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Giampietro RR, Cabral MVG, Pereira EG, Machado MC, Vilar L, Nunes-Nogueira VDS. Accuracy of the 10 μg desmopressin test for differential diagnosis of Cushing syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1332120. [PMID: 38352712 PMCID: PMC10861662 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1332120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the accuracy of the 10 μg desmopressin test in differentiating Cushing disease (CD) from non-neoplastic hypercortisolism (NNH) and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). A systematic review of studies on diagnostic test accuracy in patients with CD, NNH, or EAS subjected to the desmopressin test obtained from LILACS, PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases was performed. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data. Hierarchical and bivariate models on Stata software were used for meta-analytical summaries. The certainty of evidence was measured using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group) approach. In total, 14 studies were included: 3 studies on differentiated CD versus NNH and 11 studies on differentiated CD versus EAS. Considering ΔACTH in 8 studies involving 429 patients, the pooled sensitivity for distinguishing CD from EAS was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.89, I2 = 17.6%) and specificity was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.49-0.76, I2 = 9.46%). Regarding Δcortisol in 6 studies involving 233 participants, the sensitivity for distinguishing CD from EAS was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74-0.87, I2 = 7.98%) and specificity was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.61-0.91, I2 = 12.89%). The sensitivity and specificity of the combination of ΔACTH > 35% and Δcortisol > 20% in 5 studies involving 511 participants were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79-0.93, I2 = 35%) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55-0.87, I2 = 27%), respectively. The pooled sensitivity for distinguishing CD from NNH in 3 studies involving 170 participants was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79-0.93) and the specificity was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.86-0.97). Based on the desmopressin test for differentiating CD from EAS, considering ΔACTH, Δcortisol, or both percent increments, 15%, 19%, or 20% of patients with CD, respectively, would be incorrectly classified as having EAS. For CD versus NNH, 11% of patients with CD would be falsely diagnosed as having NNH, whereas 7% of patients with NNH would be falsely diagnosed as having CD. However, in all hierarchical plots, the prediction intervals were considerably wider than the confidence intervals. This indicates low confidence in the estimated accuracy, and the true accuracy is likely to be different. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=85634, identifier CRD42018085634; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=68317, identifier CRD42017068317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rosa Giampietro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sao Paulo State University/UNESP, Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elizandra Gomes Pereira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sao Paulo State University/UNESP, Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio Carlos Machado
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucio Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Sobeh Khalil S, Sheikh Ahmad M, Sarah-Hefer T, Yovanovich E, Reut M, Chen-Konak L, Saba-Khazen N, Saiegh L. Sensitivity of Different ACTH and Cortisol Concentration Values in Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Based Tests in Cushing's Disease. Endocr Res 2023; 48:27-34. [PMID: 36781417 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2023.2176869] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Cushing's disease (CD) patients, the aim of the present study is to confirm sensitivity of several ACTH and cortisol concentration values in different time points, during corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test and during CRH stimulation following dexamethasone suppression (DEX-CRH) test. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed cortisol and ACTH concentration increment during CRH and DEX-CRH tests in 23 patients with confirmed CD. Cortisol and ACTH concentrations were determined immediately before, 15 min and 30 min after CRH stimulation. We evaluated the sensitivity of different cutoff values including those reported in previous studies, in the diagnosis of CD. RESULTS During DEX-CRH test, 15 min serum cortisol concentration of 1.4 μg/dl (38 nmol/L) had a sensitivity of 90.9%, and serum cortisol concentration ≥1.27 μg/dl (35 nmol/L) had a sensitivity of 100%. For plasma ACTH, sensitivity of 100% was obtained using ACTH ≥3.5pmol/L (16 pg/ml) at 30 min. During CRH test, 35% increase from baseline in ACTH concentration had a sensitivity of 72.7%. Twenty percent increase in cortisol 30 minutes after stimulation yielded a sensitivity of 85.7%. The best sensitivity of ACTH and cortisol increment was obtained 15 min after stimulation, using 19% and 9% increase, respectively (sensitivity of 100% and 92.8%, respectively). CONCLUSION During CRH and DEX-CRH tests, the study findings agree with the good sensitivity of ACTH and cortisol cutoff values suggested in previous studies; yet, other cutoff values may give a higher diagnostic sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Talia Sarah-Hefer
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Maria Reut
- Department of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Limor Chen-Konak
- Department of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Leonard Saiegh
- Department of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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Eskandari D, Ziaee A, Samadanifard SH, Tavangar SM, Tirkan A, ZaeimYekeh MA. A Case Report of Cushing's Disease Presenting With Psychosis and Muscle Weakness Postpartum. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2023; 11:23247096231204732. [PMID: 37799021 PMCID: PMC10559700 DOI: 10.1177/23247096231204732] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome is a condition leading to overproducing of cortisol by the adrenal glands. If the pituitary gland overproduces cortisol, it is called Cushing's disease. Cushing's syndrome and even Cushing's disease during and after pregnancy are rare events. There is not enough literature and guidance for managing and treating these patients. The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy is often delayed because the symptoms overlap. We presented a thin 31-year-old woman, admitted 2 months after a normal-term delivery, with an atypical presentation of Cushing's disease, unusual clinical features, and a challenging clinical course. She had no clinical discriminatory features of Cushing's syndrome. Given that the patient only presented with psychosis and proximal myopathy and had an uncomplicated pregnancy, our case was considered unusual. The patients also had hyperpigmentation and severe muscle weakness which are among the less common presentations of Cushing's syndrome. Our findings suggest that an early diagnosis of Cushing's disease is important in pregnancy period for its prevalent fetal and maternal complications, and it should be treated early to optimize fetal and maternal outcomes as there is an increasing trend toward live births in treated participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Eskandari
- Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ziaee
- Professor of Endocrinology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Samadanifard
- Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Professor of Pathology, Department of Pathology, Endocrine Population Sciences Institute, Endocrinology & Metabolism Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefe Tirkan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin ZaeimYekeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Cateterismo de senos petrosos inferiores y estimulación con CRH: 15 años de experiencia en un hospital de tercer nivel. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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González Fernández L, Añez Ramos RJ, Rivas Montenegro AM, Brox Torrecilla N, Miguélez González M, Muñoz Moreno D, Atencia Goñi J, Weber B, López Guerra A, Olmedilla Ishishi YL, Percovich Hualpa JC, González Albarrán O, García Centeno R. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling and stimulation with CRH: 15 years of experience in a tertiary hospital. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2021; 68:381-388. [PMID: 34742471 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is indicated in the diagnosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS), especially when the results of the initial diagnostic tests are discordant. OBJECTIVE To describe the patients who underwent this invasive functional test in a tertiary hospital. METHODS This was an observational study of a retrospective cohort of patients with ACTH-dependent CS and IPSS between 2004 and 2019. We determined their epidemiological, hormonal, radiological and functional characteristics, and evaluated their diagnostic capacity and optimal cut-off points to differentiate between Cushing's disease (CD) and ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS). RESULTS 23 patients were evaluated, of which 65.2% were women with the average age of 42 (36-62) years. ACTH secretion of pituitary origin was evident in 82.6% of the patients and of ectopic origin in 17.4%. Plasma cortisol, urinary free cortisol, and ACTH levels were higher in patients with ECS. Regarding IPSS, the baseline central/peripheral ACTH gradient detected 89.5% of patients with CD and after stimulation with CRH, 100%. The optimal cut-off points in the diagnosis of CD were 2.06 at baseline and 2.49 after CRH stimulation. CONCLUSION IPSS with CRH stimulation is a test with a high diagnostic accuracy for correctly classifying patients with CD and ECS. The cut-off points of the gradients may be different from the classic ones. Therefore, we recommend that each center perform its own evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura González Fernández
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Roberto José Añez Ramos
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Noemí Brox Torrecilla
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Miguélez González
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Muñoz Moreno
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Atencia Goñi
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bettina Weber
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurelio López Guerra
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Olga González Albarrán
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio García Centeno
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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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: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [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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Todeschini AB, Santos ARLD, Dolci RLL, Lima Junior JV, Scalissi NM, Lazarini PR. Long Term Follow-up after Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for the Treatment of Cushing's Disease. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2018; 80:306-309. [PMID: 31143575 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1669956] [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: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Surgery has been the standard treatment for Cushing's disease. Currently, the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is the most widely used technique. However, among some endocrinologists and neurosurgeons used to the microscope assisted technique, there are still questions about the effectiveness and safety of transitioning to the EEA. We aim to show our initial experience with such transition. Method Retrospective review of medical records of patients, who underwent EEA in our center as a first treatment for Cushing's disease, and with a minimum 18 months of follow-up, from March 2004 to March 2014 Results Our cohort had 16 patients (14 females and 2 males), with a mean age of 33.7 years. The mean follow-up was 52.0 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified an adenoma in 93.8% of the patients (56.2% microadenomas and 37.5% macroadenomas). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was observed in two patients (12.5%). No new neurological deficits were present after surgery. The early remission and sustained remission rates after a single procedure were 87.5 and 68.75%, respectively. Weight reduction, improved control of blood pressure, and lower serum glucose levels were documented in 68.75, 60, and 55.5% of patients, respectively, after remission. Conclusion Despite the need for specialized training, equipment and team building by ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) and neurosurgery, the transition from microscope assisted pituitary surgery to endoscopic endonasal approach is possible and safe. The clinical outcomes, even in the early years, are similar to the previous microscope assisted treatment, and over time, with greater experience and knowledge, there is a tendency for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bossi Todeschini
- Neurosurgery Division of the Department of Surgery, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Américo Rubens Leite Dos Santos
- Neurosurgery Division of the Department of Surgery, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Landini Lutaif Dolci
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - José Viana Lima Junior
- Endocrinology Division of the Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Nilza Maria Scalissi
- Endocrinology Division of the Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Lazarini
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Hospital-Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
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Sathyakumar S, Paul TV, Asha HS, Gnanamuthu BR, Paul M, Abraham DT, Rajaratnam S, Thomas N. Ectopic Cushing Syndrome: A 10-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in Southern India. Endocr Pract 2017; 23:907-914. [DOI: 10.4158/ep161677.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Vilar L, Albuquerque JL, Lyra R, Trovão Diniz E, Rangel Filho F, Gadelha P, Thé AC, Ibiapina GR, Gomes BS, Santos V, Melo da Fonseca M, Frasão Viana K, Lopes IG, Araújo D, Naves L. The Role of Isotretinoin Therapy for Cushing's Disease: Results of a Prospective Study. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:8173182. [PMID: 27034666 PMCID: PMC4789464 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8173182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. This prospective open trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Methods. Sixteen patients with CD and persistent or recurrent hypercortisolism after transsphenoidal surgery were given isotretinoin orally for 6-12 months. The drug was started on 20 mg daily and the dosage was increased up to 80 mg daily if needed and tolerated. Clinical, biochemical, and hormonal parameters were evaluated at baseline and monthly for 6-12 months. Results. Of the 16 subjects, 4% (25%) persisted with normal urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels at the end of the study. UFC reductions of up to 52.1% were found in the rest. Only patients with UFC levels below 2.5-fold of the upper limit of normal achieved sustained UFC normalization. Improvements of clinical and biochemical parameters were also noted mostly in responsive patients. Typical isotretinoin side-effects were experienced by 7 patients (43.7%), though they were mild and mostly transient. We also observed that the combination of isotretinoin with cabergoline, in relatively low doses, may occasionally be more effective than either drug alone. Conclusions. Isotretinoin may be an effective and safe therapy for some CD patients, particularly those with mild hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - José Luciano Albuquerque
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ruy Lyra
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Erik Trovão Diniz
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Frederico Rangel Filho
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gadelha
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Thé
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - George Robson Ibiapina
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Barbara Sales Gomes
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Vera Santos
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maíra Melo da Fonseca
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Karoline Frasão Viana
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Isis Gabriella Lopes
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Douglas Araújo
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Pernambuco Federal University, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luciana Naves
- Division of Endocrinology, Brasilia University Hospital, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
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Fountas A, Giotaki Z, Ligkros N, Tsakiridou ED, Tigas S, Saeger W, Tsatsoulis A. Cushing's Syndrome Due to CRH and ACTH Co-secreting Pancreatic Tumor--Presentation of a New Case Focusing on Diagnostic Pitfalls. Endocr Pathol 2015. [PMID: 26202047 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-015-9384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) co-secreting tumor is very rare, and diagnosis can be difficult. We describe a case of CS caused by ectopic CRH and ACTH production from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) and discuss possible pitfalls in the diagnosis. A 48-year-old woman presented with gradual increase in body weight, muscle weakness, and difficult to control hypertension. Laboratory and imaging investigations revealed ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia and a 3-cm mass at the head of the pancreas. The patient underwent partial pancreatoduodenectomy. Histological examination revealed a well-differentiated pNET, expressing both CRH and ACTH. After a follow-up period of 18 months, she remains asymptomatic with no metastatic disease. This is the fourth case report of CS in adults due to an ectopic ACTH- and CRH-secreting pNET. Co-secretion of ACTH and CRH by the same tumor may cause diagnostic problems since investigation depends on which of the two hormones is secreted in greater amounts. Measurement of plasma CRH may help in establishing the diagnosis, especially in patients in whom endocrine tests are indicative of ectopic CS, whereas imaging findings are suggestive of pituitary hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Fountas
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Avenue, 45110, Ioannina, Greece,
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Alexandraki KI, Grossman AB. Is urinary free cortisol of value in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome? Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2011; 18:259-63. [PMID: 21681089 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283487193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged and inappropriately high exposure of tissues to glucocorticoids. Biochemical tests are always needed to confirm the clinical suspicion: these include measurement of excess total endogenous cortisol secretion assessed by 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), loss of the normal feedback of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis assessed by suppressibility after dexamethasone testing, and disturbance of the normal circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion assessed by midnight serum or salivary cortisol. This review focuses on recent data emerging on the value of UFC as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS Considerable evidence has emerged regarding the utility of UFC in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome because of its long-term use in clinical practice. Despite the fact that UFC assesses the active (free) component of cortisol, the methodological difficulties in 24-h urine collection and in assay precision have rendered this screening technique increasingly unpopular. Furthermore, the increased prevalence of mild, preclinical or cyclic Cushing's syndrome along with the fact that cortisol is not uniformly secreted during the day do not support its use as a screening test, although strikingly high levels can be useful. SUMMARY Since the sensitivity and specificity of UFC are less than ideal when compared with other diagnostic modalities, we suggest the use of other more novel tests as first-step diagnostic tests to screen for hypercortisolaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Abstract
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome usually relates to the ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) and represents ∼20% of ACTH-dependent and ∼10% of all types of Cushing's syndrome (CS). Nearly any neuroendocrine or non-endocrine tumours may be associated with EAS, but the more prevalent tumours are bronchial carcinoids, small cell lung carcinomas, pancreatic carcinoids, thymic carcinoids, medullary carcinomas of the thyroid, and phaeochromocytomas. Occult tumours are highly represented in all the series (12-38%) and constitute the more challenging cases of EAS, requiring long term follow-up. The lack of any completely reliable diagnostic test procedure and imaging to clearly reveal the source of EAS suggests that we should adopt a step-by-step multidisciplinary approach for their diagnosis and therapeutic management. Clinical features are often similar in ACTH-dependent CS, but the rapid onset and progress may suggest an ectopic source. A combination of biochemical tests and imaging studies seems the most appropriate approach for the prompt identification of EAS, even if there are several pitfalls to be avoided along the way. The most appropriate management for cure of EAS, when its source is identified, is surgical excision after controlling the hypercortisolaemia by inhibitors of cortisol secretion and other newer modalities alone or in combination; bilateral adrenalectomy remains an alternative option. Tumour histology, the presence of metastases and the effective control of hypercortisolaemia affect mortality and morbidity. If a source repeatedly fails to be found, the prognosis is often favourable but the identification of a malignant tumour should still be sought during life-long follow-up to avoid the calamity of misdiagnosis.
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