Incidentalomas o no incidentalomas: ¿cuál es la relevancia de los adenomas hipofisarios en el adulto? / Incidentalomas or Non-Incidentalomas: What is the Relevance of Pituitary Adenomas in the Adult?

Introducción: desde el punto de vista anatómico, los adenomas hipofisarios (AH) se observan en el 10% de la población. Son en su mayoría pequeños y no funcionantes. La mayoría de los incidentalomas descubiertos en estudios de imágenes con alta resolución pedidos en situaciones clínicas frecuentes, como el traumatismo craneoencefálico, el accidente cerebrovascular y las demencias, corresponden a AH indolentes. Nos preguntamos cuál es la relevancia clínica de los adenomas hipofisarios. Desarrollo: los AH clínicamente relevantes son tumores en su mayoría benignos que conllevan, en diferentes proporciones, aumento en la morbilidad y/o mortalidad de los pacientes por mecanismos relacionados con la hipersecreción hormonal, la insuficiencia hormonal y/o los efectos de masa ocupante. La prevalencia de los AH clínicamente relevantes es mayor de la que se suponía hace 20 años. Afecta aproximadamente a 1/1000 habitantes. Los más prevalentes son los prolactinomas y los adenomas no funcionantes. La acromegalia, la enfermedad de Cushing y los tumores agresivos se traducen en pacientes complejos con mayor morbimortalidad. El diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento multimodal proveen una razonable mejoría de la sobrevida. El estudio epidemiológico de los AH clínicamente relevantes es importante para la estimación del impacto en los sistemas de salud. Conclusiones: los estudios por imágenes de mejor resolución continuarán señalando incidentalomas hipofisarios. Una evaluación cuidadosa de los pacientes podrá identificar aquellos AH clínicamente relevantes. (AU)

Introduction: from the anatomical point of view, pituitary adenomas (HA) are observed in 10% of the population. They are mostly small and non-functioning. Most incidentalomas discovered in high-resolution imaging studies ordered in frequent clinical situations, such as head trauma, stroke and dementia, correspond to indolent HA. We wonder what is the clinical relevance of pituitary adenomas. Development: clinically relevant HAs are mostly benign tumors that lead, in different degrees, to an increased morbidity and/or mortality in patients by mechanisms related to hormone hypersecretion, hormone insufficiency and/or occupying mass effects. The prevalence of clinically relevant HA is higher from what was assumed 20 years ago. It affects approximately 1/1000 of the population. The most prevalent are prolactinomas and non-functioning adenomas. Acromegaly, Cushing's disease and aggressive tumors make for complex patients with increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment provide a reasonable improvement in survival. Epidemiological study of clinically relevant HAs is important for estimating the impact on health systems. Conclusions: Higher-resolution imaging studies will continue to highlight pituitary incidentalomas. Careful evaluation of patients will identify clinically relevant HAs. (AU)

Cushing disease due to a somatic USP8 mutation in a patient with evolving pituitary hormone deficiencies due to a germline GH1 splicing variant

SUMMARY We present the unique case of an adult Brazilian woman with severe short stature due to growth hormone deficiency with a heterozygous G to T substitution in the donor splice site of intron 3 of the growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene (c.291+1G>T). In this autosomal dominant form of growth hormone deficiency (type II), exon 3 skipping results in expression of the 17.5 kDa isoform of growth hormone, which has a dominant negative effect over the bioactive isoform, is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupts the Golgi apparatus, and impairs the secretion of other pituitary hormones in addition to growth hormone deficiency. This mechanism led to the progression of central hypothyroidism in the same patient. After 5 years of growth and thyroid hormone replacement, at the age of 33, laboratory evaluation for increased weight gain revealed high serum and urine cortisol concentrations, which could not be suppressed with dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging of the sella turcica detected a pituitary macroadenoma, which was surgically removed. Histological examination confirmed an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. A ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) somatic pathogenic variant (c.2159C>G/p.Pro720Arg) was found in the tumor. In conclusion, we report progression of isolated growth hormone deficiency due to a germline GH1 variant to combined pituitary hormone deficiency followed by hypercortisolism due to an ACTH-secreting macroadenoma with a somatic variant in USP8 in the same patient. Genetic studies allowed etiologic diagnosis and prognosis of this unique case.

Doença de cushing e hipertensão arterial: relato de caso / Cushing disease and hypertension: a case report

Caso clínico de VNS, 23 anos, sexo feminino, branca, solteira, estudante, natural e procedente de São Paulo- SP com queixa de "pressão alta" há 4 anos. A paciente foi encaminhada para consulta ambulatorial após ter sido atendida em pronto-socorro (PS) com cefaleia, tonturas e pressão arterial (PA) 210x110 mm Hg e medicada com losartana 50 mg a cada 12 horas e hidroclorotiazida 25 mg ao dia. Na avaliação ambulatorial relatava episódios prévios de cefaleia holocraniana de forte intensidade, latejante, de início gradual há 4 anos com piora há 2 anos, que a levava ao pronto-socorro (PS) com muita frequência. Além disso, referia aumento de peso e fraqueza generalizada. Ao exame físico apresentava-se com níveis elevados da PA 160x100 mm Hg em uso das medicações prescritas no PS, obesidade grau III (IMC 41), adiposidade localizada (giba), acantose nigricans e estrias violáceas abdominais. Foi diagnosticada a doença de Cushing associada à hipertensão arterial não controlada, realizados ajustes dos agentes anti-hipertensivos (associado anlodipino 5 mg a cada 12 horas) e solicitados exames laboratoriais. A monitorização ambulatorial da PA (MAPA) de 24 horas caracterizou a hipertensão resistente, as dosagens de cortisol (cortisol salivar = 8h:172; após 23h:280, supressão com dexametasona =<2,5) e a ressonância nuclear magnética evidenciou um macroadenoma da hipófise confirmando o diagnóstico da doença de Cushing com base nos achados do exame físico, laboratorial e de imagem. A paciente foi tratada clinicamente com cetoconazol via oral sem sucesso e após isso submetida a ressecção transesfenoidal do macroadenoma de hipófise. Após o tratamento cirúrgico, houve perda de peso e resolução da hipertensão confirmada pelas medidas ambulatoriais de consultório e pela MAPA.

Clinical case of VNS, 23 years old, female, white, single, student, born and living in São Paulo-SP, complaining of "high blood pressure" 4 years ago. The patient was referred to an outpatient clinic after being seen in the emergency room (ER) with headache, dizziness and blood pressure (BP) 210x110 mm Hg and medicated with losartan 50 mg every 12 hours and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. In the outpatient evaluation, she reported previous episodes of severe, throbbing holocranial headache, which started gradually over 4 years and worsened over 2 years ago, which took her to the ER very often. In addition, she reported weight gain and generalized weakness. On physical examination, he presented with high BP levels 160x100 mm Hg using the medications prescribed in ER, obesity grade III (BMI 41), localized adiposity (gib), acanthosis nigricans and abdominal violet streaks. Cushing's syndrome was diagnosed associated with uncontrolled arterial hypertension, adjustments were made to antihypertensive agents (associated with amlodipine 5 mg every 12 hours) and laboratory tests were requested. 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) characterized resistant hypertension, cortisol levels (salivary cortisol = 8:00 am: 172; after 11:00 pm: 280, dexamethasone suppression = <2.5) and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a macroadenoma of the pituitary gland confirming the diagnosis of Cushing's disease based on the findings of the physical, laboratory and imaging exam. The patient was clinically treated with oral ketoconazole and underwent transphenoid resection of the pituitary macroadenoma. After the surgery the patient was no longer hipertensive, without use of antihypertensive medications, outpatient office measurements were normal, as were measurements outside the office by ABPM

Sampling of the petrosal sinuses. Indications, results and usefulness / Muestreo de senos petrosos. Indicaciones, resultados y utilidad

Abstract Objectives: to analyze, evaluate and describe the usefulness of petrosal sinus sampling for diagnosing central Cushing's syndrome. Materials and methods: the technical aspects and results of bilateral venous sampling of the petrosal sinuses at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paul in Medellín, Colombia, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018, were analyzed. Results: the average age was 43.3 years, with a range from 19 to 69 years. Laterality could be shown in 68.2% of cases, with a tendency to be located on the left in 53.3%. The central source of ACTH production could be shown in 95.4% of cases, with a basal average central/peripheral ratio of 21.7, and 70.8 after stimulation. All samples at 3, 5 and 10 minutes were confirmatory following stimulation. Conclusion: in our retrospective study, petrosal sinus catheterization provided laboratory confirmation of the central source of ACTH production in a high percentage of patients, with no immediate complications.

Resumen Objetivos: analizar, evaluar y describir la utilidad del muestreo de senos petrosos para diagnóstico del síndrome de Cushing de origen central. Material y métodos: se analizaron los aspectos técnicos y resultados del muestreo bilateral venoso de senos petrosos, desde el 1° de enero de 2012 a 31 de diciembre de 2018 en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl en Medellín, Colombia. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue 43.3 años con un rango de edad desde los 19 hasta los 69 años. La lateralidad pudo ser demostrada en 68.2% de los casos con una tendencia a la localización en el lado izquierdo en 53.3%. El origen central de producción de ACTH logró ser demostrado en 95.4% de los casos, con una relación central/periferia basal promedio de 21.7 y postestimulación de 70.8. Todas las muestras a los 3, 5 y 10 minutos fueron confirmatorias tras la estimulación. Conclusión: en nuestro estudio retrospectivo el cateterismo de senos petrosos confirmó la fuente central de producción de ACTH por laboratorio en un alto porcentaje de pacientes sin ninguna complicación inmediata.

An Unusual Cause of Fever, Rash, and Joint Pain: A Case Report of Adult Onset Still’s Disease

@#BACKGROUND: Adult-Onset Still's Disease is a rare inflammatory disorder with an estimated incidence of 1 in 1,000,000 that presents with a rash, fever, and arthritis. Furthermore, there have only been three reported cases in the Philippines. Its presentation is similar to other more commonly encountered inflammatory disorders; however, it is the negative immunologic and serologic workup that typically distinguishes this rare specific inflammatory disorder along with the fulfillment of diagnostic criteria set by Yamaguchi and Cush. CASE: This is a case of an 18-year-old female who presented with recurrent fever, rash, and polyarthritis. The patient underwent extensive workup, but immunologic studies were negative. A consideration of Adult-Onset Stills Disease was made and along with the fulfillment of the classification criteria set by Yamaguchi and Cush, the diagnosis was clinched and the patient was started on glucocorticoid therapy where improvement of the patient's condition was noted with the resolution of the fever, rash and minimal complaints of joint pain. CONCLUSION: Adult-Onset Still’s Disease is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that confers high morbidity and disability. It commonly presents with shared clinical features among other inflammatory disorders; thus, recognition of the existence of this disease entity could pose a diagnostic dilemma. A high clinical suspicion along with negative studies and fulfillment of the diagnostic criteria avoids unnecessary workup and inappropriate management.

Long-term outcome after bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease with focus on Nelson's syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective We analyzed the clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings of adrenalectomized patients with Cushing's disease (CD) in order to compare the characteristics of those who developed Nelson's syndrome (NS) versus those who did not develop this complication (NNS), aiming to identify possible predictive factors for its occurrence. Subjects and methods We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records of a group of patients with CD who underwent TBA between 1974 and 2011. Results Out of 179 patients with CD, 13 (7.3%) underwent TBA. NS occurred in 6 of them (46%) after a mean of 24 months from the total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA). Age at diagnosis, duration of Cushing's syndrome (CS) until TBA, and steroid replacement doses were similar in both groups. Initial urinary cortisol levels (24-hour urinary free cortisol [UFC]) were significantly higher in the NS group than in the NNS group (p = 0.009). Four patients in the NS group and three of those in the NNS group received radiotherapy before TBA (p = 0.26). Three patients in the NS group presented residual tumors before TBA, compared with none in the NNS group (p = 0.04). At 1 year after TBA, the median ACTH level was 476 ng/L (240-1500 ng/L) in the NS group and 81 ng/L (48-330 ng/L) in the NNS group (p = 0.0007). Conclusion In conclusion, a residual tumor before TBA, higher 24-hour UFC at diagnosis, and increasing ACTH levels within 1 year after TBA emerged as predictive factors of development of NS.

Sella turcica 3t magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of cushing's disease in children: two case reports / Ressonância magnética 3t de sela túrcica no diagnóstico de doença de cushing em crianças: relato de dois casos

ABSTRACT Objective: To present two clinical cases of pediatric Cushing disease caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pituitary adenomas, which were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging using 3 Tesla technology. Case description: Two cases of Cushing disease in 9-year-old children are reported. Both children presented pituitary adenomas that were smaller than 5 mm at their largest diameter, and which were not seen by standard 1.5 Tesla resonance. One of the patients was submitted to bilateral and simultaneous catheterization of the inferior petrosal sinus, but the result was undetermined. In both cases, the pituitary adenoma was detected by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Both patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery and were cured. Comments: Cushing disease presents high morbidity. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential. It is usually caused by adenomas that are smaller than 5 mm in diameter. Surgery is the first line of treatment, and effective methods of locating the adenoma are necessary for greater therapeutic success. This report suggests that the 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive, and thus able to detect pituitary microadenomas (largest diameter <10 mm). This exam may be indicated as a low-morbidity diagnostic tool for finding pituitary microadenomas in Cushing disease that are not visualized by 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar dois casos clínicos de Doença de Cushing infantil decorrentes de adenoma hipofisário secretor de hormônio adrenocorticotrófico, cujo diagnóstico foi realizado por meio da ressonância magnética pela tecnologia 3 Tesla. Descrição do caso: São relatados dois casos de Doença de Cushing em crianças aos nove anos. Ambas apresentavam adenomas menores que 5 mm em seu maior diâmetro que não foram visualizados por meio de ressonância magnética de sela turca utilizando tecnologia 1,5 Tesla. Uma das pacientes foi submetida ao cateterismo bilateral e simultâneo do seio petroso inferior, porém com resultado indeterminado. Nas duas, o adenoma hipofisário foi visualizado mediante ressonância magnética utilizando tecnologia 3 Tesla. Ambas foram submetidas à cirurgia transesfenoidal e evoluíram para cura. Comentários: A Doença de Cushing apresenta alta morbidade, necessitando de diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, e geralmente é causada por adenomas com diâmetro inferior a 5 mm. O tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo preciso utilizar métodos eficazes de localização do adenoma para maior sucesso terapêutico. Esses relatos sugerem que a ressonância magnética 3 Tesla tem mais sensibilidade na detecção de microadenomas hipofisários (maior diâmetro <10 mm), podendo-se indicar esse exame como uma ferramenta diagnóstica de baixa morbidade na localização de microadenomas hipofisários na Doença de Cushing não visualizados pela ressonância magnética 1,5 Tesla.

Remisión espontánea de acromegalia y enfermedad de Cushing en adultos mayores: casos clínicos / Spontaneous remission of acromegaly and Cushing's disease in older patients: report of two cases

Pituitary diseases such as acromegaly and Cushing's disease require surgical or medical therapy. In some functioning pituitary tumors, a spontaneous remission of hormonal hypersecretion is observed, mainly associated to apoplexy or pituitary infarction. We report the evolution of two female patients older than 70 years at the time of diagnosis, with multiple comorbidities. In case 1, acromegaly was diagnosed at 74 years of age. Sellar CT scan showed a 10-mm adenoma. During her follow-up, IGF1 levels remained normal. Nine years later, a magnetic resonance (MR) showed a 7-mm adenoma. In case 2, clinical and biochemical diagnosis of Cushing's disease was done being 71 years old. Sellar MR showed a 6-mm adenoma. Three years later, urinary cortisol normalized with no changes in adenoma at MR. Seven years later, she remains without clinical or biochemical signs of hypercortisolism. In both cases, no signs of hemorrhage were observed at MR.

A review of Cushing's disease treatment by the Department of Neuroendocrinology of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT The treatment objectives for a patient with Cushing's disease (CD) are remission of hypercortisolism, adequate management of co-morbidities, restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, preservation of fertility and pituitary function, and improvement of visual defects in cases of macroadenomas with suprasellar extension. Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is the main treatment option for the majority of cases, even in macroadenomas with low probability of remission. In cases of surgical failure, another subsequent pituitary surgery might be indicated in cases with persistent tumor imaging at post surgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or pathology analysis of adrenocorticotropic hormone-positive (ACTH+) positive pituitary adenoma in the first procedure. Medical treatment, radiotherapy and adrenalectomy are the other options when transsphenoidal pituitary surgery fails. There are several options of medical treatment, although cabergoline and ketoconazole are the most commonly used alone or in combination. Novel treatments are also addressed in this review. Different therapeutic approaches are frequently needed on an individual basis, both before and, particularly, after surgery, and they should be individualized. The objective of the present review is to provide the necessary information to achieve a more effective treatment for CD. It is recommended that patients with CD be followed at tertiary care centers with experience in treating this condition.

An activating mutation in the CRHR1 gene is rarely associated with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in poodles

OBJECTIVES: Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism is the most common cause of naturally occurring hypercortisolism in dogs. CRHR1 expression in human and dog corticotrophinomas suggested that this gene affects pituitary tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to investigate mutations in the CRHR1 coding region in poodles with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. METHODS: Fifty poodles with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and 50 healthy poodles were studied. Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR and analyzed by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The novel CRHR1 p.V97M mutation was identified in one dog. This valine residue, located in the amino-terminal extracellular domain, exhibits high affinity for its corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) ligand. Bioinformatic analysis revealed structural rearrangements in the mutant protein, with a 17% increase in the surface binding affinity between CRHR1 and CRH. In vitro functional studies showed that mutant CRHR1 induced higher ACTH secretion than the wild type after stimulation with human CRH. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that germline activating mutations in CRHR1 may be a rare cause of pituitary hyperadrenocorticism in poodles.

Incidencia de enfermedades endocrinas en caninos entre los años 2013-2016 en un hospital veterinario universitario de Chile / Incidence of endocrine diseases in canines between 2013-2016 in a universitary hospital in Chile

It has been shown that there is an association between air pollution and cardiovascular mortality. In bone pathology, studies show that air pollution is associated with a risk of developing osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture associated with MP2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ). The aim of our study was to determine whether or not there is an association between air pollution and osteoporotic disease, associating the incidence of femoral neck fracture in individuals aged 50 years or more and the contamination present in the several cities. Our results showed no statistically significant association between air pollution, evaluated using PM10 and PM2.5 as indicators, and the average annual incidence of osteoporotic hip fracture, comparing the most polluted cities and the less polluted cities of Chile

Correlation between Different Postoperative Serum Cortisol Cut-off Values Measured in Different Periods and Long-term Outcomes in Patients with Cushing's Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the correlation between different postoperative serum cortisol cut-off values measured in different periods and the long-term outcomes in patients with Cushing's disease (CD). Methods The clinical data of 102 CD patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 1985 to July 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. The differences of long-term outcomes were compared between patients with cortisol levels below 2 μg/dl (2 μg/dl group) and levels between 2 and 5 μg/dl (5 μg/dl group) in the 1postoperative day and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results The mean follow-up duration was (10.7±1.7) years (range:5-29.1 years). Among these 102 patients,the disease was cured in 74 patients (72.5%) and recurred in 28 patients (27.5%). On the 1postoperative day,there were 63 patients in the 2 μg/dl group,in which 48 patients (76.2%) achieved long-term cure;there were 39 patients in the 5 μg/dl group,in which 26 (66.7%) achieved long-term cure. The difference was not statistically significant (χ=1.097,P=0.295). Three months after TSS,the long-term cure rate was 84.2% (48/57) in the 2 μg/dl group,which was significantly higher than that (65.0%,26/40) in the 5 μg/dl group (χ=4.795,P=0.029). Six months after TSS,the long-term cure rate was 88.7% (47/53) in the 2 μg/dl group,which was significantly higher than that(69.2%,27/39) in the 5 μg/dl group(χ=5.400,P=0.020). Conclusion The serum cortisol level of below 2 μg/dl is more useful than 2-5 μg/dl 3 months and 6 months after surgery in predicting the prognosis of CD patients.

The Eosinophil Count Tends to Be Negatively Associated with Levels of Serum Glucose in Patients with Adrenal Cushing Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Cushing syndrome is characterized by glucose intolerance, cardiovascular disease, and an enhanced systemic inflammatory response caused by chronic exposure to excess cortisol. Eosinopenia is frequently observed in patients with adrenal Cushing syndrome, but the relationship between the eosinophil count in peripheral blood and indicators of glucose level in patients with adrenal Cushing syndrome has not been determined. METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of the clinical and laboratory findings of 40 patients diagnosed with adrenal Cushing syndrome at Chungnam National University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2016. Clinical characteristics, complete blood cell counts with white blood cell differential, measures of their endocrine function, description of imaging studies, and pathologic findings were obtained from their medical records. RESULTS: Eosinophil composition and count were restored by surgical treatment of all of the patients with adrenal Cushing disease. The eosinophil count was inversely correlated with serum and urine cortisol, glycated hemoglobin, and inflammatory markers in the patients with adrenal Cushing syndrome. CONCLUSION: Smaller eosinophil populations in patients with adrenal Cushing syndrome tend to be correlated with higher levels of blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin. This study suggests that peripheral blood eosinophil composition or count may be associated with serum glucose levels in patients with adrenal Cushing syndrome.

A rare case of multiple pituitary adenomas in an adolescent Cushing disease presenting as a vertebral compression fracture

Cushing disease in children and adolescents, especially with multiple pituitary adenomas (MPAs), is very rare. We report 17-year-old boy with MPAs. He presented with a vertebral compression fracture, weight gain, short stature, headache, and hypertension. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), only a left pituitary microadenoma was found. After surgery, transient clinical improvement was observed but headache and hypertension were observed again after 3 months later. Follow-up MRI showed a newly developed right pituitary microadenoma 6 months after the surgery. The need for careful clinical and radiographic follow-up should be emphasized in the search for potential MPAs in patients with persistent Cushing disease.

Recent Progress in the Medical Therapy of Pituitary Tumors

Management of pituitary tumors is multidisciplinary, with medical therapy playing an increasingly important role. With the exception of prolactin-secreting tumors, surgery is still considered the first-line treatment for the majority of pituitary adenomas. However, medical/pharmacological therapy plays an important role in controlling hormone-producing pituitary adenomas, especially for patients with acromegaly and Cushing disease (CD). In the case of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs), pharmacological therapy plays a minor role, the main objective of which is to reduce tumor growth, but this role requires further studies. For pituitary carcinomas and atypical adenomas, medical therapy, including chemotherapy, acts as an adjuvant to surgery and radiation therapy, which is often required to control these aggressive tumors. In the last decade, knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of various pituitary adenomas has increased, thus novel medical therapies that target specific pathways implicated in tumor synthesis and hormonal over secretion are now available. Advancement in patient selection and determination of prognostic factors has also helped to individualize therapy for patients with pituitary tumors. Improvements in biochemical and “tumor mass” disease control can positively affect patient quality of life, comorbidities and overall survival. In this review, the medical armamentarium for treating CD, acromegaly, prolactinomas, NFA, and carcinomas/aggressive atypical adenomas will be presented. Pharmacological therapies, including doses, mode of administration, efficacy, adverse effects, and use in special circumstances are provided. Medical therapies currently under clinical investigation are also briefly discussed.

Advances in Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Cushing's Disease / 中国医学科学院学报

Cushing's disease (CD) is a relatively rare disease,characterized by pathological hypercortisolism secondary to excessive adrenocorticotrophic hormone that is secreted by pituitary adrenocorticotrophic hormone adenoma or hyperplasia. In addition to the typical clinical symptoms such as moon face,buffalo hump,and central obesity,the CD patients may also experience mental disorders and cognitive dysfunction. This review mainly focuses on the cognitive state of CD patients,the mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by high cortisol levels,and the imaging findings (especially magnetic resonance imaging) for the evaluation of cognitive functions.

A patient with Cushing disease lateralizing a pituitary adenoma by inferior petrosal sinus sampling using desmopressin: a case report

A 14-year-old girl was referred for evaluation of the etiology of Cushing syndrome. During the previous 2 years, she had experienced weight gain, secondary amenorrhea, growth retardation, and back pain. Random serum cortisol level, 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, and overnight and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests suggested Cushing syndrome. Midnight adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test confirmed Cushing disease. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging was suspicious for microadenoma. To eliminate ectopic ACTH syndrome, and lateralize the pituitary tumor, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was performed by desmopressin use to stimulate ACTH. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with Cushing disease due to ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenoma, lateralized to the left side; subsequently underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Here we report a case of a 14-year-old girl diagnosed with Cushing disease with a pituitary tumor lateralized by IPSS using desmopressin, which is very rare in pediatric Cushing disease.

A Case of Bilateral Adrenal Myelolipomas with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia / 대한내과학회지

Adrenal myelolipoma (AML) is a rare, usually benign, and nonfunctioning tumor. About 7-15% of adrenal incidentalomas are AMLs, composed of normal hematopoietic elements and mature adipose tissue. AML is usually unilateral and < 4 cm. It is often discovered incidentally on abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. It is related to a chronic increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone, such as that observed in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing disease, Conn's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma. Here, we report a 28-year-old man diagnosed with non-salt-losing congenital adrenal hyperplasia with huge bilateral AMLs and a literature review.

Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cushing's Disease in Korea

Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare disorder characterized by the overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone due to a pituitary adenoma that ultimately stimulates excessive cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands. Prior to the detection of pituitary adenomas, various clinical signs of CD such as central obesity, moon face, hirsutism, and facial plethora are usually already present. Uncontrolled hypercortisolism is associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders that result in increased mortality. Hence, the early detection and treatment of CD are not only important but mandatory. Because its clinical manifestations vary from patient to patient and are common in other obesity-related conditions, the precise diagnosis of CD can be problematic. Thus, the present set of guidelines was compiled by Korean experts in this field to assist clinicians with the screening, diagnoses, and treatment of patients with CD using currently available tests and treatment modalities.

Limited Diagnostic Utility of Plasma Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for Differentiation between Adrenal Cushing Syndrome and Cushing Disease

BACKGROUND: Measurement of the plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level has been recommended as the first diagnostic test for differentiating between ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (CS) and ACTH-dependent CS. When plasma ACTH values are inconclusive, a differential diagnosis of CS can be made based upon measurement of the serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) level and results of the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test (HDST). The aim of this study was to assess the utility of plasma ACTH to differentiate adrenal CS from Cushing' disease (CD) and compare it with that of the HDST results and serum DHEA-S level. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, multicenter study from January 2000 to May 2012 involving 92 patients with endogenous CS. The levels of plasma ACTH, serum cortisol, 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC) after the HDST, and serum DHEA-S were measured. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients had adrenal CS and 35 patients had CD. The area under the curve of plasma ACTH, serum DHEA-S, percentage suppression of serum cortisol, and UFC after HDST were 0.954, 0.841, 0.950, and 0.997, respectively (all P<0.001). The cut-off values for plasma ACTH, percentage suppression of serum cortisol, and UFC after HDST were 5.3 pmol/L, 33.3%, and 61.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of plasma ACTH measurement were 84.2% and 94.3%, those of serum cortisol were 95.8% and 90.6%, and those of UFC after the HDST were 97.9% and 96.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Significant overlap in plasma ACTH levels was seen between patients with adrenal CS and those with CD. The HDST may be useful in differentiating between these forms of the disease, especially when the plasma ACTH level alone is not conclusive.