Morning serum cortisol role in the adrenal insufficiency diagnosis with modern cortisol assays

PURPOSE

To investigate the accuracy of cutoff values of the morning serum cortisol (MSC) using the cortisol stimulus test (CST) insulin tolerance test (ITT) and 250 mcg short Synacthen test (SST) as the reference standard tests, to better define its clinical role as a tool in the diagnostic investigation of adrenal insufficiency (AI) AI.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted with a retrospective analysis of MSC in adult patients who had been submitted to a CST to investigate AI between January 2014 and December 2020. The normal cortisol response (NR) to stimulation was defined based on the cortisol assay.

RESULTS

371 patients underwent CST for suspected AI, 121/371 patients (32.6%) were diagnosed with AI. ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) for MSC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.69 - 0.80). The best MSC cutoff values to confirm AI were < 3.65, < 2.35 and < 1.5 mcg/dL with specificity of 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. MSC > 12.35, > 14.2 and > 14.5 mcg/dL had sensitivity of 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively, being the best cutoff values to exclude AI. Almost 25% of patients undergoing CST for possible AI had MSC values between < 3.65 mcg/dL (6.7% of patients) and > 12.35 mcg/dL (17.5% of patients), making the formal CST testing unnecessary if we consider these cutoff values.

CONCLUSION

With the most modern cortisol assays, MSC could be used as a diagnostic tool, with high accuracy to confirm or exclude AI, avoiding unnecessary CST; thus, reducing expenses and safety risks during AI investigation.

No association between psychiatric symptoms and doses of anabolic steroids in a cohort of male and female bodybuilders

The use of androgenic‐anabolic steroids (AAS) can be associated with psychiatric symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and increased aggressiveness. Although dose‐dependent effects have been observed in some controlled studies, this association is not always seen in the ecological use of AAS. This study utilized WADA's steroid profile of suspicious use of AAS, urinary detection of AAS metabolites and measurement of sexual hormones to confirm recent use of AAS in a cohort of 103 bodybuilders (75 males, 28 females). The majority of participants (61.2%) presented symptoms of agitation, insomnia, increased aggressiveness or depression in the last 3 months. About one‐third of participants presented scores on the HAM‐A anxiety scale equivalent to moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety. A minority of participants (12.6%) presented high to moderate scores on the BPQ aggressiveness scale. The majority of participants (73.8%) presented hyperthymic temperament in the BRIEF‐TEMPS scale. There was no significant difference in the presence of psychiatric symptoms between males and females and no association between psychiatric symptoms and estimated weekly doses of AAS. A negative association was observed between scores on the BPQ scale (verbal aggression, anger and total score) and the time of AAS use. We discuss differences of AAS use between male and female bodybuilders and the screening of AAS use in the general population. Our findings highlight the importance of mental health awareness among people using AAS.

Adrenal incidentaloma as a novel independent predictive factor for periodontitis

PURPOSE

There are no data regarding periodontal derangements in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AI). We assessed the frequency and severity of periodontitis in patients with AI [non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) and possible autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS)] and compared with individuals with normal adrenal.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study evaluated thirty-five individuals with AI and 26 controls. NFAI and possible ACS diagnosis was based on the current guidelines: NFAI [cortisol levels after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST) ≤ 1.8 µg/dL (≤ 50 nmol/L)]; possible ACS [cortisol levels after 1 mg-DST 1.9-5.0 µg/dL (51-138 nmol/L)]. Sociodemographic data were collected, and a full-mouth periodontal evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between groups regarding age, sex, income, ethnicity, education level, smoking, body mass index, dysglycemia, and arterial hypertension. Patients with AI exhibited worse periodontal conditions than controls for the following periodontal clinical parameters: mean percentage of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥ 5 mm (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with NFAI and possible ACS showed higher gingival bleeding index (p = 0.014), bleeding on probing (p < 0.001), and CAL (p < 0.001) means compared to controls. The frequencies of periodontitis were 72.7% in patients with NFAI, 84.6% in possible ACS, and 30.8% in controls (p = 0.001). Periodontitis was more severe in patients with possible ACS than NFAI and controls. Patients with NFAI and possible ACS exhibited odds ratio for periodontitis of 4.9 (p = 0.016) and 8.6 (p = 0.02), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AI have higher frequency and severity of periodontitis than controls. The presence of AI was an independent predictive factor for periodontitis.

Cortisol level after dexamethasone suppression test in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma is positively associated with the duration of reactive hyperemia response on microvascular bed

PURPOSE

Data on endothelial derangements in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) are scarce.

METHODS

We investigated if NFAI patients present clinical, biochemical and endothelial alterations compared to individuals without an adrenal lesion and also the associations among these variables. Forty-two NFAI and 40 controls were evaluated. NFAI diagnosis and controls were defined according to the current guidelines and based on a normal adrenal imaging exam, respectively. Body composition was evaluated by dual emission X-ray absorptiometry. Endothelial reactivity was assessed by two methods: tonometry (Endo-PAT^®) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).

RESULTS

There were no differences between groups regarding age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, and statin use. The frequency of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria was 69% and 57.9%, respectively in NFAI and controls (p = 0.36), whereas the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was 63.4% and 66.7% (p = 0.81). The clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric characteristics, as well as body composition, were similar between the groups. Additionally, any differences between groups were observed on endothelial reactivity tests. Nevertheless, we noted an association between cortisol levels after 1 mg-dexamethosone suppression test (1 mg-DST) and the duration of post-occlusive reactive hyperemia tested on microcirculation (r = 0.30; p = 0.03). NFAI patients require more antihypertensive drugs to achieve blood pressure control (p = 0.04). The number of antihypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure correlated with cortisol levels after 1 mg-DST (r = 0.29; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Since both groups herein investigated had a high frequency of metabolic syndrome and ASCVD risk, it might explain similarities observed on endothelial reactivity. Nevertheless, prolonged reactive hyperemia response on microcirculation was correlated with cortisol levels under suppression.

The role of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced adrenocortical carcinoma revisited: review of literature

PURPOSE

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease with few therapeutic options. There is an urgency of new effective therapeutic options for these patients. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in advanced ACC patients is still unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a MEDLINE search using the following string: adrenocortical carcinoma and immunotherapy or checkpoint inhibitors.

RESULTS

We found four case series comprising 10 patients, and four prospective studies totaling 115 patients. The response rate (RR) in the group of 10 patients was 1 complete response, 3 partial response (PR), 4 stable disease (SD), and 2 progressive disease (PD). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) ranged from 2 to 31 months and the median overall survival (mOS) ranged from 4.3 to 31 months. The results in the 115 patients from prospective trials was variable, the PR ranged from 6 to 23%, the SD ranged from 18 to 50% and overall disease control rate ranged from 30 to 64%. The mPFS reported varied from 1.8 to 2.6 months while the mOS varied from 10.6 to 24.9 months. There were five patients with sustained response for more than 24 months. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was the increase in liver enzymes. No treatment-related deaths were reported. Better results in terms of RR and survival were observed in studies that used pembrolizumab. No predictive biomarker of response was found up to now.

CONCLUSION

ICI, mainly pembrolizumab, is a potential therapeutic option, which is safe and associated with prolonged OS benefit, in selected patients with advanced ACC.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cortical bone loss and fractures in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

The role of vitamin D on bone microarchitecture and fragility is not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) increases cortical bone loss and the severity of fractures.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of 287 elderly women with at least one prevalent low-impact fracture.

METHODS

Biochemistry, X-rays to identify vertebral fractures (VFs) and to confirm non-vertebral fractures (NonVFs), and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to evaluate bone microstructure.

RESULTS

Serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with body mass index (BMI: r = -0.161, P = 0.006), PTH (r = -0.165; P = 0.005), CTX (r = -0.119; P = 0.043) and vBMD at cortical bone (Dcomp: r = 0.132; P = 0.033) and entire bone (D100: r = 0.162 P = 0.009) at the distal radius, but not at the tibia. Age and PTH levels were potential confounding variables, but in the multiple linear regressions only BMI (95% CI: 0.11-4.16; P < 0.01), 25(OH)D (95% CI: -0.007 to 1.70; P = 0.05) and CTX (95% CI: -149.04 to 21.80; P < 0.01) predicted Dcomp, while BMI (95% CI: 1.13-4.18; P < 0.01) and 25(OH)D (95% CI: 0.24-1.52; P < 0.01) predicted D100. NonVFs predominated in patients with 25(OH)D <20 ng/mL (P = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed a decrease in the likelihood of presenting grade 2-3 VFs/NonVFs for every increase in 25(OH)D (OR = 0.962, 95% CI: 0.940-0.984; P = 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.885-0.981; P = 0.007) and D100 at radius (OR = 0.994, 95% CI: 0.990-0.998; P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients with prevalent fractures, vitamin D deficiency was associated with cortical bone loss and severity of fractures.

Evaluation of body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas and an intermediate phenotype: Is there an association with metabolic syndrome?

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and sarcopenia are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. No studies using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have evaluated association between body composition (BC) changes and MS in adrenal incidentaloma (AI). Our aim was to analyse BC in non-functioning AI (NFAI) and intermediate phenotype (IP) relative to controls and to correlate with cortisol levels.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 44 NFAI (serum cortisol ≤ 50 nmol/L after the overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test), 27 IP (cortisol 51-138 nmol/L), and 41 controls (normal adrenal on imaging examination) using DXA. Autonomic cortisol secretion (cortisol > 138 nmol/L) was excluded from the study. BC data were compared using criteria for MS (World Health Organization, National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel-III, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and International Diabetes Federation).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in clinical data and body mass index (BMI) among the three groups. Waist circumference (WC) was larger in AI vs. controls (p < 0.01). Waist-to-hip ratio was higher in NFAI vs. controls and waist-to-height ratio was higher in IP vs. controls (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). The frequency of MS was higher in AI vs. controls. BC was not different among the groups. Patients with AI there was a significant association of MS with both an increase in total fat and body fat index (all criteria), and a significant difference between MS and smaller BMI-adjusted lean mass (AACE, p = 0.036). No correlation of cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone test with BC or MS. AI and WC were independently associated with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

AI presented high frequency of MS and was independently associated with MS. Possible deleterious effects of cortisol secretion seem to initially affect the muscular system.

A novel approach for the automated segmentation and volume quantification of cardiac fats on computed tomography

The deposits of fat on the surroundings of the heart are correlated to several health risk factors such as atherosclerosis, carotid stiffness, coronary artery calcification, atrial fibrillation and many others. These deposits vary unrelated to obesity, which reinforces its direct segmentation for further quantification. However, manual segmentation of these fats has not been widely deployed in clinical practice due to the required human workload and consequential high cost of physicians and technicians. In this work, we propose a unified method for an autonomous segmentation and quantification of two types of cardiac fats. The segmented fats are termed epicardial and mediastinal, and stand apart from each other by the pericardium. Much effort was devoted to achieve minimal user intervention. The proposed methodology mainly comprises registration and classification algorithms to perform the desired segmentation. We compare the performance of several classification algorithms on this task, including neural networks, probabilistic models and decision tree algorithms. Experimental results of the proposed methodology have shown that the mean accuracy regarding both epicardial and mediastinal fats is 98.5% (99.5% if the features are normalized), with a mean true positive rate of 98.0%. In average, the Dice similarity index was equal to 97.6%.

Low risk of coronary artery disease in patients with acromegaly

The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in acromegalic patients and to investigate the relationship between the coronary artery calcium score (CS) and acromegaly status and clinical parameters [Framingham risk score (FRS)]. Fifty-six acromegalic patients and paired non-acromegalic volunteers were stratified according to the FRS into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. CS was assessed using multidetector computed tomography. The patients were considered to have controlled or active acromegaly at the time they were submitted to evaluation. Sixty-six percent of acromegalic patients exhibited arterial hypertension, 36 % had diabetes mellitus, and 34 % had hypercholesterolemia. The median FRS and the median risk for cardiovascular event within the next 10 years were similar in the acromegalics and the controls. The median total CS and CS >75th percentile didn't differ significantly between these groups. In patients with controlled acromegaly, a low, intermediate, or high FRS risk was observed in 86, 14, and 0 %, respectively. In patients with active disease, a low, intermediate, or high FRS risk was verified in 94, 3, and 3 %, respectively, and differences between the controlled and active groups were not significant. Seventy-two percent of the patients had total CS = 0, and there were no differences between the controlled and active groups. The risk of coronary artery disease in acromegalic patients, determined according to FRS and CS, is low despite the high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities.

Ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis: review of the literature

PURPOSE

Ipilimumab is a human monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 available as an immunotherapy mainly for advanced melanoma. It induces an activation of T cells, resulting in an immune-mediated anti-tumor response and also immune-related adverse events, including hypophysitis. The aim of this review is to identify and discuss features concerning ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis (IIH).

DESIGN

A MEDLINE research of all years of publication of IIH was conducted. We gathered information regarding clinical, radiologic and laboratory features of 71 cases recorded in the literature.

RESULTS

In our review, IIH was more frequent among older and male patients. Fatigue and headache were the most frequent initial clinical manifestations of IIH and enlargement of the pituitary gland at MRI was present in the majority of patients. Those who received more than 3 cycles of ipilimumab had more fatigue (p = 0.04) and arthritis (p = 0.04). Adrenal insufficiency was more prevalent in men (p = 0.007). Glucocorticoid therapy and hormone replacement were required in most patients and pituitary function recovery was uncommon. Low prolactin at diagnosis tended to predict permanent pituitary dysfunction (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Hypopituitarism as a consequence of IIH, if not promptly recognized, can lead to potentially fatal events, such as adrenal insufficiency. IIH can be easily managed with glucocorticoids and hormonal replacement; therefore, physicians should be familiar with the key aspects of this condition. More studies to develop screening protocols and therapeutic intervention algorithms should be performed to decrease morbidity related to IIH.

Low somatostatin receptor subtype 2, but not dopamine receptor subtype 2 expression predicts the lack of biochemical response of somatotropinomas to treatment with somatostatin analogs

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A) and dopamine receptor 2 (DR2) protein expression in somatotropinomas and to relate it to response to somatostatin analogues (SA).

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

SSTR2A and DR2 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 88 somatotropinomas from patients submitted to either pre-surgical or adjuvant SA treatment. Tumors were scored according to percentage of immunostained cells: 0 (< 25%), 1 (25-50%), and 2 (> 50%). Relation between protein expression and response to SA was performed in 66 patients. Response to SA was assessed by percent IGF-I reduction, being considered as an IGF-I per cent reduction higher than 50%. Disease control was also assessed (GH < 1.0 ng/ml and normal IGF-I).

RESULTS

SSTR2A and DR2 were expressed in 100% and 98% of tumors, respectively. Biochemical response and disease control rates were 48% and 32%, respectively. Median IGF-I percent reduction after 3 months of SA treatment was lower in the SSTR2A score 0 than in the scores 1 and 2 (p < 0.001, both), and after 6 months in the score 0 than in the score 1 (p = 0.001) and 2 (p < 0.001). Biochemical response and disease control were associated with SSTR2 expression (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). A negative predictive value for biochemical response of 100% was found when a SSTR2A expression < 25%of immunostained cells cut-off point was considered. No relation was found between DR2 expression and biochemical response and disease control.

CONCLUSION

SSTR2A and DR2 are highly expressed in somatotropinomas. Low SSTR2A, but not DR2, expression is a negative predictive factor to response to SA.

Validation of immunohistochemistry for somatostatin receptor subtype 2A in human somatotropinomas: comparison between quantitative real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry

Somatostatin receptors subtype 2 (SSTR2) expression in somatotropinomas is recognized as a predictor of response to the currently available somatostatin analogs and may be analyzed, mainly, by quantitative RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry (IHC). The former has the advantages of a higher sensitivity and of being quantitative, while the latter, although semi-quantitative, evaluates protein expression and is routinely used in the evaluation of pituitary adenomas. We aimed to evaluate the SSTR2A protein expression in somatotropinomas and to compare it to our previous data regarding mRNA expression, assessed by quantitative real time RTPCR. Thirteen somatotropinomas were analyzed by IHC and the tumors were scored according to percent of immunostained cells: 0 (<25%), 1 (25-50%) and 2 (>50%). SSTR2A immunostaining was present in all but one somatotropinoma, 4 (31%) tumors were classified as score 0, 4 (31%) as score 1, and 5 (38%) as score 2. Median SSTR2 mRNA content was significantly different among the three IHC scores (p=0.036) and was lower in the score 0 than in the score 2 (p=0.016). The finding that there is a positive correlation between RT-PCR and IHC indicates that IHC can be applied in order to assess the SSTR2A content in somatotropinomas.

Effects of GH-IGF-I excess and gonadal status on bone mineral density and body composition in patients with acromegaly

SUMMARY

Studies on body composition and bone mineral density in acromegaly have conflicting results. Our data point to an increase in lean mass, a decrease in adipose tissue, and that the anabolic effect of GH on bone is partially dependent on modifications in body composition.

INTRODUCTION

The effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) excess and gonadal status on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition (BC) in acromegalic patients are uncertain.

METHODS

Bone mineral density and BC were evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Prodigy-GE) in 75 patients (22 men and 53 women) with acromegaly, mean age 48.9 ± 14.5 years. Acromegaly was considered "controlled" when serum IGF-I was within the specific age-adjusted reference range, and serum GH was lower than 2.5 ng/mL. Comparisons between groups were performed using unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square (x (2)) test. In order to compare data of different subgroups stratified by disease activity and gonadal status, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were performed. To evaluate the correlation between GH and IGF-I and densitometric parameters, Pearson and Spearman rank order correlation were performed, as appropriate.

RESULTS

There were no differences in BMD when considering disease activity and gonadal status. Active disease and eugonadism were positively correlated to an increase in lean mass and a decrease in fat mass. After multiple linear regression, there were positive correlations between GH and Z-score at lumbar spine and between lean mass and BMD at proximal femur.

CONCLUSION

Our data support that GH-IGF-I excess and eugonadism have great influence on BC modifications and that the anabolic effects of GH-IGF-I on bone are, at least in part, dependent on these alterations in body composition.

Acromegaly secondary to growth hormone-releasing hormone secreted by an incidentally discovered pheochromocytoma

Ectopic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)-secreting tumors are rare and cause acromegaly with somatotroph hyperplasia. We report a case of acromegaly secondary to GHRH secretion by an incidentally discovered pheochromocytoma in a normotensive patient. A 23-year-old man presented with signs and symptoms of acromegaly. Laboratory evaluation confirmed the diagnosis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a sellar mass which was thought to be a macroadenoma and surgically resected. The patient was not cured and medical treatment was indicated. An abdominal ultrasound performed before initiation of medical treatment showed a solid/cystic lesion superiorly to the right kidney. An abdominal MRI confirmed an adrenal tumor. Hormonal workup of the adrenal incidentaloma revealed elevated urinary catecholamine and total metanephrines findings strongly suggestive of a pheochromocytoma. Acromegaly was then suspected to be due to ectopic secretion of GHRH by the tumor. Patient underwent surgical resection and histopathologic examination confirmed a pheochromocytoma which stained positively for GHRH. Also, review of the pituitary specimen confirmed somatotrophic hyperplasia. Genetic analysis of the ret proto-oncogene showed no mutation. Pituitary MRI was repeated 10 months after pheochromocytoma resection and revealed a slightly enlarged pituitary and partial empty sella. The diagnosis of acromegaly caused by ectopic production of GHRH is a challenging task. A careful histopathological examination of the surgically excised pituitary tissue has a key role to arouse the suspicion and guide the investigation of a secondary cause of acromegaly.

Osteosarcoma and acromegaly: a case report and review of the literature

A 72-yr-old acromegalic man, who presented with pain in the left femur, was found to have a metastatic osteosarcoma. Only three cases describing the coexistence of acromegaly and osteosarcoma have been reported by the literature. As the patient didn't have other risk factors for osteosarcoma, the hypothesis that accelerated rate of bone turnover caused by long-term exposure to high GH and IGF-I could act as a predisposing factor in the development of this malignant bone tumor is discussed.

Herpes simplex virus ophthalmic disease induced using two different methods of mice inoculation

Two different procedures for inoculation of HSV on corneas of BALB/c mice were evaluated. The first was by the use of HSV suspensions directly on the corneas and the other was after corneal scarification. Animals by this later method presented greater morbidity and mortality than those of first group, suggesting that inoculation of HSV without scarification of the cornea should be the method of choice for the study of HSV ophthalmic infection. This model showed also be an efficient experimental system to testing antiviral drugs.