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Aresta C, Favero V, Morelli V, Giovanelli L, Parazzoli C, Falchetti A, Pugliese F, Gennari L, Vescini F, Salcuni A, Scillitani A, Persani L, Chiodini I. Cardiovascular complications of mild autonomous cortisol secretion. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101494. [PMID: 33814301 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) may be associated with a mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) in up to one third of cases. There is growing evidence that MACS patients actually present increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rate, driven by increased prevalence of known cardiovascular risk factors, as well as accelerated cardiovascular remodelling. Adrenalectomy seems to have cardiometabolic beneficial effects in MACS patients but their management is still a debated topic due to the lack of high-quality studies. Several studies suggested that so called "non-functioning" AI may be actually "functioning" with an associated increased cardiovascular risk. Although the individual cortisol sensitivity and peripheral activation have been recently suggested to play a role in influencing the cardiovascular risk even in apparently eucortisolemic patients, to date the degree of cortisol secretion, as mirrored by the cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression test remains the best predictor of an increased cardiovascular risk in AI patients. However, whether or not the currently used cut-off set at 50 nmol/L for cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression could be considered completely reliable in ruling out hypercortisolism remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Aresta
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Favero
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Morelli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Giovanelli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Parazzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Falchetti
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Flavia Pugliese
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Fabio Vescini
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, University-Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Antonio Salcuni
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, University-Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Scillitani
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Chiodini
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Petramala L, Olmati F, Concistrè A, Russo R, Mezzadri M, Soldini M, De Vincentis G, Iannucci G, De Toma G, Letizia C. Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in patients with subclinical Cushing. Endocrine 2020; 70:150-163. [PMID: 32300953 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are discovered after work-up unrelated to adrenal gland diseases; up to 30% of AI show subclinical endogenous cortisol excess (SH), frequently associated to hypertension, obesity, metabolic disorders and increased incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs). METHODS We analysed 628 AI patients divided into two groups: 471 non-functional adrenal adenoma (NFA) and 157 SH. All patients underwent complete examinations, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, biohumoral parameters and vascular damage markers, such as c-IMT and ankle brachial index. After long-term follow-up, we registered newly onset of CVEs such as myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous stenting and surgical bypass (PTA/CABG), stroke, overall/cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, SH patients underwent to surgical (SSH) or pharmacological treatment (MSH). RESULTS SH patients showed higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and previous CVEs respect NFA at baseline. After follow-up MSH group showed higher recurrence of major CV events compared with NFA and SSH (RR 2.27 MSH vs NFA for MI; RR 2.30 MSH vs NFA for PTA/CABG; RR 2.41 MSH vs NFA for stroke). In SSH there was a significant reduction of the number of antihypertensive medications needed to reach target blood pressure levels (2.3 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 0.4 drugs). None differences were found in SH patients, distinguished in relation to cortisol plasma levels after dexamethasone suppression test (1.8-5 µg/dL, above 5 µg/dL). CONCLUSIONS SH is linked to relevant cardiovascular and metabolic alterations, leading to worsen clinical outcomes. In eligible patients, adrenalectomy is valid and safe option to treat SH, reducing cardiometabolic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Petramala
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Olmati
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Concistrè
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Russo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Mezzadri
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soldini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Vincentis
- Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gino Iannucci
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio De Toma
- "Pietro Valdoni" Surgery Department, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Letizia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Reimondo G, Puglisi S, Pia A, Terzolo M. Autonomous hypercortisolism: definition and clinical implications. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2018; 44:33-42. [PMID: 29963828 DOI: 10.23736/s0391-1977.18.02884-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In current practice, an adrenal adenoma usually comes as an unexpected byproduct of an imaging study performed for unrelated reasons, without any prior suspect of adrenal disease. Therefore, these tumors currently represent a public health challenge because they are increasingly recognized due to the widespread use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging for diagnostic purposes. In radiology series, the prevalence of adrenal adenomas increases steeply with age, from around 3% below the age of 50 years up to 10% in the ageing population. These tumors may have clinical relevance because they are able to secrete cortisol autonomously, independently from the pituitary control, in up to 20-30% of patients. In most of the cases the resulting cortisol excess is insufficient to produce a typical Cushing phenotype but may have clinical consequences, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia and osteoporosis. Despite some controversy on the most effective diagnostic algorithm to define this subtle hypercortisolism, there is mounting evidence that a simple approach by using the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) may stratify patients for their cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional, retrospective studies showed that patients with increasingly higher cortisol following DST have an adverse cardiovascular risk profile and are at increased risk of death. Therefore, also a subtle autonomous cortisol excess is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, mainly of cardiovascular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Reimondo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy -
| | - Soraya Puglisi
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Pia
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent studies highlighted the association between adrenocortical incidentalomas and several comorbidities. This review summarizes the most recent evidence showing the potential risks related to adrenocortical tumors classified as nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) or associated with clinically autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). RECENT FINDINGS Alterations in glucose metabolism are a common finding in patients with ACS (30% of the cases). As shown in nonrandomized trials, surgical treatment may improve or cure diabetes in 52% of patients. Cross-sectional studies showed that NFAIs are also associated with insulin resistance. In a recent long-term retrospective study, patients with NFAI were at increased risk of developing prediabetes/diabetes during follow-up. Similarly, a prospective study showed that the incidence of prediabetes was higher also in tumors converting from NFAI to ACS. Patients with ACS are at increased risk of cardiovascular events and related mortality. Some cardiovascular markers were altered in patients with NFAI, even if a cause-effect relationship is not readily evident. Finally, 13% of NFAIs have increased risk of developing ACS during long-term follow-up. SUMMARY Patients with NFAI are at increased risk of developing alterations of glucose metabolism, whereas those with ACS or NFAI who converted to ACS over time are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Di Dalmazi
- Endocrinology Unit - Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Lupoli R, Ambrosino P, Tortora A, Barba L, Lupoli GA, Di Minno MND. Markers of atherosclerosis in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a meta-analysis of literature studies. Ann Med 2017; 49:206-216. [PMID: 27763781 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2016.1252055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies reported an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in Cushing's syndrome (CS). We performed a meta-analysis on the impact of CS on major markers of atherosclerosis. METHODS Studies on intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid plaques prevalence, and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in CS patients and controls were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Differences between cases and controls were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for continuous variables, and as Odds Ratio (OR) with 95%CI for dichotomous variables. RESULTS Fourteen studies (332 CS, 462 controls) were included. Compared with controls, CS patients showed higher IMT (MD: 0.20 mm; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.28; p < .001), increased prevalence of carotid plaques (OR: 8.85, 95%CI: 4.09, 19.14; p < .001), and lower FMD (MD: -2.65%; 95% CI: -3.65, -1.65; p < .001). Difference in IMT and in the prevalence of carotid plaques was confirmed also in patients with CS remission (MD: 0.24 mm; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.40; p = .005 and OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 2.69, 36.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Regression models showed that age, diabetes, obesity, ACTH-dependent CS, serum and urinary cortisol levels impacted on the observed difference in IMT. CONCLUSIONS CS is significantly associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk. These findings could help establish more specific CV prevention strategies in this clinical setting. Key messages A series of studies reported an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). In the present meta-analysis we demonstrated that CS is associated with an increased intima-media thickness, higher prevalence of carotid plaques, and lower flow-mediated dilation as compared with controls. These data consistently suggest the need for a strict monitoring of early signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in CS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lupoli
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Pasquale Ambrosino
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Anna Tortora
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Livia Barba
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
| | - Gelsy Arianna Lupoli
- a Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , Federico II University , Naples , Italy
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