Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia Research Articles

Delineating endogenous Cushing’s syndrome by GC-MS urinary steroid metabotyping

BackgroundDiagnosing Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is highly complex. As the diagnostic potential of urinary steroid metabolome analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in combination with systems biology has not yet been fully exploited, we studied a large cohort of patients with CS. MethodsWe quantified daily urinary excretion rates of 36 steroid hormone metabolites. Applying cluster analysis, we investigated a control group and 168 patients: 44 with Cushing’s disease (CD) (70% female), 18 with unilateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma (83% female), 13 with primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) (77% female), and 93 ruled-out CS (73% female). FindingsCluster-Analysis delineated five urinary steroid metabotypes in CS. Metabotypes 1, 2 and 3 revealing average levels of cortisol and adrenal androgen metabolites included patients with exclusion of CS or and healthy controls. Metabotype 4 reflecting moderately elevated cortisol metabolites but decreased DHEA metabolites characterized the patients with unilateral adrenal CS and PBMAH. Metabotype 5 showing strong increases both in cortisol and DHEA metabolites, as well as overloaded enzymes of cortisol inactivation, was characteristic of CD patients. 11-oxygenated androgens were elevated in all patients with CS. The biomarkers THS, F, THF/THE, and (An + Et)/(11β-OH-An + 11β-OH-Et) correctly classified 97% of patients with CS and 95% of those without CS. An inverse relationship between 11-deoxygenated and 11-oxygenated androgens was typical for the ACTH independent (adrenal) forms of CS with an accuracy of 95%. InterpretationGC-MS based urinary steroid metabotyping allows excellent identification of patients with endogenous CS and differentiation of its subtypes. FundingThe study was funded by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung and the Eva-Luise-und-Horst-Köhler-Stiftung.

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.

PPARG dysregulation as a potential molecular target in adrenal Cushing's syndrome.

We performed a transcriptomic analysis of adrenal signaling pathways in various forms of endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) to define areas of dysregulated and druggable targets. Next-generation sequencing was performed on adrenal samples of patients with primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH, n=10) and control adrenal samples (n=8). The validation groups included cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA, n=9) and samples from patients undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease (BADX-CD, n=8). In vivo findings were further characterized using three adrenocortical cell-lines (NCI-H295R, CU-ACC2, MUC1). Pathway mapping based on significant expression patterns identified PPARG (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) pathway as the top hit. Quantitative PCR (QPCR) confirmed that PPARG (l2fc<-1.5) and related genes - FABP4 (l2fc<-5.5), PLIN1 (l2fc<-4.1) and ADIPOQ (l2fc<-3.3) - were significantly downregulated (p<0.005) in PBMAH. Significant downregulation of PPARG was also found in BADX-CD (l2fc<-1.9, p<0.0001) and CPA (l2fc<-1.4, p<0.0001). In vitro studies demonstrated that the PPARG activator rosiglitazone resulted in decreased cell viability in MUC1 and NCI-H295R (p<0.0001). There was also a significant reduction in the production of aldosterone, cortisol, and cortisone in NCI-H295R and in Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in MUC1 (p<0.05), respectively. This therapeutic effect was independent of the actions of ACTH, postulating a promising application of PPARG activation in endogenous hypercortisolism.

SAT330 Recurrence of Acth Independent Cushing Syndrome In Patient With Previously Operated On For Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia And Co-existence Of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: N. Vashakmadze: None. D. Nikoleishvili: None. Background: Cushing syndrome is a rare and usually sporadic endocrine disorder. Herein we describe a case of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome and ACTH-dependent Cushing disease in non-identical twins. Moreover, recurrence of Cushing syndrome after 25 years of non-complete resection of adrenal glands and co-existence of papillary thyroid cancer. Clinical Case: A 57-year woman presented with hypertension, depression, easy bruising, proximal muscle weakness, fatigue, and facial plethora. According to the patient, Cushing’s syndrome caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia was diagnosed in 1997. Surgical treatment - left adrenalectomy and right adrenal gland resection was performed. She was receiving HRT during the first 6 months, since then she was not receiving HRT and her cortisol was normal. It is extremely interesting that her nonidentical twin sister was diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing disease in 2006 and was successfully treated with transsphenoidal surgery. In 2019 patient was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), thyroidectomy was performed and multifocal PTC pT1b(m)N0M0 was diagnosed. Patient received adjuvant therapy with 80 mCi of RAI. In 2019 cortisol and ACTH levels were routinely evaluated, ACTH was undetectable &amp;lt;3 ng/dl (N: 7.2-63); 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test showed no suppression of cortisol 116 ng/ml (N: &amp;lt;1.8 ng/ml). However, patient did not consult an endocrinologist with the results of the mentioned investigations. She admitted to our clinic in December 2022 with above-mentioned complains to determine the tactics of further investigation/treatment. The data obtained during our consultation was consistent to recurrence of Cushing syndrome: midnight salivary cortisol– 0.46 mcg/dl (0.02-0.34), ACTH– 4.2 ng/l (7.2-63), 1 mg of dexamethasone suppression test – 217 nmol/l (&amp;lt;50). CT showed right adrenal noduls (2.5 cm and 1.2 cm). These data confirmed the diagnosis of recurrence of Cushing’s syndrome and right adrenalectomy with steroid coverage and postoperative hormone replacement therapy was recommended. Other data showed normal OGTT, moderate hypercholesterolemia, taking into account Cushing’s syndrome and smoking, statins were initiated. DXA showed osteoporosis (forearm T-score = -3.9 SD). 25(OH)D3 – 22.35 ng/ml, Ca – 1.09 mmol/l (1.1-1.3). Denosumab, calcium and vitamin D supplements were started to the patient. In addition, TSH was markedly suppressed on 125 mcg LT4 therapy, TSH – 0.005 mIU/l (0.4-3.8); Tg &amp;lt;0.17 g/l, anti-Tg - N and neck ultrasound was normal, that is consistent with excellent response and the target TSH was established 0.5-2.0 mIU/l. The dose of LT4 was reduced to 100 mcg. Conclusion: To our knowledge existence of Cushing syndrome and Cushing disease in non-identical twins has not been reported yet. Also, co-existence of Cushing syndrome and thyroid cancer is rare, and no connection is established yet. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI153 Genetic Variant In Armadillo Repeat Containing 5 Gene (ARMC5) Associates With Salt Sensitivity Of Blood Pressure And Aldosterone In A Caucasian Cohort

Abstract Disclosure: W.W. Parksook: None. M. Heydarpour: None. L. Pojoga: None. A. Gaye: None. G.H. Gibbons: None. G.H. Williams: Advisory Board Member; Self; Cereno. Consulting Fee; Self; Alnylam, Crinetics, Damian, KBP bioscience, Paxel, Relapsa, Unicycive. Grant Recipient; Self; NIH 2 grants. J.S. Williams: Advisory Board Member; Self; Mellicell, Inc. Background: Genetic alterations of ARMC5 have been reported in various adrenal disorders, particularly in primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Increasing evidence shows that polymorphic variants in ARMC5 are also associated with blood pressure (BP), hypertension, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) in individuals of African descent; however, little is known about these relationships in Caucasians. Herein, we conducted a deep phenotyping study to assess the association of ARMC5 variants with BP, salt sensitivity of BP (SSBP), and components of the RAAS in Caucasians. Methods: Normotensive and hypertensive, non-diabetic, non-chronic kidney disease, Caucasian participants underwent two dietary interventions at 5-7 days apart (200 mmol/day and 10 mmol/day sodium) to assess SSBP and other hormonal parameters. All participants were genotyped using a Multi-Ethnic-Genotyping-Array. Association analysis and the quality control of the genomic data were assessed by PLINK. Participants with complete data for SSBP and hormonal parameters, who were in salt balance, were included in the analysis (n= 306). Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association between the genetic variant and outcome parameters. Results: There were 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ARMC5 region. rs4889660 was significantly associated with SSBP in additive and dominant models when adjusted by Bonferroni correction. In a candidate gene analysis, rs4889660 risk allele carriers had greater SSBP than non-risk allele homozygotes (β= 4 mmHg, P= 0.03). Following dietary sodium restriction, rs4889660 risk allele carriers had lower serum aldosterone levels in an upright position (β= -6.9 ng/dl, P= 0.04) and serum aldosterone levels after angiotensin II stimulation (β= -3.0 ng/dl, P= 0.02). There were no differences between plasma renin activity, serum and urinary cortisol levels, and renal plasma flows between genotypes. Conclusions: There was an association between the ARMC5 rs4889660 variant and SSBP in Caucasians. With dietary sodium restriction, aldosterone responses to both upright posture and angiotensin II infusion were lower in the risk allele carriers. The reduced aldosterone responses suggest that an alteration in the RAAS system is not the cause of the SSBP, but is in response to a defect in another sodium-mediated homeostatic mechanism. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

FRI266 Medical Management Of Cushing’s Syndrome Caused By Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (PBMA) With Low Dose Of Ketoconazole

Abstract Disclosure: J.S. Hatfield: None. C.M. Godar: None. N.O. Vietor: None. T.D. Hoang: None. M.K. Shakir: None. Introduction: Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMA) is an uncommon cause of endogenous Cushing's syndrome, defined as both adrenal glands with multiple nodules &amp;gt; 10mm in diameter. It often presents as incidentally found, bilateral, macronodular adrenal glands in patients between 40-60 years of age, frequently with only mild cortisol elevation. Although surgical treatment is recommended in these patients, we report the effectiveness of low-dose ketoconazole to control excessive cortisol secretion. Clinical Case: A 62 y/o woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension was found to have bilateral adrenal nodules in 2010 while undergoing evaluation for abdominal pain. An adrenal CT scan confirmed bilateral adrenal nodules (largest left adrenal nodule 3.2cm x 2.9cm and right adrenal nodule 1.0cm x 1.0 cm). She was first referred for endocrine biochemical evaluation nearly 9 years later. Cortisol after 1mg dexamethasone suppression test was 17.3 mcg/dL, with corresponding ACTH of 3.1 pg/mL and dexamethasone of 310 ng/d, 24H urine cortisol 61 mcg/24 hr (6-42), 11 pm salivary cortisol 0.141, 0.133, 0.142 mcg/dL, and DHEA-S 11.4 mcg/dL (18.9-205.0). Biochemical evaluation for pheochromocytoma and primary hyperaldosteronism were negative. Serum 17-Hydroxyprogesterone 27 ng/dL was normal. Clinically, beyond her hypertension and diabetes she has no stigmata of hypercortisolism. Her type 2 diabetes with HbA1c of 7.8 is controlled with sitagliptin, insulin glargine and correctional lispro, and hypertension is treated with lisinopril. Due to the patient’s hesitancy for surgery, she was initiated on fluconazole which initially normalized urine cortisol levels (24H cortisol 20 mcg/24hr), though a rise to 70 mcg/24hr was noted after 6 months of treatment. She was transitioned to ketoconazole 200mg BID with resultant lowering of cortisol. Treatment was complicated by severe body aches that impaired ambulation, and symptoms resolved after decrease of ketoconazole to 100mg daily and rosuvastatin from 10mg to 5mg daily. Urine cortisol has remained in the normal range (15-22 mcg/24hr) for the last 2.5 years with no further side effects from ketoconazole. Discussion: Our patient’s clinical features suggest a diagnosis of PBMA. Most patients with PBMA have only mild elevation of cortisol levels and present with bilateral adrenal incidentalomas as seen in our patient. The classical features of Cushing's syndrome may be absent, and the nodular adrenals are frequently identified when abdominal imaging is performed for unrelated reasons. The amount of cortisol secretion is often sufficient to produce mild or overt Cushing’s syndrome. Although surgical treatment was considered, our patient was successfully treated with low-dose ketoconazole and thus, this may be an option in patients with mild PBMA-related Cushing’s syndrome. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

OR17-05 Lysine Demethylase KDM1A And Ectopic Expression Of GIP-Receptor In Somatotropinomas Of Patients With Paradoxical Response To Oral Glucose

Abstract Disclosure: F. Chasseloup: None. L. Tosca: None. D. Regazzo: None. A. Proust: None. M. Hage: None. E. Kuhn: None. C. Jublanc: None. K. Mokhtari: None. S. Salenave: None. S. Gaillard: None. F. Parker: None. A. Boch: None. G. Tachdjian: None. P. Chanson: None. J. Bouligand: None. G. Occhi: None. P. Kamenicky: None. Introduction: Paradoxical increase of GH following oral glucose load has been described in ∼30% of patients with acromegaly and has been related to the ectopic expression of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor (GIPR) in somatotropinomas. Recently, we identified germline pathogenic variants of lysine demethylase 1A (KDM1A) in patients with GIP-dependent primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with Cushing’s syndrome. Most patients also displayed a deletion of chromosome 1p, including the KDM1A locus in their adrenal tissues, resulting in complete loss of KDM1A expression. The ectopic expression of GIPR in both adrenal and pituitary lesions suggests a common molecular mechanism. The aim of our study was to search for genetic abnormalities of KDM1A in somatotroph pituitary adenomas. Methods: We collected somatotropinoma specimens from acromegalic patients followed in two tertiary endocrine centers in France and one in Italy. Somatic DNA was studied by targeted exome NGS and array-CGH. GIPR and KDM1A expression was quantified in the tumors using digital droplet PCR. Results: We included 186 patients: 108 patients (70.6 %) had a classic pathological GH response after oral glucose load, whereas 45 patients (29.4%) displayed a paradoxical rise of GH concentrations. Patients with a paradoxical response displayed higher IGF-1 levels (360 ± 111.8 % above ULN vs. 309.8 ± 107.3 %, p= 0.0130) and less invasive and smaller tumors (14.5 ± 5.58 mm vs. 18.5 ± 8.73 m, p= 0.0066). Amongst the 146 somatotropinoma specimens analyzed by targeted-NGS, no tumor harbored a KDM1A pathogenic variant, and 35 tumors harbored GNAS mutations (6 with and 29 without paradoxical GH responses). We identified a recurrent 1p deletion encompassing the KDM1A locus in 26 tumors, which were more frequently but not exclusively found in patients with paradoxical GH response compared to those with classic GH response. Somatic deletion of one KMD1A allele was associated with lower KDM1A expression (p=4.5e-5) and higher GIPR expression (p=0.0005). Discussion: Unlike in GIP-dependent PBMAH, we did not identify KDM1A genetic variants in a large cohort of acromegalic patients, independently of their GH response pattern to oral glucose loading. We identified recurrent 1p deletion in some tumors. Pituitary adenomas with a loss of one KDM1A copy due to chromosome 1p deletion harbored higher levels of GIPR transcripts than adenomas diploid for the KDM1A locus. If KDM1A haploinsufficiency leads to partial transcriptional derepression at the GIPR locus and a paradoxical rise of GH after glucose load warrants further investigations. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI220 Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Rare Cause Of Cushing Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Ortiz: None. A.M. Aviles Melendez: None. M.M. Mangual Garcia: None. J.M. Garcia-Mateo: None. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a highly heterogenous entity whose pathophysiology remains largely unclear, representing less than 2% of Cushing syndrome (CS) cases, which leads to a challenging diagnosis. Many patients have a mild clinical picture and remain undiagnosed until abdominal imaging for unrelated reasons reveals bilateral adrenal enlargement. Hereby, we describe the case of a patient presented with abdominal pain and clinical hypercortisolism due to PBMAH. Case of a 42-year-old female with past medical history of arterial hypertension, referred for evaluation due to bilateral adrenal masses found on abdominal CT scan performed after patient presented with abdominal discomfort. On initial evaluation, patient refers a 50 pounds weight gain, increase in abdominal circumference, muscle weakness and sudden onset of facial and abdominal hair growth. Physical examination reveals dorsocervical fat pad, proximal muscle weakness, moon facies, facial and abdominal hirsutism. Abdominal CT scan with adrenal protocol showed bilateral adrenal lesions, with largest measuring 2.8 and 3.9 cm on the left side, with attenuation of 16 and 7.4 Hounsfield units. The absolute and relative washouts for the first were 76.6% and 61.6%, and for the second 73.5% and 67.1%, both consistent with adenomas. Laboratory results showed late night salivary cortisol levels of 4.60 ug/dl and 4.80 ug/dl, values which may be high or even normal due to ineffective steroidogenesis on PBMAH. Other labs consisted of low dose 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test: 4.80 ug/dl, and ACTH level: 9.60 pg/ml, which confirms clinical hypercortisolism, indeterminate for ACTH-independent cause. Desmopressin test was not performed, since levels may not be fully suppressed in PBMAH due to ectopic production by adrenal glands, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS. DHEA level of 618 ug/dl can also be increased, which could lead to a diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma. Considering risk of recurrence, risk for adrenal insufficiency, and lower documented complications, unilateral left-sided adrenalectomy was chosen as the best surgical treatment, despite bilateral adrenalectomy being the gold standard for diagnosis. Surgical pathology report showed Adrenocortical adenoma with associated myelolipomatous foci of 7.5 cm in greatest dimension. Despite limited data regarding unilateral adrenalectomy, it appears to convey clinical and biochemical benefits in most cases. Initial remission reported reaches more than 90% with low risk of recurrence between 10-15%. Adrenal insufficiency, despite the presence of residual hyperplastic adrenal tissue, occurs in about one-third of patients and is usually transient. Our case is a great example of the importance of individualization of management options based on therapy benefits, and decreased risks of future complications. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Unexpected exacerbation of cryptococcal meningitis after unilateral adrenalectomy in a PMAH patient: a case report and literature review

BackgroundPrimary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PMAH) combined with infection by an opportunistic pathogen is complicated. Clinical evidence on managing PMAH patients with infections by opportunistic pathogens is insufficient.Case presentationA 66-year-old male was admitted with bilateral adrenal masses and was diagnosed with PMAH. Fever and disturbance of consciousness appeared after laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Cryptococcal meningitis was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. The exacerbation of his medical condition was suspected to result from immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), and he had been treated with antifungal therapy and glucocorticoid replacement, but he responded poorly and eventually died of multiorgan failure. We summarized the clinical observations of 12 Cushing's syndrome (CS) patients infected by Cryptococcus. Seven out of nine patients who were treated for cryptococcus infection before receiving CS survived, while three patients treated for cryptococcus infection after CS treatment developed signs of IRIS and eventually died.ConclusionCushing's syndrome, complicated with cryptococcal infection, has a high mortality rate, mainly when IRIS emerges. Carefully identifying the presence of the suspected infection, and controlling cryptococcal infection before removing the culprit adrenals could be the rational choice.

Laparoscopic Bilateral Adrenalectomy with the Transabdominal Lateral Approach

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a widely accepted method for most adrenal lesions. However, bilateral LA is performed less often than unilateral adrenalectomy. The most common indication for bilateral LA is adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, including persistent Cushing’s disease following unsuccessful transsphenoidal surgery and ectopic ACTH syndrome. Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the indications, safety, efficacy, and outcomes for bilateral LA with the transabdominal lateral approach. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2004 and February 2022. During the study period, transperitoneal LA was performed on 279 patients, among whom, 258 cases were unilateral LA. Therefore, our analysis included 21 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic bilateral LA with the transabdominal lateral approach. The surgery indication, tumor side and weight, operation time, conversion to open surgery, need for an additional trocar, complications, hospital stay, and follow-up information were analyzed. Results: Indications of bilateral LA were refractory Cushing’s disease (n=14), occult ectopic primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (n=5), ACTH secretion (n=1), and bilateral pheochromocytoma (n=1). The mean operative time was 207.8±21.3 min, including repositioning time. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were seen in 3 (14%) and 4 (19%) patients, respectively. No conversion to open surgery was observed. Median hospital stay was 7 (range, 5-10) days and median follow-up was 81 (range, 55-94.5) months. Three patients died at 62, 64, and 88 months after adrenalectomy due to heart failure, renal failure, and myocardial infarction, respectively. No adrenal insufficiency or signs of recurrent hypercortisolism was observed. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that laparoscopic bilateral LA was safe and effective, allowing acceptable morbidity and hospital stay. The most common surgical indication was ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, followed by ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome. The lateral transperitoneal approach obtains an excellent anatomical view. In our series, operative time and conversion to open surgery rate were in line with the literature.

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: clinical and laboratory features

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is characterized by bilateral benign adrenocortical lesions, which in some cases lead to Cushing syndrome (CS). Due to the low detection, non-specific, erased clinical picture and slow, long-term progression, it is difficult to assess the true prevalence of PBMAH. This also leads to fairly limited literature data. A detailed analysis of biochemical, imaging parameters, the clinical presentations, in particular, an assessment of the course of comorbidities (arterial hypertension (AH), diabetes (DM), osteoporosis), is necessary to develop an algorithm for managing patients with PBMAH. Analysis of clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with various forms of PBMAH. A single-center, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out. This study included 110 patients with PBMAH who got referred to the National Research Center for Endocrinology in the period from 2013-2023. We carried out comparative and correlation analysis of hormonal (plasma cortisol concentrations after 1 mg dexamethasone (1-mg DST), urinary free cortisol (СКМ), ACTH), biochemical (glycated hemoglobin), radiological data (nodular tissue volume), course of comorbidities (metabolic syndrome, DM, AH, osteoporosis) in three groups of patients: with overt CS, mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) and comorbid diseases, and patients with PBMAH without hormonal activity. Among 110 patients 79.1% were women, median age - 60 [51; 68]. The proportion of hormonally inactive forms of PBMAH was 37.3%, the overt CS and MACE was detected in 25.4 and 37.3% consequently. According to the hormonal -examination data: the cortisol level during 1-mg DST was 173.8 nmol/l [86.0; 441.0], ACTH - 3.35 pg/ml [1.00; 8.00], СКМ - 445.5 [249.0; 900.0]. Statistically significant positive moderate correlations were found between the volume of nodular tissue and the level of cortisol after PDT1 (r=0.40, p&lt;0.001), СКМ (r=0.29, p&lt;0.004), as well as a negative moderate correlation between the volume and the level of ACTH (r=-0.40, p&lt;0.001). When analyzing the prevalence and clinical severity of comorbid conditions, DM was diagnosed in 22 (53.7%), AH in 36 (87.8%), obesity and osteoporosis - 23 (56%) and 3 (7.3%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of CS-associated diseases among the above groups (p=0.56). PBMAH is a heterogeneous pathology with different clinical, hormonal, and imaging characteristics. A correlation was found between the volume of nodular tissue and the degree of hormonal activity of PBMAH. The obtained results emphasize the difficulty in determining clear indications for surgical treatment in the group of patients with MACE. The radicality of proposed surgical procedure should be weighed against its potential complications.

Clinical and cardiac characteristics of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Cushingžs syndrome (CS). Primary bilateral macro-nodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH), is a rare cause of CS that is clinically distinct from the other common types of CS, but cardiac characteristics have been poorly studied. The clinical data, steroid hormones and echocardiographic variables of 17 patients with PBMAH were collected. Twenty-one CS patients with cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) were collected as controls. The similarities and differences of clinical and cardiac features between the two groups were compared.

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

BackgroundThe 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 presentationA 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.ConclusionThe 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.

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia as a cause for Cushing syndrome

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

The role of CRH test in predicting the efficacy of unilateral adrenalectomy in Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Metabolic syndrome and primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is likely a genome instability disease due to ARMC5's role in resolving transcription-replication conflict

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: A series of 32 cases and literature review

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) accounts for <2% of cases of Cushing's syndrome. The majority of patients present with no obvious steroid excess it means with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). The classic treatment for patients with overt Cushing's syndrome is bilateral adrenalectomy, but unilateral resection of the larger adrenal gland can result in clinical and/or biochemical remission in >90% of cases, especially in cases of ACS. In this article, a series of 32 cases with PBMAH is described. Most of the cases of PBMAH had ACS, except for one case with overt Cushing's syndrome. A study of aberrant receptors was performed in six patients, being negative in three cases, positive in the metoclopramide test in two cases and positive in the metoclopramide test and in the mixed meal test in another patient. The patient with overt Cushing's syndrome was treated with adrenostatic therapy achieving biochemical control, while two patients with ACS underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with resection of the largest adrenal gland, demonstrating hypercortisolism remission and improvement of cardiovascular risk factors after surgery. This article describes a series of 32 cases of PBMAH and offers a comprehensive review of PBMAH.

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: A series of 32 cases and literature review

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) accounts for <2% of cases of Cushing's syndrome. The majority of patients present with no obvious steroid excess it means with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). The classic treatment for patients with overt Cushing's syndrome is bilateral adrenalectomy, but unilateral resection of the larger adrenal gland can result in clinical and/or biochemical remission in >90% of cases, especially in cases of ACS. In this article, a series of 32 cases with PBMAH is described. Most of the cases of PBMAH had ACS, except for one case with overt Cushing's syndrome. A study of aberrant receptors was performed in six patients, being negative in three cases, positive in the metoclopramide test in two cases and positive in the metoclopramide test and in the mixed meal test in another patient. The patient with overt Cushing's syndrome was treated with adrenostatic therapy achieving biochemical control, while two patients with ACS underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with resection of the largest adrenal gland, demonstrating hypercortisolism remission and improvement of cardiovascular risk factors after surgery. This article describes a series of 32 cases of PBMAH and offers a comprehensive review of PBMAH.

Extensive expertise in endocrinology: glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

Thirty years ago, we identified that cortisol secretion in some patients with unilateral adenoma or primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) was stimulated by food intake; this was secondary to the abnormal adrenocortical responsiveness to physiological post-prandial increase in glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). This resulted from the ectopic expression of non-mutated GIP receptor in the pathological adrenal tissues of those patients. Although ectopic GIP receptor (GIPR) was confirmed in a relatively limited number of cases to date, its elucidation leads to the identification of a wide diversity of aberrant G-protein-coupled receptors regulating steroidogenesis and cell proliferation in a high proportion of patients with PBMAH or cortisol-secreting adenomas. In addition, ectopic GIPR was identified in other endocrine tumors including somatotroph pituitary tumors with paradoxical growth hormone response to oral glucose, medullary thyroid carcinomas, and other neuroendocrine tumors. The first molecular pathogenic mechanism responsible for ectopic GIPR expression was elucidated in unilateral GIP-dependent adenomas in which somatic duplication and rearrangements in chromosome region 19q13.32 containing the GIPR locus lead to increased expression of GIPR which was enhanced by the activity of a glucocorticoid response element. Recently, germline lysine demythylase 1A (KDMIA) mutations combined with somatic chromosome 1p deletions were found to be specifically responsible for ectopic GIPR in sporadic or familial GIP-dependent PBMAH and can be associated with adrenal myelolipoma, monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), or multiple myeloma. Screening for ectopic GIPR should be conducted in all patients with PBMAH; genetic studies to identify KDM1A mutations should be offered to such patients in order to detect affected members and provide early detection of PBMAH and other potential associated neoplasias. The elucidation of GIP-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) illustrates that careful bedside phenotyping of rare conditions can lead to identification of genetically determined diseases requiring personalized approaches to investigation and therapy.