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Tizianel I, Barbot M, Ceccato F. Subtyping of Cushing's Syndrome: A Step Ahead. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38574761 DOI: 10.1055/a-2299-5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cushing's Syndrome (CS) is a rare disease due to chronic endogenous cortisol secretion. In recent years, new developments have broadened the spectrum of differential diagnosis, traditionally categorized as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent and ACTH-independent forms. Moreover, increased awareness of the detrimental effects of cortisol on cardiometabolic health and the risk of cardiovascular events lead to increased diagnosis of mild forms, especially in the context of adrenal incidentalomas.This review provides an up-to-date narrative of the most recent literature regarding the challenges of CS diagnosis. After the description of the diagnostic tools available, the functional non-neoplastic hypercortisolism (formerly known as pseudo-Cushing state) is characterized, followed by the subtyping of the different conditions of hypercortisolism, including the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent forms and the management of adrenal hypercortisolism, with peculiar attention to the new genetic classification of adrenal CS, mild autonomous cortisol secretion, and bilateral adrenal adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Tizianel I, Detomas M, Deutschbein T, Fassnacht M, Albiger N, Iacobone M, Scaroni C, Ceccato F. Corticotropin-releasing hormone test predicts the outcome of unilateral adrenalectomy in primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:749-756. [PMID: 37796369 PMCID: PMC10904413 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is associated with hypercortisolism and a heterogeneous clinical expression in terms of cortisol secretion and related comorbidities. Historically, treatment of choice was bilateral adrenalectomy (B-Adx); however, recent data suggest that unilateral adrenalectomy (U-Adx) may be an effective alternative. For the latter, factors predicting the postsurgical outcome (e.g., biochemical control) have not been identified yet. METHODS PBMAH patients undergoing U-Adx for overt Cushing's syndrome (CS) in two tertiary care centers were retrospectively analysed. Remission was defined as a normalization of urinary free cortisol (UFC) without the need for medical treatment. The potential of hCRH test as a predictor of U-Adx outcome was evaluated in a subgroup. RESULTS 23 patients were evaluated (69% females, mean age 55 years). Remission rate after U-Adx was 74% at last follow up (median 115 months from UAdx). Before U-Adx, a positive ACTH response to hCRH (Δ%ACTH increase > 50% from baseline) was associated with higher remission rates. CONCLUSIONS Three of four patients with PBMAH are surgically cured with U-Adx. Pre-operative hCRH testing can be useful to predict long-term remission rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tizianel
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Detomas
- University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T Deutschbein
- University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - M Fassnacht
- University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
| | - N Albiger
- Radiotherapy Unit, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Endocrinology, ULSS6, Padua, Euganea, Italy
| | - M Iacobone
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padua, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - F Ceccato
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padua, Italy.
- Endocrine Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy.
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Mondin A, Ceccato F, Voltan G, Mazzeo P, Manara R, Denaro L, Scaroni C, Barbot M. Complications and mortality of Cushing's disease: report on data collected over a 20-year period at a referral centre. Pituitary 2023; 26:551-560. [PMID: 37495935 PMCID: PMC10539191 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cushing's disease (CD) is rare condition burdened by several systemic complications correlated to higher mortality rates. The primary goal of clinicians is to achieve remission, but it is unclear if treatment can also increase life expectancy. AIM To assess the prevalence of cortisol-related complications and mortality in a large cohort of CD patients attending a single referral centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical charts of CD patients attending a referral hospital between 2001 and 2021 were reviewed. RESULTS 126 CD patients (median age at diagnosis 39 years) were included. At the last examination, 78/126 (61.9%) of the patients were in remission regardless of previous treatment strategies. Patients in remission showed a significant improvement in all the cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities (p < 0.05). The CV events were more frequent in older patients (p = 0.003), smokers and persistent CD groups (p < 0.05). Most of the thromboembolic (TE) and infective events occurred during active stages of the disease. The CV events were the most frequent cause of death. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) resulted increased in persistent cases at the last follow-up (SMR 4.99, 95%CI [2.15; 9.83], p < 0.001) whilst it was not higher in those in remission (SMR 1.66, 95%CI [0.34; 4.85], p = 0.543) regardless of the timing or number of treatments carried out. A younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.005), a microadenoma (p = 0.002), and remission status at the last follow-up (p = 0.027) all increased survival. Furthermore, an elevated number of comorbidities, in particular arterial hypertension, increased mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS Patients with active CD presented a poor survival outcome. Remission restored the patients' life expectancy regardless of the timing or the types of treatments used to achieve it. Persistent CD-related comorbidities remained major risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mondin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Voltan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Mazzeo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Renzo Manara
- Neuroradiology Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Denaro
- Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University Hospital of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Araujo-Castro M, Marazuela M. Cushing´s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal cortical disease: Bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease and bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:913253. [PMID: 35992106 PMCID: PMC9389040 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.913253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing´s syndrome (CS) secondary to bilateral adrenal cortical disease may be caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease (BMACD) or by bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease (miBACD). The size of adrenal nodules is a key factor for the differentiation between these two entities (>1cm, BMACD and <1cm; miBACD). BMACD can be associated with overt CS, but more commonly it presents with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Surgical treatment of BMACD presenting with CS or with ACS and associated cardiometabolic comorbidities should be the resection of the largest adrenal gland, since it leads to hypercortisolism remission in up to 95% of the cases. Medical treatment focused on the blockade of aberrant receptors may lead to hypercortisolism control, although cortisol response is frequently transient. miBACD is mainly divided in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). miBACD can present at an early age, representing one of the main causes of CS at a young age. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test can be useful in identifying a paradoxical increase in 24h-urinary free cortisol, that is a quite specific in PPNAD. Bilateral adrenalectomy is generally the treatment of choice in patients with overt CS in miBACD, but unilateral adrenalectomy could be considered in cases with asymmetric disease and mild hypercortisolism. This article will discuss the clinical presentation, genetic background, hormonal and imaging features and treatment of the main causes of primary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia associated with hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
- Departament of Medicine, Alcalá University, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Marta Araujo-Castro,
| | - Mónica Marazuela
- Endocrinology & Nutrition Department, La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Ceccato F, Barbot M, Scaroni C, Boscaro M. Frequently asked questions and answers (if any) in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2749-2763. [PMID: 34160793 PMCID: PMC8572215 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are incidentally discovered adrenal masses, during an imaging study undertaken for other reasons than the suspicion of adrenal disease. Their management is not a minor concern for patients and health-care related costs, since their increasing prevalence in the aging population. The exclusion of malignancy is the first question to attempt, then a careful evaluation of adrenal hormones is suggested. Surgery should be considered in case of overt secretion (primary aldosteronism, adrenal Cushing's Syndrome or pheochromocytoma), however the management of subclinical secretion is still a matter of debate. METHODS The aim of the present narrative review is to offer a practical guidance regarding the management of AI, by providing evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. CONCLUSION The clinical experience is of utmost importance: a personalized diagnostic-therapeutic approach, based upon multidisciplinary discussion, is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy.
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Boscaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
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Ceccato F, Cecchin D, Gregianin M, Ricci G, Campi C, Crimì F, Bergamo M, Versari A, Lacognata C, Rea F, Barbot M, Scaroni C. The role of 68Ga-DOTA derivatives PET-CT in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:337-345. [PMID: 32213660 PMCID: PMC7219142 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) is mostly secondary to thoracic/abdominal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) or small cell-lung carcinoma (SCLC). We studied the diagnostic accuracy of CT with 68Ga-Dota derivatives (68Ga-SSTR) PET in localizing ACTH-secreting tumor in patients with EAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS 68Ga-SSTR-PET/CT was performed and compared with the nearest enhanced CT in 18 cases (16 primary and 2 recurrent neoplasms). Unspecific, indeterminate and false-positive uptakes were assessed using conventional imaging, follow-up or histology. RESULTS We diagnosed 13 thoracic (9 primary and 2 recurrent bronchial carcinoids, 2 SCLCs) and 1 abdominal (pancreatic NET) tumors. Eight ACTH-secreting tumors were promptly identified at EAS diagnosis ('overt', four pulmonary carcinoids with two recurrences and two SCLC); six EAS have been discovered during the subsequent follow-up ('covert', five bronchial carcinoids and one pancreatic NET). At the time of EAS diagnosis, imaging was able to correctly detect the ACTH-secreting tumour in 8/18 cases (6 new diagnosis and 2 recurrences). During the follow-up, six out of initially ten 'occult' cases became 'covert'. At last available follow-up, CT and 68Ga-SSTR-PET/CT were able to diagnose 11/18 and 12/18 ACTH-secreting tumours, respectively (11/14 and 12/14 considering only overt and covert cases, respectively). Four cases have never been localized by conventional or nuclear imaging ('occult EAS'), despite an average follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSION The 68Ga-SSTR-PET/CT is useful in localizing EAS, especially to enhance positive prediction of the suggestive CT lesions and to detect occult neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to F Ceccato:
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine – DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center PNC, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Campi
- Padova Neuroscience Center PNC, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Mathematics ‘Tullio Levi-Civita’ DM, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Crimì
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Bergamo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Ceccato F, Antonelli G, Frigo AC, Regazzo D, Plebani M, Boscaro M, Scaroni C. First-line screening tests for Cushing's syndrome in patients with adrenal incidentaloma: the role of urinary free cortisol measured by LC-MS/MS. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:753-760. [PMID: 28247215 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-017-0644-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Patients with adrenal incidentaloma present a wide range of cortisol secretion, which is not always properly defined by first-line screening tests recommended to rule out Cushing's syndrome (CS), such as 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1-mg DST), late night salivary cortisol (LNSC), or 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC). Therefore, we examined the diagnostic performance of each screening test in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a series of 164 consecutive patients with adrenal incidentaloma, we measured serum cortisol after 1-mg DST, LNSC, and UFC (with LC-MS/MS). Medical history was investigated for cardiovascular events (CVE) in a subgroup of 93 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS Serum cortisol <50 nmol/L after 1-mg DST presented the highest sensitivity (100%) to rule out CS, despite a low specificity (62%). UFC > 170 nmol/24 h achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 98%, specificity 91%, and negative/positive likelihood ratios of 0.02/10.83, respectively). The prevalence of CVE was higher in patients with non-suppressed cortisol after 1-mg DST and high UFC levels (p = 0.018). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, BMI > 30 kg/m2, smoke or high gender-based waist circumference) were not associated with CVE. CONCLUSIONS The 1-mg DST at its lowest threshold presented high sensitivity in identifying CS, but its low specificity encourages us to consider UFC levels, measured with LC-MS/MS, to reduce false-positive test results. High UFC levels could also be considered as markers to stratify cardiovascular risk in patients with adrenal incidentaloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy.
| | - G Antonelli
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - A C Frigo
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - D Regazzo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
| | - M Plebani
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - M Boscaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
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Bertagna X. Effects of Chronic ACTH Excess on Human Adrenal Cortex. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:43. [PMID: 28337175 PMCID: PMC5340771 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic ACTH excess leads to chronic cortisol excess, without escape phenomenon, resulting in Cushing's syndrome. Excess adrenal androgens also occur: in females, they will overcompensate the gonadotrophic loss, inducing high testosterone; in males, they will not compensate it, inducing low testosterone. Chronic ACTH excess leads to chronic adrenal mineralocorticoid excess and low aldosterone levels: after an acute rise, aldosterone plasma levels resume low values after a few days when ACTH is prolonged. Two other mineralocorticoids in man, cortisol and 11 deoxycorticosterone (DOC), at the zona fasciculata, will not escape the long-term effect of chronic ACTH excess and their secretion rates will remain elevated in parallel. Over all, the concomitant rise in cortisol and 11 DOC will more than compensate the loss of aldosterone, and eventually create a state of chronic mineralocorticoid excess, best evidenced by the accompanying suppression of the renin plasma levels, a further contribution to the suppression of aldosterone secretion. Prolonged in vivo stimulation with ACTH leads to an increase in total adrenal protein and RNA synthesis. Cell proliferation is indicated by an increase in total DNA the resulting adrenocortical hyperplasia participates in the amplified response of the chronically stimulated gland, and the weight of each gland can be greatly increased. The growth-stimulatory effect of ACTH in vivo most likely proceeds through the activation of a local and complex network of autocrine growth factors and their own receptors; a number of compounds, including non-ACTH proopiomelanocortin peptides such as γ3-MSH, have been shown to exert some adrenocortical growth effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bertagna
- Service des Maladies Endocriniennes et Métaboliques, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris 5, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Xavier Bertagna,
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The risks of overlooking the diagnosis of secreting pituitary adenomas. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:135. [PMID: 27716353 PMCID: PMC5052978 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0516-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Secreting pituitary adenomas that cause acromegaly and Cushing’s disease, as well as prolactinomas and thyrotroph adenomas, are uncommon, usually benign, slow-growing tumours. The rarity of these conditions means that their diagnosis is not familiar to most non-specialist physicians. Consequently, pituitary adenomas may be overlooked and remain untreated, and affected individuals may develop serious comorbidities that reduce their quality of life and life expectancy. Because many signs and symptoms of pituitary adenomas overlap with those of other, more common disorders, general practitioners and non-endocrinology specialists need to be aware of the “red flags” suggestive of these conditions. A long duration of active disease in patients with secreting pituitary adenomas is associated with an increased risk of comorbidities and reduced quality of life. Appropriate treatment can lead to disease remission, and, although some symptoms may persist in some patients, treatment usually reduces the incidence and severity of comorbidities and improves quality of life. Therefore, correct, early diagnosis and characterization of a pituitary adenoma is crucial for patients, to trigger timely, appropriate treatment and to optimize outcome. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology of hormonal syndromes associated with pituitary adenomas, discusses the difficulties of and considerations for their diagnosis, and reviews the comorbidities that may develop, but can be prevented, by accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We hope this review will help general practitioners and non-endocrinology specialists to suspect secreting pituitary adenomas and refer patients to an endocrinologist for confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment.
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