Hypercoagulability in Cushing Syndrome, Prevalence of Thrombotic Events: A Large, Single-Center, Retrospective Study

Patients with Cushing's syndrome suffer from provoked venous thromboembolism and are anticoagulated in various patterns

Objective

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with an 18-fold greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to identify factors which provoke VTE among patients with CS and VTE and to describe the anticoagulant regimen used in these cases.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients included in the European Registry on CS (ERCUSYN) in Krakow center, Poland, were followed for the occurrence of VTE and anticoagulant treatment. We identified factors provoking VTE according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH), along with factors included in the Padua score and CS-VTE score.

Results

Of the 128 patients followed for a median of 4.3 years, there were nine patients who experienced ten VTE episodes (prevalence of 7.8% and incidence of 13.4 per 1000 patient-years). All VTEs were classified as provoked according to the ISTH guidance, predominantly due to the transient major and minor (50% and 20%, respectively) factors, while they were less commonly due to persistent (30%) factors. In 2/9 patients, we could not identify any risk factor for VTE according to the Padua score, while in 2/6 patients according to the CS-VTE score. Patients were mostly anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists (4/8 patients), followed by direct oral anticoagulants (3/8) and low-molecular-weight heparin (1/8). The median duration of anticoagulation was 2.75 years and exceeded beyond the primary treatment in 28% of episodes provoked by transient factors.

Conclusion

Further, multicenter studies are required to create a validated thrombotic risk score and guidelines regarding VTE treatment in CS patients.

How to manage Cushing's disease after failed primary pituitary surgery

The first-line treatment for Cushing's disease is transsphenoidal adenomectomy, which can be curative in a significant number of patients. The second-line options in cases of failed primary pituitary surgery include repeat surgery, medical therapy, and radiation. The role for medical therapy has expanded in the last decade, and options include pituitary-targeting drugs, steroid synthesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists. Bilateral adrenalectomy is a more aggressive approach, which may be necessary in cases of persistent hypercortisolism despite surgery, medical treatment, or radiation or when rapid normalization of cortisol is needed. We review the available treatment options for Cushing's disease, focusing on the second-line treatment options to consider after failed primary pituitary surgery.

An Overview of Cardiovascular Risk in Pituitary Disorders

Cardiovascular comorbidities owing to hormonal excess or deficiency are the main cause of mortality in patients with pituitary disorders. In patients with Cushing's Disease, there is an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and/or risk factors including visceral obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hypercoagulability as well as structural and functional changes in the heart, like cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. Notably, these demonstrate limited reversibility even after remission. Furthermore, patients with acromegaly may manifest insulin resistance but also structural and functional heart changes, also known as "acromegalic cardiomyopathy". Patients with prolactinomas demonstrate an aggravation of metabolic parameters, obesity, dysregulation of glucose and lipid metabolism as well as endothelial dysfunction. Hypopituitarism and conventional hormonal replacement therapy may also contribute to an unhealthy metabolic status, which promotes atherosclerosis and may lead to premature mortality. This review discusses the literature on cardiovascular risk in patients with pituitary disorders to increase physician awareness regarding this aspect of management in patients with pituitary disorders.

Long-term outcomes in patients with Cushing's disease vs nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma after pituitary surgery: an active-comparator cohort study

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing evidence that multisystem morbidity in patients with Cushing's disease (CD) is only partially reversible following treatment. We investigated complications from multiple organs in hospitalized patients with CD compared to patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) after pituitary surgery.

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office between January 2012 and December 2021.

METHODS

Through 1:5 propensity score matching, we compared hospitalized patients undergoing pituitary surgery for CD or NFPA, addressing demographic differences. The primary composite endpoint included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events (ie, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and ischemic stroke), hospitalization for psychiatric disorders, sepsis, severe thromboembolic events, and fractures in need of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints comprised individual components of the primary endpoint and surgical reintervention due to disease persistence or recurrence.

RESULTS

After matching, 116 patients with CD (mean age 45.4 years [SD, 14.4], 75.0% female) and 396 with NFPA (47.3 years [14.3], 69.7% female) were included and followed for a median time of 50.0 months (IQR 23.5, 82.0) after pituitary surgery. Cushing's disease presence was associated with a higher incidence rate of the primary endpoint (40.6 vs 15.7 events per 1000 person-years, hazard ratio [HR] 2.75; 95% CI, 1.54-4.90). Cushing's disease patients also showed increased hospitalization rates for psychiatric disorders (HR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.59-6.71) and a trend for sepsis (HR 3.15; 95% CI, .95-10.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Even after pituitary surgery, CD patients faced a higher hazard of complications, especially psychiatric hospitalizations and sepsis.

Hypercoagulable state and risk of venous thromboembolism in Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome (CS) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by hypercortisolism. Elevated cortisol levels can induce a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Both pituitary-origin Cushing disease (CD) and adrenal-origin non-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent CS are primarily treated with surgery. The dual impact of surgery and the underlying disease further elevates the risk of VTE, potentially leading to pulmonary embolism, which poses a severe threat to patient survival. Additionally, CS patients in a hypercoagulable state have a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases and VTE, and even mortality compared with the general population. Untreated active CS patients have a 17.8-fold increased risk of VTE compared to the general population. In recent years, the relationship between the hypercoagulable state in CS and VTE has garnered increasing attention from clinicians. A better understanding of the clinical epidemiological characteristics, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical prevention and treatment of VTE and pulmonary embolism in CS can provide valuable references for the standardized use of prophylactic anticoagulant therapy in CS patients.

The thrombotic risk in Cushing's syndrome-questions, answers, and the algorithm to consider in its assessment: part I-thrombotic risk not related to surgery

Introduction

Recently, it has been reported that there is a great diversity in strategies used for thromboprophylaxis in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). An aim of this review was to discuss these practices in light of the existing data on the thrombotic risk in patients with CS and guidelines for medically ill patients.

Methods

The four relevant topics and questions on thrombotic risk in CS were identified. The current guidelines on prevention and diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) were reviewed for the answers. An algorithm to consider in the assessment of the thrombotic risk in patients with CS was proposed.

Results

To address both generic and CS-specific risk factors for VTE, the algorithm includes the stepwise approach consisting of Padua Score, urine free cortisol, and CS-VTE score, with no indication for routine thrombophilia testing in the prediction of an index VTE episode. Having confirmed VTE, selected patients require thrombophilia testing to aid the duration of anticoagulant treatment. The separate part of the algorithm is devoted to patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome in whom exclusion of VTE precedes introducing routine thromboprophylaxis to prevent VTE. The cancer-related VTE also prompts thromboprophylaxis, with the possible vessel invasion. The algorithm presents a unifactorial and multifactorial approach to exclude high-bleeding risks and safely introduce thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin.

Summary

Our article is the first to present an algorithm to consider in the thrombotic risk assessment among patients with Cushing's syndrome as a starting point for a broader discussion in the environment. A plethora of factors affect the VTE risk in patients with CS, but no studies have conclusively evaluated the best thromboprophylaxis strategy so far. Future studies are needed to set standards of care.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism following adrenalectomy: A CESQIP analysis

BACKGROUND

We aim to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following adrenalectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program was performed to assess incidence for VTE, including pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, in adults undergoing adrenalectomy (2014-2022).

RESULTS

2567 patients undergoing adrenalectomy were included. Surgical approach was 10% open and 90% minimally invasive. Pathology was 13% malignant and 87% benign; 19% had hypercortisolism. VTE developed in 0.27% at a median of 8 days from surgery. The incidence was higher in primary adrenal malignancy compared to benign or metastases to the adrenals, p ​< ​0.01. VTE was associated with longer hospital stay, longer operative time, readmission, and mortality. VTE rates were similar for hypercortisolism vs no hypercortisolism and between patients with clinical vs subclinical hypercortisolism.

CONCLUSION

Although VTE following adrenalectomy is rare, it is more common in cases of primary adrenal malignancy, those with longer operations, or those requiring prolonged hospitalization.

High prevalence of venous thrombotic events in Cushing's syndrome: data from ERCUSYN and details in relation to surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients included in the European Registry on Cushing's syndrome (ERCUSYN), compare their clinical characteristics with those who did not develop VTE and identify risk factors for VTE.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational cohort study.

METHODS

Data extraction from the registry was taken on February, 7, 2022. At the time there were 2174 patients diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome (CS) and 95 VTEs were reported in the database.

RESULTS

Of 95 VTE events 70 (74%) were in pituitary-dependent CS patients, 12 (12.5%) in adrenal-dependant CS, 10 (10.5%) in ectopic CS, and 3 (3%) in CS due to other causes. Sex, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) value at diagnosis, as well as the number of operations remained statistically significant predictors of VTE. Of patients who were treated with at least one surgery, 12 (13%) VTE occurred before and 80 (87%) after the surgery. Nearly half of these VTEs occurred within six months since the operation (36; 45%). Over half of the centers that reported VTE did not routinely anticoagulate CS patients. Anticoagulation schemes varied widely.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CS have an elevated risk of developing VTE for an extended period of time. From ERCUSYN cohort patients have higher risk for VTE if they need multiple surgeries to treat CS, are males and have high UFC values at the diagnosis of CS. Since there is no agreement on thromboprohpylaxis, a protocol for VTE prevention that is widely adopted appears to be necessary for patients with CS.

An individualized approach to the management of Cushing disease

Cushing disease caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary corticotroph adenoma leads to hypercortisolaemia with high mortality due to metabolic, cardiovascular, immunological, neurocognitive, haematological and infectious conditions. The disorder is challenging to diagnose because of its common and heterogenous presenting features and the biochemical pitfalls of testing levels of hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Several late-night salivary cortisol and 24-h urinary free cortisol tests are usually required as well as serum levels of cortisol after a dexamethasone suppression test. MRI might only identify an adenoma in 60-75% of patients and many adenomas are small. Therefore, inferior petrosal sinus sampling remains the gold standard for confirmation of ACTH secretion from a pituitary source. Initial treatment is usually transsphenoidal adenoma resection, but preoperative medical therapy is increasingly being used in some countries and regions. Other management approaches are required if Cushing disease persists or recurs following surgery, including medications to modulate ACTH or block cortisol secretion or actions, pituitary radiation, and/or bilateral adrenalectomy. All patients require lifelong surveillance for persistent comorbidities, clinical and biochemical recurrence, and treatment-related adverse effects (including development of treatment-associated hypopituitarism). In this Review, we discuss challenges in the management of Cushing disease in adults and provide information to guide clinicians when planning an integrated and individualized approach for each patient.

Preventive strategies for hypercoagulation in Cushing's syndrome: when and how

PURPOSE

The endogenous hypercortisolism that characterizes Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with a state of hypercoagulability that significantly increases the risk of thromboembolic disease, especially, venous events. Despite this certainty, there is no consensus on the best thromboprophylaxis strategy (TPS) for these patients. Our aim was to summarize the published data about different thromboprophylaxis strategies, and to review available clinical tools assisting thromboprophylaxis decision making.

METHODS

Narrative review of thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients with Cushing's syndrome. A search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO until November 14th, 2022, and articles were selected based on their relevance and excluded in case of redundant content.

RESULTS

Literature is scarce regarding thromboprophylaxis strategies to be adopted in the context of endogenous hypercortisolism, most often being a case-by-case decision according to the centre expertise. Only three retrospective studies, with a small number of patients enrolled, evaluated the use of hypocoagulation for the thromboprophylaxis of patients with CS in the post-operative period of transsphenoidal surgery and/or adrenalectomy, but all of them with favourable results. The use of low molecular weight heparin is the most frequent option as TPS in CS context. There are numerous venous thromboembolism risk assessment scores validated for different medical purposes, but just one specifically developed for CS, that must be validated to ensure solid recommendations in this context. The use of preoperative medical therapy is not routinely recommended to decrease the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolic events. The peak of venous thromboembolic events occurs in the first three months post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

The need to hypocoagulate CS patients, mainly in the post-operative period of a transsphenoidal surgery or an adrenalectomy, is undoubtable, especially in patients with an elevated risk of venous thromboembolic events, but the precise duration and the hypocoagulation regimen to institute is yet to be determined with prospective studies.

Prevalence of perioperative asymptomatic venous thromboses of the lower extremity in 30 consecutive patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease

Cushing´s disease is a rare endocrinological disorder which is caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pituitary adenoma. The condition is associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. While there exist reports on symptomatic venous thromboses complicating Cushing's disease, the prevalence of incidental leg vein thromboses accompanying pituitary surgery for Cushing's disease is yet unknown. 30 consecutive patients (9 male; age 25-77 years) with histologically confirmed Cushing's disease underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy between October 2018 and September 2019. All patients received perioperative pharmacological thromboprophylaxis. Whole leg compression ultrasound was performed within one week after surgery (median 2 days) to exclude leg vein thromboses (primary endpoint). Preoperative laboratory values including plasma cortisol and various coagulation parameters were evaluated as secondary outcome measures. A comparison was made between patients with and without thrombotic events (p value ≤ 0.05). A total of 2 out of 30 patients (6.7%; CI 0.8-24.1%) presented with asymptomatic perioperative deep vein thromboses of the lower legs. Thrombosis patients differed not significantly from their counterparts with respect to age, sex, and comorbidities, but preoperative morning plasma cortisol was significantly higher in patients with venous thromboses (421.0 ± 49.5 μg/l vs. 188.1 ± 78.2 μg/l; p = 0.01). Moreover, von Willebrand factor activity was markedly increased in one case (409.0%) compared to the mean value obtained from 28 patients without phlebothromboses (146.9 ± 60.7%; p < 0.01). Perioperative asymptomatic leg vein thrombosis can be found with the aid of compression ultrasound in a considerable proportion of patients undergoing transsphenoidal adenomectomy for Cushing's disease despite the administration of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.

Thrombosis in Cushing's disease; raising the flag of concern

Cushing's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events. The purpose of this review is to discuss preventive strategies for post-operative thrombosis in CD patients and their impact on patient outcomes. A systematic review under PRISMA guidelines was conducted within PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases through July 2022. Of the 3207 papers retrieved, seven articles were included in this systematic review. Four hundred forty-eight patients were presented in the reviewed studies and the overall reported mortality was 2.67% (12/448). Three studies utilized prophylaxis methods including graduated compression stockings (GCS) and early ambulation (EA) while the remaining four studies only used anticoagulation medicine. Only 20 patients received pre-operative prophylactic treatment, while 366 patients received post-operative prophylaxis which was delivered either immediately after surgery or at different time intervals within 2 days following the surgery. Thrombotic events mainly occurred within two to 3 months after surgery. Overall, a higher frequency of thromboembolic events and mortality was observed in the control groups in comparison to groups receiving prophylaxis. A combination of anticoagulation, EA, and GCS might reduce thrombotic events and mortality in CD patients after treatment. Although the early commencement of a prophylactic anticoagulation regimen on the same day of surgery and continuing up to 3 months seems beneficial, the application of a prophylactic regimen should be utilized with caution since the number of included studies was insufficient to draw a strong conclusion, as well as neither prospective study nor randomized controlled trials existed.

Cardiac Hypertrophy and Related Dysfunctions in Cushing Syndrome Patients-Literature Review

The survival rate of adrenal Cushing syndrome patients has been greatly increased because of the availability of appropriate surgical and pharmacological treatments. Nevertheless, increased possibility of a heart attack induced by a cardiovascular event remains a major risk factor for the survival of affected patients. In experimental studies, hypercortisolemia has been found to cause cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via glucocorticoid receptor activation, including the possibility of cross talk among several hypertrophy signals related to cardiomyocytes and tissue-dependent regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. However, the factors are more complex in clinical cases, as both geometric and functional impairments leading to heart failure have been revealed, and their associations with a wide range of factors such as hypertension are crucial. In addition, knowledge regarding such alterations in autonomous cortisol secretion, which has a high risk of leading to heart attack as well as overt Cushing syndrome, is quite limited. When considering the effects of treatment, partial improvement of structural alterations is expected, while functional disorders are controversial. Therefore, whether the normalization of excess cortisol attenuates the risk related to cardiac hypertrophy has yet to be fully elucidated.

Clinical Biology of the Pituitary Adenoma

All endocrine glands are susceptible to neoplastic growth, yet the health consequences of these neoplasms differ between endocrine tissues. Pituitary neoplasms are highly prevalent and overwhelmingly benign, exhibiting a spectrum of diverse behaviors and impact on health. To understand the clinical biology of these common yet often innocuous neoplasms, we review pituitary physiology and adenoma epidemiology, pathophysiology, behavior, and clinical consequences. The anterior pituitary develops in response to a range of complex brain signals integrating with intrinsic ectodermal cell transcriptional events that together determine gland growth, cell type differentiation, and hormonal production, in turn maintaining optimal endocrine health. Pituitary adenomas occur in 10% of the population; however, the overwhelming majority remain harmless during life. Triggered by somatic or germline mutations, disease-causing adenomas manifest pathogenic mechanisms that disrupt intrapituitary signaling to promote benign cell proliferation associated with chromosomal instability. Cellular senescence acts as a mechanistic buffer protecting against malignant transformation, an extremely rare event. It is estimated that fewer than one-thousandth of all pituitary adenomas cause clinically significant disease. Adenomas variably and adversely affect morbidity and mortality depending on cell type, hormone secretory activity, and growth behavior. For most clinically apparent adenomas, multimodal therapy controlling hormone secretion and adenoma growth lead to improved quality of life and normalized mortality. The clinical biology of pituitary adenomas, and particularly their benign nature, stands in marked contrast to other tumors of the endocrine system, such as thyroid and neuroendocrine tumors.

Approach to the Patient: Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome results from supraphysiological exposure to glucocorticoids and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis includes administration of corticosteroids (exogenous Cushing syndrome) or autonomous cortisol overproduction, whether or not ACTH-dependent (endogenous Cushing syndrome). An early diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is warranted; however, in clinical practice, it is very challenging partly because of resemblance with other common conditions (ie, pseudo-Cushing syndrome). Initial workup should start with excluding local and systemic corticosteroid use. First-line screening tests including the 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test, 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, and late-night salivary cortisol measurement should be performed to screen for endogenous Cushing syndrome. Scalp-hair cortisol/cortisone analysis helps in the assessment of long-term glucocorticoid exposure as well as in detection of transient periods of hypercortisolism as observed in cyclical Cushing syndrome. Interpretation of results can be difficult because of individual patient characteristics and hence requires awareness of test limitations. Once endogenous Cushing syndrome is established, measurement of plasma ACTH concentrations differentiates between ACTH-dependent (80%-85%) or ACTH-independent (15%-20%) causes. Further assessment with different imaging modalities and dynamic biochemical testing including bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling helps further pinpoint the cause of Cushing's syndrome. In this issue of "Approach to the patient," the diagnostic workup of Cushing syndrome is discussed with answering the questions when to screen, how to screen, and how to differentiate the different causes. In this respect, the latest developments in biochemical and imaging techniques are discussed as well.

Long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with Cushing's syndrome

Increased multisystem morbidity and mortality in patients with Cushing's syndrome comprise clinical problems and challenges, both at the time of diagnosis and in remission. Relevant comorbidities and clinical problems include hypertension, diabetes, overweight, myopathy and a high risk for acute complications such as infections and venous thrombembolism. Although there are therapy recommendations for most of these comorbidities, there is a lack of large, prospective studies to confirm and optimise them. Mortality is especially high during active disease and within the first year after diagnosis, as a result of cardiovascular events, infections and suicide. All in all, interdisciplinary therapy management is important for reducing morbidity and mortality over the long-term.

The Mount Sinai Clinical Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Hypercortisolism due to Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Neoplasms that secrete ectopic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) may cause severe, life-threatening hypercortisolism. These tumors are often difficult to localize and treat, requiring a comprehensive and systematic management plan orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team. The Mount Sinai Adrenal Center hosted an interdisciplinary retreat of experts in adrenal disorders and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with the aim of developing a clinical pathway for the management of Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH production. The result was institutional recommendations for the diagnosis, localization, surgical approaches to intrathoracic tumors and bilateral adrenalectomy, and perioperative and postoperative medical management of hypercortisolism and its sequelae. Specific recommendations were made regarding the timing and selection of therapies based on the considerations of our team as well as a review of the current literature. Our clinical pathway can be applied by other institutions directly or serve as a guide for institution-specific management.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma with multiple organ infections and widespread thrombosis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting neuroendocrine tumors are rare diseases. Patients with ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas have a poor prognosis. Infections and coagulopathies have been reported as the cause of death. However, detailed clinical descriptions of the morbid complications of ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine carcinomas have not been reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 78-year-old Japanese woman consulted a medical center due to systemic edema and epigastric discomfort. Laboratory analysis revealed hypercortisolemia with increased ACTH secretion without diurnal variation in serum cortisol level. An enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 3-cm tumor in the pancreatic head. The cytological material from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was compatible with ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. The Ki-67 index was 40%. She was transferred to Mie University Hospital for surgical treatment. The patient was diagnosed with urinary tract infection, cytomegalovirus hepatitis, esophageal candidiasis, pulmonary infiltrates suspicious for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, peripheral deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The multiple organ infections and thromboses responded well to antimicrobial and anticoagulant therapy. Radioisotope studies disclosed a pancreatic tumor and a metastatic lesion in the liver, whereas somatostatin receptor scintigraphy showed negative findings, suggesting the primary and metastatic tumors were poorly differentiated. A CT scan before admission showed no metastatic liver lesion, suggesting that the pancreatic tumor was rapidly progressing. Instead of surgery, antitumor chemotherapy was indicated. The patient was transferred to another hospital to initiate chemotherapy. However, she died four months later due to the rapidly progressive tumor.

CONCLUSION

ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm is a rare disease with a very poor prognosis. The clinical course and acute complications of the tumor remain unreported. Here we report the clinical course of a rapidly progressive case of ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that developed infectious complications due to many types of pathogens in multiple organs, widespread thromboses, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Perioperative Management of a Patient with Cushing’s Disease

Patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) may present with both chronic and acute perioperative complications that necessitate multidisciplinary care. This review highlights several objectives for these patients before and after transsphenoidal surgery. Preoperative management includes treatment of electrolyte disturbances, cardiovascular comorbidities, prediabetes/diabetes, as well as prophylactic consideration(s) for thromboembolism and infection(s). Preoperative medical therapy (PMT) could prove beneficial in patients with severe hypercortisolism or in cases of delayed surgery. Some centers use PMT routinely, although the clinical benefit for all patients is controversial. In this setting, steroidogenesis inhibitors are preferred because of rapid and potent inhibition of cortisol secretion. If glucocorticoids are not used perioperatively, an immediate remission assessment postoperatively is possible. However, perioperative glucocorticoid replacement is sometimes necessary for clinically unstable or medically pretreated patients and for those patients with surgical complications. A nadir serum cortisol &lt; 2-5µg/dl during 24-74 hours postoperatively is generally accepted as remission; higher values suggest non-remission, while a few patients may display delayed remission. If remission is not achieved, additional treatments are pursued. The early postoperative period necessitates multidisciplinary awareness for early diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI) to avoid adrenal crisis, which may be also potentiated by acute postoperative complications. Preferred glucocorticoid replacement is hydrocortisone, if available. Assessment of recovery from postoperative AI should be undertaken periodically. Other postoperative targets include decreasing antihypertensive/diabetic therapy if in remission, thromboprophylaxis, infection prevention/treatment, and management of electrolyte disturbances and/or potential pituitary deficiencies. Evaluation of recovery of thyroid, gonadal and growth hormone deficiencies should be also performed in the following months postoperatively.

Consensus on diagnosis and management of Cushing's disease: a guideline update

Cushing's disease requires accurate diagnosis, careful treatment selection, and long-term management to optimise patient outcomes. The Pituitary Society convened a consensus workshop comprising more than 50 academic researchers and clinical experts to discuss the application of recent evidence to clinical practice. In advance of the virtual meeting, data from 2015 to present about screening and diagnosis; surgery, medical, and radiation therapy; and disease-related and treatment-related complications of Cushing's disease summarised in recorded lectures were reviewed by all participants. During the meeting, concise summaries of the recorded lectures were presented, followed by small group breakout discussions. Consensus opinions from each group were collated into a draft document, which was reviewed and approved by all participants. Recommendations regarding use of laboratory tests, imaging, and treatment options are presented, along with algorithms for diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and management of Cushing's disease. Topics considered most important to address in future research are also identified.

Thromboembolic disease in hypercortisolism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with increased patient morbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, visceral obesity, osteoporosis, cognitive alterations, and impaired quality of life). Both arterial and venous thromboembolic events (TE) due to alterations in the hemostatic system and prothrombotic state are widely reported in patients with CS, more so postoperatively. Increased mortality, if not appropriately treated, is largely due to cardiovascular events and infections.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with CS have markedly increased risk of thromboembolic episodes compared to the general population. The prothrombotic state is mediated by increased levels of procoagulant factors, but also by an impaired fibrinolytic capacity. All contribute to TE, atherosclerosis, and subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Some abnormalities progressively improve after CS remission, but do not fully normalize for at least 1 year or more.

SUMMARY

Due to the additional thrombotic risk of surgery or any invasive procedure, anticoagulation prophylaxis should be at least considered in patients with CS and balanced with individual bleeding risk. However, a clear protocol of thromboprophylaxis is lacking and increased awareness regarding risks per se is needed. Large prospective trials will clarify, which patients with CS are at the highest risk and the optimal prevention protocol to minimize risks and maximize efficacy.

Acute and Life-threatening Complications in Cushing Syndrome: Prevalence, Predictors, and Mortality

CONTEXT

Cushing syndrome (CS) results in significant morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To study acute and life-threatening complications in patients with active CS.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study using inpatient and outpatient records of patients with CS in a tertiary center. A total of 242 patients with CS were included, including 213 with benign CS (pituitary n = 101, adrenal n = 99, ectopic n = 13), and 29 with malignant disease. We collected acute complications necessitating hospitalization, from appearance of first symptoms of hypercortisolism until 1 year after biochemical remission. Mortality data were obtained from the national registry. Baseline factors relating to and predicting acute complications were tested using uni- and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acute complications was 62% in patients with benign pituitary CS, 40% in patients with benign adrenal CS, and 100% in patients with ectopic CS. Complications observed in patients with benign CS included infections (25%), thromboembolic events (17%), hypokalemia (13%), hypertensive crises (9%), cardiac arrhythmias (5%), and acute coronary events (3%). Among these patients, 23% had already been hospitalized for acute complications before CS was suspected, and half of complications occurred after the first surgery. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol positively correlated with the number of acute complications per patient. Patients with malignant disease had significantly higher rates of acute complications. Mortality during the observation period was 2.8% and 59% in benign and malignant CS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis highlights the whole spectrum of acute and life-threatening complications in CS, and their high prevalence even before disease diagnosis and after successful surgery.

Diabetes, Active Disease, and Afternoon Serum Cortisol Levels Predict Cushing's Disease Mortality: A Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Cushing's disease (CD) is a life-threating disease, with increased mortality in comparison with the general population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in CD patients. We also analyzed independent risk factors related to increased mortality.

DESIGN

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study in a 3rd level specialty center, from 1979 to 2018, in patients with CD.

RESULTS

From 1375 cases with a pathology diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, 191 cases had the confirmed diagnosis of CD (14%). A total of 172 patients completed follow-up, with a mean age at diagnosis of 33 ± 11 years, female predominance (n = 154, 89.5%), majority of them with microadenoma (n = 136, 79%), and a median follow-up of 7.5 years (2.4-15). Eighteen patients (10.5%) died, 8 of them (44%) were with active CD, 8 (44%) were under remission, and 2 (11%) were under disease control. Estimated all-cause SMR = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-4.8, P < 0.001. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death (SMR = 4.2, 1.5-9.3, P = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression models adjusted for potential cofounders showed that diabetes (HR = 5.2, IC 95% 1.8-15.4, P = 0.002), high cortisol levels after 1600 hours at diagnosis (3.4, 2.3-7.0, P = 0.02), and active CD (7.5, 3.8-17.3, P = 0.003) significantly increased the risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Main cause of CD mortality was cardiovascular disease. Main risk factors for mortality were uncontrolled diabetes, persistently high cortisol levels after 1600 hours at diagnosis, and active disease at last follow-up.

Excess Morbidity Persists in Patients With Cushing's Disease During Long-term Remission: A Swedish Nationwide Study

CONTEXT

Whether multisystem morbidity in Cushing's disease (CD) remains elevated during long-term remission is still undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate comorbidities in patients with CD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

A retrospective, nationwide study of patients with CD identified in the Swedish National Patient Register between 1987 and 2013. Individual medical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis and remission status.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using the Swedish general population as reference. Comorbidities were investigated during three different time periods: (i) during the 3 years before diagnosis, (ii) from diagnosis to 1 year after remission, and (iii) during long-term remission.

RESULTS

We included 502 patients with confirmed CD, of whom 419 were in remission for a median of 10 (interquartile range 4 to 21) years. SIRs (95% CI) for myocardial infarction (4.4; 1.2 to 11.4), fractures (4.9; 2.7 to 8.3), and deep vein thrombosis (13.8; 3.8 to 35.3) were increased during the 3-year period before diagnosis. From diagnosis until 1 year after remission, SIRs (95% CI were increased for thromboembolism (18.3; 7.9 to 36.0), stroke (4.9; 1.3 to 12.5), and sepsis (13.6; 3.7 to 34.8). SIRs for thromboembolism (4.9; 2.6 to 8.4), stroke (3.1; 1.8 to 4.9), and sepsis (6.0; 3.1 to 10.6) remained increased during long-term remission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD have an increased incidence of stroke, thromboembolism, and sepsis even after remission, emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of risk factors for these comorbidities during long-term follow-up.

A rare cause of severe Cushing's syndrome

SUMMARY

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production is an uncommon cause of Cushing's syndrome and, rarely, the source can be a phaeochromocytoma. A 55-year-old man presented following an episode of presumed gastroenteritis with vomiting and general malaise. Further episodes of diarrhoea, joint pains and palpitations followed. On examination, he was hypertensive with no clinical features to suggest hypercortisolaemia. He was subsequently found to have raised plasma normetanephrines of 3.98 nmol/L (NR <0.71) and metanephrines of 0.69 nmol/L (NR <0.36). An adrenal CT showed a 3.8 cm right adrenal nodule, which was not MIBG-avid but was clinically and biochemically consistent with a phaeochromocytoma. He was started on alpha blockade and referred for right adrenalectomy. Four weeks later, on the day of admission for adrenalectomy, profound hypokalaemia was noted (serum potassium 2.0 mmol/L) with non-specific ST-segment ECG changes. He was also diagnosed with new-onset diabetes mellitus (capillary blood glucose of 28 mmol/L). He reported to have gained weight and his skin had become darker over the course of the last 4 weeks. Given these findings, he underwent overnight dexamethasone suppression testing, which showed a non-suppressed serum cortisol of 1099 nmol/L. Baseline serum ACTH was 273 ng/L. A preliminary diagnosis of ectopic ACTH secretion from the known right-sided phaeochromocytoma was made and he was started on metyrapone and insulin. Surgery was postponed for 4 weeks. Following uncomplicated laparoscopic adrenalectomy, the patient recovered with full resolution of symptoms.

LEARNING POINTS

Phaeochromocytomas are a rare source of ectopic ACTH secretion. A high clinical index of suspicion is therefore required to make the diagnosis. Ectopic ACTH secretion from a phaeochromocytoma can rapidly progress to severe Cushing's syndrome, thus complicating tumour removal. Removal of the primary tumour often leads to full recovery. The limited literature suggests that the presence of ectopic Cushing's syndrome does not appear to have any long-term prognostic implications.