Paradoxical response to dexamethasone in the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease

Frequent protein kinase A regulatory subunit A1 mutations but no GNAS mutations as potential driver in sporadic cardiac myxomas

PURPOSE

Cardiac myxomas (CMs) are the second most common benign primary cardiac tumors, mainly originating within the left atrium. Approximately 5% of CM cases are associated with Carney Complex (CNC), an autosomal dominant multiple neoplasia syndrome often caused by germline mutations in the protein kinase A regulatory subunit 1A (PRKAR1A). Data concerning PRKAR1A alterations in sporadic myxomas are variable and sparse, with PRKAR1A mutations reported to range from 0% to 87%. Therefore, we investigated the frequency of PRKAR1A mutations in sporadic CM using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, we explored mutations in the catalytic domain of the Protein Kinase A complex (PRKACA) and examined the presence of GNAS mutations as another potential driver.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study retrospectively collected histological and clinical data from 27 patients with CM. First, we ruled out the possibility of underlying CNC through clinical evaluations and standardized interviews for each patient. Second, we performed PRKAR1A immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis and graded the reactivity of myxoma cells semi-quantitatively. NGS was then applied to analyze the coding regions of PRKAR1A, PRKACA, and GNAS in all 27 cases. Of the 27 sporadic CM cases, 13 (48%) harbored mutations in PRKAR1A. Among these 13 mutant cases, six displayed more than one mutation in PRKAR1A. Most of the identified mutations resulted in premature stop codons or affected splicing. In PRKAR1A mutant CM cases, the loss of PRKAR1A protein expression was significantly more common. In two cases with missense mutations, protein expression remained preserved. Furthermore, a single mutation was detected in the catalytic domain of the protein kinase A complex, while no GNAS mutations were found.

CONCLUSION

We identified a relatively high frequency of PRKAR1A mutations in sporadic CM. These PRKAR1A mutations may also represent an important oncogenic mechanism in sporadic myxomas, as already known in CM cases associated with CNC.

Subtyping of Cushing's Syndrome: A Step Ahead

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.

Adrenal Cushing's syndrome in children

Adrenal Cushing's syndrome is a rare cause of endogenous hypercortisolism in neonatal and early childhood stages. The most common causes of adrenal CS are hyperfunctioning adrenal tumours, adenoma or carcinoma. Rarer causes are primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBAMH), primary pigmented adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and McCune Albright syndrome. The diagnosis represents a challenge for clinicians. In cases of clinical suspicion, confirmatory tests of hypercortisolism should be performed, similarly to those performed in adults. Radiological imaging should be always combined with biochemical confirmatory tests, for the differential diagnosis of adrenal CS causes. Treatment strategies for adrenal CS include surgery and in specific cases medical drugs. An adequate treatment is associated to an improvement of growth, bone health, reproduction and body composition from childhood into and during adult life. After cure, lifelong glucocorticoid replacement therapy and endocrine follow-up are required, notably in patients with Carney's complex disease.

Severe osteoporosis in a young man with bilateral Cushing's syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is challenging; however, through the clinical picture and the search for secondary causes of osteoporosis, it was possible to reach the diagnosis of the case reported. There was an independent, symptomatic ACTH hypercortisolism manifested by typical phenotypic changes, severe secondary osteoporosis and arterial hypertension in a young patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 20-year-old Brazilian man with low back pain for 8 months. Radiographs showed fragility fractures in the thoracolumbar spine, and bone densitometry showed osteoporosis, especially when evaluating the Z Score (- 5.6 in the lumbar spine). On physical examination, there were wide violaceous streaks on the upper limbs and abdomen, plethora and fat increase in the temporal facial region, hump, ecchymosis on limbs, hypotrophy of arms and thighs, central obesity and kyphoscoliosis. His blood pressure was 150 × 90 mmHg. Cortisol after 1 mg of dexamethasone (24.1 µg/dL) and after Liddle 1 (28 µg/dL) were not suppressed, despite normal cortisoluria. Tomography showed bilateral adrenal nodules with more severe characteristics. Unfortunately, through the catheterization of adrenal veins, it was not possible to differentiate the nodules due to the achievement of cortisol levels that exceeded the upper limit of the dilution method. Among the hypotheses for the differential diagnosis of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia are primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, McCune-Albright syndrome and isolated bilateral primary pigmented nodular hyperplasia or associated with Carney's complex. In this case, primary pigmented nodular hyperplasia or carcinoma became important etiological hypotheses when comparing the epidemiology in a young man and the clinical-laboratory-imaging findings of the differential diagnoses. After 6 months of drug inhibition of steroidogenesis, blood pressure control and anti-osteoporotic therapy, the levels and deleterious metabolic effects of hypercortisolism, which could also impair adrenalectomy in the short and long term, were reduced. Left adrenalectomy was chosen, given the possibility of malignancy in a young patient and to avoid unnecessary definitive surgical adrenal insufficiency if the adrenalectomy was bilateral. Anatomopathology of the left gland revealed expansion of the zona fasciculate with multiple nonencapsulated nodules.

CONCLUSION

The early identification of Cushing's syndrome, with measures based on the assessment of risks and benefits, remains the best way to prevent its progression and reduce the morbidity of the condition. Despite the unavailability of genetic analysis for a precise etiological definition, it is possible to take efficient measures to avoid future damage.

Treatment of Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS), which mainly occurs in children and young adults. Treatment options with proven clinical efficacy for PPNAD include adrenalectomy (bilateral or unilateral adrenalectomy) and drug treatment to control hypercortisolemia. Previously, the main treatment of PPNAD is bilateral adrenal resection and long-term hormone replacement after surgery. In recent years, cases reports suggest that unilateral or subtotal adrenal resection can also lead to long-term remission in some patients without the need for long-term hormone replacement therapy. Medications for hypercortisolemia, such as Ketoconazole, Metyrapone and Mitotane et.al, have been reported as a preoperative transition for in some patients with severe hypercortisolism. In addition, tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, COX2 inhibitor Celecoxib, somatostatin and other drugs targeting the possible pathogenic mechanisms of the disease are under study, which are expected to be applied to the clinical treatment of PPNAD in the future. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on treatment of PPNAD, in which options of surgical methods, research results of drugs acting on possible pathogenic mechanisms, and the management during gestation are described in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Genetic and clinical phenotypic analysis of carney complex with external auditory canal myxoma

Background: Mutations in PRKAR1A gene can lead to Carney complex (CNC), and most CNC patients develop cardiac and cutaneous myxomas. In particular, cardiac myxomas are a common cause of mortality in CNC patients. Cutaneous myxomas of the external ear are extremely rare, and do not have any specific clinical features

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical and genetic data of the proband and his family and fifty whole blood control samples selected from the molecular genetic database of our hospital. Whole exome DNA sequencing analysis was used to detect the mutation in the peripheral blood samples.

Results: The results of the clinical analysis showed the presence of spotty skin pigmentation and external auditory canal myxoma in the proband as well as in his sister and mother. Whole-exome DNA sequencing showed a novel heterozygous mutation in the PRKAR1A gene i.e., c.824_825delAG (p.Gln275Leufs*2), in the proband and his sister and mother.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the family members had the same autosomal dominant PRKAR1A mutation. DNA sequencing revealed a novel c.824_825delAG in exon 9 of PRKAR1A. This pathogenic mutation has not been reported previously, and may be related to the occurrence of external auditory canal myxomas and spotty pigmentation. This study broadens the genotypic spectrum of PRKAR1A mutations in CNC.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease presenting as hypertensive crisis

We present a case of a young girl who presented with hypertensive crisis and recent onset weight gain with hirsutism. On evaluation for Cushing syndrome (CS), her cortisol concentration was high, showed a paradoxical cortisol rise on dexamethasone suppression and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was low. Adrenal imaging showed normal adrenal morphology. Genetic diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease (PPNAD) was made. She was operated for bilateral adrenalectomy and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PPNAD. Our case highlights the rare aetiology of PPNAD as a cause of CS resulting in a hypertensive crisis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest case of ACTH independent CS presenting as hypertensive encephalopathy.

Consensus statement by the French Society of Endocrinology (SFE) and French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology (SFEDP) on diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome

Cushing's syndrome is defined by prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids, leading to excess morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of this rare pathology is difficult due to the low specificity of the clinical signs, the variable severity of the clinical presentation, and the difficulties of interpretation associated with the diagnostic methods. The present consensus paper by 38 experts of the French Society of Endocrinology and the French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology aimed firstly to detail the circumstances suggesting diagnosis and the biologic diagnosis tools and their interpretation for positive diagnosis and for etiologic diagnosis according to ACTH-independent and -dependent mechanisms. Secondly, situations making diagnosis complex (pregnancy, intense hypercortisolism, fluctuating Cushing's syndrome, pediatric forms and genetically determined forms) were detailed. Lastly, methods of surveillance and diagnosis of recurrence were dealt with in the final section.

Inflammatory biomarkers in the evaluation of pediatric endogenous Cushing syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory biomarkers, such as absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet (PLT)-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), are associated with the progression and development of several disorders. Although patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) have immunosuppression with altered leucocyte counts, the profile of the inflammatory biomarkers in these patients has not been extensively studied.

DESIGN

We compared a panel of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with active endogenous CS (n of complete blood count (CBC) reports = 319) and eucortisolemic subjects of similar age, gender and BMI (n of CBC reports = 93). Patients were divided into two age groups (6-12 years at the time of CBC and >12 years at the time of CBC) based on age differences in normal reference ranges.

RESULTS

Patients with CS had higher NLR vs controls (6-12 years: 2.47 (1.86, 3.32) vs 1.35 (1.11, 2.27), P < 0.0001; >12 years: 3.00 (2.23-4.17) vs 1.80 (1.23-2.31), P < 0.0001). Similarly, absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, MLR and PLR differed between patients with CS and controls. The inflammatory biomarkers correlated with indices of cortisol secretion, such as midnight serum cortisol, 24-h urinary free cortisol and morning cortisol. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, NLR showed high area under the curve (AUC) (6-12 years: cutoff of 1.72 had AUC: 0.77, >12 years: cutoff of 2.35 had AUC: 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that multiple inflammatory biomarkers differed between patients with CS and controls suggesting substantial effects of hypercortisolemia on the immune system.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with associated giant adrenal myelolipoma, testicular adrenal rest tumors and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease: A case report and brief review of the literature

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an autosomal recessive disease most commonly associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, an enzyme integral in the biosynthesis of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. We present a case of a 49-year-old male with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and commonly associated findings of adrenal myelolipoma, testicular adrenal rest tumors, as well as primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare, benign disease process associated with exogenous steroid treatment noncompliance in the setting of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Testicular adrenal rest tumors are benign testicular tumors associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is an ACTH-independent cortisol producing lesion. Our case emphasizes the association of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with adrenal myelolipoma and testicular adrenal rest tumors as well as the importance of familiarity with these associations to guide patient management.

Cushing´s syndrome due to bilateral adrenal cortical disease: Bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease and bilateral micronodular adrenal cortical disease

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.

Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia: Pathogenesis and Treatment

Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Micronodular adrenal hyperplasia, including the primary pigmented micronodular adrenal dysplasia (PPNAD) and the isolated micronodular adrenal hyperplasia (iMAD), can be distinguished from the primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) according to the size of the nodules. They both lead to overt or subclinical CS. In the latter case, PPNAD is usually diagnosed after a systematic screening in patients presenting with Carney complex, while for PBMAH, the diagnosis is often incidental on imaging. Identification of causal genes and genetic counseling also help in the diagnoses. This review discusses the last decades’ findings on genetic and molecular causes of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, including the several mechanisms altering the PKA pathway, the recent discovery of ARMC5, and the role of the adrenal paracrine regulation. Finally, the treatment of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia will be discussed, focusing on current data on unilateral adrenalectomy.

Case of Cyclic Cushing's Disease with Improvement of Psoriatic Skin Lesions During a Period of Hypercortisolemia

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is known to involve periodic cortisol secretion in some patients. It has also been demonstrated that resolution of cortisol hypersecretion in CS may cause autoimmune-related disease to become apparent. At least 3 cases of psoriasis that became apparent after resolution of hypercortisolism in CS have been reported. We describe a 45-year-old man with cyclic Cushing's disease in whom psoriasis vulgaris, an autoimmune-related disease, was ameliorated during a period of hypercortisolemia. He had complained of intermittent sensations of "whole-body swelling" and improvement of his psoriatic skin lesions, which lasted 2 to 3 weeks at 2- to 3-month intervals over several years. During a 2-week hospitalization for endocrine investigations, an episode of hypercortisolemia appeared unexpectedly. During this time period, the peak serum cortisol level reached 75.7 µg/mL (adrenocorticotropic hormone level, 585 pg/mL) and 24-hour urinary free cortisol reached 10 500 µg/day. A diagnosis of Cushing's disease was made based on a markedly elevated urinary free cortisol level, an adequate increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone level in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation, and the presence of a giant pituitary tumor with a maximum diameter of approximately 4 cm. Interestingly, during this time period, there was a marked improvement in the psoriatic skin lesions and whole-body swelling sensations.

A novel mutation in PRKAR1A gene in a patient with Carney complex presenting with pituitary macroadenoma, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome and recurrent atrial myxoma

Carney complex (CNC) is a rare syndrome of multiple endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. In this paper we present a 23-year-old Iranian woman with CNC who harbored a novel mutation (c.642dupT) in PRKAR1A gene. This patient presented with pituitary macroadenoma, acromegaly, recurrent atrial myxoma, Cushing's syndrome secondary to primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and pigmented schwanoma of the skin. PRKAR1A gene was PCR amplified using genomic DNA and analyzed for sequence variants which revealed the novel mutation resulting in substitution of amino acid cysteine instead of the naturally occurring valine in the peptide chain and a premature stop codon at position 18 (V215CfsX18). This change leads to development of tumors in different organs due to lack of tumor suppressive activity secondary to failure of synthesis of the related protein.

First Somatic PRKAR1A Defect Associated With Mosaicism for Another PRKAR1A Mutation in a Patient With Cushing Syndrome

Context

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (CS) associated mostly with Carney complex (CNC), a rare autosomal dominant multiple neoplasia syndrome. More than two-thirds of familial cases and approximately one-third of sporadic cases of CNC harbor germline inactivating PRKAR1A defects. Increasingly sensitive technologies for the detection of genetic defects such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) have further highlighted the importance of mosaicism in human disease.

Case Description

A 33-year-old woman was diagnosed with ACTH-independent CS with abdominal computed tomography showing bilateral micronodular adrenal hyperplasia with a left adrenal adenoma. She underwent left adrenalectomy with pathology demonstrating PPNAD with a 1.5-cm pigmented adenoma. DNA analysis by Sanger sequencing revealed 2 different PRKAR1A variants in the adenoma that were absent from DNA extracted from blood and saliva: c.682C > T and c.974-2A > G. "Deep" NGS revealed that 0.31% of DNA copies extracted from blood and saliva did in fact carry the c.682C > T variant, suggesting low-level mosaicism for this defect.

Conclusions

We present a case of PPNAD due to low-level mosaicism for a PRKAR1A defect which led to the formation of an adenoma due to a second, adrenal-specific, somatic PRKAR1A mutation. The identification of mosaicism for PRKAR1A, depending on the number and distribution of cells affected has implications for genetic counseling and tumor surveillance. This is the first recorded case of a patient with PRKAR1A mosaicism, PPNAD, and an adenoma forming due to complete inactivation of PRKAR1A in adrenal tissue from a second, somatic-only, PRKAR1A coding sequence mutation.

A phosphodiesterase 11 (Pde11a) knockout mouse expressed functional but reduced Pde11a: Phenotype and impact on adrenocortical function

Phosphodiesterases catalyze the hydrolysis of cyclic nucleotides and maintain physiologic levels of intracellular concentrations of cyclic adenosine and guanosine mono-phosphate (cAMP and cGMP, respectively). Increased cAMP signaling has been associated with adrenocortical tumors and Cushing syndrome. Genetic defects in phosphodiesterase 11A (PDE11A) may lead to increased cAMP signaling and have been found to predispose to the development of adrenocortical, prostate, and testicular tumors. A previously reported Pde11a knockout (Pde11a-/-) mouse line was studied and found to express PDE11A mRNA and protein still, albeit at reduced levels; functional studies in various tissues showed increased cAMP levels and reduced PDE11A activity. Since patients with PDE11A defects and Cushing syndrome have PDE11A haploinsufficiency, it was particularly pertinent to study this hypomorphic mouse line. Indeed, Pde11a-/- mice failed to suppress corticosterone secretion in response to low dose dexamethasone, and in addition exhibited adrenal subcapsular hyperplasia with predominant fetal-like features in the inner adrenal cortex, mimicking other mouse models of increased cAMP signaling in the adrenal cortex. We conclude that a previously reported Pde11a-/- mouse showed continuing expression and function of PDE11A in most tissues. Nevertheless, Pde11a partial inactivation in mice led to an adrenocortical phenotype that was consistent with what we see in patients with PDE11A haploinsufficiency.

Nelson Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Objective

Nelson syndrome (NS) is a rare clinical disorder that can occur after total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA), performed as a treatment for Cushing disease. NS is defined as the accelerated growth of an adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. Our objective is to describe a case of NS and discuss it based on existing knowledge of this syndrome.

Methods

We describe the case of a woman diagnosed with NS at our facility in the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran and review published cases of NS.

Results

The patient, a 35-year-old woman with Cushing disease, had been diagnosed in 2006 at the endocrinology department in the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran. In 2007, a laparoscopic TBA was performed, and 2 years later, she presented with hyperpigmentation and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels of up to 11 846 pg/mL. NS was suspected, and as magnetic resonance imaging showed macroadenoma, transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The patient remained asymptomatic until 2012, when she presented with a right hemicranial headache, photophobia, and phonophobia. A fresh magnetic resonance imaging was performed, which documented tumor growth. She was referred to the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia, where she underwent surgery.

Conclusion

NS develops as a complication of TBA, which is used as a treatment of Cushing disease. The main treatment is surgery and radiotherapy.

Cushing’s syndrome in early infancy due to isolated sporadic bilateral micronodular adrenocortical disease associated with myosin heavy chain 8 mutation: diagnostic challenges, too many!

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is rare in infancy. Bilateral micronodular adrenocortical disease (BMAD), either primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease or the non-pigmented isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease is an important aetiology of CS in this age group, which requires bilateral adrenalectomy for cure. BMAD may be isolated, or a component of Carney complex. Isolated sporadic BMAD without other systemic manifestations poses a diagnostic challenge. Paradoxical cortisol response to dexamethasone suggests, while adrenal histopathology and mutational analysis of the culprit genes confirm BMAD. BMAD was suspected in 6-year-old infant with midnormal adrenocorticotrophic hormone, inconclusive adrenal and pituitary imaging and paradoxical increase in cortisol following high dose of dexamethasone. Exome sequencing revealed heterozygous c.354+1G>C (5′ splice site) variant in the myosin heavy chain gene (MYH8), located in chromosome 17. This particular variant has not been reported in the literature. In view of suspected phenotype and its absence in the population databases, the variant was classified as pathogenic.

Update on primary micronodular bilateral adrenocortical diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary micronodular bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasias (MiBAH) are rare challenging diseases. Important progress in understanding its pathophysiology and genetics occurred in the last two decades. We summarize those progress and recent data on investigation and therapy of MiBAH focusing on primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Larger recent cohorts of PPNAD patients from various countries have confirmed their variable Cushing's syndrome phenotypes. Age of onset is earlier than other ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome causes and the youngest case have now occurred at 15 months. Two retrospective studies identified an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures in PPNAD as compared with other Cushing's syndrome causes. The utility of 6-day oral dexamethasone test to produce a paradoxical increase of urinary-free cortisol in PPNAD was confirmed but the mean fold of increase was of 48%, less than previously suggested. Several new genetic variants of the PRKAR1A gene have been reported in PPNAD or Carney complex (CNC). Remission of Cushing's syndrome with unilateral adrenalectomy was reported in a few patients with PPNAD.

SUMMARY

MiBAH, PPNAD and CNC are rare challenging diseases, but with combined expert clinical and genetic approaches a comprehensive investigation and prevention strategy can be offered to affected patients and families.

Adrenocortical hyperplasia: A multifaceted disease

Adrenocortical hyperplasia may develop in different contexts. Primary adrenal hyperplasia may be secondary to primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) or micronodular bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (MiBAH) which may be divided in primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). Both lead to oversecretion of cortisol and potentially to Cushing's syndrome. Moreover, adrenocortical hyperplasia may be secondary to longstanding ACTH stimulation in ACTH oversecretion as in Cushing's disease, ectopic ACTH secretion or glucocorticoid resistance syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia secondary to various enzymatic defects within the cortex. Finally, idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of primary aldosteronism. We will discuss recent findings on the multifaceted forms of adrenocortical hyperplasia.

Cushing syndrome: Old and new genes

Cushing syndrome (CS) describes the signs and symptoms caused by exogenous or endogenous hypercortisolemia. Endogenous CS is caused by either ACTH-dependent sources (pituitary or ectopic) or ACTH-independent (adrenal) hypercortisolemia. Several genes are currently known to contribute to the pathogenesis of CS. Germline gene defects, such as MEN1, AIP, PRKAR1A and others, often present in patients with pituitary or adrenal involvement as part of a genetic syndrome. Somatic defects in genes, such as USP8, TP53, and others, are also involved in the development of pituitary or adrenal tumors in a large percentage of patients with CS, and give insight in pathways involved in pituitary or adrenal tumorigenesis.

Frequency and Incidence of Carney Complex Manifestations: A Prospective Multicenter Study With a Three-Year Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

Carney Complex (CNC) is a rare multiple endocrine and nonendocrine neoplasia syndrome. Manifestations and genotype-phenotype correlations have been described by retrospective studies, but no prospective study evaluating the occurrence of the different manifestations has been available so far.

METHODS

This multicenter national prospective study included patients with CNC, primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease (PPNAD), or a pathogenic PRKAR1A mutation; after a full initial workup, participants were followed for 3 years with annual standardized evaluation.

RESULTS

The cohort included 70 patients (50 female/20 male, mean age 35.4 ± 16.7 years, 81% carrying PRKAR1A mutation). The initial investigations allowed identification of several manifestations. At the end of the 3-year follow-up, the newly diagnosed manifestations of the disease were subclinical acromegaly in 6 patients, bilateral testicular calcifications in 1 patient, and cardiac myxomas in 2 patients. Recurrences of cardiac myxomas were diagnosed in 4 patients during the 3-year follow-up study period. Asymptomatic abnormalities of the corticotroph and somatotroph axis that did not meet criteria of PPNAD and acromegaly were observed in 11.4% and 30% of the patients, respectively. Patients carrying the PRKAR1A c.709-7del6 mutation had a mild phenotype.

CONCLUSION

This study underlines the importance of a systematic follow-up of the CNC manifestations, especially a biannual screening for cardiac myxoma. By contrast, regular screening for the other manifestations after a first extensive workup could be spread out, leading to a lighter and more acceptable follow-up schedule for patients. These are important results for recommendations for long-term management of CNC patients.

PRIMARY PIGMENTED NODULAR ADRENOCORTICAL DISEASE (PPNAD) PRESENTING AS CUSHING SYNDROME IN A CHILD AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Cushing syndrome in the paediatric age group is very difficult to diagnose due to atypical presenting features in children. Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome in children and it has characteristic gross and microscopic pathologic features. We report a case of PPNAD in a 16-year-old boy who was evaluated in our hospital with chief complaints of poor height velocity and rapid weight gain for 2-3 years before presentation. Proper evaluation showed ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome with normal imaging. Total bilateral adrenalectomy was performed followed by hormones replacement. 6 months after surgery, significant acceleration of height velocity was noticed. Patient also lost body weight and developed secondary sexual characteristics.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD): single centre experience

Background Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome (CS) in childhood. We describe a case series of patients presenting at our centre along with a review of the literature. Methods A retrospective analysis of six index cases and one family were done for demographic features, hormonal profile, imaging findings, genetic mutation status, histopathologic findings and follow-up details. Diagnosis was based on biochemistry and confirmed with histopathology and or genetic mutation. All patients had suppressed 8 am adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (<10 pg/mL) despite evidence of hypercortisolism. Results The mean age in our cohort was 8.2 years (range 15 months to 20 years). All patients presented with overt CS, including one patient with cyclic Cushing's. Three patients had additional features of Carney complex (CNC). Imaging did not reveal any obvious mass lesions on computed tomography (CT), the classical beaded appearance was present in only two of the patients. Mutation analysis was positive in three patients. Five patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy and had features of PPNAD on histopathology. Conclusions PPNAD is a rare cause of ACTH-independent CS in childhood and may signal underlying CNC. Patients with younger age of onset with overt CS may still have a mutation in the PRKAR1A gene and warrant genetic testing.

Cushing syndrome: uncovering Carney complex due to novel PRKAR1A mutation

Carney complex (CNC) is a rare multiple neoplasia syndrome characterized by spotty pigmentation of the skin and mucosa in association with various non-endocrine and endocrine tumors, including primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). A 20-year-old woman was referred for suspected Cushing syndrome. She had signs of cortisol excess as well as skin lentigines on physical examination. Biochemical investigation was suggestive of corticotropin (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome. Unenhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen did not reveal an obvious adrenal mass. She subsequently underwent bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and histopathology was consistent with PPNAD. Genetic testing revealed a novel frameshift pathogenic variant c.488delC/p.Thr163MetfsX2 (ClinVar Variation ID: 424516) in the PRKAR1A gene, consistent with clinical suspicion for CNC. Evaluation for other clinical features of the complex was unrevealing. We present a case of PPNAD-associated Cushing syndrome leading to the diagnosis of CNC due to a novel PRKAR1A pathogenic variant. Learning points: PPNAD should be considered in the differential for ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, especially when adrenal imaging appears normal. The diagnosis of PPNAD should prompt screening for CNC. CNC is a rare multiple neoplasia syndrome caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in the PRKAR1A gene. Timely diagnosis of CNC and careful surveillance can help prevent potentially fatal complications of the disease.

A case of autonomous cortisol secretion in a patient with subclinical Cushing's syndrome, GNAS mutation, and paradoxical cortisol response to dexamethasone

BACKGROUND

Increased urinary free cortisol in response to the oral administration of dexamethasone is a paradoxical reaction mainly reported in patients with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Here, we describe the first case of subclinical Cushing's syndrome represented by autonomous cortisol secretion and paradoxical response to oral dexamethasone administration, harboring an activating mutation in the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (GNAS).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with subclinical Cushing's syndrome during an evaluation for bilateral adrenal masses. Tumors of unknown origin were found in the heart, brain, thyroid gland, colon, pancreas, and both adrenal glands. Adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon and systemic brown-patchy skin pigmentation were also present. Her urinary cortisol levels increased in response to oral dexamethasone, while serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate was not suppressed. After right adrenalectomy, genetic analysis of the resected tumor revealed the somatic GNAS activating mutation, p.R201H. Paradoxical urinary cortisol response persisted even after unilateral adrenal resection, although serum and urinary cortisol levels were attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

This patient harbored a GNAS activating mutation, and presented with a mild cortisol- and androgen-producing adrenal adenoma. Administration of oral dexamethasone paradoxically increased cortisol levels, possibly via the stimulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A signaling pathway, which is seen in patients with pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease or Carney complex. GNAS mutations may provide clues to the mechanisms of hyper-function and tumorigenesis in the adrenal cortex, especially in bilateral adrenal masses accompanied by multiple systemic tumors. Examining GNAS mutations could help physicians detect extra-adrenal malignancies, which may contribute to an improved prognosis for patients with this type of Cushing's syndrome.

Factitious Cushing's Syndrome: A Diagnosis to Consider When Evaluating Hypercortisolism

Factitious Cushing's syndrome is exceptionally rare. The diagnosis is challenging due to the interference of exogenous corticosteroids with cortisol immunoassays. We present a case of a 26 year old female that presented with clinical and biochemical features of Cushing's syndrome. She denied any exogenous corticosteroid use. She had a suppressed ACTH level with normal adrenal glands on CT scans. There was a paradoxical increase of cortisol with a 100% rise in 24 h urinary free cortisol (UFC) during the Liddle's test suggestive of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). However, basal UFC levels were within normal values, interpreted as an intermittent variation of cortisol secretion maybe due to cyclic Cushing's. At this point a synthetic glucocorticoid serum screening was ordered, which was denied by the administrators because the test was not available in our hospital. A positron emission tomography (PET)-CT using 18 F-Flurodeoxyglucose did not show any uptake in the adrenal glands. With the diagnosis of probable primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease a unilateral right adrenelectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed normal adrenal gland. A synthetic glucocorticoid serum screen by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) sent to Mayo Clinic lab revealed high levels of serum prednisone and prednisolone. In conclusion, factitious Cushing's syndrome is an important diagnosis to consider in patients being evaluated for hypercortisolism. Discordant hormonal test results as well as normal findings on adrenal glands on CT scan should raise suspicion of this entity, and prompt measurement of synthetic corticosteroids using LC-MS/MS.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) as an underlying cause of symptoms in a patient presenting with hirsutism and secondary amenorrhea: case report and literature review

Hypercortisolemia in females may lead to menstrual cycle disturbances, infertility, hirsutism and acne. Herewith, we present a 18-year-old patient, who was diagnosed due to weight gain, secondary amenorrhea, slowly progressing hirsutism, acne and hot flashes. Thorough diagnostics lead to a conclusion, that the symptoms was the first manifestation of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). All symptoms of Cushing syndrome including hirsutism and menstrual disturbances resolved after bilateral adrenalectomy. Our report indicates that oligo- or amenorrhea, hirsutism, acne in combination with weight gain, growth failure, hypertension and slightly expressed cushingoid features in a young woman requires diagnostics towards hypercortisolemia. Despite PPNAD is a very rare cause of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, it has to be taken into consideration, especially when adrenal glands appear to be normal on imaging and paradoxical rise in cortisol level in high-dose dexamethasone test is observed. Unlike in our patient, in vast majority of patients, PPNAD is associated with Carney complex (CC). Therefore, these patients and their first-degree relatives should be always carefully screened for symptoms of PPNAD, CC and genetic mutations of PRKAR1A, PDE11A, and PDE8B genes.

Carney Syndrome Presented as a Pathological Spine Fracture in a 35-Year-Old Male

Patient: Male, 35

Final Diagnosis: Carney syndrome

Symptoms: Pain at the spine

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Retroperitoneal adrenalectomy

Specialty: Surgery

Detection of new potentially pathogenic mutations in two patients with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) - case reports with literature review

INTRODUCTION

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare form of ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS). Half of patients with PPNAD are sporadic cases and the other half familial.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present two patients with PPNAD confirmed by genetic analysis.

RESULTS

In both patients there were no abnormal findings on diagnostic imaging of both adrenals and heart. Patients underwent bilateral two-stage adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed PPNAD. Genetic testing showed the following mutations in the PRKAR1A gene coding for the regulatory subunit type 1A of the protein kinase A enzyme: c.125dupG (patient 1) and c.15dupT (patient 2). Both these defects lead to inactivation of the PRKAR1A protein and are consequently causative of PPNAD in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel mutations presented in this article are considered to be pathogenic for PPNAD.

Genetics of micronodular adrenal hyperplasia and Carney complex

Micronodular bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (MiBAH) is a rare cause of adrenal Cushing syndrome (CS). The investigations carried out on this disorder during the last two decades suggested that it could be divided into at least two entities: primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease (i-MAD). The most common presentation of MiBAH is familial PPNAD as part of Carney complex (CNC) (cPPNAD). CNC, associated with multiple endocrine and non-endocrine neoplasias, was first described in 1985 in 40 patients, 10 of whom were familial cases. In 2000, we identified inactivating germline mutations of the PRKAR1A gene, encoding the regulatory subunit type 1α (RIα) of protein kinase A (PKA), in the majority of patients with CNC and PPNAD. PRKAR1A mutations causing CNC lead to increased PKA activity. Since then, additional genetic alterations in the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway leading to increased PKA activity have been described in association with MiBAH. This review summarizes older and recent findings on the genetics and pathophysiology of MiBAH, PPNAD, and related disorders.

A novel splice site mutation of the PRKAR1A gene, C.440+5 G>C, in a Chinese family with Carney complex

BACKGROUND

Carney complex (CNC) is an extremely rare, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome that occurs in an autosomal dominant manner. Mutations in PRKAR1A have been reported to be a common genetic cause of CNC.

METHODS

In this study, we reported a Chinese pedigree of CNC that manifests mainly as spotty skin pigmentation and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease. Whole blood samples of this pedigree were collected for DNA/RNA analysis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed to amplify the 11 exons and adjacent introns of PRKAR1A. Direct sequencing was used to detect the mutation, and DNA from 70 Han Chinese people was extracted and sequenced as a control to estimate the frequency of the identified mutation.

RESULTS

Within the pedigree, ten patients with CNC were identified, and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.440+5 G>C in intron 4a) was identified in the PRKAR1A gene. PCR amplification of cDNA from the control subjects and patients was performed. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed only one wild-type band in the cDNA corresponding to the former group, whereas an extra band was present in samples from the latter group corresponding to the skipping of exon 4a; this confirms that the variant affects PRKAR1A splicing.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the c.440+5 G>C mutation is a new splice site mutation that has not been reported and has the potential to broaden the mutational spectrum of PRKAR1A that is associated with CNC, which would facilitate genetic diagnosis and counseling for CNC.

Pathogenesis of benign unilateral adrenocortical tumors: focus on cAMP/PKA pathway

Somatic mutations affecting genes in the cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A) signaling pathway have been described as causative for the pathogenesis of benign unilateral adrenocortical adenomas associated with cortisol over secretion. These include predominantly somatic mutations in the PRKACA gene which encodes the catalytic subunit α of PKA. In addition, mutations in the GNAS gene, coding for the stimulatory G protein α, have been observed in approximately 10% of cortisol producing adenomas (CPA). The mutations render PKA signaling constitutively active and are therefore involved in cortisol over secretion of these tumors. Despite the prominent role of the cAMP/PKA pathway in the pathogenesis of unilateral CPA, also mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, encoding β-catenin, were identified in CPA. However, mutations in β-catenin are not limited to CPA and are not associated with cortisol secretion since they were predominantly found in endocrine-inactive adenomas (EIA) and might hence contribute to tumorigenesis in adrenocortical tissues. In this review, recent findings in the pathogenesis of benign adrenocortical tumors with a particular focus on the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway are summarized.

Genetics of Cushing's Syndrome

The knowledge on the molecular and genetic causes of Cushing's syndrome (CS) has greatly increased in the recent years. Somatic mutations leading to overactive 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A and wingless-type MMTV integration site family/beta-catenin pathways are the main molecular mechanisms underlying adrenocortical tumorigenesis. Corticotropinomas are characterized by resistance to glucocorticoid negative feedback, impaired cell cycle control and overexpression of pathways sustaining ACTH secretion. Recognizing the genetic defects behind corticotroph and adrenocortical tumorigenesis proves crucial for tailoring the clinical management of CS patients and for designing strategies for genetic counseling and clinical screening to be applied in routine medical practice.

Neonatal Cushing Syndrome: A Rare but Potentially Devastating Disease

Neonatal Cushing syndrome (CS) is most commonly caused by exogenous administration of glucocorticoids and rarely by endogenous hypercortisolemia. CS owing to adrenal lesions is the most common cause of endogenous CS in neonates and infants, and adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) represent most cases. Many ACTs develop in the context of a TP53 gene mutation, which causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome. More rarely, neonatal CS presents as part of other syndromes such as McCune-Albright syndrome or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Management usually includes resection of the primary tumor with or without additional medical treatment, but manifestations may persist after resolution of hypercortisolemia.

Successful Treatment of Estrogen Excess in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia with Leuprolide Acetate

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is an uncommon cause of adrenal Cushing syndrome (CS) in which cortisol and occasionally other steroid hormones can be secreted under the influence of aberrantly expressed G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the adrenal cortex. We describe the unique case of a 64-year-old postmenopausal female with PBMAH whose adrenal lesions expressed luteinizing hormone receptors (LHr). She presented initially with CS and underwent right adrenalectomy; a few years later she presented with macromastia and mastodynia, possibly due to estrogen excess from her remaining left adrenocortical masses. Testing before and after treatment with quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy and immunohistochemistry on tissue and targeted sequencing of the genes of interest were performed. Tissue from the patient's right adrenal was tested for P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) and LHr expression; both were expressed throughout the hyperplastic cortex, although expression was more intense in the adenomatous areas. Targeted sequencing revealed a pathogenic PDE11A mutation, as well as variants in the ARMC5 and INHA genes. PDE11A expression was decreased in the adenoma but there was no loss of heterozygosity for the PDE11A locus. Because of the clinical presentation and LHr expression, quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy was started. Shortly after initiation of therapy, the patient reported decreased breast size and pain; she remains well controlled to date, after 10 years of treatment. This is the first description of a patient with PBMAH presenting with severe macromastia and mastodynia from what appears to be excess estrogen production from her adrenal tumor. The patient had a long-lasting response to chronic leuprolide acetate treatment, showing that drug therapy exploiting the aberrant receptor expression in PBMAH is possible even in the absence of cortisol overproduction.

Efficacy of dexamethasone suppression test during the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease in Chinese adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cut-off value of the ratio of 24 h urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC) levels post-dexamethasone to prior-dexamethasone in dexamethasone suppression test (DST) during the diagnosis of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease in Chinese adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

The patients diagnosed with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD, n = 25), bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH, n = 27), and adrenocortical adenoma (ADA, n = 84) were admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2001 to 2016.

ESTIMATIONS

Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and 24 h UFC were measured before and after low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST).

RESULTS

After LDDST and HDDST, 24 h UFC elevated in patients with PPNAD (paired t-test, P = 0.007 and P = 0.001), while it remained unchanged in the BMAH group (paired t-test, P = 0.471 and P = 0.414) and decreased in the ADA group (paired t-test, P = 0.002 and P = 0.004). The 24 h UFC level after LDDST was higher in PPNAD and BMAH as compared to ADA (P < 0.017), while no significant difference was observed between PPNAD and BMAH. After HDDST, 24 h UFC was higher in patients with PPNAD as compared to that of ADA and BMAH (P < 0.017). The cut-off value of 24 h UFC (Post-L-Dex)/(Pre-L-Dex) was 1.16 with 64.0% sensitivity and 77.9% specificity, and the cut-off value of 24 h UFC (Post-H-Dex)/(Pre-H-Dex) was 1.08 with 84.0% sensitivity and 75.6% specificity.

CONCLUSION

The ratio of post-dexamethasone to prior-dexamethasone had a unique advantage in distinguishing PPNAD from BMAH and ADA.

AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO THE EVALUATION OF CUSHING SYNDROME

Cushing syndrome (CS) is caused by chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids. Early recognition and treatment of hypercortisolemia can lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of CS and thereafter, establishing the cause can often be difficult, especially in patients with mild and cyclic hypercortisolism. Surgical excision of the cause of excess glucocorticoids is the optimal treatment for CS. Medical therapy (steroidogenesis inhibitors, medications that decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] levels or glucocorticoid antagonists) and pituitary radiotherapy may be needed as adjunctive treatment modalities in patients with residual, recurrent or metastatic disease, in preparation for surgery, or when surgery is contraindicated. A multidisciplinary team approach, individualized treatment plan and long-term follow-up are important for optimal management of hypercortisolemia and the comorbidities associated with CS.

ABBREVIATIONS

ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone; BIPSS = bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling; CBG = corticosteroid-binding globulin; CD = Cushing disease; CRH = corticotropin-releasing hormone; CS = Cushing syndrome; Dex = dexamethasone; DST = dexamethasone suppression test; EAS = ectopic ACTH syndrome; FDA = U.S. Food & Drug Administration; HDDST = high-dose DST; IPS/P = inferior petrosal sinus to peripheral; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NET = neuroendocrine tumor; PET = positron emission tomography; UFC = urinary free cortisol.

Primary bilateral adrenal nodular disease with Cushing's syndrome: varying aetiology

Primary adrenal disorders contribute 20%â€"30% of patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Most of the primary adrenal diseases are unilateral and include adenoma and adrenocortical carcinoma, whereas bilateral adrenal lesions are uncommon and include primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia, isolated micronodular adrenocortical disease, bilateral adenomas or carcinomas, and rarely pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone-dependent adrenal nodular disease. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A signalling is the major activator of cortisol secretion in primary adrenal nodular disorders. We report two cases of bilateral adrenal nodular disease with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, including one each of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease: literature review and case report of a 6-year-old boy

Cushing's syndrome is rare in childhood and is usually caused by a pituitary adenoma. Primary hyperfunction of adrenal glands is less frequent, particularly primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). It occurs usually in children and adolescents, with female preponderance, while Cushing's disease has increased frequency in prepubertal males. A case of a 6-year-old boy is presented with isolated non-familiar PPNAD. The clinical pattern involved Cushingoid appearance, hypertension, virilization and depressive mood. Laboratory analyses showed loss of circadian rhythm of cortisol, undetectable adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, impaired fasting glucose, polycythemia and elevated white blood count (WBC). Radiology investigation revealed a slightly enlarged medial branch of the left adrenal gland and a normal right one, so a unilateral adrenalectomy was performed. Pathohistology described multiple dark brownish pigmented nodules of various sizes confined to the cortex. Contralateral adrenalectomy was done 3 months later. Follow-up of 3 years was uneventful, except for one adrenal crisis during an intercurrent respiratory illness.

Steroid metabolome analysis reveals prevalent glucocorticoid excess in primary aldosteronism

BACKGROUND

Adrenal aldosterone excess is the most common cause of secondary hypertension and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. However, adverse metabolic risk in primary aldosteronism extends beyond hypertension, with increased rates of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, which cannot be easily explained by aldosterone excess.

METHODS

We performed mass spectrometry-based analysis of a 24-hour urine steroid metabolome in 174 newly diagnosed patients with primary aldosteronism (103 unilateral adenomas, 71 bilateral adrenal hyperplasias) in comparison to 162 healthy controls, 56 patients with endocrine inactive adrenal adenoma, 104 patients with mild subclinical, and 47 with clinically overt adrenal cortisol excess. We also analyzed the expression of cortisol-producing CYP11B1 and aldosterone-producing CYP11B2 enzymes in adenoma tissue from 57 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma, employing immunohistochemistry with digital image analysis.

RESULTS

Primary aldosteronism patients had significantly increased cortisol and total glucocorticoid metabolite excretion (all P < 0.001), only exceeded by glucocorticoid output in patients with clinically overt adrenal Cushing syndrome. Several surrogate parameters of metabolic risk correlated significantly with glucocorticoid but not mineralocorticoid output. Intratumoral CYP11B1 expression was significantly associated with the corresponding in vivo glucocorticoid excretion. Unilateral adrenalectomy resolved both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid excess. Postoperative evidence of adrenal insufficiency was found in 13 (29%) of 45 consecutively tested patients.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that glucocorticoid cosecretion is frequently found in primary aldosteronism and contributes to associated metabolic risk. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy alone may not be sufficient to counteract adverse metabolic risk in medically treated patients with primary aldosteronism.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council UK, Wellcome Trust, European Commission.

Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia as a Possible Mechanism for Hyperandrogenism in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

CONTEXT

Androgen excess may be adrenal and/or ovarian in origin; we hypothesized that a subgroup of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have some degree of abnormal adrenocortical function.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the pituitary adrenal axis with an oral low- and high-dose dexamethasone-suppression test (Liddle's test) in women with PCOS.

DESIGN

This was a case-control study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 38 women with PCOS and 20 healthy volunteers (HV) aged 16-29 years participated in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and 17-hydroxysteroids (17OHS) before and after low- and high-dose dexamethasone and assessment of adrenal volume by computed tomography scan were measured.

RESULTS

Twenty-four-hour urinary 17OHS and UFC were measured during day 1 to day 6 of the Liddle's test. Baseline UFC levels were not different between PCOS and HVs; on the day after the completion of high-dose dexamethasone administration (d 6), UFC was higher in the PCOS group (2.0 ± 0.7 μg/m(2)·d) than the HV group (1.5 ± 0.5) (P = .038). On day 5, 17OHS and UFC were negatively correlated with adrenal volumes (left side, rp = -0.47, P = .009, and rp = -0.61, P < .001, respectively). PCOS patients above the 75th percentile for UFC and/or 17OHS after high-dose dexamethasone (n = 15) had a significantly smaller total adrenal volume (6.9 ± 1.9 cm(3) vs 9.2 ± 1.8 cm(3), P = .003) when compared with the remaining PCOS patients (n = 22), but they did not have worse insulin resistance or hyperandrogenism.

CONCLUSIONS

In a subset of young women with PCOS, we detected a pattern of glucocorticoid secretion that mimicked that of patients with micronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia: they had smaller adrenal volumes and higher steroid hormone secretion after dexamethasone compared with the group of PCOS with appropriate response to dexamethasone.

Diagnosis and Clinical Genetics of Cushing Syndrome in Pediatrics

Endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) in pediatrics is rare; it may be caused by tumors that produce corticotropin in the pituitary gland or elsewhere, tumors that produce corticotropin-releasing hormone anywhere, and adrenocortical masses that produce cortisol. Adrenocortical cancer is a rare cause of CS in children but should be excluded first. CS in children is often caused by germline or somatic mutations with implications for patient prognosis and for their families. CS should be recognized early in children; otherwise, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with suspected CS should be referred to specialized clinical centers for workup.

A genetic and molecular update on adrenocortical causes of Cushing syndrome

Primary adrenal Cushing syndrome is the result of cortisol hypersecretion mainly by adenomas and, rarely, by bilateral micronodular or macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia. cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is the major activator of cortisol secretion in the adrenal cortex. Many adenomas and hyperplasias associated with primary hypercortisolism carry somatic or germline mutations in genes that encode constituents of the cAMP-PKA pathway. In this Review, we discuss Cushing syndrome and its linkage to dysregulated cAMP-PKA signalling, with a focus on genetic findings in the past few years. In addition, we discuss the presence of germline inactivating mutations in ARMC5 in patients with primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia. This finding has implications for genetic counselling of affected patients; hitherto, most patients with this form of adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing syndrome were thought to have a sporadic and not a familial disorder.

Use of 3-Dimensional Volumetric Modeling of Adrenal Gland Size in Patients with Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare type of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia leading to hypercortisolemia. Adrenal nodularity is often appreciable with computed tomography (CT); however, accurate radiologic characterization of adrenal size in PPNAD has not been studied well. We used 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric analysis to characterize and compare adrenal size in PPNAD patients, with and without Cushing's syndrome (CS). Patients diagnosed with PPNAD and their family members with known mutations in PRKAR1A were screened. CT scans were used to create 3D models of each adrenal. Criteria for biochemical diagnosis of CS included loss of diurnal variation and/or elevated midnight cortisol levels, and paradoxical increase in urinary free cortisol and/or urinary 17-hydroxysteroids after dexamethasone administration. Forty-five patients with PPNAD (24 females, 27.8±17.6 years) and 8 controls (19±3 years) were evaluated. 3D volumetric modeling of adrenal glands was performed in all. Thirty-eight patients out of 45 (84.4%) had CS. Their mean adrenal volume was 8.1 cc±4.1, 7.2 cc±4.5 (p=0.643) for non-CS, and 8.0cc±1.6 for controls. Mean values were corrected for body surface area; 4.7 cc/kg/m(2)±2.2 for CS, and 3.9 cc/kg/m(2)±1.3 for non-CS (p=0.189). Adrenal volume and midnight cortisol in both groups was positively correlated, r=0.35, p=0.03. We conclude that adrenal volume measured by 3D CT in patients with PPNAD and CS was similar to those without CS, confirming empirical CT imaging-based observations. However, the association between adrenal volume and midnight cortisol levels may be used as a marker of who among patients with PPNAD may develop CS, something that routine CT cannot do.

Identification of a novel mutation of the PRKAR1A gene in a patient with Carney complex with significant osteoporosis and recurrent fractures

OBJECTIVE

Carney complex (CNC) is a rare autosomal dominant multiple neoplasia syndrome characterized by the presence of endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. More than 125 different germline mutations of the protein Kinase A type 1-α regulatory subunit (PRKAR1A) gene have been reported. We present a novel PRKAR1A gene germline mutation in a patient with severe osteoporosis and recurrent vertebral fractures.

DESIGN

Clinical case report.

CASE REPORT

A 53-year-old male with a medical history of surgically removed recurrent cardiac myxomas was evaluated for repeated low-pressure vertebral fractures and severe osteoporosis. Physical examination revealed spotty skin pigmentation of the lower extremities and papules in the nuchal and thoracic region. The presence of hypercortisolism due to micronodular adrenal disease and the history of cardiac myxomas suggested the diagnosis of CNC; the patient underwent detailed imaging investigation and genetic testing.

METHODS

Standard imaging and clinical testing; DNA was sequenced by the Sanger method.

RESULTS

Sequence analysis from peripheral lymphocytes DNA revealed a novel heterozygous point mutation at codon 172 of exon 2 (c.172G>T) of the PRKAR1A gene, resulting in early termination of the PRKAR1A transcript [p.Glu58Ter (E58X)].

CONCLUSION

We report a novel point mutation of the PRKAR1A gene in a patient with CNC who presented with significant osteoporosis and fractures. Low bone mineral density along with recurrent myxomas should point to the diagnosis of CNC.

MEN1, MEN4, and Carney Complex: Pathology and Molecular Genetics

Pituitary adenomas are a common feature of a subset of endocrine neoplasia syndromes, which have otherwise highly variable disease manifestations. We provide here a review of the clinical features and human molecular genetics of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 and 4 (MEN1 and MEN4, respectively) and Carney complex (CNC). MEN1, MEN4, and CNC are hereditary autosomal dominant syndromes that can present with pituitary adenomas. MEN1 is caused by inactivating mutations in the MEN1 gene, whose product menin is involved in multiple intracellular pathways contributing to transcriptional control and cell proliferation. MEN1 clinical features include primary hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and prolactinomas as well as other pituitary adenomas. A subset of patients with pituitary adenomas and other MEN1 features have mutations in the CDKN1B gene; their disease has been called MEN4. Inactivating mutations in the type 1α regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PKA; the PRKAR1A gene), that lead to dysregulation and activation of the PKA pathway, are the main genetic cause of CNC, which is clinically characterised by primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, spotty skin pigmentation (lentigines), cardiac and other myxomas and acromegaly due to somatotropinomas or somatotrope hyperplasia.

A Novel Mutation in the type Iα Regulatory Subunit of Protein Kinase A (PRKAR1A) in a Cushing's Syndrome Patient with Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease

A 40-year-old man presented with Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with multiple nodules. Computed tomography scan results were atypical demonstrating an enlargement of the bilateral adrenal glands harboring multiple small nodules, but the lesion was clinically diagnosed to be primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) based on both endocrinological test results and his family history. We performed bilateral adrenalectomy and confirmed the diagnosis histologically. An analysis of the patient and his mother's genomic DNA identified a novel mutation in the type Iα regulatory subunit of protein kinase A (PRKAR1A) gene; p.E17X (c.49G>T). This confirmed the diagnosis of PPNAD which is associated with Carney Complex.