Presentation, disease progression and outcomes of adrenal gland metastases

Cytological Assessment of Adrenal Tumours: Insights From 22-Years Single Centre Experience

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of adrenal tumours has increased in the last decades, mainly due to increased use of imaging. The diagnostic evaluation of adrenal masses can be complex and, in some cases, necessitates cytological evaluation. However, concerns remain regarding the potential complications associated with adrenal gland biopsy.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the safety and diagnostic effectiveness of cytology in patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of adrenal glands at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, between 2000 and 2022. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of the sample and the complication rate.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

A total of 241 patients and 251 FNAs were included, with 10 patients undergoing two FNAs each. Data on clinical, radiological and laboratory presentation was collected and corelated with cytological findings and outcomes.

RESULTS

Diagnostic FNA was obtained in 90% of patients (n = 217) with endoscopic ultrasound technique being most successful (95.8%), followed by CT (88.7%) and transabdominal ultrasound technique (86.7%). The sensitivity and the specificity were 93.8% respectively 96.7%. More than half of the FNA samples (52.7%) indicated a diagnosis consistent with metastases to the adrenal gland. The complication rate was 7.9% (n = 20). Based on the FNA results, adrenalectomy was performed on 13.6%, while 52.8% of the patients with benign findings were managed conservatively. Chemotherapy was started for 78.7% of patients with malignant findings.

CONCLUSION

FNA of the adrenal glands is a safe, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that can be useful in the assessment of adrenal lesions.

Serum Steroid Profiling in the Diagnosis of Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Prospective Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Guidelines suggest performing urine steroid profiling in patients with indeterminate adrenal tumors to make a noninvasive diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). However, urine steroid profiling is not widely available.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of clinically available serum 11-deoxycortisol, 17OH-progesterone, and 17OH-pregnenolone in diagnosing ACC.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective single-center cohort study of patients with adrenal masses evaluated between 2015 and 2023. Serum was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for 17OH-pregnenolone, 17OH-progesterone, and 11-deoxycortisol. Reference standard for adrenal mass included histopathology, imaging characteristics, imaging follow up of 2 years, or clinical follow up of 5 years. Localized Generalized Matrix Learning Vector Quantization analysis was used to develop serum steroid score and assessed with area under receiver operating curve.

RESULTS

Of 263 patients with adrenal masses, 44 (16.7%) were diagnosed with ACC, 161 (61%) with adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), 27 (10%) with other adrenal malignancies, and 31 (12%) with other. Hounsfield unit ≥ 20 was demonstrated in all ACCs, in all but 1 other adrenal malignancy, and in 58 (31%) ACAs. All 3 steroids were higher in patients with ACCs vs non-ACCs, including when comparing ACCs with functioning ACAs, and with ACAs with Hounsfield unit ≥ 20 (P < .0001 for all). Localized Generalized Matrix Learning Vector Quantization analysis yielded a serum steroid score that discriminated between ACC and non-ACC groups with a mean threshold fixed area under receiver operating curve of 0.823.

CONCLUSION

We showed that measurements of 11-deoxycortisol, 17OH-progesterone, and 17OH-pregnenolone could be valuable in diagnosing ACC. After appropriate validation, serum steroid score could be integrated in clinical practice.

Presentation and management of patients with adrenal masses: a large tertiary centre experience

BACKGROUND

Adrenal masses are found in up to 5%-7% of adults. The 2016 European guidelines on the management of adrenal incidentalomas have standardised the workup of these patients, but evidence of their impact on clinical practice is lacking.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, and final diagnosis of a large cohort of patients with adrenal masses referred to a tertiary care centre 1998-2022. Sub-analysis compares outcomes before and after implementing the 2016 guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 1397 patients (55.7% women; median age 60 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 49-70]) were included. Incidental discovery was the most frequent mode of presentation (63.7%) and 30.6% of patients had masses ≥ 4 cm (median 2.9 cm [IQR, 1.9-4.7]). Unenhanced computed tomography Hounsfield units (HU) were available for 763 patients; of these, 32.9% had heterogeneous masses or >20 HU. The most common diagnoses were adrenocortical adenoma (56.0%), phaeochromocytoma (12.7%), adrenocortical carcinoma (10.6%), and metastases (5.7%). At multivariable analysis, significant predictors of malignancy included >20 HU or heterogeneous density (odds ratio [OR] 28.40), androgen excess (OR 27.67), detection during cancer surveillance (OR 11.34), size ≥ 4 cm (OR 6.11), and male sex (OR 3.06). After implementing the 2016 guidelines, the number of adrenalectomies decreased (6.1% pre-2016 vs 4.5% post-2016) and the number of patients discharged increased (4.4% pre-2016 vs 25.3% post-2016) for benign non-functioning adrenal masses.

CONCLUSION

Implementing the 2016 guidelines positively impacted clinical practice, reducing unnecessary surgeries and increasing the discharge rate for benign adrenal masses, thereby preserving healthcare resources and patient burden.

Clinical Review: The Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Bilateral Adrenal Masses

OBJECTIVE

This white paper provides practical guidance for clinicians encountering bilateral adrenal masses.

METHODS

A case-based approach to the evaluation and management of bilateral adrenal masses. Specific clinical scenarios presented here include cases of bilateral adrenal adenomas, hemorrhage, pheochromocytomas, metastatic disease, myelolipomas, as well as primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

RESULTS

Bilateral adrenal masses represent approximately 10% to 20% of incidentally discovered adrenal masses. The general approach to the evaluation and management of bilateral adrenal masses follows the same protocol as the evaluation of unilateral adrenal masses, determined based on the patient's clinical history and examination as well as the imaging characteristics of each lesion, whether the lesions could represent a malignancy, demonstrate hormone excess, or possibly represent a familial syndrome. Furthermore, there are features unique to bilateral adrenal masses that must be considered, including the differential diagnosis, the evaluation, and the management depending on the etiology. Therefore, considerations for the optimal imaging modality, treatment (medical vs surgical therapy), and surveillance are included. These recommendations were developed through careful examination of existing published studies as well as expert clinical opinion consensus.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation and management of bilateral adrenal masses require a comprehensive systematic approach which includes the assessment and interpretation of the patient's clinical history, physical examination, dynamic hormone evaluation, and imaging modalities to determine the key radiographic features of each adrenal nodule. In addition, familial syndromes should be considered. Any final treatment options and approaches should always be considered individually.

Adrenal Insufficiency following Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SAbR) of Adrenal Gland Metastases

BACKGROUND

Adrenal metastases are often treated with stereotactic ablative radiation (SAbR). We aimed to assess the incidence, timing, and factors associated with the development of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) following SAbR.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study comprised 66 consecutive patients (73% men, median age 61 years) who underwent SAbR for adrenal metastasis.

RESULTS

The series encompassed metastases from renal cell carcinoma (41%), lung tumors (38%), colorectal adenocarcinoma (9%), melanoma (5%), and others (7%). Median follow-up was 17 months from SAbR. Nine (14%) patients developed PAI at a median of 4.3 months (range, 0.7-20.2). The incidence of PAI was 44% in patients with prior adrenalectomy receiving unilateral SAbR, 44% with bilateral SAbR, 2% with unaffected contralateral gland, and 0% with bilateral metastases treated with unilateral SAbR. PAI was associated with prior adrenalectomy (odds ratio [OR] 32) and bilateral SAbR (OR 8.2), but not age, sex, metastasis size, or biological effective dose. Post-SAbR 6-month and 1-year local control rates were 82% and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing SAbR for adrenal metastasis are at high risk of developing PAI. PAI is associated with bilateral SAbR and contralateral adrenalectomy. PAI is unlikely with a remaining unaffected adrenal gland or in the setting of bilateral adrenal metastases with unilateral SAbR.

Adrenal tumours in patients with pathogenic APC mutations: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Adrenal tumours are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In the literature, most studies use the clinical definition of FAP (more than 100 adenomatous polyps found in endoscopic studies). However, not all patients that meet clinical criteria for FAP carry pathogenic mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, as there is genetic heterogeneity responsible for FAP with the polyposis sometimes explained by genetic and environmental factors other than pathogenic APC mutations. Reciprocally, not all the patients with pathogenic APC variants will fulfil the classic criteria of FAP.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of adrenal tumours in patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants and explore the hormonal function of these patients.

METHOD

This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants were recruited and their radiological assessments were reviewed. Patient demographic data, APC variants, adrenal mass characteristics and hormonal testing results were collected.

RESULT

The prevalence of adrenal mass was 26.7% (24/90) among patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants. Using the classic definition, the prevalence was 32.4% (22/68). Four patients had adrenal hormone testing, two of which had Conn's syndrome and two had nonspecific subclinical results.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort, the prevalence of adrenal tumours among patients with pathogenic and likely pathogenic APC mutations is at least twice to three times higher than the general population prevalence reported from international population-based studies. The hormonal functions of patients with pathogenic APC variants and adrenal tumours can be investigated with routine testing in further research.

Metastatic diseases to the adrenal gland: A comprehensive study from an academic institution with emphasis on clinical occult cases

The adrenal gland is one of the common sites of metastasis and distinguishing metastatic diseases from adrenal primary neoplasms is essential for accurate clinical management of patients. Our study aimed to elucidate the spectrum and clinicopathologic features of metastatic solid tumors to the adrenal gland at an academic institution, with special focus patients presented with solitary adrenal masses without previously known malignancies. Our departmental database (2013-2022) was retrospectively searched and 129 patients with metastatic solid tumors involving the adrenal gland were identified. The median age at the initial diagnosis of metastatic diseases was 64 years old (range, 54-70 years). The majority of the diseases were presented as unilateral (n=118) or unifocal (n=119) involvement. Most patients had known prior or concurrent malignancies (n=125), whereas adrenal gland involvement was the initial clinical presentation in 4 patients. The most common primary carcinomas included renal cell carcinoma (n=84), lung adenocarcinoma (n=21), urothelial carcinoma (n=3) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=3). In 104 (80 %) patients with available follow up (median of 39 months, ranging 0-81 months), 43 patients died of disease. Metastatic diseases are usually exercised in the differential diagnosis when there is clinically known malignant primary. In patients without clinical known malignancies, close clinical and radiologic correlation and thorough relevant clinical work up are critical, because clinical occult malignancy may metastasize to the adrenal gland as a solitary mass at the initial presentation, although it is rare.

Approach to the Patient With Bilateral Adrenal Masses

Bilateral adrenal masses, increasingly encountered in clinical practice, manifest across diverse contexts, including incidental discovery, malignancy staging, and targeted imaging after hormonal diagnosis of adrenal disorders. The spectrum encompasses various pathologies, such as cortical adenomas, macronodular adrenal disease, pheochromocytomas, myelolipomas, infiltrative disorders, and primary and secondary malignancies. Notably, not all masses in both adrenal glands necessarily share the same etiology, often exhibiting diverse causes. Recently, the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors updated guidelines, introduced a 4-option schema based on imaging, aiding in targeted hormonal testing and management. This "Approach to the Patient" review delves into the latest advancements in imaging, biochemical, and genetic approaches for the diagnostic and management nuances of bilateral adrenal masses. It provides insights and a contemporary framework for navigating the complexities associated with this clinical entity.

Adrenal tumors in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms

PURPOSE

To study the prevalence of primary adrenal tumors and adrenal metastases in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) and describe these in detail. NENs can be further divided into neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC).

METHODS

A review of medical files was conducted for all patients who underwent a 68Gallium-DOTATOC-PET/CT during 2010-2023 or adrenalectomy during 1999-2023 at the Karolinska University Hospital.

RESULTS

In total, 68Gallium-DOTATOC-PET/CT was performed on 1750 individuals with NEN, among whom 12 (0.69%) had adrenal tumors. Of these, 9 (0.51%) were NEN metastases. Out of 1072 adrenalectomies, 4 (0.37%) showed evidence of NEN metastases. Thus, 16 patients with NEN exhibited adrenal tumors. The adrenal tumors were found on average 5 years after the NEN diagnosis and 19% of the adrenal tumors with simultaneous NEN were benign. Few had all adrenal hormones measured. None had an adrenal insufficiency nor an adrenal biopsy. Another synchronous metastasis was found in 69% at the time of the adrenal tumor discovery. During the median 2-year follow-up, 38% of the subjects had deceased (with the exclusion of individuals presenting supposedly benign adrenal tumors 31%) all due to tumor complications. A comparison between individuals identified through 68Gallium-DOTATOC-PET/CT and those who underwent adrenalectomy revealed a higher prevalence of NETs in the former group and NECs in the latter group.

CONCLUSION

Adrenal primary tumors and adrenal metastases are infrequent occurrences in patients with NEN. Most cases involved the presence of NEN metastasis upon the initial discovery of adrenal tumors. The overall prognosis was found to be favorable.

Factors influencing local control after MR-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (MRgSBRT) for adrenal metastases

Purpose

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for adrenal gland metastases, but it is technically challenging and there are concerns about toxicity. We performed a multi-institutional pooled retrospective analysis to study clinical outcomes and toxicities after MR-guided SBRT (MRgSBRT) using for adrenal gland metastases.

Methods and Materials

Clinical and dosimetric data of patients treated with MRgSBRT on a 0.35 T MR-Linac at 11 institutions between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed. Local control (LC), local progression-free survival (LPFS), distant progression-free survival (DPFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

Results

A total of 255 patients (269 adrenal metastases) were included. Metastatic pattern was solitary in 25.9 % and oligometastatic in 58.0 % of patients. Median total dose was 45 Gy (range, 16-60 Gy) in a median of 5 fractions, and the median BED10 was 100 Gy (range, 37.5-132.0 Gy). Adaptation was done in 87.4 % of delivered fractions based on the individual clinicians' judgement. The 1- and 2- year LPFS rates were 94.0 % (95 % CI: 90.7-97.3 %) and 88.3 % (95 % CI: 82.4-94.2 %), respectively and only 2 patients (0.8 %) experienced grade 3 + toxicity. No local recurrences were observed after treatment to a total dose of BED10 > 100 Gy, with single fraction or fractional dose of > 10 Gy.

Conclusions

This is a large retrospective multi-institutional study to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicities with MRgSBRT in over 250 patients, demonstrating the need for frequent adaptation in 87.4 % of delivered fractions to achieve a 1- year LPFS rate of 94 % and less than 1 % rate of grade 3 + toxicity. Outcomes analysis in 269 adrenal lesions revealed improved outcomes with delivery of a BED10 > 100 Gy, use of single fraction SBRT and with fraction doses > 10 Gy, providing benchmarks for future clinical trials.

PRIMARY BILATERAL ADRENAL LYMPHOMA PRESENTING WITH IMPENDING ADRENAL CRISIS

Primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma is a very rare cause of adrenal insufficiency. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms of impending adrenal crisis when referred for evaluation of large bilateral adrenal masses diagnosed on a computed tomography scan two weeks prior. Based on a high clinical suspicion of adrenal insufficiency, patient was initiated on glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy prior to laboratory confirmation of adrenal insufficiency. After stabilizing the patient and excluding pheochromocytoma, we proceeded with adrenal biopsy that revealed a nongerminal center-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Our patient was treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy, with good response after 3 cycles but eventually died after the fifth cycle from neurologic complications. This case highlights the notion that primary adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients presenting with bilateral adrenal masses. Although primary adrenal lymphoma is a very rare adrenal malignancy it should be considered in patients presenting with bilateral rapidly growing adrenal tumors and primary adrenal insufficiency.

[Metastatic lesions of the adrenal glands. The experience of Endocrinology Research Center.]

Differentiation between benign, primary and secondary malignant tumors is a critical problem in the clinical treatment of adrenal tumors, especially in patients with isolated adrenal lesions. In most cases, the correct diagnosis can be established microscopically with standard staining with hematoxylin and eosin. However, there are cases when it is almost impossible to distinguish metastasis from primary adrenal cancer, so an accurate diagnosis requires an immunohistochemical examination.This article presents five unique observations of secondary adrenal tumors that were diagnosed by us in the current surgical material: metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer, metastasis of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the bladder, as well as malignant mesothelioma. Taking into account the extreme rarity of the presented observations, we present an analysis of the literature data.

Etiology, morphology, and outcomes of adrenal calcifications in 540 adult patients-a retrospective single-center study

Sparse data are available on the etiology, morphology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of adrenal calcification. In this single-center retrospective study of 540 consecutive patients (median age 65 years, 45% women) with adrenal calcification on computed tomography (December 2017 to January 2021), most were discovered incidentally (472, 87%). The commonest etiology was idiopathic (389, 72%), followed by the adrenal tumor (113, 21%), hemorrhage (29, 5%), and infiltrative disease (7, 1%). Calcified adrenal tumors were predominantly benign (92, 81%) and primarily adenomas (63, 69%), whereas the most common calcified adrenal malignancy (16, 18%) was metastasis (12, 67%). Calcification (unilateral 94%, bilateral 6%) morphology varied from punctate (313, 58%) to coarse (165, 30%), linear/curvilinear (46, 9%), and rim-like (16, 3%). In summary, adrenal calcifications are usually incidentally discovered unilateral, punctate, or coarse lesions of unclear etiology. Most calcified adrenal tumors are benign and <20% malignant or pheochromocytomas.

Radiation of bilateral adrenal metastases is associated with a high risk of primary adrenal insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Adrenal metastasis is the most common adrenal malignancy and can be bilateral in up to 43% of patients. Radiotherapy (RT) is one option available to treat adrenal metastases. The risk of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) after adrenal RT is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the incidence and the timeline of PAI in patients undergoing adrenal RT.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Single-centre longitudinal retrospective cohort study of adult patients with adrenal metastases treated with RT between 2010 and 2021.

RESULTS

Of 56 patients with adrenal metastases treated with adrenal RT, eight (14.3%) patients developed PAI at a median of 6.1 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.9-13.8) after RT All patients developing PAI had either unilateral RT in the setting of contralateral adrenalectomy or bilateral adrenal RT. Patients who developed PAI received a median RT dose of 50 Gy (IQR: 44-50 Gy), administered in a median of five fractions (IQR: 5-6). Treated metastases decreased in size and/or metabolic activity on positron emission tomography in seven patients (87.5%). Patients were initiated on hydrocortisone (median daily dose of 20 mg, IQR: 18-40) and fludrocortisone (median daily dose of 0.05 mg, IQR: 0.05-0.05 mg). At the end of the study period, five patients died, all due to extra-adrenal malignancy, at a median time of 19.7 months (IQR: 16-21.1 months) since RT and median time of 7.7 months (IQR: 2.9-12.5 months) since the diagnosis of PAI.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving unilateral adrenal RT with two intact adrenal glands have a low risk of PAI. Patients receiving bilateral adrenal RT have a high risk of PAI and require close monitoring.

Diagnosing and managing adrenal incidentalomas

ABSTRACT

Adrenal incidentalomas are commonly encountered because of the widespread use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging. Adrenal incidentalomas may be benign or malignant, and also may demonstrate hormonal hypersecretion, so all patients with adrenal masses should undergo further assessment. Clinicians should have a basic understanding of adrenal incidentalomas, their workup, and when follow-up and referral are warranted.

Adrenal Metastasectomy in the Era of Immuno- and Targeted Therapy

Adrenal metastasectomy has an increasing role in multimodality oncologic care for diverse primary cancer types. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, evaluation, and contemporary best practices in the management of adrenal metastases from various primaries. Initial evaluation of suspected adrenal metastases should include diagnostic imaging to assess the extent of tumor involvement and determine surgical resectability, as well as biochemical evaluation for hormone secretion. Biopsy has a minimal role and should only be performed in tumors that are established to be non-hormone secreting and when the biopsy results would change clinical management. Adrenal metastasectomy is associated with survival benefit in selected patients. We suggest that adrenal metastasectomy has the greatest benefit in four clinical scenarios: (1) disease limited to the adrenal gland in which adrenalectomy renders the patient disease-free; (2) isolated progression in the adrenal gland in the setting of otherwise controlled metastatic extra-adrenal disease; (3) need for palliation of symptoms related to adrenal metastases; or (4) in the context of tissue-based clinical trials. Both minimally invasive and open adrenalectomy techniques are safe and appear to have equivalent oncologic outcomes. Minimally invasive approaches are favored when technically feasible while maintaining oncologic principles. A multidisciplinary evaluation including clinicians with expertise in the primary cancer type is essential to the successful management of adrenal metastases.

Adrenal Incidentaloma Controversial Size Recommendations

The size of adrenal incidentalomas has important implications for diagnosis and management. Recommendations from endocrine societies do not all correlate with regard to adrenal incidentaloma size. Therefore, the aim was to compare adrenal incidentaloma size recommendations between different endocrine societies and the reasoning for these recommendations. Eight different international guidelines were reviewed and compared. The smaller the size of the incidentaloma, the lower the risk for malignancy. The majority of guidelines consider 4 cm as the cut-off, but there are discrepancies. Size indications for laparoscopic adrenalectomy have a wide range from less than 4 cm up to 12 cm. The followup period of adrenal incidentalomas, as well as what is considered significant growth over that period, varies between the recommendations. Therefore, the clinician should be aware of the differences when managing a patient with adrenal incidentaloma. There are discrepancies in size considerations with regard to significance, treatment options, optimal follow-up period, and further management.

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Ablation for Adrenal Metastases: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous ablation (US-PA) for adrenal metastases (AMs) using a meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases was performed to identify studies on US-PA for AM. Seven studies published between January 2000 and August 2022 were analyzed, which resulted in a sample size of 140 patients. Both random effects and common effects meta-analysis models were used to analyze the following efficacy and safety outcomes: the first and secondary technical success rate, 1-year overall survival rates, 1-year local tumor control rate, incidence rate of intraoperative hypertensive crises, and major complications. The subgroup analysis was performed to explore the origin of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Among 140 patients from 7 studies included in this meta-analysis: 51 (36.43%) underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and 89 (63.57%) underwent microwave ablation (MWA). Pooled data analysis revealed that the first and secondary technical success rates were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73-96) and 99% (95% CI, 96-100), the 1-year overall survival rate was 83% (95% CI, 71-93), the 1-year local tumor control rate was 83% (95% CI, 75-90), and the incidence rate of intraoperative hypertensive crises was 14% (95% CI, 8-20). The overall rate of major complications was 3.6%. In the subgroup analysis, lower heterogeneity was indicated to be associated with mean tumor size and ablation type.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that US-PA can be both effective and safe for AM in terms of overall survival, technical success rate, and local control for AM.

The clinical consequences of functional adrenal uptake in the absence of cross-sectional mass on FDG-PET/CT in oncology patients

PURPOSE

Oncology patients undergoing positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) occasionally show discrete adrenal [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake without an associated nodule on CT, leaving the clinician uncertain about the need to proceed with biopsy or surgical referral. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of this radiological finding and to evaluate the effectiveness of FDG uptake values in risk stratification for adrenal metastasis.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2015, oncology patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT and demonstrated elevated FDG uptake in the adrenal gland without discrete nodularity on cross-sectional imaging were included in a retrospective cohort analysis. Clinical records and FDG-PET/CT scans were reviewed for clinicopathological data, follow-up data, SUVmax (highest SUV of either adrenal gland), and SUVratio (SUVmax/background liver uptake). A receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between SUV values and the progression to adrenal metastasis.

RESULTS

Of 3040 oncology patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT scans, 92 (3.0%) showed elevated adrenal uptake without associated mass. From the final study cohort of 66 patients with comprehensive follow-up data, 5 patients (7.6%) developed evidence of adrenal metastasis. At SUVmax < 3.25 (AUC = 0.757) and SUVratio < 1.27 (AUC = 0.907), 34.8% and 60.6% of patients could be excluded with 100% negative predictive value, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Thresholds of SUVmax and SUVratio identified a significant proportion of patients who did not develop adrenal metastasis. In oncology patients who demonstrate increased adrenal FDG uptake without a discrete lesion on FDG-PET/CT, quantitative uptake values may be useful in selecting those not at risk of developing adrenal metastatic disease.

Risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer treatment-related adrenal insufficiency

INTRODUCTION

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is an easily treatable, potentially life-threatening condition, which is increasingly recognized in malignancy. The recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, in particular, and increasing use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors have increased the frequency of AI in patients with malignancy. A review is therefore warranted to summarize current knowledge on the topic and guide safe clinical practices.

AREAS COVERED

Malignancy may directly impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cause AI, or their treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and medication. In this narrative review, we discuss new causes of AI, recognition of suggestive clinical features, diagnosis and subsequent treatment, aiming to avoid potentially fatal adrenal crisis (AC). Standard literature searching and authors assessment of clinical applicability were used.

EXPERT OPINION

Adrenal insufficiency can be easily treated once identified but life threatening if unrecognized. While use of new agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is increasing, greater understanding of the mechanism of AI is needed to target prediction tools and enhance risk stratification.

Approach to the Patient With Adrenal Incidentaloma

Adrenal tumors are commonly discovered incidentally on cross-sectional abdominal imaging performed for reasons other than adrenal mass. Incidence of adrenal tumors increased 10-fold in the past 2 decades, with most diagnosed in older adults. In any patient with a newly discovered adrenal mass, determining whether the adrenal mass is malignant and whether it is hormonally active is equally important to guide the best management. Malignancy is diagnosed in 5% to 8% of patients with adrenal tumors, with a higher risk in young patients, if history of extra-adrenal malignancy, in those with large adrenal tumors with indeterminate imaging characteristics, and in bilateral adrenal tumors. Although overt hormone excess is uncommon in adrenal incidentalomas, mild autonomous cortisol secretion can be diagnosed in up to 30% to 50% of patients. Because autonomous cortisol secretion is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and metabolic abnormalities, all patients with adrenal incidentalomas require work up with dexamethasone suppression test. Management of adrenal tumors varies based on etiology, associated comorbidities, and patient's preference. This article reviews the current evidence on the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with adrenal mass and focuses on management of the most common etiologies of adrenal incidentalomas.

Atypical Metastases in the Abdomen and Pelvis From Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer: 11C-Choline PET/CT Imaging With Multimodality Correlation

PET imaging with targeted radiotracers has become integral for mapping the location and burden of recurrent disease in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa). PET with 11C-choline is part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Association of Urology guidelines for evaluation of BCR. With advances in PET technology, increasing use of targeted radiotracers, and improved survival of patients with BCR due to novel therapeutics, atypical sites of metastases are being increasingly encountered, challenging the conventional view that PCa rarely metastasizes beyond bones or lymph nodes. We describe such atypical metastases in the abdomen and pelvis on 11C-choline PET (including in the liver, pancreas, genital tract, urinary tract, peritoneum, and abdominal wall, as well as perineural spread), presenting multimodality imaging features and relevant imaging pitfalls. Given atypical metastases' inconsistent relationship with serum PSA and non-specific presenting symptoms, they are often first detected on imaging. Awareness of their imaging features is important as their detection impacts clinical management, patient counseling, prognosis, and clinical trial eligibility. Such awareness is particularly critical as the role of radiologists in the imaging and management of BCR will continue to increase given the expanding regulatory approvals of other targeted and theranostic radiotracers.

The epidemiology of primary and secondary adrenal malignancies and associated adrenal insufficiency in hospitalised patients: an analysis of hospital admission data, NSW, Australia

BACKGROUND

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) causes considerable morbidity but may remain undiagnosed in patients with adrenal malignancy (AM). The epidemiology of AI and adrenal crises (AC) in AM is uncertain.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study examining hospital admission data from 2006 to 2017. All admissions to all hospitals in NSW, Australia over this period with a principal or comorbid diagnosis of an adrenal malignancy were selected. Data were examined for trends in admissions for AM and associated AI/AC using population data from the corresponding years.

RESULTS

There were 15,376 hospital admissions with a diagnosis of AM in NSW over the study period, corresponding to 1281 admissions/year. The AM admission rate increased significantly over the study period from 129.9/million to 215.7/million (p < 0.01). An AI diagnosis was recorded in 182 (1.2%) admissions, corresponding to an average of 2.1/million/year. This rate increased significantly over the years of the study from 1.2/million in 2006 to 3.4/million in 2017 (p < 0.01). An AC was identified in 24 (13.2%) admissions with an AI diagnosis. Four patients (16.7%) with an AC died during the hospitalisation.

CONCLUSION

Admission with a diagnosis of AM has increased over recent years and has been accompanied by an increase in AI diagnoses. While AI is diagnosed in a small proportion of patients with AM, ACs do occur in affected patients.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a condition characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of adrenal cortisol production. Primary AI (PAI) is rare and is caused by direct adrenal failure. Secondary AI (SAI) is more frequent and is caused by diseases affecting the pituitary, whereas in tertiary AI (TAI), the hypothalamus is affected. The most prevalent form is TAI owing to exogenous glucocorticoid use. Symptoms of AI are non-specific, often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and are related to the lack of cortisol, adrenal androgen precursors and aldosterone (especially in PAI). Diagnosis is based on measurement of the adrenal corticosteroid hormones, their regulatory peptide hormones and stimulation tests. The goal of therapy is to establish a hormone replacement regimen that closely mimics the physiological diurnal cortisol secretion pattern, tailored to the patient's daily needs. This Primer provides insights into the epidemiology, mechanisms and management of AI during pregnancy as well as challenges of long-term management. In addition, the importance of identifying life-threatening adrenal emergencies (acute AI and adrenal crisis) is highlighted and strategies for prevention, which include patient education, glucocorticoid emergency cards and injection kits, are described.

Nonseminomatous Germ-Cell Tumor Presenting as Bilateral Adrenal Masses

Objective

Many tumors can metastasize to the adrenal glands, making the diagnosis of adrenal masses challenging. Awareness that rare primary tumors can metastasize to the adrenals and consideration of biopsy for their diagnosis, sometimes at extra-adrenal sites, is essential to prevent unnecessary adrenalectomies and facilitate the right treatment. We report a rare case of bilateral adrenal masses due to metastasis from a nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor of a retroperitoneal lymph node origin.

Methods

The diagnosis of the adrenal masses from the nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor of a retroperitoneal lymph node origin was based on a retroperitoneal lymph node core biopsy. An initial core biopsy of the adrenal gland revealed necrotic tissue and inflammatory cells without evidence of malignancy. Due to nondiagnostic findings, the core biopsy was repeated, which showed degenerating cells with a high mitotic index and immunohistochemical staining positive for vimentin, suggesting the possibility of a high-grade sarcoma. A retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy was performed. The patient was started on chemotherapy.

Results

A 34-year-old man presented with acute left upper-abdominal pain of 2 weeks and tenderness on the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, and he was found to have bilateral adrenal masses. Laboratory results showed the following: adrenocorticotropic hormone 41 pg/mL (7-69 pg/mL), metanephrine <0.1 nmol/L (0-0.49 nmol/L), normetanephrine 0.99 nmol/L (0-0.89 nmol/L), and morning cortisol 3.1 μg/dL after a 1-mg dexamethasone-suppression test. His dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level was 62 μg/dL (120-520 μg/dL), and 17OH progesterone level was 36 ng/dL (<138 ng/dL); androstenedione and serum estradiol levels were normal. Laboratory tests for tumor markers revealed the following: testosterone 21 ng/dL (241-827 ng/dL), prostate-specific antigen 0.57 ng/mL (0-4 ng/mL), alpha-fetoprotein 1.9 IU/mL (0.6-6 IU/ml), and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin 134 mIU/mL (0-1 mIU/mL).

Conclusion

We report a rare case of rapidly progressing adrenal masses in a young man, found to have metastasized from nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors. Histopathologic confirmation of the metastatic tumor was done, which prevented unnecessary adrenalectomy. The patient received appropriate chemotherapy.