FRI204 A Rare Case Of Cushing Syndrome In Pregnancy: Diagnosis And Therapeutic Challenges

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: Z. Cardona: None. E.D. Szmuilowicz: None. Introduction: Cushing’s syndrome (CS) rarely occurs during pregnancy, and diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome in pregnancy is challenging due to physiologic changes during gestation. CS is associated with severe maternal and fetal complications. Clinical Case: A 36-year-old woman presented at 21 weeks gestational age with a known adrenal nodule admitted for evaluation of HTN, bilateral lower extremity edema, transaminitis, hyperglycemia, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Reported proximal muscle weakness, facial swelling, anxiety, depression, perspiration, and headaches associated with HTN. Physical exam notable for mild supraclavicular fat deposition, chest and neck plethora, hypertrichosis, and bruising. CT abdomen pelvis revealed a 2.3-cm left adrenal nodule measuring 30 Hounsfield units. Biochemical evaluation included a plasma renin activity of 0.719 ng/mL/h [ref range: 0.167-5.380 ng/mL/h], aldosterone <1.0 ng/dL [ref range: 0.167-5.380 ng/dL], potassium 2.6 mEq/dL, free plasma metanephrines (MN) < 25 pg/mL [ref range: < or = 57 pg/mL], free normetanephrines (NMN) < 25 pg/mL [ref range: < or = 148 pg/mL, total free MN and NMN < 25 [ref range: < or = 205 pg/mL]. 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC) was markedly elevated at 1854.1 mcg/24h [ref range: 3.1-50.0 mcg/24h], repeat 2186.2 mcg/24h, ACTH: 1.5 pg/mL [ref range: 7.2-63.6 pg/mL], confirming a diagnosis of ACTH-independent CS. Her case was complicated due to the adrenal nodule location. Patients with left adrenal nodules are at risk of developing inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome during left adrenalectomies, especially in the third trimester, due to compression exerted by the uterus while lying on the right side during the procedure. She underwent an uncomplicated laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Was started on hydrocortisone (HC) following surgery. There was concern for transient neonatal adrenal insufficiency at delivery. Measuring adrenal insufficiency in utero is challenging; however, estriol could serve as a surrogate marker of fetal adrenal function. Her estriol was normal, possibly indicating intact fetal adrenal activity. She had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with no signs of adrenal insufficiency in her baby. Interestingly, she had a severely low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) which completely normalized soon after adrenalectomy. Clinical Lesson: This case depicts the challenges in managing CS in pregnancy and its repercussions regarding maternal, fetal, and delivery outcomes. Additionally, it highlights the importance of implementing a multidisciplinary approach, including obstetricians, endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, and pediatricians, to ensure the optimization of therapeutic strategies. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023