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Prete A, Bancos I. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion: pathophysiology, comorbidities and management approaches. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:460-473. [PMID: 38649778 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-00984-y] [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: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The majority of incidentally discovered adrenal tumours are benign adrenocortical adenomas and the prevalence of adrenocortical adenomas is around 1-7% on cross-sectional abdominal imaging. These can be non-functioning adrenal tumours or they can be associated with autonomous cortisol secretion on a spectrum that ranges from rare clinically overt adrenal Cushing syndrome to the much more prevalent mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) without signs of Cushing syndrome. MACS is diagnosed (based on an abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test) in 20-50% of patients with adrenal adenomas. MACS is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, frailty, fragility fractures, decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Management of MACS should be individualized based on patient characteristics and includes adrenalectomy or conservative follow-up with treatment of associated comorbidities. Identifying patients with MACS who are most likely to benefit from adrenalectomy is challenging, as adrenalectomy results in improvement of cardiovascular morbidity in some, but not all, patients with MACS. Of note, diagnosis and management of patients with bilateral MACS is especially challenging. Current gaps in MACS clinical practice include a lack of specific biomarkers diagnostic of MACS-related health outcomes and a paucity of clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of adrenalectomy on comorbidities associated with MACS. In addition, little evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of long-term medical therapy in patients with MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Trandafir AI, Ghemigian A, Ciobica ML, Nistor C, Gurzun MM, Nistor TVI, Petrova E, Carsote M. Diabetes Mellitus in Non-Functioning Adrenal Incidentalomas: Analysis of the Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) Impact on Glucose Profile. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1606. [PMID: 39062179 PMCID: PMC11274780 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) have been placed in relationship with a higher risk of glucose profile anomalies, while the full-blown typical picture of Cushing's syndrome (CS) and associated secondary (glucocorticoid-induced) diabetes mellitus is not explicitly confirmed in this instance. Our objective was to highlight the most recent data concerning the glucose profile, particularly, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in NFAIs with/without mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). This was a comprehensive review of the literature; the search was conducted according to various combinations of key terms. We included English-published, original studies across a 5-year window of publication time (from January 2020 until 1 April 2024) on PubMed. We excluded case reports, reviews, studies on T1DM or secondary diabetes, and experimental data. We identified 37 studies of various designs (14 retrospective studies as well 13 cross-sectional, 4 cohorts, 3 prospective, and 2 case-control studies) that analysed 17,391 individuals, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.47 (aged between 14 and 96 years). T2DM prevalence in MACS (affecting 10 to 30% of NFAIs) ranged from 12% to 44%. The highest T2DM prevalence in NFAI was 45.2% in one study. MACS versus (non-MACS) NFAIs (n = 16) showed an increased risk of T2DM and even of prediabetes or higher fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c (no unanimous results). T2DM prevalence was analysed in NFAI (N = 1243, female-to-male ratio of 1.11, mean age of 60.42) versus (non-tumour) controls (N = 1548, female-to-male ratio of 0.91, average age of 60.22) amid four studies, and two of them were confirmatory with respect to a higher rate in NFAIs. Four studies included a sub-group of CS compared to NFAI/MACS, and two of them did not confirm an increased rate of glucose profile anomalies in CS versus NFAIs/ACS. The longest period of follow-up with concern to the glycaemic profile was 10.5 years, and one cohort showed a significant increase in the T2DM rate at 17.9% compared to the baseline value of 0.03%. Additionally, inconsistent data from six studies enrolling 1039 individuals that underwent adrenalectomy (N = 674) and conservative management (N = 365) pinpointed the impact of the surgery in NFAIs. The regulation of the glucose metabolism after adrenalectomy versus baseline versus conservative management (n = 3) was improved. To our knowledge, this comprehensive review included one of the largest recent analyses in the field of glucose profile amid the confirmation of MACS/NFAI. In light of the rising incidence of NFAI/AIs due to easier access to imagery scans and endocrine evaluation across the spectrum of modern medicine, it is critical to assess if these patients have an increased frequency of cardio-metabolic disorders that worsen their overall comorbidity and mortality profile, including via the confirmation of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Ioana Trandafir
- PhD Doctoral School of “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Adina Ghemigian
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai-Lucian Ciobica
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Internal Medicine I and Rheumatology, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4-Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Thoracic Surgery Department, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria-Magdalena Gurzun
- Cardiology Discipline, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Exploration, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military University Emergency Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Vasile Ioan Nistor
- Medical Biochemistry Discipline, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugenia Petrova
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, “C.I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 011863 Bucharest, Romania; (A.G.); (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Endocrinology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Mu D, Qian X, Ma Y, Wang X, Gao Y, Ma X, Xie S, Hou L, Zhang Q, Zhao F, Xia L, Lin L, Qiu L, Wu J, Yu S, Cheng X. Plasma Steroid Profiling Combined With Machine Learning for the Differential Diagnosis in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion From Nonfunctioning Adenoma in Patients With Adrenal Incidentalomas. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:647-656. [PMID: 38657794 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.04.008] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic value of combining plasma steroid profiling with machine learning (ML) in differentiating between mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) and nonfunctioning adenoma (NFA) in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. METHODS The plasma steroid profiles data in the laboratory information system were screened from January 2021 to December 2023. EXtreme Gradient Boosting was applied to establish diagnostic models using plasma 24-steroid panels and/or clinical characteristics of the subjects. The SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method was used for explaining the model. RESULTS Seventy-six patients with MACS and 86 patients with NFA were included in the development and internal validation cohort while the external validation cohort consisted of 27 MACS and 21 NFA cases. Among 5 ML models evaluated, eXtreme Gradient Boosting demonstrated superior performance with an area under the curve of 0.77 using 24 steroid hormones. The SHAP method identified 5 steroids that exhibited optimal performance in distinguishing MACS from NFA, namely dehydroepiandrosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate. Upon incorporating clinical features into the model, the area under the curve increased to 0.88, with a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.82. Furthermore, the results obtained through SHAP revealed that lower levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, and adrenocorticotropic hormone along with higher level of 11-deoxycortisol significantly contributed to the identification of MACS in the model. CONCLUSIONS We have elucidated the utilization of ML-based steroid profiling to discriminate between MACS and NFA in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. This approach holds promise for distinguishing these 2 entities through a single blood collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Qian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yichen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yumeng Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyu Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Liling Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Songlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinqi Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.
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Vignesh V, Castro-Dominguez B, James TD, Gamble-Turner JM, Lightman S, Reis NM. Advancements in Cortisol Detection: From Conventional Methods to Next-Generation Technologies for Enhanced Hormone Monitoring. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1666-1681. [PMID: 38551608 PMCID: PMC11059103 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The hormone cortisol, released as the end-product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, has a well-characterized circadian rhythm that enables an allostatic response to external stressors. When the pattern of secretion is disrupted, cortisol levels are chronically elevated, contributing to diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, mental health disorders, and diabetes. The diagnosis of chronic stress and stress related disorders depends upon accurate measurement of cortisol levels; currently, it is quantified using mass spectroscopy or immunoassay, in specialized laboratories with trained personnel. However, these methods are time-consuming, expensive and are unable to capture the dynamic biorhythm of the hormone. This critical review traces the path of cortisol detection from traditional laboratory-based methods to decentralised cortisol monitoring biosensors. A complete picture of cortisol biology and pathophysiology is provided, and the importance of precision medicine style monitoring of cortisol is highlighted. Antibody-based immunoassays still dominate the pipeline of development of point-of-care biosensors; new capture molecules such as aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) combined with technologies such as microfluidics, wearable electronics, and quantum dots offer improvements to limit of detection (LoD), specificity, and a shift toward rapid or continuous measurements. While a variety of different sensors and devices have been proposed, there still exists a need to produce quantitative tests for cortisol ─ using either rapid or continuous monitoring devices that can enable a personalized medicine approach to stress management. This can be addressed by synergistic combinations of technologies that can leverage low sample volumes, relevant limit of detection and rapid testing time, to better account for cortisol's shifting biorhythm. Trends in cortisol diagnostics toward rapid and continuous monitoring of hormones are highlighted, along with insights into choice of sample matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visesh Vignesh
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical
Technologies (CBio) University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | - Bernardo Castro-Dominguez
- Department
of Chemical and Engineering and Digital Manufacturing and Design University
of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | - Tony D. James
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | | | - Stafford Lightman
- Translational
Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS1 3NY Bristol, U.K.
| | - Nuno M. Reis
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical
Technologies (CBio) University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
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Mu D, Sun D, Qian X, Ma X, Qiu L, Cheng X, Yu S. Steroid profiling in adrenal disease. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 553:117749. [PMID: 38169194 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The measurement of steroid hormones in blood and urine, which reflects steroid biosynthesis and metabolism, has been recognized as a valuable tool for identifying and distinguishing steroidogenic disorders. The application of mass spectrometry enables the reliable and simultaneous analysis of large panels of steroids, ushering in a new era for diagnosing adrenal diseases. However, the interpretation of complex hormone results necessitates the expertise and experience of skilled clinicians. In this scenario, machine learning techniques are gaining worldwide attention within healthcare fields. The clinical values of combining mass spectrometry-based steroid profiles analysis with machine learning models, also known as steroid metabolomics, have been investigated for identifying and discriminating adrenal disorders such as adrenocortical carcinomas, adrenocortical adenomas, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This promising approach is expected to lead to enhanced clinical decision-making in the field of adrenal diseases. This review will focus on the clinical performances of steroid profiling, which is measured using mass spectrometry and analyzed by machine learning techniques, in the realm of decision-making for adrenal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xia Qian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinqi Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Songlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China.
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Braun LT, Osswald A, Zopp S, Rubinstein G, Vogel F, Riester A, Honegger J, Eisenhofer G, Constantinescu G, Deutschbein T, Quinkler M, Elbelt U, Künzel H, Nowotny HF, Reisch N, Hartmann MF, Beuschlein F, Pons-Kühnemann J, Reincke M, Wudy SA. Delineating endogenous Cushing's syndrome by GC-MS urinary steroid metabotyping. EBioMedicine 2024; 99:104907. [PMID: 38128413 PMCID: PMC10776922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing Cushing's syndrome (CS) is highly complex. As the diagnostic potential of urinary steroid metabolome analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in combination with systems biology has not yet been fully exploited, we studied a large cohort of patients with CS. METHODS We quantified daily urinary excretion rates of 36 steroid hormone metabolites. Applying cluster analysis, we investigated a control group and 168 patients: 44 with Cushing's disease (CD) (70% female), 18 with unilateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma (83% female), 13 with primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) (77% female), and 93 ruled-out CS (73% female). FINDINGS Cluster-Analysis delineated five urinary steroid metabotypes in CS. Metabotypes 1, 2 and 3 revealing average levels of cortisol and adrenal androgen metabolites included patients with exclusion of CS or and healthy controls. Metabotype 4 reflecting moderately elevated cortisol metabolites but decreased DHEA metabolites characterized the patients with unilateral adrenal CS and PBMAH. Metabotype 5 showing strong increases both in cortisol and DHEA metabolites, as well as overloaded enzymes of cortisol inactivation, was characteristic of CD patients. 11-oxygenated androgens were elevated in all patients with CS. The biomarkers THS, F, THF/THE, and (An + Et)/(11β-OH-An + 11β-OH-Et) correctly classified 97% of patients with CS and 95% of those without CS. An inverse relationship between 11-deoxygenated and 11-oxygenated androgens was typical for the ACTH independent (adrenal) forms of CS with an accuracy of 95%. INTERPRETATION GC-MS based urinary steroid metabotyping allows excellent identification of patients with endogenous CS and differentiation of its subtypes. FUNDING The study was funded by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung and the Eva-Luise-und-Horst-Köhler-Stiftung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah T Braun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Andrea Osswald
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - German Rubinstein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Frederick Vogel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Anna Riester
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Jürgen Honegger
- Department for Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden 01307, Germany; Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, Würzburg 97080, Germany; Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Elisenstr. 12, Oldenburg 26122, Germany
| | - Marcus Quinkler
- Endocrinology in Charlottenburg, Stuttgarter Platz 1, Berlin 10627, Germany
| | - Ulf Elbelt
- Division of Medicine B, University Hospital Ruppin-Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School, Fehrbelliner Str. 38, Neuruppin 16816, Germany; Endokrinologikum Berlin MVZ, Friedrichstraße 76, Berlin 10117, Germany; Medical Department, Division of Psychosomatic Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Heike Künzel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Hanna F Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Michaela F Hartmann
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analysis in Pediatric Endocrinology, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstr. 10-12, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany; Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitäts-Spital Zürich (USZ) und Universität Zürich (UZH), Raemistrasse 100, Zürich CH-8091, Switzerland
| | - Jörn Pons-Kühnemann
- Medical Statistics, Institute of Medical Informatics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 6, Giessen D-35392, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Ziemssenstraße 5, München 80336, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Laboratory for Translational Hormone Analysis in Pediatric Endocrinology, Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Feulgenstr. 10-12, Giessen 35392, Germany.
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7
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Atkins JS, Hawley JM, Owen LJ, Clayton J, Scargill J, Keevil BG. Serum cortisol assay performance following the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Ann Clin Biochem 2023; 60:386-395. [PMID: 37208338 DOI: 10.1177/00045632231179560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST) is recommended for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and the investigation of adrenal incidentalomas. Despite documented variation in serum cortisol immunoassay performance, little has been published regarding its effect on the ONDST. AIMS Assess the performance of three immunoassay platforms (Roche Elecsys II, Abbott Alinity & Siemens Centaur) when compared to a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. METHODS Samples (n = 77) sent to the laboratory as part of an ONDST were retrieved prior to disposal, anonymized, and analysed on all platforms. Samples with factors impacting immunoassay analysis quality were excluded. Results were statistically compared to an LC-MS/MS method that previously demonstrated excellent comparability to a candidate reference method. RESULTS The Roche gen II showed a mean bias of -2.4 nmol/L and a Passing-Bablok fit of y = -0.9 + 0.97x. This was not affected by sex. The Abbott showed a mean bias -18.8 nmol/L, and a fit of y = -11.3 + 0.88x. This bias was -20.7 nmol/L in females versus -17.2 nmol/L in males. The Siemens had a mean bias of 2.3 nmol/L and a fit of y = 1.4 + 1.07x. This bias was 5.7 nmol/L in males versus -1.0 nmol/L in females. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be aware of the method-dependent variation that exists within serum cortisol analysis during the ONDSTs. Roche and Siemens aligned more closely with LC-MS/MS while the Abbot may cause a reduction in ONDST sensitivity. This data supports assay-specific cut-offs for the ONDST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Atkins
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - James M Hawley
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura J Owen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Clayton
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Oldham Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Scargill
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Oldham Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Brian G Keevil
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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8
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Nakao H, Yokomoto-Umakoshi M, Nakatani K, Umakoshi H, Ogata M, Fukumoto T, Kaneko H, Iwahashi N, Fujita M, Ogasawara T, Matsuda Y, Sakamoto R, Izumi Y, Bamba T, Ogawa Y. Adrenal steroid metabolites and bone status in patients with adrenal incidentalomas and hypercortisolism. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104733. [PMID: 37543511 PMCID: PMC10505782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), resulting from cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA), causes endogenous steroid-induced osteoporosis (SIOP). However, the risk of endogenous SIOP cannot be explained by cortisol excess alone, and how other steroid metabolites affect bone status is unclear. METHODS ACS was diagnosed as serum cortisol ≥1.8 μg/dL after the 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST-cortisol). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, 21 plasma steroid metabolites were measured in 73 patients with ACS and 85 patients with non-functioning adrenal tumors (NFAT). Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and relevant steroid metabolites were analyzed in some of CPA tissues. FINDINGS Discriminant and principal component analyses distinguished steroid profiles between the ACS and NFAT groups in premenopausal women. Premenopausal women with ACS exhibited higher levels of a mineralocorticoid metabolite, 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC), and lower levels of androgen metabolites, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and androsterone-glucuronide. In premenopausal women with ACS, DST-cortisol negatively correlated with trabecular bone score (TBS). Additionally, 11-DOC negatively correlated with lumbar spine-bone mineral density, whereas androsterone-glucuronide positively correlated with TBS. The CPA tissues showed increased 11-DOC levels with increased expression of CYP21A2, essential for 11-DOC synthesis. Adrenal non-tumor tissues were atrophied with reduced expression of CYB5A, required for androgen synthesis. INTERPRETATION This study demonstrates that unbalanced production of adrenal steroid metabolites, derived from both adrenal tumor and non-tumor tissues, contributes to the pathogenesis of endogenous SIOP in premenopausal women with ACS. FUNDING JSPS KAKENHI, Secom Science and Technology Foundation, Takeda Science Foundation, Japan Foundation for Applied Enzymology, AMED-CREST, JSTA-STEP, JST-Moonshot, and Ono Medical Research Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Nakao
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Kohta Nakatani
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ogata
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tazuru Fukumoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norifusa Iwahashi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masamichi Fujita
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ogasawara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Izumi
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Bamba
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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9
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Gao C, Ding L, Zhang X, Yuan M, Tang S, Li W, Ye Y, Liu M, He Q. Distinct serum steroid profiles between adrenal Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1158573. [PMID: 37260439 PMCID: PMC10229066 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1158573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Differentiating between adrenal Cushing syndrome (adrenal CS) and Cushing disease (CD) can be challenging if there are equivocal or falsely elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) values. We aim to investigate the diagnostic value of serum steroid profiles in differentiating adrenal CS from CD. Method A total of 11 serum steroids in adrenal CS (n = 13) and CD (n = 15) were analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Age- and gender-specific steroid ratios were generated by dividing the actual steroid concentration by the upper limit of the relevant reference range. A principal component analysis (PCA) and an orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed. Results The PCA and OPLS-DA analyses showed distinct serum steroid profiles between adrenal CS and CD. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione ratios were identified as biomarkers for discrimination by variable importance in projection (VIP) in combination with t-tests. The sensitivity and specificity of DHEA-S ratios <0.40 were 92.31% (95% CI 64.0%-99.8%) and 93.33% (95% CI 68.1%-99.8%), respectively, in identifying adrenal CS. The sensitivity and specificity of DHEA ratios <0.18 were 100% (95% CI 75.3%-100.0%) and 100% (95% CI 78.2%-100.0%), respectively, in identifying adrenal CS. Conclusion Our data support the clinical use of the DHEA-S and DHEA ratios in the differential diagnosis of adrenal CS and CD, especially when falsely elevated ACTH is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaona Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Menghua Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaofang Tang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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10
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Vega-Beyhart A, Araujo-Castro M, Hanzu FA, Casals G. Cortisol: Analytical and clinical determinants. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:235-271. [PMID: 36858647 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol, the main human glucocorticoid, is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex and predominantly metabolized by the liver. Interpretation of quantitative results from the analysis of serum, urine and saliva is complicated by variation in circadian rhythm, response to stress as well as the presence of protein-bound and free forms. Interestingly, cortisol is the only hormone routinely measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Preanalytical and analytical challenges arise in each matrix and are further compounded by the use of various stimulation and suppression tests commonly employed in clinical practice. Although not yet included in clinical guidelines, measurement of cortisol in hair may be of interest in specific situations. Immunoassays are the most widely used methods in clinical laboratories to measure cortisol, but they are susceptible to interference from synthetic and endogenous steroids, generally producing a variable overestimation of true cortisol results, especially in urine. Analysis by mass spectrometry provides higher specificity and allows simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids including synthetic steroids, thus reducing diagnostic uncertainty. An integrated review of cortisol in various disease states is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Murakami M, Sun N, Li F, Feuchtinger A, Gomez-Sanchez C, Fassnacht M, Reincke M, Bancos I, Walch A, Kroiss M, Beuschlein F. In Situ Metabolomics of Cortisol-Producing Adenomas. Clin Chem 2023; 69:149-159. [PMID: 36544353 PMCID: PMC9898844 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in omics techniques have allowed detailed genetic characterization of cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma (CPA). In contrast, the pathophysiology of CPAs has not been elucidated in detail on the level of tumor metabolic alterations. METHODS The current study conducted a comprehensive mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) map of CPAs in relation to clinical phenotypes and immunohistochemical profiles of steroidogenic enzymes. The study cohort comprised 46 patients with adrenal tumors including CPAs (n 35) and nonfunctional adenomas (n 11). RESULTS Severity of cortisol hypersecretion was significantly correlated with 29 metabolites (adjusted P 0.05). Adrenal androgens derived from the classic androgen pathway were inversely correlated with both cortisol secretion (rs 0.41, adjusted P 0.035) and CYP11B1 expression (rs 0.77, adjusted P 2.00E-08). The extent of cortisol excess and tumor CYP11B1 expression further correlated with serotonin (rs 0.48 and 0.62, adjusted P 0.008 and 2.41E-05). Tumor size was found to be correlated with abundance of 13 fatty acids (adjusted P 0.05) and negatively associated with 9 polyunsaturated fatty acids including phosphatidic acid 38:8 (rs 0.56, adjusted P 0.009). CONCLUSIONS MSI reveals novel metabolic links between endocrine function and tumorigenesis, which will further support the understanding of CPA pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Murakami
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Na Sun
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Fengxia Li
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany,Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Celso Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Fanelli F, Bruce S, Cantù M, Temchenko A, Mezzullo M, Lindner JM, Peitzsch M, Binz PA, Ackermans MT, Heijboer AC, Van den Ouweland J, Koeppl D, Nardi E, Rauh M, Vogeser M, Eisenhofer G, Pagotto U. Report from the HarmoSter study: inter-laboratory comparison of LC-MS/MS measurements of corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:67-77. [PMID: 36288389 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) panels that include glucocorticoid-related steroids are increasingly used to characterize and diagnose adrenal cortical diseases. Limited information is currently available about reproducibility of these measurements among laboratories. The aim of the study was to compare LC-MS/MS measurements of corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone at eight European centers and assess the performance after unification of calibration. METHODS Seventy-eight patient samples and commercial calibrators were measured twice by laboratory-specific procedures. Results were obtained according to in-house and external calibration. We evaluated intra-laboratory and inter-laboratory imprecision, regression and agreement against performance specifications derived from 11-deoxycortisol biological variation. RESULTS Intra-laboratory CVs ranged between 3.3 and 7.7%, 3.3 and 11.8% and 2.7 and 12.8% for corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone, with 1, 4 and 3 laboratories often exceeding the maximum allowable imprecision (MAI), respectively. Median inter-laboratory CVs were 10.0, 10.7 and 6.2%, with 38.5, 50.7 and 2.6% cases exceeding the MAI for corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol and cortisone, respectively. Median laboratory bias vs. all laboratory-medians ranged from -5.6 to 12.3% for corticosterone, -14.6 to 12.4% for 11-deoxycortisol and -4.0 to 6.5% for cortisone, with few cases exceeding the total allowable error. Modest deviations were found in regression equations among most laboratories. External calibration did not improve 11-deoxycortisol and worsened corticosterone and cortisone inter-laboratory comparability. CONCLUSIONS Method imprecision was variable. Inter-laboratory performance was reasonably good. However, cases with imprecision and total error above the acceptable limits were apparent for corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol. Variability did not depend on calibration but apparently on imprecision, accuracy and specificity of individual methods. Tools for improving selectivity and accuracy are required to improve harmonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephen Bruce
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Cantù
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine EOLAB, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Temchenko
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Johanna M Lindner
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pierre-Alain Binz
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mariette T Ackermans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jody Van den Ouweland
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Daniel Koeppl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elena Nardi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Vogeser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrinology Research Group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S.Orsola di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Balomenaki M, Margaritopoulos D, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S. Diagnostic workup of Cushing's syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13111. [PMID: 35979805 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare but detrimental endocrine disorder. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential since the duration of hypercortisolism has an adverse impact on the extent of comorbidities and overall survival. The diagnostic approach involves a stepwise process that includes (1) screening and confirming the diagnosis and (2) establishing the aetiology of CS. The tests currently used to confirm the diagnosis of CS include urinary free cortisol measurements, the dexamethasone suppression test and late- night salivary cortisol or midnight serum cortisol measurements. None of these tests are ideal; all have pitfalls and require careful interpretation. Following confirmation of CS, measurement of ACTH discriminates between ACTH-dependent and non-ACTH dependent causes of CS. Adrenal imaging provides clues for the aetiology of non-ACTH dependent forms. Differentiation between the ACTH-dependent forms that involve pituitary corticotroph adenomas and ectopic ACTH sources is more complex and include pituitary MRI imaging, the high dose dexamethasone suppression test, the CRH test, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling and, when required imaging modalities to detect ectopic ACTH secreting lesions. This review, which is part of a special issue on "Update of Cushing's syndrome: 100 years after Minnie G" will provide an update on our current diagnostic workup for the confirmation and differential diagnosis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Balomenaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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14
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Berke K, Constantinescu G, Masjkur J, Kimpel O, Dischinger U, Peitzsch M, Kwapiszewska A, Dobrowolski P, Nölting S, Reincke M, Beuschlein F, Bornstein SR, Prejbisz A, Lenders JWM, Fassnacht M, Eisenhofer G. Plasma Steroid Profiling in Patients With Adrenal Incidentaloma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1181-e1192. [PMID: 34665854 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Most patients with adrenal incidentaloma have nonfunctional lesions that do not require treatment, while others have functional or malignant tumors that require intervention. The plasma steroid metabolome may be useful to assess therapeutic need. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to establish the utility of plasma steroid profiling combined with metanephrines and adrenal tumor size for the differential diagnosis of patients with adrenal incidentaloma. METHODS This retrospective cross-sectional study, which took place at 7 European tertiary-care centers, comprised 577 patients with adrenal incidentaloma, including 19, 77, 65, 104 and 312 respective patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), primary aldosteronism (PA), autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), and nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). Mesaures of diagnostic performance were assessed (with [95% CIs]) for discriminating different subgroups of patients with adrenal incidentaloma. RESULTS Patients with ACC were characterized by elevated plasma concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, whereas patients with PA had elevations of aldosterone, 18-oxocortisol, and 18-hydroxycortisol. A selection of those 8 steroids, combined with 3 others (cortisol, corticosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and plasma metanephrines, proved optimal for identifying patients with ACC, PA, and PHEO at respective sensitivities of 83.3% (66.1%-100%), 90.8% (83.7%-97.8%), and 94.8% (89.8%-99.8%); and specificities of 98.0% (96.9%-99.2%), 92.0% (89.6%-94.3%), and 98.6% (97.6%-99.6%). With the addition of tumor size, discrimination improved further, particularly for ACC (100% [100%-100%] sensitivity, 99.5% [98.9%-100%] specificity). In contrast, discrimination of ACS and NFAI remained suboptimal (70%-71% sensitivity, 89%-90% specificity). CONCLUSION Among patients with adrenal incidentaloma, the combination of plasma steroid metabolomics with routinely available plasma free metanephrines and data from imaging studies may facilitate the identification of almost all clinically relevant adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Berke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jimmy Masjkur
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Otilia Kimpel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dischinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Dobrowolski
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, 04-828 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Aleksander Prejbisz
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, 04-828 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacques W M Lenders
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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15
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Kline GA, So B, Campbell DJT, Chin A, Harvey A, Venos E, Pasieka J, Leung AA. Apparent failed and discordant adrenal vein sampling: A potential confounding role of cortisol cosecretion? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:123-131. [PMID: 34160833 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14546] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and computed tomography (CT) often show confusingly discordant lateralisation results in primary aldosteronism (PA). We tested a biochemical algorithm using AVS data to detect cortisol cosecretion as a potential explanation for discordant cases. DESIGN Retrospective analysis from a large PA + AVS database. PATIENTS All patients with PA and AVS, 2005-2020. MEASUREMENTS An algorithm using biochemical data from paired AVS + CT images was devised from physiological first principles and informed by data from unilateral, AVS-CT concordant patients. The algorithm involved calculations based upon the expectation that low cortisol levels exist in adrenal vein effluent opposite an aldosterone-and-cortisol-producing adrenal mass and may reverse lateralisation due to inflated aldosterone/cortisol ratios. MAIN OUTCOMES The algorithm was applied to cases with discordant CT-AVS lateralisation to determine whether this might be a common or explanatory finding. Clinical and biochemical characteristics of identified cases were collected via chart review and compared to CT-AVS concordant cases to detect evidence of biological plausibility for cortisol cosecretion. RESULTS From a total of 588 AVS cases, 141 AVS + CT pairs were clear unilateral PA cases, used to develop the three-step algorithm for AVS interpretation. Applied to 88 AVS + CT discordant pairs, the algorithm suggested possible cortisol cosecretion in 40%. Case review showed that the proposed cortisol cosecretors, as identified by the algorithm, had low/suppressed adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, larger average nodule size and lower plasma aldosterone. CONCLUSIONS Pending external validation and outcome verification by surgery and tissue immunohistochemistry, cortisol cosecretion from aldosteronomas may be a common explanation for discordant CT-AVS results in PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Kline
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Benny So
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David J T Campbell
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alex Chin
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adrian Harvey
- Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Erik Venos
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice Pasieka
- Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexander A Leung
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Pathophysiology of Mild Hypercortisolism: From the Bench to the Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020673. [PMID: 35054858 PMCID: PMC8775422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild hypercortisolism is defined as biochemical evidence of abnormal cortisol secretion without the classical detectable manifestations of overt Cushing’s syndrome and, above all, lacking catabolic characteristics such as central muscle weakness, adipose tissue redistribution, skin fragility and unusual infections. Mild hypercortisolism is frequently discovered in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, with a prevalence ranging between 5 and 50%. This high variability is mainly due to the different criteria used for defining this condition. This subtle cortisol excess has also been described in patients with incidentally discovered pituitary tumors with an estimated prevalence of 5%. To date, the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of mild hypercortisolism of pituitary origin are still not well clarified. At variance, recent advances have been made in understanding the genetic background of bilateral and unilateral adrenal adenomas causing mild hypercortisolism. Some recent data suggest that the clinical effects of glucocorticoid (GC) exposure on peripheral tissues are determined not only by the amount of the adrenal GC production but also by the peripheral GC metabolism and by the GC sensitivity. Indeed, in subjects with normal cortisol secretion, the combined estimate of cortisol secretion, cortisone-to-cortisol peripheral activation by the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme and GC receptor sensitizing variants have been suggested to be associated with the presence of hypertension, diabetes and bone fragility, which are three well-known consequences of hypercortisolism. This review focuses on the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both the different sources of mild hypercortisolism and their clinical consequences (bone fragility, arterial hypertension, subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular remodeling, dyslipidemia, glucose metabolism impairment, visceral adiposity, infections, muscle damage, mood disorders and coagulation).
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17
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Ku EJ, Lee C, Shim J, Lee S, Kim KA, Kim SW, Rhee Y, Kim HJ, Lim JS, Chung CH, Chun SW, Yoo SJ, Ryu OH, Cho HC, Hong AR, Ahn CH, Kim JH, Choi MH. Metabolic Subtyping of Adrenal Tumors: Prospective Multi-Center Cohort Study in Korea. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2021; 36:1131-1141. [PMID: 34674508 PMCID: PMC8566125 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2021.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional diagnostic approaches for adrenal tumors require multi-step processes, including imaging studies and dynamic hormone tests. Therefore, this study aimed to discriminate adrenal tumors from a single blood sample based on the combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and machine learning algorithms in serum profiling of adrenal steroids. METHODS The LC-MS-based steroid profiling was applied to serum samples obtained from patients with nonfunctioning adenoma (NFA, n=73), Cushing's syndrome (CS, n=30), and primary aldosteronism (PA, n=40) in a prospective multicenter study of adrenal disease. The decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) were performed to categorize the subtypes of adrenal tumors. RESULTS The CS group showed higher serum levels of 11-deoxycortisol than the NFA group, and increased levels of tetrahydrocortisone (THE), 20α-dihydrocortisol, and 6β-hydroxycortisol were found in the PA group. However, the CS group showed lower levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate derivative (DHEA-S) than both the NFA and PA groups. Patients with PA expressed higher serum 18-hydroxycortisol and DHEA but lower THE than NFA patients. The balanced accuracies of DT, RF, and XGBoost for classifying each type were 78%, 96%, and 97%, respectively. In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for CS, XGBoost, and RF showed a significantly greater diagnostic power than the DT. However, in ROC analysis for PA, only RF exhibited better diagnostic performance than DT. CONCLUSION The combination of LC-MS-based steroid profiling with machine learning algorithms could be a promising one-step diagnostic approach for the classification of adrenal tumor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eu Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju,
Korea
| | - Chaelin Lee
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jaeyoon Shim
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sihoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Sang Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jung Soo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju,
Korea
| | - Choon Hee Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju,
Korea
| | - Sung Wan Chun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan,
Korea
| | - Soon-Jib Yoo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon,
Korea
| | - Ohk-Hyun Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon,
Korea
| | - Ho Chan Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu,
Korea
| | - A Ram Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju,
Korea
| | - Chang Ho Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Jung Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul,
Korea
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18
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Teuber JP, Nanba K, Turcu AF, Chen X, Zhao L, Else T, Auchus RJ, Rainey WE, Rege J. Intratumoral steroid profiling of adrenal cortisol-producing adenomas by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 212:105924. [PMID: 34089832 PMCID: PMC8734951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105924] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disorder marked by excess cortisol production rendering patients susceptible to visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus. Adrenal CS is characterized by autonomous production of cortisol from cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) via adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent mechanisms. A limited number of studies have quantified the steroid profiles in sera from patients with CS. To understand the intratumoral steroid biosynthesis, we quantified 19 steroids by mass spectrometry in optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT)-embedded 24 CPA tissue from patients with overt CS (OCS, n = 10) and mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE, n = 14). Where available, normal CPA-adjacent adrenal tissue (AdjN) was also collected and used for comparison (n = 8). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CYP17A1 and HSD3B2, two steroidogenic enzymes required for cortisol synthesis, was performed on OCT sections to confirm the presence of tumor tissue and guided subsequent steroid extraction from the tumor. LC-MS/MS was used to quantify steroids extracted from CPA and AdjN. Our data indicated that CPA demonstrated increased concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, progesterone, 17OH-progesterone and 16OH-progesterone as compared to AdjN (p < 0.05). Compared to OCS, MACE patient CPA tissue displayed higher concentrations of corticosterone, 18OH-corticosterone, 21-deoxycortisol, progesterone, and 17OH-progesterone (p < 0.05). These findings also demonstrate that OCT-embedded tissue can be used to define intra-tissue steroid profiles, which will have application for steroid-producing and steroid-responsive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Teuber
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, 612-8555, Japan
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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19
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Keevil BG. LC-MS/MS the First 20 years: A Personal View. Ann Clin Biochem 2021; 59:3-6. [PMID: 34459220 DOI: 10.1177/00045632211040059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Keevil
- Clinical Biochemistry, Wythenshawe Hospital, 5293Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,University of Manchester, 158986Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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20
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Winzinger EP, Jandikova H, Haase M, Knauerhase A, Winzinger T, Schott M, Willenberg HS. DHEAS and Differential Blood Counts as Indirect Signs of Glucocorticoid Excess in Adrenal Non-Producing Adenomas. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:512-519. [PMID: 34384108 DOI: 10.1055/a-1539-6442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The majority of incidentally discovered adrenal tumors are later characterized as non-producing adrenocortical adenomas (NPA). We asked whether laboratory abnormalities in parameters that reflect glucocorticoid action can be found in patients with NPA despite their nature of being clinically unapparent. Since glucocorticoids are potent immunosuppressants we studied blood counts and differential blood counts along with corticotropin and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate (DHEAS) blood concentrations, as well as cortisol values before and after an overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. We compared the results of normal individuals, of patients with adrenal adenomas and normal hormone profiles and with subclinical autonomous glucocorticoid hypersecretion, as well as overt cortisol excess. We found that almost all indices of the blood counts were significantly different between the patients groups. In particular, patients with adrenal non-producing adenomas already showed signs of glucocorticoid excess, including relative lymphocytopenia, lowered DHEAS, and ACTH concentrations than control individuals. We also found that the extent of lymphocytopenia correlated with the concentrations of DHEAS and ACTH, and DHEAS correlated well with ACTH. We conclude that the basal ACTH and DHEAS values along with the differential blood counts give good information on the extent of glucocorticoid excess and that silent adrenal adenomas seem to oversecrete glucocorticoids at concentrations that already alter these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza P Winzinger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hana Jandikova
- Third Department of Medicine - Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charles University First Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty HHU Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias Haase
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty HHU Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Knauerhase
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Tudor Winzinger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Matthias Schott
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty HHU Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger S Willenberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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21
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Impact of Adrenalectomy on Morbidity in Patients with Non-Functioning Adrenal Cortical Tumours, Mild Hypercortisolism and Cushing's Syndrome as Assessed by National and Quality Registries. World J Surg 2021; 45:3099-3107. [PMID: 34180008 PMCID: PMC8408086 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-021-06214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The impact of adrenalectomy on morbidity in patients with mild hypercortisolism and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma is unclear. The present study evaluated morbidity before and after adrenalectomy in patients with benign adrenocortical tumour with Cushing´s syndrome (CS), autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma as assessed by national and quality registries. Methods Patients registered in the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery (SQRTPA) 2009–2017 with CS, ACS or non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma, were included in this retrospective study and analysed with age- and sex-matched controls, 1:3. Morbidity associated with CS was assessed pre- and postoperatively by analysing data from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Results Some 271 patients were included, CS (127), ACS (45) and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (99), with 813 matched controls. The frequency of hypertension was almost 50% in all tumour groups. Antihypertensive medication preoperatively was more frequent in all tumour groups compared with controls. No preoperative differences in medication were detected between patients with CS and ACS. A decrease in the use of hypertensive drugs was noticed annually for all patient groups after adrenalectomy. Conclusions Hypertension is common in patients with benign adrenocortical tumours regardless of cortisol hypersecretion. The use of antihypertensive drugs in patients with CS, ACS and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma was reduced after adrenalectomy. These findings highlight the need for a randomized controlled trial to investigate the impact of adrenalectomy on morbidity in patients with mild hypercortisolism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-021-06214-0.
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22
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Impact of cortisol on blood pressure and hypertension-mediated organ damage in hypertensive patients. J Hypertens 2021; 39:1412-1420. [PMID: 33534343 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with overt and subclinical Cushing's syndrome frequently develop hypertension, metabolism disorders, and atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of the present study was to test the association between cortisol and blood pressure (BP), organ damage, and metabolic parameters in hypertensive patients without hypercortisolism. METHODS After exclusion of patients treated with corticosteroids or with Cushing's syndrome, the cohort included 623 hypertensive patients (mean ± SD age 50.3 ± 15.4 years, 50.9% men, median 24-h BP 146/88 mmHg) with an extended work-up (lipid profile, hypertension-mediated organ damage). Cortisol secretion was assessed by plasma cortisol at 0800 and 1600 h, and by 24-h urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC) normalized if required to urine creatinine (UFC/U creat). RESULTS Plasma cortisol at 1600 h, 24 h-UFC, and UFC/U creat were significantly and positively correlated with daytime, night-time, and 24-h SBP; plasma cortisol at 0800 h was not associated with BP. The strongest correlations were observed in the subgroup of aged more than 50 years (correlation coefficients between 0.23 and 0.28). These correlations remained after adjustment on plasma aldosterone. Metabolic parameters were weakly associated with cortisol. Arterial stiffness (central pulse pressure and pulse wave velocity), plasma NT-proBNP, and microalbuminuria were significantly correlated with 24 h UFC, UFC/U creat, and plasma cortisol at 1600 h. CONCLUSION Cortisol influences weakly the level of BP independently from plasma aldosterone in hypertensive patients, particularly in older patients, and that there was weak association with HMOD. It may, therefore, be of interest to test specific treatments targeting cortisol excess in selected hypertensive patients.
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Raj R, Kern PA, Ghanta N, Uy EM, Asadipooya K. Adrenal Vein Cortisol to Metanephrine Ratio for Localizing ACTH-Independent Cortisol-Producing Adenoma: A Case Report. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab009. [PMID: 33644621 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Finding the source of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent cortisol-producing adenoma in the patients with subclinical Cushing syndrome (SCS) and bilateral adrenal nodules is sometimes challenging. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography are helpful, but adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the gold standard approach. However, interpretation of AVS is important to improve the accuracy of decision-making for surgery. We report a case and review of the literature to assess the benefit of using adrenal vein cortisol to metanephrine ratio to determine the source of cortisol production in SCS and bilateral nodules. Evidence Acquisition Three authors searched PubMed for data on patients with SCS who had AVS procedure and measurements of cortisol and catecholamines. Case Description A 51-year-old woman with SCS and hypertension crisis presented to our clinic. Paraclinical investigations revealed that she had an ACTH-independent cortisol-producing adenoma and her CT scan showed bilateral adrenal nodules. After AVS, cortisol (high to low) lateralization ratio could not determine the source of cortisol production but the cortisol to metanephrine ratio localized the source to the left side, which included the larger nodule according to CT measurements. Left adrenalectomy led to clinical and paraclinical improvement. Conclusion There is a possibility of co-secretion of other steroids accompanied with cortisol in the setting of ACTH-independent SCS. Moreover, cortisol measurement alone and interpretation of AVS results based on cortisol values may not help lateralizing the source of cortisol production with bilateral adrenal nodules. Therefore, we suggest applying cortisol to metanephrine ratio with the same gradient (gradient > 2.3, highest to lowest concentration) when the source of cortisol production cannot be determined by cortisol lateralization ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Raj
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville, KY, USA
| | - Philip A Kern
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Neelima Ghanta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Edilfavia M Uy
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Highlands Appalachian Regional Health Care Medical Center, Prestonsburg, KY, USA
| | - Kamyar Asadipooya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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24
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Fuss CT, Brohm K, Kurlbaum M, Hannemann A, Kendl S, Fassnacht M, Deutschbein T, Hahner S, Kroiss M. Confirmatory testing of primary aldosteronism with saline infusion test and LC-MS/MS. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 184:167-178. [PMID: 33112272 PMCID: PMC7709890 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Saline infusion testing (SIT) for confirmation of primary aldosteronism (PA) is based on impaired aldosterone suppression in PA compared to essential hypertension (EH). In the past, aldosterone was quantified using immunoassays (IA). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is increasingly used in clinical routine. We aimed at a method-specific aldosterone threshold for the diagnosis of PA during SIT and explored the diagnostic utility of steroid panel analysis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of 187 paired SIT samples (2009-2018). Diagnosis of PA (n = 103) and EH (n = 84) was established based on clinical routine workup without using LC-MS/MS values. SETTING Tertiary care center. METHODS LC-MS/MS using a commercial steroid panel. Receiver operator characteristics analysis was used to determine method-specific cut-offs using a positive predictive value (PPV) of 90% as criterion. RESULTS Aldosterone measured by IA was on average 31 ng/L higher than with LC-MS/MS. The cut-offs for PA confirmation were 54 ng/L for IA (sensitivity: 95%, 95% CI: 89.0-98.4; specificity: 87%, 95% CI: 77.8-93.3; area under the curve (AUC): 0.955, 95% CI: 0.924-0.986; PPV: 90%, 95% CI: 83.7-93.9) and 69 ng/L for LC-MS/MS (79%, 95% CI: 69.5-86.1; 89%, 95% CI: 80.6-95.0; 0.902, 95% CI: 0.857-0.947; 90%, 95% CI: 82.8-94.4). Other steroids did not improve SIT. CONCLUSIONS Aldosterone quantification with LC-MS/MS and IA yields comparable SIT-cut-offs. Lower AUC for LC-MS/MS is likely due to the spectrum of disease in PA and previous decision making based on IA results. Until data of a prospective trial with clinical endpoints are available, the suggested cut-off can be used in clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Teresa Fuss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Brohm
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Max Kurlbaum
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Central Laboratory, Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anke Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sabine Kendl
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hahner
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Central Laboratory, Core Unit Clinical Mass Spectrometry, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Yozamp N, Vaidya A. Assessment of mild autonomous cortisol secretion among incidentally discovered adrenal masses. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101491. [PMID: 33593680 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Incidentally discovered adrenal masses are common and mostly benign and non-functioning adenomas. However, evolving evidence suggests that a notable proportion of these adrenal adenomas may demonstrate mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), which has been associated with an increased risk for hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, vertebral fractures, adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality. Therefore, it is advised that all patients with an incidentally discovered adrenal mass be tested for MACS. When there is convincing evidence for MACS, surgical adrenalectomy has been associated with an improvement in certain metabolic parameters and a reduction in vertebral fractures; however, conclusive evidence demonstrating decreased cardiovascular outcomes or mortality are not yet available. Future studies with adequate randomization and follow-up to assess adverse clinical endpoints are needed to determine the optimal management and follow-up of patients with MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Yozamp
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Athimulam S, Grebe S, Bancos I. Steroid profiling in the diagnosis of mild and overt Cushing's syndrome. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101488. [PMID: 33589355 PMCID: PMC8164982 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the utility of steroid profiling for diagnosis of management of overt Cushing syndrome and mild autonomous cortisol secretion. A diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is made through a multistep process that includes confirmation of endogenous hypercortisolism, followed by determination of its cause. Steroid metabolomic testing applied to serum or urine steroids and their metabolites can provide additional and novel insights into alterations of steroid biosynthesis and metabolism and its causes. In particular, increased availability and advances in mass spectrometry-based steroid analysis, coupled with machine learning-based algorithms, have facilitated the development of tailored diagnostic and subtyping approaches for autonomous cortisol secretion and might be useful for detecting low grade autonomous glucocorticoid secretion and in predicting and monitoring of disease severity and associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Athimulam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Bone and Mineral Disorders, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Stefan Grebe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Irina Bancos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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27
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Casals G, Hanzu FA. Cortisol Measurements in Cushing's Syndrome: Immunoassay or Mass Spectrometry? Ann Lab Med 2020; 40:285-296. [PMID: 32067427 PMCID: PMC7054699 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2020.40.4.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determination of cortisol levels in the urine (24 hours urine free cortisol), saliva (late-night), or serum (total cortisol after dexamethasone suppression) is recommended to screen for Cushing's syndrome (CS). This review focuses on the differences between the frequently used cortisol-antibody immunoassay-based methods and the highly specific mass-spectrometry-based methods that are progressively being employed in clinical laboratories for CS screening. The particular characteristics of cortisol metabolism and the lack of specificity of the immunoassays cause marked differences between both methods that are in turn highly dependent on the biological matrix, in which the cortisol is measured. Understanding the origin of these differences is essential for the interpretation of these results. Although cross-reactivity with endogenous steroids leads to grossly inaccurate results of immunoassay measurements of cortisol in the saliva and urine, preliminary evidence suggests that the clinical sensitivity of CS screening using immunoassays may be similar to CS screening using mass spectrometry. However, mass spectrometry offers more accurate results and considerably reduced variation across laboratories, while avoiding false-positive results. Moreover, mass spectrometry can overcome some common diagnostic challenges, such as identification of exogenous corticosteroids or simultaneous assessment of appropriate dexamethasone levels in suppression tests. Further, comprehensive mass spectrometry-based profiling of several steroid metabolites may be useful for discriminating among different subtypes of CS. Finally, this review discusses the main preanalytical factors that could cause variations in cortisol measurements and their influence on the reliability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregori Casals
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centrode Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Felicia Alexandra Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Cambos S, Chanson P, Tabarin A. Analysis of steroid profiles by mass spectrometry: A new tool for exploring adrenal tumors? ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2020; 82:36-42. [PMID: 33278379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The assay of multiple steroids by mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography, combined with data analysis using an artificial intelligence approach, has become more widely accessible in recent years. Multiple applications for this technology exist for the study of adrenocortical tumors. Taking advantage of the capacity of malignant cortical tumor secretion of non-bioactive precursors, it provides an additional diagnostic approach that can point to the nature of a tumor. These encouraging perspectives have been based to date only on pilot retrospective studies. However, this has changed in 2020 with the publication of data from the EURINE-ACT study. This very large prospective European study provided more nuanced evidence for the benefit of combining the measurement of a panel of steroids with essential imaging tools. This study also facilitated our understanding and provided more precise characterisation of autonomous steroid secretion, particularly in the case of sublinical cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas. This article will focus on our current knowledge on the potential utility of mass spectrometry for diagnosis of both the nature of an adrenal tumors and their secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Cambos
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Maladies Métaboliques, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de l'Hypophyse, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Maladies Métaboliques, CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, 33600 Pessac, France; Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Université de Bordeaux, 146, Rue Leo-Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
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29
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Sherlock M, Scarsbrook A, Abbas A, Fraser S, Limumpornpetch P, Dineen R, Stewart PM. Adrenal Incidentaloma. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:bnaa008. [PMID: 32266384 PMCID: PMC7431180 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An adrenal incidentaloma is now established as a common endocrine diagnosis that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. The majority of patients can be reassured and discharged, but a personalized approach based upon image analysis, endocrine workup, and clinical symptoms and signs are required in every case. Adrenocortical carcinoma remains a real concern but is restricted to <2% of all cases. Functional adrenal incidentaloma lesions are commoner (but still probably <10% of total) and the greatest challenge remains the diagnosis and optimum management of autonomous cortisol secretion. Modern-day surgery has improved outcomes and novel radiological and urinary biomarkers will improve early detection and patient stratification in future years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sherlock
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Scarsbrook
- Department of Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Afroze Abbas
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sheila Fraser
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Padiporn Limumpornpetch
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
| | - Rosemary Dineen
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul M Stewart
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, UK
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30
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Constantinescu G, Langton K, Conrad C, Amar L, Assié G, Gimenez-Roqueplo AP, Blanchard A, Larsen CK, Mulatero P, Williams TA, Prejbisz A, Fassnacht M, Bornstein S, Ceccato F, Fliedner S, Dennedy M, Peitzsch M, Sinnott R, Januszewicz A, Beuschlein F, Reincke M, Zennaro MC, Eisenhofer G, Deinum J. Glucocorticoid Excess in Patients with Pheochromocytoma Compared with Paraganglioma and Other Forms of Hypertension. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5866040. [PMID: 32609829 PMCID: PMC7413598 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Catecholamines and adrenocortical steroids are important regulators of blood pressure. Bidirectional relationships between adrenal steroids and catecholamines have been established but whether this is relevant to patients with pheochromocytoma is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study addresses the hypothesis that patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) have altered steroid production compared with patients with primary hypertension. DESIGN Multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING Twelve European referral centers. PATIENTS Subjects included 182 patients with pheochromocytoma, 36 with paraganglioma and 270 patients with primary hypertension. Patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 461) and Cushing syndrome (n = 124) were included for additional comparisons. INTERVENTION In patients with PPGLs, surgical resection of tumors. OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in mass spectrometry-based profiles of 15 adrenal steroids between groups and after surgical resection of PPGLs. Relationships of steroids to plasma and urinary metanephrines and urinary catecholamines. RESULTS Patients with pheochromocytoma had higher (P < .05) circulating concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone than patients with primary hypertension. Concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and corticosterone were also higher (P < .05) in patients with pheochromocytoma than with paraganglioma. These steroids correlated positively with plasma and urinary metanephrines and catecholamines in patients with pheochromocytoma, but not paraganglioma. After adrenalectomy, there were significant decreases in cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone, and 18-oxocortisol. CONCLUSIONS This is the first large study in patients with PPGLs that supports in a clinical setting the concept of adrenal cortical-medullary interactions involving an influence of catecholamines on adrenal steroids. These findings could have implications for the cardiovascular complications of PPGLs and the clinical management of patients with the tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Georgiana Constantinescu, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. E-mail:
| | - Katharina Langton
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Catleen Conrad
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laurence Amar
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Hypertension Unit, APHP, Paris, France
- Cardiovascular Research Center INSERM, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Assié
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Rare Adrenal Diseases, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Paule Gimenez-Roqueplo
- Cardiovascular Research Center INSERM, Paris, France
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Genetics Unit, Paris, France
| | - Anne Blanchard
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- INSERM, Centre d’Investigations Cliniques, Paris, France
| | | | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Division of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Stephanie Fliedner
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Dennedy
- The Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Richard Sinnott
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria-Christina Zennaro
- Cardiovascular Research Center INSERM, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Genetics Unit, Paris, France
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jaap Deinum
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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31
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Panayiotopoulos A, Bhangoo A, Khurana D, Ten S, Michl J, Ghanny S. Glucocorticoid Resistance in Premature Adrenarche and PCOS: From Childhood to Adulthood. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa111. [PMID: 32904537 PMCID: PMC7456159 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context We hypothesize that impaired glucocorticoid sensitivity (GC sensitivity) plays a role in the development of premature adrenarche (PA) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by increasing androgen synthesis. Objective To study glucocorticoid sensitivity in vitro in subjects with PA and PCOS. Patients and Methods Fourteen subjects (10 girls, 4 boys, 6.9 ± 0.6 years) with PA; 27 subjects with PCOS (17 ± 2.5 years) and 31 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects and controls underwent GC sensitivity analysis in vitro using a fluorescein labeled-dexamethasone (F-DEX) assay. A GC sensitivity index (GCSI) was calculated as area under the curve of the F-DEX assay results. Subjects were classified as GC resistant if the GCSI ≤ 264 and GC sensitive if the GCSI ≥ 386. Results In the PA group, 8 of 14 subjects were resistant with GCSI of 179.7 ± 39.9, 4 were within the normal range with GCSI of 299.6 ± 27.9, and 2 had increased GC sensitivity with GCSI of 423.5 ± 47.9. In the PCOS group, 18 of 27 subjects were GC-resistant with GCSI of 180.9 ± 58.2, 8 were within the normal range with GCSI of 310.7 ± 26.4, and 1 had increased GCSI of 395.4. In the PCOS GC-resistant subgroup, cortisol was higher compared with PCOS with normal GCSI (P < 0.05). In the combined PCOS plus female control group, GCSI correlated negatively with cortisol and testosterone (P < 0.05). Conclusion GC resistance was found in more than 50% of patients with PCOS and PA. The findings strongly suggest that GC resistance is associated with states of PA and PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amrit Bhangoo
- Pediatric Endocrinology, CHOC Children's' Hospital, Orange, California
| | - Divya Khurana
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Svetlana Ten
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, New York
| | - Josef Michl
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Steven Ghanny
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
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32
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Kannankeril J, Carroll T, Findling JW, Javorsky B, Gunsolus IL, Phillips J, Raff H. Prospective Evaluation of Late-Night Salivary Cortisol and Cortisone by EIA and LC-MS/MS in Suspected Cushing Syndrome. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa107. [PMID: 32935666 PMCID: PMC7480956 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA-F) is a first-line screening test for Cushing syndrome (CS) with a reported sensitivity and specificity of >90%. However, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, validated to measure salivary cortisol (LCMS-F) and cortisone (LCMS-E), has been proposed to be superior diagnostically. Objective, Setting, and Main Outcome Measures Prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of EIA-F, LCMS-F, and LCMS-E in 1453 consecutive late-night saliva samples from 705 patients with suspected CS. Design Patients grouped by the presence or absence of at least one elevated salivary steroid result and then subdivided by diagnosis. Results We identified 283 patients with at least one elevated salivary result; 45 had an established diagnosis of neoplastic hypercortisolism (CS) for which EIA-F had a very high sensitivity (97.5%). LCMS-F and LCMS-E had lower sensitivity but higher specificity than EIA-F. EIA-F had poor sensitivity (31.3%) for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent CS (5 patients with at least 1 and 11 without any elevated salivary result). In patients with Cushing disease (CD), most nonelevated LCMS-F results were in patients with persistent/recurrent CD; their EIA-F levels were lower than in patients with newly diagnosed CD. Conclusions Since the majority of patients with ≥1 elevated late-night salivary cortisol or cortisone result did not have CS, a single elevated level has poor specificity and positive predictive value. LNSC measured by EIA is a sensitive test for ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome but not for ACTH-independent CS. We suggest that neither LCMS-F nor LCMS-E improves the sensitivity of late-night EIA-F for CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kannankeril
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ty Carroll
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - James W Findling
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Bradley Javorsky
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ian L Gunsolus
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Hershel Raff
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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33
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Abstract
The European society of endocrinology, in association with the European network for the study of adrenal tumors, published recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas in 2016. A thorough and critical analysis of the literature was performed to establish evidence-based recommendations and expert suggestions with the aim of avoiding 'over-diagnosis' and 'over-treatment' and to reduce unnecessary investigations, surgery and follow-up. The purpose of this review is to reconsider several recommendations that are open to debate, such as imaging of adrenal incidentalomas, diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, diagnosis and treatment of autonomous cortisol-secreting tumors, investigations of bilateral AI and follow-up of non-operated AIs, based on studies published after the release of the recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Cambos
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33604 Pessac, France
| | - Antoine Tabarin
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33604 Pessac, France; Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France.
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34
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Barbot M, Zilio M, Scaroni C. Cushing's syndrome: Overview of clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and complications. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101380. [PMID: 32165101 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a severe condition that results from chronic exposure to elevated circulating cortisol levels; it is a rare but potentially life-threating condition, especially when not timely diagnosed and treated. Even though the diagnosis can be straightforward in florid cases due to their typical phenotype, milder forms can be missed. Despite the availability of different screening tests, the diagnosis remains challenging as none of the available tools proved to be fully accurate. Due to the ubiquitous effect of cortisol, it is easy understandable that its excess leads to a variety of systemic complications including hypertension, metabolic syndrome, bone damages and neurocognitive impairment. This article discusses clinical presentation of CS with an eye on the most frequent cortisol-related comorbidities and discuss the main pitfalls of first- and second-line tests in endogenous hypercortisolism diagnostic workup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy.
| | - Marialuisa Zilio
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Italy
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35
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Rubinstein G, Osswald A, Hoster E, Losa M, Elenkova A, Zacharieva S, Machado MC, Hanzu FA, Zopp S, Ritzel K, Riester A, Braun LT, Kreitschmann-Andermahr I, Storr HL, Bansal P, Barahona MJ, Cosaro E, Dogansen SC, Johnston PC, Santos de Oliveira R, Raftopoulos C, Scaroni C, Valassi E, van der Werff SJA, Schopohl J, Beuschlein F, Reincke M. Time to Diagnosis in Cushing's Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis Based on 5367 Patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5609009. [PMID: 31665382 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (CS) overlap with common diseases, such as the metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, and depression. Therefore, it can take years to finally diagnose CS, although early diagnosis is important for prevention of complications. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the time span between first symptoms and diagnosis of CS in different populations to identify factors associated with an early diagnosis. DATA SOURCES A systematic literature search via PubMed was performed to identify studies reporting on time to diagnosis in CS. In addition, unpublished data from patients of our tertiary care center and 4 other centers were included. STUDY SELECTION Clinical studies reporting on the time to diagnosis of CS were eligible. Corresponding authors were contacted to obtain additional information relevant to the research question. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted from the text of the retrieved articles and from additional information provided by authors contacted successfully. From initially 3326 screened studies 44 were included. DATA SYNTHESIS Mean time to diagnosis for patients with CS was 34 months (ectopic CS: 14 months; adrenal CS: 30 months; and pituitary CS: 38 months; P < .001). No difference was found for gender, age (<18 and ≥18 years), and year of diagnosis (before and after 2000). Patients with pituitary CS had a longer time to diagnosis in Germany than elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS Time to diagnosis differs for subtypes of CS but not for gender and age. Time to diagnosis remains to be long and requires to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- German Rubinstein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Andrea Osswald
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Eva Hoster
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Losa
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - Atanaska Elenkova
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University-Sofia, USHATE, "Acad. Ivan Penchev"
| | - Sabina Zacharieva
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical University-Sofia, USHATE, "Acad. Ivan Penchev"
| | - Márcio Carlos Machado
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Sao Paulo Medical School; Endocrinology Service, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felicia Alexandra Hanzu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Katrin Ritzel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Anna Riester
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Leah Theresa Braun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | | | - Helen L Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Prachi Bansal
- Department of Endocrinology, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - María-José Barahona
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitari Mútua de Terrassa, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Cosaro
- Section of Endocrinology Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sema Ciftci Dogansen
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Philip C Johnston
- Regional Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, North Ireland
| | - Ricardo Santos de Oliveira
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery of the Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University Hospital of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Christian Raftopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital St-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Valassi
- Endocrinology/Medicine Department, Hospital Sant Pau, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Unidad 747), IIB-Sant Pau, ISCIII and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jochen Schopohl
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
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Braun LT, Riester A, Oßwald-Kopp A, Fazel J, Rubinstein G, Bidlingmaier M, Beuschlein F, Reincke M. Toward a Diagnostic Score in Cushing's Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:766. [PMID: 31787931 PMCID: PMC6856055 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a classical rare disease: it is often suspected in patients who do not have the disease; at the same time, it takes a mean of 3 years to diagnose CS in affected individuals. The main reason is the extreme rarity (1-3/million/year) in combination with the lack of a single lead symptom. CS has to be suspected when a combination of signs and symptoms is present, which together make up the characteristic phenotype of cortisol excess. Unusual fat distribution affecting the face, neck, and trunk; skin changes including plethora, acne, hirsutism, livid striae, and easy bruising; and signs of protein catabolism such as thinned and vulnerable skin, osteoporotic fractures, and proximal myopathy indicate the need for biochemical screening for CS. In contrast, common symptoms like hypertension, weight gain, or diabetes also occur quite frequently in the general population and per se do not justify biochemical testing. First-line screening tests include urinary free cortisol excretion, dexamethasone suppression testing, and late-night salivary cortisol measurements. All three tests have overall reasonable sensitivity and specificity, and first-line testing should be selected on the basis of the physiologic conditions of the patient, drug intake, and available laboratory quality control measures. Two normal test results usually exclude the presence of CS. Other tests and laboratory parameters like the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test, plasma ACTH, the CRH test, and the bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling are not part of the initial biochemical screening. As a general rule, biochemical screening should only be performed if the pre-test probability for CS is reasonably high. This article provides an overview about the current standard in the diagnosis of CS starting with clinical scores and screenings, the clinical signs, relevant differential diagnoses, the first-line biochemical screening, and ending with a few exceptional cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah T. Braun
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Riester
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Oßwald-Kopp
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Fazel
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - German Rubinstein
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department for Endocrinology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Martin Reincke
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