Paediatric patients with Cushing disease and negative pituitary MRI have a higher risk of nonremission after transsphenoidal surgery

Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis of Pituitary Corticotroph Tumors

Context

Spatial transcriptomic (ST) analysis of tumors provides a novel approach to studying gene expression along with the localization of tumor cells in their environment to uncover spatial interactions.

Design

We present ST analysis of corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. ST data were compared to immunohistochemistry results. Gene expression profiles were reviewed for cluster annotations, and differentially expressed genes were used for pathway analysis.

Results

Seven tumors were used for ST analysis. In situ annotation of tumor tissue was inferred from the gene expression profiles and was in concordance with the annotation made by a pathologist. Furthermore, relative gene expression in the tumor corresponded to common protein staining used in the evaluation of PitNETs, such as reticulin and Ki-67 index. Finally, we identified intratumor heterogeneity; clusters within the same tumor may present with different transcriptomic profiles, unveiling potential intratumor cell variability.

Conclusion

Together, our results provide the first attempt to clarify the spatial cell profile in PitNETs.

False Negative Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling in Young-Onset Cushing Disease: What Happens Next

INTRODUCTION

False negative results during inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) may complicate the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS). The management of these patients can be confusing for clinicians and lead to delayed management.

METHODS

We studied patients with young-onset (<21yo) CD who underwent IPSS during their diagnostic evaluation. For all patients, diagnosis of CD was eventually confirmed based on histologic evaluation of a resected pituitary tumor or remission after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS).

RESULTS

We recorded a rare incidence of false negative IPSS results in 5 out of the 142 IPSS procedures (3.5%), performed in 4 unique patients. Patients with negative IPSS did not differ in demographic (age and sex) or biochemical (diurnal ACTH/cortisol or 24hour urinary free cortisol) data from the remaining. Additional workup was performed in three of the four patients including evaluation for ectopic sources of CS and repeat IPSS. Two of these patients also received medical treatment for suppression of cortisol production. One patient decided to proceed with pituitary exploration without additional evaluation. All patients finally underwent surgery and achieved remission.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

In patients with CD, IPSS may rarely lead to false negative results. Management of these patients usually includes screening for ectopic sources of ACTH/CRH secretion, repeating IPSS if ectopic workup is negative, and considering medical management until final diagnosis of the source of hypercortisolism is made.

Spatial Transcriptomic Analysis of Pituitary Corticotroph Tumors Unveils Intratumor Heterogeneity

Spatial transcriptomic (ST) analysis of tumors provides a novel approach on studying gene expression along with the localization of tumor cells in their environment to uncover spatial interactions. Herein, we present ST analysis of corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We report that the in situ annotation of tumor tissue can be inferred from the gene expression profiles and is in concordance with the annotation made by a pathologist. Furthermore, relative gene expression in the tumor corresponds to common protein staining used in the evaluation of PitNETs, such as reticulin and Ki-67 index. Finally, we identify intratumor heterogeneity; clusters within the same tumor may present with different secretory capacity and transcriptomic profiles, unveiling potential intratumor cell variability with possible therapeutic interest. Together, our results provide the first attempt to clarify the spatial cell profile in PitNETs.

Neurosurgical aspects and clinical outcomes on the treatment of Cushing disease in pediatric patients: Case series and literature review

Background

Cushing disease (CD) is a state of hypercortisolism caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-(ACTH) producing pituitary adenoma which rarely occurs in pediatric patients. The outstanding features are weight gain and growth retardation. However, the insidious onset and rarity of the disease in children and adolescents often result in delayed diagnosis.

Case Description

We present five patients <14 years of age who underwent neurosurgical treatment for CD at the Department of Neurosurgery of a public referral hospital in Lima, Peru. Age at diagnosis ranged from 5.5 to 12.5 years with a history of disease from 9 months to 3.5 years of moderate to severe stunting and obesity, among other features of Cushing syndrome (CS). Although biochemical tests and cerebral imaging were crucial for the diagnosis, confirmation was made by bilateral petrosal sinuous sampling. Regarding treatment, three patients underwent transcranial surgery, one patient underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, and one patient underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery. None of the patients underwent radiotherapy or pharmacological treatment. Only one patient had a recurrence and achieved remission until an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach was performed. Short- and long-term endocrinologic follow-up is also described in detail.

Conclusion

CD is a heterogeneous disorder that requires multidisciplinary diagnosis and management. Transsphenoidal selective adenomectomy is the optimal treatment because of its higher remission rates. However, technical and anatomic aspects should be considered in pediatric patients.

Cushing's disease in children: unique features and update on genetics

In this brief report, we review the unique characteristics of Cushing disease (CD) in children, as well as the most important new genetic discoveries associated with childhood CD. We often forget it, but CD refers to Cushing syndrome caused by pituitary corticotroph adenomas only. Thus, here we only refer to the new discoveries associated with pituitary tumors. There is indeed a wealth of new information on clinical features, outcomes, and genetic determinants of CD in children!