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Hinojosa-Amaya JM, González-Colmenero FD, Alvarez-Villalobos NA, Salcido-Montenegro A, Quintanilla-Sánchez C, Moreno-Peña PJ, Manzanares-Gallegos DM, Gutiérrez-Dávila LF, Castillo-Morales PL, García-Campa M, González-González JG, Varlamov E, Rodriguez-Gutiérrez R, Fleseriu M. The conundrum of differentiating Cushing's syndrome from non-neoplastic hypercortisolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pituitary 2024:10.1007/s11102-024-01408-w. [PMID: 38888685 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Once hypercortisolemia is confirmed, differential diagnosis between Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to neoplastic endogenous hypercortisolism and non-neoplastic hypercortisolism (NNH, pseudo-Cushing's syndrome) is crucial. Due to worldwide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) unavailability, accuracy of alternative tests to dexamethasone (Dex)-CRH, is clearly needed. OBJECTIVE Assess the diagnostic accuracy of Dex-CRH test, desmopressin stimulation test, midnight serum cortisol (MSC), and late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) levels to distinguish CS from NNH. METHODS Articles through March 2022 were identified from Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. All steps through the systematic review were performed independently and in duplicate and strictly adhered to the updated PRISMA-DTA checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 24 articles (1900 patients) were included. Dex-CRH had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 91% (95%CI 87-94%; I2 0%) and 82% (73-88%; I2 50%), desmopressin test 86% (81-90%; I2 28%) and 90% (84-94%; I2 15%), MSC 91% (85-94%; I2 66%) and 81% (70-89%; I2 71%), and LNSC 80% (67-89%; I2 57%) and 90% (84-93%; I2 21%), respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristics areas under the curve were Dex-CRH 0.949, desmopressin test 0.936, MSC 0.942, and LNSC 0.950 without visual or statistical significance. The overall risk of studies bias was moderate. CONCLUSION Dex-CRH, the desmopressin stimulation test, and MSC have similar diagnostic accuracy, with Dex-CRH and MSC having slightly higher sensitivity, and the desmopressin test being more specific. LNSC was the least accurate, probably due to high heterogeneity, intrinsic variability, different assays, and lack of consistent reported cutoffs. When facing this challenging differential diagnosis, the results presented here should increase clinicians' confidence when deciding which test to perform.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Hinojosa-Amaya
- Pituitary Clinic, Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González" Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, (Gonzalitos) S/N, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Fernando Díaz González-Colmenero
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Alejandro Salcido-Montenegro
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Carolina Quintanilla-Sánchez
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Pablo José Moreno-Peña
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Dulce María Manzanares-Gallegos
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Luis Fernando Gutiérrez-Dávila
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Patricia Lizeth Castillo-Morales
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Mariano García-Campa
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - José Gerardo González-González
- Pituitary Clinic, Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González" Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, (Gonzalitos) S/N, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Elena Varlamov
- 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
| | - René Rodriguez-Gutiérrez
- Pituitary Clinic, Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González" Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, (Gonzalitos) S/N, Mitras Centro, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico.
- Advanced Analysis Center of Scientific Information, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León School of Medicine, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - 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.
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2
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Dery L, Stern J, Shimon I, Rudman Y, Kushnir S, Shochat T, Fleseriu M, Akirov A. Impact of etiology, sex, diabetes mellitus and remission status on erythrocytic profile in patients with cushing's syndrome: a large population database study. Pituitary 2024:10.1007/s11102-024-01399-8. [PMID: 38769229 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to characterize the erythrocytic profile in patients with cushing's syndrome (CS) versus controls from the normal population according to etiology, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercortisolemia remission status. METHODS This retrospective cohort analysis compared erythrocytic parameters between patients with CS of pituitary (CD) and adrenal (aCS) etiology and age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status-matched controls in a 1:5 ratio. Laboratory values at baseline were calculated as mean values during the year preceding CS diagnosis, and over one year thereafter. RESULTS The cohort included 397 CS patients (68.26% female; mean age 51.11 ± 16.85 years) and 1970 controls. Patients with CS had significantly higher baseline median levels of hemoglobin (Hgb) (13.70 g/dL vs. 13.12 g/dL [p < 0.0001]) and hematocrit (Hct) (41.64% vs. 39.80% [p < 0.0001]) compared to controls. These differences were observed for both CD and aCS and for both sexes. Patients who attained remission had Hgb and Hct levels comparable to controls (13.20 g/dL and 40.08% in patients with CD and aCS vs. 13.20 g/dL and 39.98% in controls). Meanwhile, those with persistent/recurrent disease maintained elevated levels. Patients with comorbid DM had similar Hgb but higher Hct (p = 0.0419), while patients without DM showed elevated erythrocytic values compared to controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Our data illustrates that erythrocytic parameters are directly influenced by glucocorticoid excess as Hgb and Hct are higher in patients with CS, and normalize after remission. We have identified the influence of DM on erythrocytic parameters in patients with CS for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dery
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Julia Stern
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilan Shimon
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Yaron Rudman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Shiri Kushnir
- Research Authority, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Tzipora Shochat
- Biostatistics Unit, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amit Akirov
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
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3
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Ho KKY, Fleseriu M, Wass J, Katznelson L, Raverot G, Little AS, Castaño JP, Reincke M, Lopes MB, Kaiser UB, Chanson P, Gadelha M, Melmed S. A proposed clinical classification for pituitary neoplasms to guide therapy and prognosis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:209-214. [PMID: 38301678 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00382-0] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
No comprehensive classification system that guides prognosis and therapy of pituitary adenomas exists. The 2022 WHO histopathology-based classification system can only be applied to lesions that are resected, which represent few clinically significant pituitary adenomas. Many factors independent of histopathology provide mechanistic insight into causation and influence prognosis and treatment of pituitary adenomas. We propose a new approach to guide prognosis and therapy of pituitary adenomas by integrating clinical, genetic, biochemical, radiological, pathological, and molecular information for all adenomas arising from anterior pituitary cell lineages. The system uses an evidence-based scoring of risk factors to yield a cumulative score that reflects disease severity and can be used at the bedside to guide pituitary adenoma management. Once validated in prospective studies, this simple manageable classification system could provide a standardised platform for assessing disease severity, prognosis, and effects of therapy on pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken K Y Ho
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | - Laurence Katznelson
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Bron, France
| | | | - Justo P Castaño
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikumder Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
| | - M Beatriz Lopes
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - 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
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4
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Gadelha M, Gatto F, Wildemberg LE, Fleseriu M. Cushing's syndrome. Lancet 2023; 402:2237-2252. [PMID: 37984386 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome results from excess glucocorticoid secretion, which leads to a myriad of clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and increased mortality despite treatment. Molecular mechanisms and genetic alterations associated with different causes of Cushing's syndrome have been described in the last decade. Imaging modalities and biochemical testing have evolved; however, both the diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome remain challenging. Surgery is the preferred treatment for all causes, but medical therapy has markedly advanced, with new drug options becoming available. Nevertheless, several comorbidities remain even after patient remission, which can affect quality of life. Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for mitigating chronic complications of excess glucocorticoids and improving patient quality of life. In this Seminar, we aim to update several important aspects of diagnosis, complications, and treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome of all causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Gadelha
- Endocrine Unit and Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Neuroendocrine Unit, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Federico Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Fleseriu
- Pituitary Center, Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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5
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Meijer OC, Kooijman S, Kroon J, Winter EM. The importance of the circadian trough in glucocorticoid signaling: a variation on B-flat. Stress 2023; 26:2275210. [PMID: 37874158 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2275210] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones are essential for health, but overexposure may lead to many detrimental effects, including metabolic, psychiatric, and bone disease. These effects may not only be due to increased overall exposure to glucocorticoids, but also to elevated hormone levels at the time of the physiological circadian trough of glucocorticoid levels. The late Mary Dallman developed a model that allows the differentiation between the effects of overall 24-hour glucocorticoid overexposure and the effects of a lack of circadian rhythmicity. For this, she continuously treated rats with a low dose of corticosterone (or "B"), which leads to a constant hormone level, without 24-hour overexposure using subcutaneously implanted pellets. The data from this "B-flat" model suggest that even modest elevations of glucocorticoid signaling during the time of the normal circadian trough of hormone secretion are a substantial contributor to the negative effects of glucocorticoids on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth M Winter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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6
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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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7
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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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8
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Mondin A, Barbot M, Voltan G, Tizianel I, Vedolin CK, Mazzeo P, Lazzara M, Boscaro M, Scaroni C, Ceccato F. Second-line tests in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic hypercortisolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1947-1959. [PMID: 37079177 PMCID: PMC10514124 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02099-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical and hormonal overlap between neoplastic (CS) and non-neoplastic (NNH/pCS) hypercortisolism is a challenge. Various dynamic tests have been proposed to allow an early discrimination between these conditions, but to date there is no agreement on which of them should be used. AIM To provide an overview of the available tests and to obtain a quantitative synthesis of their diagnostic performance in discriminating NNH/pCS from CS. METHODS The included articles, published between 1990 and 2022, applied one or more second line tests to differentiate NNH/pCS from CS patients. For the NNH/pCS group, we admitted the inclusion of patients presenting clinical features and/or biochemical findings suggestive of hypercortisolism despite apparent lack of a pCS-related condition. RESULTS The electronic search identified 339 articles. After references analysis and study selection, we identified 9 studies on combined dexamethasone-corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex-CRH) test, 4 on Desmopressin test and 3 on CRH test; no study on Dex-Desmopressin met the inclusion criteria. Dex-CRH test provided the highest sensitivity (97%, 95 CI% [88%; 99%]). CRH tests showed excellent specificity (99%, 95% CI [0%; 100%]), with low sensitivity. Although metaregression analysis based on diagnostic odds ratio failed to provide a gold standard, CRH test (64.77, 95% CI [0.15; 27,174.73]) seemed to lack in performance compared to the others (Dex-CRH 138.83, 95% CI [49.38; 390.32] and Desmopressin 110.44, 95% CI [32.13; 379.63]). DISCUSSION Both Dex-CRH and Desmopressin tests can be valid tools in helping discrimination between NNH/pCS and CS. Further studies are needed on this topic, possibly focusing on mild Cushing's Disease and well-characterized NNH/pCS patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022359774 , identifier CRD42022359774.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mondin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - G Voltan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - I Tizianel
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C K Vedolin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - P Mazzeo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Lazzara
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Boscaro
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy.
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
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9
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Mallick S, Chakrabarti J, Eschbacher J, Moraitis AG, Greenstein AE, Churko J, Pond KW, Livolsi A, Thorne CA, Little AS, Yuen KCJ, Zavros Y. Genetically engineered human pituitary corticotroph tumor organoids exhibit divergent responses to glucocorticoid receptor modulators. Transl Res 2023; 256:56-72. [PMID: 36640905 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is a serious endocrine disorder attributed to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) that that subsequently leads to chronic hypercortisolemia. PitNET regression has been reported following treatment with the investigational selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator relacorilant, but the mechanisms behind that effect remain unknown. Human PitNET organoid models were generated from induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or fresh tissue obtained from CD patient PitNETs (hPITOs). Genetically engineered iPSC derived organoids were used to model the development of corticotroph PitNETs expressing USP48 (iPSCUSP48) or USP8 (iPSCUSP8) somatic mutations. Organoids were treated with the GR antagonist mifepristone or the GR modulator relacorilant with or without somatostatin receptor (SSTR) agonists pasireotide or octreotide. In iPSCUSP48 and iPSCUSP8 cultures, mifepristone induced a predominant expression of SSTR2 with a concomitant increase in ACTH secretion and tumor cell proliferation. Relacorilant predominantly induced SSTR5 expression and tumor cell apoptosis with minimal ACTH induction. Hedgehog signaling mediated the induction of SSTR2 and SSTR5 in response to mifepristone and relacorilant. Relacorilant sensitized PitNET organoid responsiveness to pasireotide. Therefore, our study identified the potential therapeutic use of relacorilant in combination with somatostatin analogs and demonstrated the advantages of relacorilant over mifepristone, supporting its further development for use in the treatment of Cushing's disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Mallick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jayati Chakrabarti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jennifer Eschbacher
- Department of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | | | | | - Jared Churko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Kelvin W Pond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Curtis A Thorne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Andrew S Little
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kevin C J Yuen
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona.
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Abstract
Importance Pituitary adenomas are neoplasms of the pituitary adenohypophyseal cell lineage and include functioning tumors, characterized by the secretion of pituitary hormones, and nonfunctioning tumors. Clinically evident pituitary adenomas occur in approximately 1 in 1100 persons. Observations Pituitary adenomas are classified as either macroadenomas (≥10 mm) (48% of tumors) or microadenomas (<10 mm). Macroadenomas may cause mass effect, such as visual field defects, headache, and/or hypopituitarism, which occur in about 18% to 78%, 17% to 75%, and 34% to 89% of patients, respectively. Thirty percent of pituitary adenomas are nonfunctioning adenomas, which do not produce hormones. Functioning tumors are those that produce an excess of normally produced hormones and include prolactinomas, somatotropinomas, corticotropinomas, and thyrotropinomas, which produce prolactin, growth hormone, corticotropin, and thyrotropin, respectively. Approximately 53% of pituitary adenomas are prolactinomas, which can cause hypogonadism, infertility, and/or galactorrhea. Twelve percent are somatotropinomas, which cause acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children, and 4% are corticotropinomas, which secrete corticotropin autonomously, resulting in hypercortisolemia and Cushing disease. All patients with pituitary tumors require endocrine evaluation for hormone hypersecretion. Patients with macroadenomas additionally require evaluation for hypopituitarism, and patients with tumors compressing the optic chiasm should be referred to an ophthalmologist for formal visual field testing. For those requiring treatment, first-line therapy is usually transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, except for prolactinomas, for which medical therapy, either bromocriptine or cabergoline, is usually first line. Conclusions and Relevance Clinically manifest pituitary adenomas affect approximately 1 in 1100 people and can be complicated by syndromes of hormone excess as well as visual field defects and hypopituitarism from mass effect in larger tumors. First-line therapy for prolactinomas consists of bromocriptine or cabergoline, and transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is first-line therapy for other pituitary adenomas requiring treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Tritos
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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11
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Possible, probable, and certain hypercortisolism: A continuum in the risk of comorbidity. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:272-284. [PMID: 36736771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hypercortisolism may be considered as a continuum in terms of both hormonal and cardiometabolic abnormalities. It ranges from cases with "normal" hormonal profile and low to intermediate risk of comorbidity to florid cases with clear clinical and hormonal evidence of glucocorticoid excess and clearly increased cardiometabolic risk. Even in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI), defined as adrenal incidentaloma with normal results on the currently available hormonal test for evaluation of hypercortisolism, cardiometabolic and mortality risk is higher than in the general population without adrenal lesions. Mild hypercortisolism or autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is a term used for patients with adrenal incidentaloma and pathological dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results, but without specific clinical signs of hypercortisolism. It is widely known that this condition is linked to higher prevalence of several cardiometabolic comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome, than in patients with NFAI or without adrenal tumor. In case of overt Cushing's syndrome, cardiovascular risk is extremely high, and standard mortality ratio is high, cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death. The present review summarizes the current evidence for a detrimental cardiometabolic profile in patients with possible (NFAI), probable (ACS) and certain hypercortisolism (overt Cushing's syndrome).
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12
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Chakrabarti J, Pandey R, Churko JM, Eschbacher J, Mallick S, Chen Y, Hermes B, Mallick P, Stansfield BN, Pond KW, Thorne CA, Yuen KCJ, Little AS, Zavros Y. Development of Human Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor Organoids to Facilitate Effective Targeted Treatments of Cushing's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:3344. [PMID: 36359740 PMCID: PMC9659185 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cushing's disease (CD) is a serious endocrine disorder caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) that stimulates the adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol. Chronic exposure to excess cortisol has detrimental effects on health, including increased stroke rates, diabetes, obesity, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, and death. The first-line treatment for CD is pituitary surgery. Current surgical remission rates reported in only 56% of patients depending on several criteria. The lack of specificity, poor tolerability, and low efficacy of the subsequent second-line medical therapies make CD a medical therapeutic challenge. One major limitation that hinders the development of specific medical therapies is the lack of relevant human model systems that recapitulate the cellular composition of PitNET microenvironment. (2) Methods: human pituitary tumor tissue was harvested during transsphenoidal surgery from CD patients to generate organoids (hPITOs). (3) Results: hPITOs generated from corticotroph, lactotroph, gonadotroph, and somatotroph tumors exhibited morphological diversity among the organoid lines between individual patients and amongst subtypes. The similarity in cell lineages between the organoid line and the patient's tumor was validated by comparing the neuropathology report to the expression pattern of PitNET specific markers, using spectral flow cytometry and exome sequencing. A high-throughput drug screen demonstrated patient-specific drug responses of hPITOs amongst each tumor subtype. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a CD patient carrying germline mutation CDH23 exhibited dysregulated cell lineage commitment. (4) Conclusions: The human pituitary neuroendocrine tumor organoids represent a novel approach in how we model complex pathologies in CD patients, which will enable effective personalized medicine for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayati Chakrabarti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ritu Pandey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Center for Biomedical Informatics and Biostatistics, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jared M. Churko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Jennifer Eschbacher
- Department of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Saptarshi Mallick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Yuliang Chen
- University of Arizona Cancer Center Bioinformatics Core, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Beth Hermes
- Department of Neuropathology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Palash Mallick
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Ben N. Stansfield
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Kelvin W. Pond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Curtis A. Thorne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Kevin C. J. Yuen
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Andrew S. Little
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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13
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Kelsall A, Newell-Price J. Cushing Mortality in Remission: Not Out of the Woods. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e4232-e4233. [PMID: 35648700 PMCID: PMC9516178 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Kelsall
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - John Newell-Price
- Correspondence: John Newell-Price, MA PhD FRCP, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Pachychoroid Spectrum Diseases in Patients with Cushing’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154437. [PMID: 35956052 PMCID: PMC9369356 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disease with an endogenous cause of excess cortisol secretion. More evidence substantially links cortisol levels to the pachychoroid spectrum diseases. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarize available evidence on pachychoroid spectrum diseases in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. We performed a systematic literature search in 11 databases on 21 May 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they performed retinal examination of a consecutive group of patients with Cushing’s syndrome using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. We extracted data on subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with Cushing’s syndrome compared to matched controls. We also extracted data on the prevalence of pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). We identified six eligible studies with a total of 159 patients with Cushing’s syndrome. On average, patients with Cushing’s syndrome have 49.5 µm thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness compared to matched healthy individuals. Pachychoroid spectrum diseases were relatively common in these patients: PPE in 20.8%, CSC in 7.7%, and PCV in 2.8%. We conclude that there should be low threshold to recommend ophthalmic examination to patients with Cushing’s syndrome, and that a macular OCT is recommended during this examination.
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15
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Dadej D, Szczepanek-Parulska E, Wrotkowska E, Ruchała M. Cushing's syndrome is associated with altered adipokine profile. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032329. [PMID: 36561568 PMCID: PMC9763882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adipokines are signaling molecules involved in the integration of metabolism. Changes in their concentrations were observed in obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, as well as endocrine disorders. Cushing's syndrome is associated with metabolic dysregulation, but the significance of adipokines in this entity and related complications is largely unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of adipokines: fetuin A, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) in Cushing's syndrome and to assess their relation to established cardiovascular and diabetes risk markers. METHODS We examined 21 subjects with Cushing's syndrome and 24 healthy controls in a cross-sectional manner. Venous blood samples were analysed for adipokines, cortisol, adrenocorticotrophin, glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, cholesterol fractions, thyrotropin and free thyroid hormones concentrations. Patients' body mass index (BMI) was evaluated, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) were calculated. RESULTS We found that the concentration of fetuin A was lower, while FABP4 and RBP4 concentrations were higher in Cushing's syndrome compared to controls [156.4 ± 60.0 µg/ml vs 260.7 ± 49.6 µg/ml; 79.8 (35.2-156.1) ng/ml vs 27.9 (17.1-36.7) ng/ml and 34 (30-37.7) mg/l vs 25.8 (23.6-27.7) mg/l, respectively]. Fetuin A correlated inversely, while FABP4 and RBP4 positively, with the concentrations of urinary free cortisol and adrenocorticotrophin. Fetuin A was positively related to LDL-cholesterol, and negatively to SCORE and HbA1c. FABP4 was associated positively with BMI, HbA1c and triglycerides, while RBP4 correlated positively with triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Adipokines' concentrations change in hypercortisolism. Further research is needed to ascertain whether adipokines are involved in the development of metabolic complications accompanying Cushing's syndrome or secondarily reflect metabolic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Dadej
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- *Correspondence: Daniela Dadej,
| | - Ewelina Szczepanek-Parulska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wrotkowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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