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Bessiène L, Villa C, Bertagna X, Baussart B, Assié G. From Nelson's Syndrome to Corticotroph Tumor Progression Speed: An Update. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38959959 DOI: 10.1055/a-2359-8649] [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: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Since the first description of Nelson syndrome 60 years ago, the way to consider corticotroph pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) after bilateral adrenalectomy has evolved. Today, it is globally acknowledged that only a subset of corticotroph PitNETs is aggressive.After adrenalectomy, corticotroph tumor progression (CTP) occurs in about 30 to 40% of patients during a median follow-up of 10 years. When CTP occurs, various CTP speeds (CTPS) can be observed. Using simple metrics in patients with CTP, CTPS was reported to vary from a few millimeters to up to 40 mm per year. Rapid CTPS/ Nelson's syndrome was associated with more severe Cushing's disease, higher adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the year following adrenalectomy, and higher Ki67 on pituitary pathology. Complications such as apoplexy, cavernous syndrome, and visual defects were associated with higher CTPS. During follow-up, early morning ACTH, absolute variations properly reflected CTPS. Finally, CTPS was not higher after than before adrenalectomy, suggesting that cortisol deprivation after adrenalectomy does not impact CTPS in a majority of patients.Taken together, rapid CTPS/ Nelson's syndrome probably reflects the intrinsic aggressiveness of some corticotroph PitNETs. The precise molecular mechanisms related to corticotroph PitNET aggressiveness remain to be deciphered. Regular MRIs combined with intermediate morning ACTH measurements probably provide a reliable way to detect early and manage fast-growing tumors and, therefore, limit the complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bessiène
- Department of Endocrinology and National Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Chiara Villa
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France
- Department of Pathological Cytology and Anatomy, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Bertagna
- Department of Endocrinology and National Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Baussart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Assié
- Department of Endocrinology and National Reference Center for Rare Adrenal Disorders, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France
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Schuppe K, Burke S, Cohoe B, Chang K, Lance RS, Mroch H. Atypical Nelson Syndrome Following Right Partial and Left Total Nephrectomy With Incidental Bilateral Total Adrenalectomy of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT)-Assisted Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e36042. [PMID: 37056551 PMCID: PMC10089233 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nelson syndrome (NS) is a dangerous condition that can sometimes manifest after bilateral adrenalectomy (BA), typically in treating Cushing's disease. It is defined by the collection of systemic signs and symptoms that can arise in a state where there are chronically and massively elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Traditionally it may manifest from six months to 24 years following the loss of both adrenal glands, with the meantime of development being 15 years following BA. The diagnostic criteria are controversial, with historically many different methods being used, ranging from visual field defects and an enlarged pituitary corticotrophinoma to elevated plasma ACTH levels and skin hyperpigmentation. What remains consistent between criteria is that it is secondary to total BA, traditionally in treating refractory Cushing's disease. We describe here a rare case of a patient diagnosed with bilateral renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with right partial and left total nephrectomy, and incidental BA, presenting with the symptoms and signs of NS. Although NS classically presents following total BA for the treatment of Cushing disease, further research is required to look for etiologies of Nelson's-like pathology outside the context of Cushing's disease treatment, thereby necessitating a change to the traditional diagnostic criteria for the syndrome to identify cases that would otherwise go untreated. In addition, this case report's outlining, drafting, and conclusions were written in part by or with the support of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a large language transformer open-source artificial intelligence.
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Bessiène L, Moutel S, Lataud M, Jouinot A, Bonnet-Serrano F, Guibourdenche J, Villa C, Baussart B, Gaillard S, Barat M, Dohan A, Bertagna X, Dousset B, Bertherat J, Assié G. Corticotroph tumor progression speed after adrenalectomy. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:797-807. [PMID: 36206174 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0536] [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] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease, corticotroph tumor progression occurs in one-third to half of patients. However, progression speed is variable, ranging from slow to rapid. The aim was to explore corticotroph progression speed, its consequences and its risk factors. DESIGN A retrospective single-center observational study. METHODS In total,103 patients with Cushing's disease who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy between 1990 and 2020 were included. Clinical, biological, histological and MRI features were collected. Median duration of follow-up after bilateral adrenalectomy was 9.31 years. RESULTS In total,44 patients progressed (43%). Corticotroph tumor progression speed ranged from 1 to 40.7 mm per year. Progression speed was not different before and after bilateral adrenalectomy (P = 0.29). In univariate analyses, predictive factors for rapid corticotroph tumor progression included the severity of Cushing's disease before adrenalectomy as the cause of adrenalectomy, high ACTH in the year following adrenalectomy and high Ki67 immunopositivity in the tumor. During follow-up, early morning ACTH absolute variation was associated with corticotroph tumor progression speed (P-value = 0.001). ACTH measurement after dynamic testing did not improve this association. CONCLUSION After adrenalectomy, corticotroph progression speed is highly variable and manageable with MRI and ACTH surveillance. Progression speed does not seem related to bilateral adrenalectomy but rather to intrinsic properties of highly proliferative and secreting tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bessiène
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Moutel
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marine Lataud
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne Jouinot
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Fidéline Bonnet-Serrano
- Department of Hormonology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jean Guibourdenche
- Department of Hormonology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chiara Villa
- Department of Pathological Cytology and Anatomy, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Baussart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Stephan Gaillard
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Barat
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Dohan
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Bertagna
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Dousset
- Department of Visceral and Endocrine Surgery, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Assié
- Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Cochin, Reference and Competence Center Rare Adrenal Diseases and for Rare Pituitary Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8104, INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
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Abstract
Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a condition which may develop in patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. Although there is no formal consensus on what defines NS, corticotroph tumor growth and/or gradually increasing ACTH levels are important diagnostic elements. Pathogenesis is unclear and well-established predictive factors are lacking; high ACTH during the first year after bilateral adrenalectomy is the most consistently reported predictive parameter. Management is individualized and includes surgery, with or without radiotherapy, radiotherapy alone, and observation; medical treatments have shown inconsistent results. A subset of tumors demonstrates aggressive behavior with challenging management, malignant transformation and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Fountas
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, IBR Tower, Level 2, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK; Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
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Cohen AC, Goldney DC, Danilowicz K, Manavela M, Rossi MA, Gómez RM, Cross GE, Bruno OD. Long-term outcome after bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease with focus on Nelson's syndrome. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2019; 63:470-477. [PMID: 31271574 PMCID: PMC10522264 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings of adrenalectomized patients with Cushing's disease (CD) in order to compare the characteristics of those who developed Nelson's syndrome (NS) versus those who did not develop this complication (NNS), aiming to identify possible predictive factors for its occurrence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of a group of patients with CD who underwent TBA between 1974 and 2011. RESULTS Out of 179 patients with CD, 13 (7.3%) underwent TBA. NS occurred in 6 of them (46%) after a mean of 24 months from the total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA). Age at diagnosis, duration of Cushing's syndrome (CS) until TBA, and steroid replacement doses were similar in both groups. Initial urinary cortisol levels (24-hour urinary free cortisol [UFC]) were significantly higher in the NS group than in the NNS group (p = 0.009). Four patients in the NS group and three of those in the NNS group received radiotherapy before TBA (p = 0.26). Three patients in the NS group presented residual tumors before TBA, compared with none in the NNS group (p = 0.04). At 1 year after TBA, the median ACTH level was 476 ng/L (240-1500 ng/L) in the NS group and 81 ng/L (48-330 ng/L) in the NNS group (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION In conclusion, a residual tumor before TBA, higher 24-hour UFC at diagnosis, and increasing ACTH levels within 1 year after TBA emerged as predictive factors of development of NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Cohen
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dolores Clifton Goldney
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Danilowicz
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Manavela
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Rossi
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Reynaldo M Gómez
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela E Cross
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Oscar D Bruno
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Foundation of Endocrinology (FUNDAENDO), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Machado MC, Fragoso MCBV, Moreira AC, Boguszewski CL, Vieira Neto L, Naves LA, Vilar L, Araújo LAD, Musolino NRC, Miranda PAC, Czepielewski MA, Gadelha MR, Bronstein MD, Ribeiro-Oliveira A. A review of Cushing's disease treatment by the Department of Neuroendocrinology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2018; 62:87-105. [PMID: 29694638 PMCID: PMC10118687 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment objectives for a patient with Cushing's disease (CD) are remission of hypercortisolism, adequate management of co-morbidities, restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, preservation of fertility and pituitary function, and improvement of visual defects in cases of macroadenomas with suprasellar extension. Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is the main treatment option for the majority of cases, even in macroadenomas with low probability of remission. In cases of surgical failure, another subsequent pituitary surgery might be indicated in cases with persistent tumor imaging at post surgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or pathology analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormone-positive (ACTH+) positive pituitary adenoma in the first procedure. Medical treatment, radiotherapy and adrenalectomy are the other options when transsphenoidal pituitary surgery fails. There are several options of medical treatment, although cabergoline and ketoconazole are the most commonly used alone or in combination. Novel treatments are also addressed in this review. Different therapeutic approaches are frequently needed on an individual basis, both before and, particularly, after surgery, and they should be individualized. The objective of the present review is to provide the necessary information to achieve a more effective treatment for CD. It is recommended that patients with CD be followed at tertiary care centers with experience in treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Carlos Machado
- Unidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Candida Barisson Vilares Fragoso
- Unidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ayrton Custódio Moreira
- Divisão de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil
| | - César Luiz Boguszewski
- Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SEMPR), Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Leonardo Vieira Neto
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luciana A Naves
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brasil
| | - Lucio Vilar
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | - Nina Rosa Castro Musolino
- Divisão de Neurocirurgia Funcional, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Mauro A Czepielewski
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Monica R Gadelha
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcello Delano Bronstein
- Unidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Antônio Ribeiro-Oliveira
- Serviço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Patel J, Eloy JA, Liu JK. Nelson's syndrome: a review of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 38:E14. [PMID: 25639316 DOI: 10.3171/2014.10.focus14681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nelson's syndrome is a rare clinical manifestation that occurs in 8%-47% of patients as a complication of bilateral adrenalectomy, a procedure that is used to control hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing's disease. First described in 1958 by Dr. Don Nelson, the disease has since become associated with a clinical triad of hyperpigmentation, excessive adrenocorticotropin secretion, and a corticotroph adenoma. Even so, for the past several years the diagnostic criteria and management of Nelson's syndrome have been inadequately studied. The primary treatment for Nelson's syndrome is transsphenoidal surgery. Other stand-alone therapies, which in many cases have been used as adjuvant treatments with surgery, include radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and pharmacotherapy. Prophylactic radiotherapy at the time of bilateral adrenalectomy can prevent Nelson's syndrome (protective effect). The most promising pharmacological agents are temozolomide, octreotide, and pasireotide, but these agents are often administered after transsphenoidal surgery. In murine models, rosiglitazone has shown some efficacy, but these results have not yet been found in human studies. In this article, the authors review the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and efficacy of multimodal treatment strategies for Nelson's syndrome.
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Abstract
Nelson's syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that does not infrequently develop following total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA) for the treatment of Cushing's disease. In this review article, we discuss some controversial aspects of Nelson's syndrome including diagnosis, predictive factors, aetiology, pathology and management based on data from the existing literature and the experience of our own tertiary centre. Definitive diagnostic criteria for Nelson's syndrome are lacking. We argue in favour of a new set of criteria. We propose that Nelson's syndrome should be diagnosed in any patient with prior TBA for the treatment of Cushing's disease and with at least one of the following criteria: i) an expanding pituitary mass lesion compared with pre-TBA images; ii) an elevated 0800 h plasma level of ACTH (>500 ng/l) in addition to progressive elevations of ACTH (a rise of >30%) on at least three consecutive occasions. Regarding predictive factors for the development of Nelson's syndrome post TBA, current evidence favours the presence of residual pituitary tumour on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) post transsphenoidal surgery (TSS); an aggressive subtype of corticotrophinoma (based on MRI growth rapidity and histology of TSS samples); lack of prophylactic neoadjuvant pituitary radiotherapy at the time of TBA and a rapid rise of ACTH levels in year 1 post TBA. Finally, more studies are needed to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in Nelson's syndrome, including the alkylating agent, temozolomide, which holds promise as a novel and effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of associated aggressive corticotroph tumours. It is timely to review these controversies and to suggest guidelines for future audit.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Barber
- Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Banasiak MJ, Malek AR. Nelson syndrome: comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Neurosurg Focus 2007; 23:E13. [PMID: 17961028 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2007.23.3.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nelson syndrome (NS) is a rare clinical manifestation of an enlarging pituitary adenoma that can occur following bilateral adrenal gland removal performed for the treatment of Cushing disease. It is characterized by excess adreno-corticotropin secretion and hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucus membranes. The authors present a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of NS. Corticotroph adenomas in NS remain challenging tumors that can lead to significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the natural history of NS, advances in neurophysiology and neuroimaging, and growing experience with surgical intervention and radiation have expanded the repertoire of treatments. Currently available treatments include surgical, radiation, and medical therapy. Although the primary treatment for each tumor type may vary, it is important to consider all of the available options and select the one that is most appropriate for the individual case, particularly in cases of lesions resistant to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena J Banasiak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33606, USA
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Cukier P, Duch FM, Teixeira MJ, Fragoso MCBV, Pereira MAA, Freire DS, Fonoff ET, Costa MHS, Domenice S, Lucon AM, de Mendonça BB. [Nelson's Syndrome: a case report]. ARQUIVOS BRASILEIROS DE ENDOCRINOLOGIA E METABOLOGIA 2007; 51:116-24. [PMID: 17435865 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/15/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present and discuss several aspects of the pathogenesis, the clinical, hormonal, and imaging diagnosis, and the treatment of Nelson's syndrome, based on a typical patient's report, in whom several therapeutic approaches were shown to be ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Cukier
- Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo
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Mounier C, Pasquet F, Trouillas J, Perrin G, Jouanneau E, Borson-Chazot F, Colle B. Syndrome de Nelson: évolution d'un adénome hypophysaire corticotrope agressif. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2007; 68:28-33. [PMID: 17306208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2006.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 07/03/2006] [Accepted: 10/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nelson's syndrome was defined in 1958 as the association of an expanding pituitary tumor with high ACTH secretion after bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease. Pituitary MRI and ACTH measurements led to the definition of Nelson's syndrome as the proliferation of a corticotrophic microadenoma or an aggressive and highly proliferative tumor residue induced by the decreased glucocorticoid inhibition after bilateral adrenalectomy. Now, the problem is not the definition of Nelson's syndrome but rather the identification of markers predictive of tumor growth. Based on a typical case and a review of the literature, we point out some predictive markers of tumor growth after bilateral adrenalectomy: young age at diagnosis, presence of tumor residue on pituitary MRI before adrenalectomy, markers of tumor aggressiveness (Ki-67>3%, mitoses, nuclear PTTG) and increase of ACTH levels during the first months following adrenalectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mounier
- Service de médecine interne-endocrinologie-diabétologie, hôpital d'instruction des armées Desgenettes, 108, boulevard Pinel, 69003 Lyon cedex, France.
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13
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Assié G, Bahurel H, Coste J, Silvera S, Kujas M, Dugué MA, Karray F, Dousset B, Bertherat J, Legmann P, Bertagna X. Corticotroph tumor progression after adrenalectomy in Cushing's Disease: A reappraisal of Nelson's Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:172-9. [PMID: 17062771 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenalectomy is a radical treatment for hypercortisolism in Cushing's disease. However, it may lead to Nelson's syndrome, originally defined by the association of a pituitary macroadenoma and high plasma ACTH concentrations, a much feared complication. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to reconsider Nelson's syndrome by investigating corticotroph tumor progression based on pituitary magnetic resonance imaging scan and search for predictive factors. DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTING The complete medical records of Cushing's disease patients at Cochin Hospital were studied. PATIENTS Patients included 53 Cushing's disease patients treated by adrenalectomy between 1991 and 2002, without previous pituitary irradiation. MEASUREMENTS Clinical data, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging data, and plasma ACTH concentrations for all patients and pituitary gland pathology data for 25 patients were recorded. Corticotroph tumor progression-free survival was studied by Kaplan-Meier, and the influence of recorded parameters was studied by Cox regression. INTERVENTION There was no intervention. RESULTS Corticotroph tumor progression ultimately occurred in half the patients, generally within 3 yr after adrenalectomy. A shorter duration of Cushing's disease (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.884/yr), and a high plasma ACTH concentration in the year after adrenalectomy [adjusted hazard ratio per 100 pg/ml (22 pmol/liter): 1.069] were predictive of corticotroph tumor progression. In one case, corticotroph tumor progression was complicated by transitory oculomotor nerve palsy. During follow-up, corticotroph tumor progression was associated with the increase of corresponding ACTH concentrations (odds ratio per 100 pg/ml of ACTH variation: 1.055). CONCLUSION After adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease, one should no longer wait for the occurrence of Nelson's syndrome: modern imaging allows early detection and management of corticotroph tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Assié
- Department of Endocrinology, Cochin Hospital, Faculté René Descartes, 27, rue du Fg St. Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
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Abstract
Adrenalectomy is a radical therapeutic approach to control hypercortisolism in some patients with Cushing's disease. However it may be complicated by the Nelson's syndrome, defined by the association of a pituitary macroadenoma and high ACTH secretion after adrenalectomy. This definition has not changed since the end of the fifties. Today the Nelson's syndrome must be revisited with new to criteria using more sensitive diagnostic tools, especially the pituitary magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper we will review the pathophysiological aspects of corticotroph tumor growth, with reference to the impact of adrenalectomy. The main epidemiological data on the Nelson's syndrome will be presented. More importantly, we will propose a new pathophysiological and practical approach to this question which attempts to evaluate the Corticotroph Tumor Progression after adrenalectomy, rather than to diagnose the Nelson's syndrome. We will discuss the consequences for the management of Cushing's disease patients after adrenalectomy, and will also draw some perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Assié
- Université René Descartes, Endocrinology, Cochin Hospital, Paris 5, France
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Castro M, Elias LLK, Elias PCL, Moreira AC. A dose-response study of salivary cortisol after dexamethasone suppression test in Cushing's disease and its potential use in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2003; 59:800-5. [PMID: 14974925 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2003.01908.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A dose-response study with different doses of dexamethasone (dex) to assess the corticotrophic resistance in Cushing's disease (CD) using salivary cortisol as an end point has not yet been evaluated. We also reported our experience with salivary cortisol compared to plasma cortisol determination during dex suppression test (DST) and after ovine corticotrophin release hormone (oCRH) test in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS). DESIGN We studied 46 patients with CS, including 28 patients with CD, 16 with adrenal disease and two with occult ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tumours. Salivary cortisol was compared to plasma cortisol and ACTH during a DST 2 mg for 2 days, 8 mg for 2 days and 24 mg for 1 day, and after oCRH test. RESULTS We observed a dose-dependent suppression of salivary cortisol, plasma cortisol and ACTH in CD patients. Salivary cortisol presented a higher percentage of suppression than plasma cortisol: 42% vs. 15% (P < 0.002), 82% vs. 67% (P < 0.002) and 90% vs. 83% (P < 0.03) after 2, 8 and 24 mg/day dex, respectively. The lowest percentage of suppression was observed for plasma ACTH. The parallelism of these lines identified that the criterion of 65% suppression of salivary cortisol corresponding to 50% suppression of plasma cortisol after 8 mg/day for 2 days is consistent with CD. The sensitivity and specificity using 50% suppression for plasma cortisol were 81% and 83%, respectively, for 8 mg DST. Using the criterion of 65% suppression of salivary cortisol, the sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 100%, respectively, for 8 mg DST. After oCRH test the sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 91%, respectively, for ACTH, 100% and 64%, respectively, for plasma cortisol and 93% and 91%, respectively, (20% of increment) or 86% and 100%, respectively, (35% increment) for salivary cortisol. CONCLUSION In conclusion, salivary cortisol presents more profound suppression than plasma cortisol or ACTH in a dose-response pattern after different doses of dex in patients with CD. In addition, our data suggest that measurement of salivary cortisol might improve the DST as compared to plasma cortisol in the differential diagnosis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Castro
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Pereira MA, Halpern A, Salgado LR, Mendonça BB, Nery M, Liberman B, Streeten DH, Wajchenberg BL. A study of patients with Nelson's syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1998; 49:533-9. [PMID: 9876353 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1998.00578.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of Nelson's syndrome has varied greatly, at least in part because of the variability of the diagnostic criteria employed by different authors. We define Nelson's syndrome as the presence of an enlarging pituitary tumour associated with elevated fasting plasma ACTH levels and hyperpigmentation in patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. We have compared patients with Cushing's disease who developed Nelson's syndrome after bilateral adrenalectomy with those who did not. Our objective was to find differences between the two groups which might predict the development of Nelson's syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We have reviewed the records of 30 patients with Cushing's disease after adrenalectomy, and divided them into two groups; I: 14 who developed Nelson's syndrome and II, 16 who did not. The two groups of patients were compared in their clinical, laboratory and imaging data as well as in the therapeutic procedures that preceded the adrenalectomy. RESULTS The comparison between the two groups of patients demonstrated a highly significant difference in relation to the development of cutaneous hyperpigmentation (100% in group I and 19% in group II) and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms (21% in group I and 0% in group II) after adrenalectomy. There were no significant differences in laboratory data before adrenalectomy. After adrenalectomy, plasma ACTH levels increased significantly in the patients of both groups, but to much higher levels in those who developed Nelson's syndrome. Plasma ACTH concentrations above 154 pmol/l occurred only in the subjects with Nelson's syndrome. Before adrenalectomy, a pituitary tumour was more frequent in the patients who developed Nelson's syndrome (55% vs. 33% at transsphenoidal pituitary exploration). Pituitary surgery and irradiation were undertaken before adrenalectomy in approximately equal numbers of patients in each group. DISCUSSION The prevalence of Nelson's syndrome was 47% in our series of 30 patients with Cushing's disease after bilateral adrenalectomy. No clinical or laboratory data before adrenalectomy predicted the development of the syndrome. The value of prophylactic pituitary irradiation could not be evaluated from our clinical material. However, after adrenalectomy, the presence of hyperpigmentation and ACTH levels above 154 pmol/l had positive predictive value for the development of Nelson's syndrome. In this situation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary is mandatory and, if no tumour is detected, MRI should be repeated at intervals.
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