipated to lead to the introduction of more accurate diagnostic tests and efficacious therapies for this devastating disease in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nishioka
- Department of Hypothalamic and Pituitary surgery, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo 1058470, Japan;
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo 1058470, Japan
| | - Shozo Yamada
- Hypothalamic and Pituitary Center, Moriyama Neurological Center Hospital, Tokyo 1340081, Japan
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo 1058470, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-336-751-211
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Theodoropoulou M, Reincke M. Tumor-Directed Therapeutic Targets in Cushing Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:925-933. [PMID: 30535260 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The most frequent cause of endogenous hypercortisolism is Cushing disease (CD), a devastating condition associated with severe comorbidities and high mortality. Effective tumor-targeting therapeutics are limited. DESIGN Search in PubMed with key words "corticotroph" and "Cushing's disease" plus the name of the mentioned therapeutic agent and in associated references of the obtained papers. Additionally, potential therapeutics were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov with a search for "Cushing disease." RESULTS At present, the tumor-targeted pharmacological therapy of CD is concentrated on dopamine agonists (cabergoline) and somatostatin analogs (pasireotide) with varying efficacy, escape from response, and considerable side effects. Preclinical studies on corticotroph pathophysiology have brought forward potential drugs such as retinoic acid, silibinin, and roscovitine, whose efficacy and safety remain to be determined. CONCLUSIONS For many patients with CD, effective tumor-targeted pharmacological therapy is still lacking. Coordinated efforts are pivotal in establishing efficacy and safety of novel therapeutics in this rare but devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Hinojosa-Amaya JM, Varlamov EV, McCartney S, Fleseriu M. Hypercortisolemia Recurrence in Cushing's Disease; a Diagnostic Challenge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:740. [PMID: 31787930 PMCID: PMC6856050 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's disease recurrence following successful pituitary surgery is common and merits prompt and careful diagnosis, as untreated hypercortisolism leads to increased morbidity and mortality. However, an established recurrence definition has not been forthcoming. This poses a diagnostic challenge especially early in the course of returning hypercortisolemia and/or in the presence of non-neoplastic hypercortisolemia. A late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) test is the first test to reveal abnormal results, however, has limitations related to assay performance as well as individual patient variability. Dexamethasone suppression tests and 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC) results are next to reveal abnormal results. Other tests including, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test and combined CRH-dexamethasone test, as well as desmopressin stimulation test with/without dexamethasone are also used, although, none have proven to be the preeminent diagnostic test for recurrence determination. There is a possible role for these tests in predicting recurrence in patients who have experienced remission, though, this also remains challenging due to lack of established cutoff values. This article details and summarizes evidence about different diagnostic tests currently used to diagnose and predict Cushing's disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario “Dr. José E. González”, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Elena V. Varlamov
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Shirley McCartney
- Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Fleseriu
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Jahandideh D, Swearingen B, Nachtigall LB, Klibanski A, Biller BMK, Tritos NA. Characterization of cyclic Cushing's disease using late night salivary cortisol testing. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:336-345. [PMID: 29873834 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize a cohort of patients with cyclic Cushing's disease (CD) in comparison with noncyclic CD using late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) and examine the diagnostic sensitivity of LNSC in comparison with that of 24-hour urine-free cortisol (UFC) in this population. DESIGN Retrospective study of patients with CD seen in our institution between 2008 and 2017. PATIENTS A total of 205 patients, including 17 (8%) with cyclic CD (based on a minimum of 3 peaks and 2 troughs in cortisol levels). In a secondary analysis, 38 patients (19%) with cyclic CD were identified (based on a criterion of at least 2 peaks and 1 trough). MEASUREMENTS Data on presentation, laboratory tests and outcomes were extracted. The diagnostic sensitivity of LNSC vs UFC in establishing cyclic CD was calculated. Kaplan-Meier analyses of recurrence after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (TSS) were performed. RESULTS The interval between presentation and TSS was significantly longer in patients with cyclic CD (P < .0001) in comparison with those with noncyclic CD. The sensitivity of LNSC in establishing cyclic CD was 88% and was higher than that of UFC (12%, P = .007). There were no differences in remission and recurrence rates between patients with cyclic CD and those with noncyclic CD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with cyclic CD account only for a minority of those with CD, but may require a lengthier diagnostic evaluation. The use of LNSC on multiple occasions provides a more sensitive method of detecting cyclic CD than UFC. Outcomes of TSS in cyclic CD are comparable to those with noncyclic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariush Jahandideh
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brooke Swearingen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa B Nachtigall
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beverly M K Biller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Tritos
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Reimondo G, Puglisi S, Pia A, Terzolo M. Autonomous hypercortisolism: definition and clinical implications. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2018; 44:33-42. [PMID: 29963828 DOI: 10.23736/s0391-1977.18.02884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In current practice, an adrenal adenoma usually comes as an unexpected byproduct of an imaging study performed for unrelated reasons, without any prior suspect of adrenal disease. Therefore, these tumors currently represent a public health challenge because they are increasingly recognized due to the widespread use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging for diagnostic purposes. In radiology series, the prevalence of adrenal adenomas increases steeply with age, from around 3% below the age of 50 years up to 10% in the ageing population. These tumors may have clinical relevance because they are able to secrete cortisol autonomously, independently from the pituitary control, in up to 20-30% of patients. In most of the cases the resulting cortisol excess is insufficient to produce a typical Cushing phenotype but may have clinical consequences, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. Despite some controversy on the most effective diagnostic algorithm to define this subtle hypercortisolism, there is mounting evidence that a simple approach by using the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) may stratify patients for their cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional, retrospective studies showed that patients with increasingly higher cortisol following DST have an adverse cardiovascular risk profile and are at increased risk of death. Therefore, also a subtle autonomous cortisol excess is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, mainly of cardiovascular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Reimondo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy -
| | - Soraya Puglisi
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Pia
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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Bertagna X. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Can we cure Cushing's disease? A personal view. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:R183-R200. [PMID: 29467229 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of today's challenges in endocrinology is the treatment of Cushing's disease: Although pituitary surgery has the potential to 'cure' the patient and restore a completely normal pituitary adrenal axis, there are immediate failures and late recurrences that will ultimately require alternate therapeutic approaches. Their high number is in direct correlation with their serious limitations and they all appear to be 'default options'. This 'personal view' tries to shed some light on the inescapable difficulties of the current treatments of Cushing's disease and to provide some optimistic view for the future where the pituitary adenoma should be the 'reasonable obsession' of a successful therapeutist.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Bertagna
- Service des Maladies Endocriniennes et MétaboliquesCentre de Référence des Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Hôpital Cochin, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris 5, Paris, France
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50
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Bertagna X. Are Cushing's disease patients curable? ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2018; 79:153-156. [PMID: 29650226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2018.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of Cushing's disease remains a challenge. Whereas pituitary surgery can "cure" the patient and restore a completely normal pituitary adrenal axis, there are immediate failures and late recurrences which ultimately require alternate therapeutic approaches. These are numerous, but so are their drawbacks, and all appear to be "default options". For the future, pituitary adenoma has to remain the "reasonable obsession" of efficient and optimistic therapists….
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bertagna
- Service des maladies endocriniennes et métaboliques, centre de référence des maladies rares de la surrénale, hôpital Cochin, faculté de médecine Paris-Descartes, université Paris 5, 24, rue du Faubourg-St-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
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