1
|
Van Mieghem E, De Block C, De Herdt C. Idiopathic isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency: a systematic review of a heterogeneous and underreported disease. Pituitary 2024; 27:23-32. [PMID: 38151529 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01366-9] [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] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is considered to be a rare disease. Due to the nonspecific clinical presentation, precise data on the prevalence and incidence are lacking. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics, association with autoimmune diseases, and management of acquired idiopathic IAD cases. A structured search was conducted after developing a search strategy combining terms for acquired (idiopathic) IAD. Articles describing an adult case with a diagnosis of ACTH deficiency using dynamic testing, no deficiency of other pituitary axes, and MRI of the brain/pituitary protocolled as normal, were included. Exclusion criteria were cases describing congenital IAD, cases with another aetiology for IAD, and articles where full text was not available. In total 42 articles were included, consisting of 85 cases of acquired idiopathic IAD. Distribution by sex was approximately equal (F:M; 47:38). Lethargy was the most common presenting symptom (38%), followed by weight loss (25%), anorexia (22%), and myalgia/arthralgia (12%). Eight cases (9.5%) presented with an Addison crisis. 31% of cases had an autoimmune disease at diagnosis of which Hashimoto hypothyroidism was the most frequent. Data about follow-up was scarce; dynamic testing was repeated in 4 cases of which 2 showed recovery of the adrenal axis. We report the largest case series of acquired idiopathic IAD to date. Our systematic review highlights the lack of a clear definition and diagnostic work-up. Based on the findings in this review a proposition is made for a flowchart to diagnose acquired idiopathic IAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Van Mieghem
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - C De Block
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, B-2610, Belgium
| | - C De Herdt
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-Hiari M, Workman A, Ezeh E, Teka S. Iatrogenic Pituitary Shutdown: A Rare Adverse Event of Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Inhibitor. JCEM CASE REPORTS 2024; 2:luad157. [PMID: 38169902 PMCID: PMC10759795 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are one of the novel treatment strategies for malignancies, and their wide use has led to the emergence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Most of them have been reported in patients taking cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitors and are rarely reported among those taking programmed cell death-ligand protein 1 inhibitors. Here is a 74-year-old man who underwent treatment with atezolizumab for 33 weeks for hepatocellular carcinoma before presenting with chronic symptoms and laboratory results consistent with central adrenal insufficiency. Brain imaging did not show a possible culprit. He was incidentally found to have low thyrotropin (TSH) and low thyroxine prior to his presentation and began replacement with no further workup prior. We advocate keeping a low threshold for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency among patients taking ICIs and monitoring their pituitary hormones on a regular basis. Also, it is crucial to rule out pituitary hormonal deficiency among patients with central hypothyroidism prior to initiating replacement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Hiari
- School of Medicine Internal Residency Program, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Anthony Workman
- School of Medicine Internal Residency Program, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Ebubechukwu Ezeh
- School of Medicine Internal Residency Program, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Samson Teka
- School of Medicine Internal Residency Program, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Urai S, Watanabe M, Bando H, Motomura Y, Yamamoto M, Tachihara M, Kanzawa M, Fukuoka H, Iguchi G, Ogawa W. Paraneoplastic isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency revealed after immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy: new insights into anti-corticotroph antibody. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284301. [PMID: 38035072 PMCID: PMC10682701 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A recently discovered facet of paraneoplastic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency exists in two forms: a paraneoplastic spontaneous isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related hypophysitis. Autoantibodies against corticotrophs, such as circulating anti-proopiomelanocortin (POMC) antibodies are considered disease markers. However, the number of identified cases was limited, implying that the characteristics of these autoantibodies are not fully understood. Methods We investigate circulating autoimmune autoantibodies in detail through a novel case of IAD that developed as a paraneoplastic autoimmune ACTH deficiency. Results The patient developed IAD after 25 weeks of ICI therapy for metastasis of large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma at 69 years of age. Ectopic ACTH expression and infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ lymphocytes were observed in the tumor tissues and circulating anti-POMC antibodies were detected specifically in the patient's serum. Moreover, detailed analyses of immunofluorescence staining using patient serum revealed that the recognition site of the autoantibody was ACTH25-39, which had not been identified in previous cases of paraneoplastic autoimmune ACTH deficiency. Conclusion This case involved a combination of paraneoplastic spontaneously acquired IAD and ICI-related hypophysitis occupying the middle ground. Moreover, our study reveals new aspects of anti-POMC antibodies in patients with paraneoplastic ACTH deficiency. This report expands our understanding of the immunological landscape and provides new insights for the identification of antibodies associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune ACTH deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Urai
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miki Watanabe
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hironori Bando
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuma Motomura
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Motoko Tachihara
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Maki Kanzawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Genzo Iguchi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Medical Center for Student Health, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Biosignal Pathophysiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang C, Li X, Ma X. Idiopathic Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 131:523-531. [PMID: 37683667 DOI: 10.1055/a-2135-7708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic isolated adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency (IIAD) is rare, with high clinical omission and misdiagnosis rates. This study retrospectively collected information on clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and treatment response of 17 patients with IIAD at Jining No. 1 People's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022. The clinical characteristics were summarized, and the pertinent data were analyzed. As a result, most of the patients with IIAD were male (94.12%), with age at onset ranging from 13 to 80 years. The primary manifestations were anorexia (88.24%), nausea (70.59%), vomiting (47.06%), fatigue (64.71%), and neurological or psychiatric symptoms (88.24%). The median time to diagnosis was 2 months and the longest was 10 years. Laboratory tests mostly showed hyponatremia (88.24%) and hypoglycemia (70.59%). The symptoms and laboratory indicators returned to normal after supplementing patients with glucocorticoids. IIAD has an insidious onset and atypical symptoms; it was often misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal, neurological, or psychiatric disease. The aim of this study was to improve clinicians' understanding of IIAD, patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological and psychiatric symptoms, hyponatremia, or hypoglycemia should be evaluated for IIAD and ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xinpei Li
- Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ma
- Jining No 1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen H, Zhang L, Zhao L, Li X. Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency following immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment often occurs in polyglandular endocrinopathies. BMC Endocr Disord 2023; 23:139. [PMID: 37415148 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the increasing application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer therapy, the occurrence of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD), as an adverse effect, is also on the rise. Nevertheless, there are only a few studies regarding IAD induced by ICI. This study aimed at investigating the characteristics of IAD induced by ICI and its relationship with other endocrine adverse events. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in the Endocrinology Department from January 2019 to August 2022 to investigate characteristics of patients with IAD. Clinical features, laboratory findings and treatment information were collected. All patients underwent a follow-up of 3-6-month. RESULTS 28 patients with IAD were enrolled. All patients received treatment with anti-PD-1/ PD-L1. The median occurrence time of IAD was 24 (18-39) weeks after initiation of ICI treatment. Over half of the patients (53.5%) had an additional endocrinopathy, including primary hypothyroidism and fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM), while other types of endocrinopathies were not identified. The interval between the occurrences of two gland damages was between 4 and 21 weeks or simultaneous. Primary hypothyroidism (46.4%) was more prevalent than FT1DM (7.1%). Fatigue and nausea were common symptoms, with a frequent occurrence of hyponatremia. All patients continued on oral glucocorticoids during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS IAD induced by ICI could manifest independently, or more frequently in combination with hypothyroidism or FT1DM. This damage could happen at any point of ICI treatment. Given that IAD can be life-threatening, it is critical to evaluate pituitary function dynamically in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xiaomu Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No.180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giannakopoulos A, Efthymiadou A, Chrysis D. Acquired idiopathic isolated ACTH deficiency with associated autoimmune thyroiditis in pediatrics: case report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023:jpem-2023-0080. [PMID: 37222702 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) is defined as an impaired secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland without any other anterior pituitary hormonal deficits. The idiopathic form of IAD has been described mainly in adults and is thought to be caused by an autoimmune mechanism. CASE PRESENTATION Herein, we present an 11-year-old _prepubertal previously healthy boy, who suffered a severe hypoglycemic episode short after the initiation of thyroxine for autoimmune thyroiditis and was finally diagnosed with secondary adrenal failure due to idiopathic IAD, after all other etiologies were excluded, thought an extensive diagnostic work-up. CONCLUSIONS Idiopathic IAD is a rare entity of adrenal insufficiency in pediatrics that should be considered as an etiology of secondary adrenal failure in children, when clinical signs of glucocorticoid deficiency are present and other causes are excluded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristeidis Giannakopoulos
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Alexandra Efthymiadou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Rio, Patras, Greece
| | - Dionisios Chrysis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Rio, Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Morita S, Tsuji T, Kishimoto S, Uraki S, Takeshima K, Iwakura H, Furuta H, Nishi M, Inaba H, Matsuoka TA. Isolated ACTH deficiency following immunization with the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: a case report. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:185. [PMID: 35854260 PMCID: PMC9297640 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01095-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic requires urgent development of new vaccines. Endocrinological adverse effects following the new mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 have been reported in several cases. Specific to the involvement of pituitary function; however, only a single case with hypophysis has been reported. This is the first case of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency (IAD) following mRNA vaccination against COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION A healthy 31-year-old man received the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. The first injection was uneventful. One day after the second injection, he noticed general fatigue and fever. In the following several days, he additionally developed headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Four days after the vaccine injection, he visited a hospital with worsening of these symptoms. Physical examination revealed slight disorientation but no other deficits. Laboratory tests revealed hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and extremely low plasma ACTH and serum cortisol levels (ACTH < 1.5 pg/ml, cortisol 1.6 μg/dl). He was diagnosed with adrenal crisis and was emergently treated with hydrocortisone. The symptoms responded well and he recovered within a few days. Magnetic resonance images after the replacement with hydrocortisone revealed an atrophic pituitary gland. The patient was referred to our tertiary hospital for further endocrinological examination. Pituitary endocrine load tests revealed isolated adrenocortical response deficiency. After other clinical assessments, he was diagnosed as having isolated ACTH deficiency. After initiation of hydrocortisone replacement, there has been no recurrence of symptoms related to adrenocortical insufficiency nor involvement of other pituitary functions. CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of IAD potentially associated with COVID-19 immunization. Recent reports have emphasized the importance of adjuvants in the mRNA vaccine that induce the endocrinological adverse effects through disturbance of the autoimmune system, but details are still unclear. Given the broad and rapid spread of vaccinations against COVID-19, it is clinically important to consider that there could be cases with a rare but emergent adrenal crisis even among those who present common symptoms of adverse effects following inactive SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Morita
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Tsuji
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shohei Kishimoto
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uraki
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Ken Takeshima
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iwakura
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hiroto Furuta
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nishi
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Inaba
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Matsuoka
- First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimi-idera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Pituitary autoimmunity is one of the principal causes of hypopituitarism. Additionally, hypophysitis is one of the immune-related adverse events associated with immunotherapy. Recent case-oriented research has revealed a novel type of autoimmune hypophysitis, anti-PIT-1 hypophysitis, related to isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency and immune checkpoint inhibitor-related hypophysitis, as a form of paraneoplastic syndrome. Under these conditions, the ectopic expression of pituitary antigens present in tumors evokes a breakdown of immune tolerance, resulting in the production of autoantibodies and autoreactive cytotoxic T cells that specifically harm pituitary cells. Consequently, an innovative clinical entity of paraneoplastic autoimmune hypophysitis has been purported. This novel concept and its underlying mechanisms provide clues for understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune pituitary diseases and can be applied to other autoimmune diseases. This review discusses the etiology of paraneoplastic autoimmune hypophysitis and its future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Bando
- Division of Development of Advanced Therapy for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Keitaro Kanie
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|