Normotensive incidentally discovered pheochromocytomas display specific biochemical, cellular, and molecular characteristics

Risk factors for intraoperative hypertensive crisis in patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas

PURPOSE

To identify presurgical and surgical risk factors for intraoperative hypertensive crisis in patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs) (PPGLs).

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with PPGLs from 18 tertiary hospitals. Intraoperative hypertensive crisis was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than 200 mmHg lasting more than 1 min and postoperative hypertensive crisis as SBP greater than 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) greater than 110 mmHg.

RESULTS

A total of 296 surgeries were included. Alpha presurgical blockade was employed in 93.2% of the cases and beta-adrenergic in 53.4%. Hypertensive crisis occurred in 20.3% ( n  = 60) of the surgeries: intraoperative crisis in 56 and postoperative crisis in 6 cases (2 cases had both types of crises). We identified as risk factors of intraoperative hypertensive crisis, absence of presurgical glucocorticoid therapy (odds ratio [OR] 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-10.12) higher presurgical SBP (OR 1.22 per each 10 mmHg, 95% CI 1.03-1.45), a larger tumor size (OR 1.09 per each 10 mm, 95% CI 1.00-1.19) and absence of oral sodium repletion (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.25-5.35). Patients with hypertensive crisis had a higher rate of intraoperative bleeding ( P  < 0.001), of intraoperative hemodynamic instability ( P  < 0.001) and of intraoperative hypotensive episodes ( P  < 0.001) than those without hypertensive crisis.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative hypertensive crisis occurs in up to 20% of the PPGL resections. Patients not pretreated with glucocorticoid therapy before surgery, with larger tumors and higher presurgical SBP and who do not receive oral sodium repletion have a higher risk for developing hypertensive crisis during and after PPGL surgery.

Pheochromocytomas Most Commonly Present As Adrenal Incidentalomas: A Large Tertiary Center Experience

CONTEXT

Pheochromocytomas are increasingly diagnosed in incidentally detected adrenal masses. However, the characteristics of incidental pheochromocytomas are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the proportion and clinical, biochemical, radiological, genetic, histopathological, and follow-up characteristics of incidental pheochromocytomas.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with pheochromocytoma seen between January 2010 and October 2022 at a large UK tertiary care center. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically or by the combined presence of increased plasma and/or urinary metanephrines (MN), indeterminate adrenal mass on cross-sectional imaging, and metaiodobenzylguanidine avidity.

RESULTS

We identified 167 patients with pheochromocytoma; 144 (86.2%) underwent adrenalectomy, for 23 (13.8%) surgery was either awaited, deemed unsuitable due to frailty or other metastatic malignancy, or declined by the patients. Excluding pheochromocytomas diagnosed via screening genetically predisposed individuals (N = 20), 37 of 132 (28.0%) presented with adrenergic symptoms and/or uncontrolled hypertension, while 91 of 132 (69.0%) patients presented with an incidentally detected adrenal mass. Incidentally detected patients were older (median age 62 years) than those detected due to clinical suspicion (aged 42 years) or after genetic screening (aged 33 years) (all P < .05). Incidentally detected pheochromocytomas were smaller (median 42 mm) than tumors detected due to adrenergic symptoms/uncontrolled hypertension (60 mm), but larger than tumors identified by genetic screening (30 mm) (all P < .05). Increased MN excretion showed a similar pattern (symptomatic/uncontrolled hypertension > incidental > genetic screening) (all P < .05). Hereditary predisposition was detected in 20.4% of patients (incidental, 15.3%; symptomatic/uncontrolled hypertension, 42.9%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of pheochromocytomas are diagnosed incidentally and have distinct clinical, radiological, biochemical, and genetic features. Their detection at older age but smaller size may point to a different underlying tumor biology.

Nomogram for Predicting Intraoperative Hemodynamic Instability in Patients With Normotensive Pheochromocytoma

CONTEXT

Intraoperative hemodynamic instability (HI) deteriorates surgical outcomes of patients with normotensive pheochromocytoma (NP).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the hemodynamics of NP and develop and externally validate a prediction model for intraoperative HI.

METHODS

Data on 117 patients with NP (derivation cohort) and 40 patients with normotensive adrenal myelolipoma (NAM) who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy from January 2011 to November 2021 were retrospectively collected. Data on 22 patients with NP (independent validation cohort) were collected from another hospital during the same period. The hemodynamic characteristics of patients with NP and NAM were compared. Machine learning models were used to identify risk factors associated with HI. The final model was visualized via a nomogram.

RESULTS

Forty-eight (41%) out of 117 patients experienced HI, which was significantly more than that for NAM. A multivariate logistic regression including age, tumor size, fasting plasma glucose, and preoperative systolic blood pressure showed good discrimination measured by area under curve (0.8286; 95% CI 0.6875-0.9696 and 0.7667; 95% CI 0.5386-0.9947) for predicting HI in internal and independent validation cohorts, respectively. The sensitivities and positive predictive values were 0.6667 and 0.7692 for the internal and 0.9167 and 0.6111 for the independent validations, respectively. The final model was visualized via a nomogram and yielded net benefits across a wide range of risk thresholds in decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with NP experienced HI during laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The nomogram can be used for individualized prediction of intraoperative HI in patients with NP.

Differences in intraoperative and surgical outcomes between normotensive pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PPGLs) and hypertensive PPGLs: results from the PHEO-RISK STUDY

PURPOSE

To compare the intraoperative and surgical outcomes of normotensive pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PPGLs), hypertensive PPGLs and non-PPGL adrenal lesions.

METHODS

This a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with PPGLs from 18 tertiary hospitals. A control group of histologically confirmed adrenocortical adenomas (non-PPGL group) was selected to compare intraoperative and surgical outcomes with of the normotensive PPGLs.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-six surgeries performed in 289 patients with PPGLs were included. Before surgery, 209 patients were classified as hypertensive PPGLs (70.6%) and 87 as normotensive PPGLs. A higher proportion of normotensive PPGLs than hypertensive PPGLs did not receive alpha presurgical blockade (P = 0.009). When we only considered those patients who received presurgical alpha blockers (200 hypertensive PPGLs and 76 normotensive PPGLs), hypertensive PPGLs had a threefold higher risk of intraoperative hypertensive crisis (OR 3.0 [95% 1.3-7.0]) and of hypotensive episodes (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.2-6.7]) than normotensive PPGLs. When we compared normotensive PPGLs (n = 76) and non-PPGLs (n = 58), normotensive PPGLs had a fivefold higher risk of intraoperative complications (OR 5.3 [95% CI 1.9-14.9]) and a six times higher risk of postoperative complications (OR 6.1 [95% CI 1.7-21.6]) than non-PPGLs.

CONCLUSION

Although the risk of intraoperative hypertensive and hypotensive episodes in normotensive PPGLs is significantly lower than in hypertensive PPGLs, normotensive PPGLs have a greater risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications than non-PPGL adrenal lesions. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the standard of care for presurgical and anesthetic management of PPGLs also in normotensive PPGLs.

Controversies about the systematic preoperative pharmacological treatment before pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma surgery

The question of systematic use of a pharmacological treatment before surgery in patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) remains highly controversial. While recent guidelines suggest that this should be used in all patients, some experienced teams consider it unnecessary in some cases, provided the surgery is performed in a dedicated center that has expert endocrinologists, cardiologists, surgeons, and anesthetists. This controversy is aimed at shedding light on the potential benefits and risks of such a treatment, focusing specifically on alpha blockers which are considered as the first-line medical treatments in patients with PPGL. After discussing the rationale for alpha blockers, hemodynamic instability, tolerance, and acute cardiac complications will then be discussed in the first part of the manuscript, defending a systematic use. The second section will focus on blood pressure control, tolerance of alpha blockers, and also the management of normotensive PPGL, examining the daily risks of PPGL and arguing against the systematic use of a preoperative pharmacological treatment before surgery. Finally, we will discuss the concept of expert centers and define the patients in whom the risk/benefit profile would favor the use of this preoperative treatment.

Expression of LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotrophin Receptor) in Pheochromocytomas Unveils an Endocrine Mechanism Connecting Pregnancy and Epinephrine Overproduction

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms by which pregnancy may unmask pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are not totally understood. We hypothesized that gestational hormones may participate in the pathophysiology of catecholamine excess during pregnancy. We report a case of silent pheochromocytoma revealed in a pregnant woman by life-threatening adrenergic myocarditis.

METHODS

In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the effect of estradiol and the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) on epinephrine secretion by cultured cells derived from the patient's tumor. Expression of LHCG (luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin) receptor was searched for in the patient's tumor, and a series of 12 additional pheochromocytoma by RT-Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry. LHCGR expression was also analyzed in silico in the pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas cohorts of the Cortico et Médullosurrénale: les Tumeurs Endocrines and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases.

RESULTS

hCG stimulated epinephrine secretion by cultured cells derived from the patient's pheochromocytoma. The patient's tumor expressed the LHCG receptor, which was colocalized with catecholamine-producing enzymes. A similar expression pattern of the LHCG receptor was also observed in 5 out of our series of pheochromocytoma. Moreover, in silico studies revealed that pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas display the highest expression levels of LHCG receptor mRNA among the 32 solid tumor types of The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy may thus favor surges in plasma catecholamine and hypertensive crises through hCG-induced stimulation of epinephrine production by pheochromocytomas.

Adrenal Incidentaloma Needs thorough Biochemical Evaluation - An Institutional Experience

CONTEXT

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are seen in around 2% of apparently healthy individuals. These require careful evaluation for the hormone excess state and the presence of malignancy prior to intervention.

AIMS

To study the clinical, biochemical, and imaging characteristics of the patients with AI and correlate the diagnosis with the histopathology findings in patients undergoing surgery.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Patients with adrenal incidentaloma presenting between January 2017 and January 2021 were evaluated as per guidelines provided by the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. Patients were given final diagnosis on the basis of imaging impression, hormonal activity, and biopsy results (when applicable).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were evaluated, with 25 being male, the mean age being 40.9 years (8-71), and the mean size of the mass being 6.21 (1.4-13.7) cm. Thirty-five (72.9%) of them underwent surgical excision. The most common diagnosis was myelolipoma (16), followed by pheochromocytoma (10) and adenoma (9). Nineteen patients were found to have hormone-secreting masses. Two patients with pheochromocytoma were normotensive. There was discordance between imaging diagnosis and hormonal status in two patients, with final diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. One patient with extramedullary erythropoiesis of the adrenal gland was subsequently diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and adrenal insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the rare possibility of discrepancy between non-contrast CT diagnosis and functional status of AI. There is also a rare possibility of extramedullary erythropoiesis presenting as AI with adrenal insufficiency. Specific evaluation for such rare possibilities should be considered in AI cases as per clinical scenario.

Adrenalectomy for incidental and symptomatic phaeochromocytoma: retrospective multicentre study based on the Eurocrine® database

BACKGROUND

Phaeochromocytoma is sometimes not diagnosed before surgery and may present as an adrenal incidentaloma. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in clinical presentation and perioperative outcome in patients with subclinical and symptomatic phaeochromocytoma, and in patients operated with and without preoperative α-blockade.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma registered in Eurocrine®, the European registry for endocrine tumours, between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2020. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, tumour detection, and perioperative variables were analysed.

RESULTS

Some 551 patients were included. Of these, 486 patients (88.2 per cent) had a preoperative diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. Tumours were detected as incidentalomas in 239 patients (43.4 per cent) and 265 (48.1 per cent) had a preoperative diagnosis of hypertension. Preoperative α-blockade was more frequently used in patients with a known phaeochromocytoma (350, 90.9 per cent) than in patients with other indications for adrenalectomy (16, 31 per cent). Complications did not differ between patients who had surgery because of catecholamine excess compared with those who had other indications for surgery (19 (3.9 per cent) versus 2 (3 per cent); P = 0.785), nor did the conversion rate from minimally invasive to open surgery differ between the groups. There were no obvious differences in complications, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, based on preoperative α-blockade or not.

CONCLUSION

Subclinical phaeochromocytoma detected incidentally is common. A significantproportion of patients with phaeochromocytoma did not have α-blockade before surgery, without an apparent effect on complications.

A multidisciplinary approach to the management of adrenal incidentaloma

An adrenal incidentaloma (AI) is an adrenal neoplasm incidentally discovered during an imaging unrelated to suspected adrenal disease. The aim of the present review is to offer practical guidance on the multidisciplinary approach of AIs.Areas covered:The prevalence of AI is high in the aging population (up to 5-8%); however, hormonally active or malignant conditions are rare. After the discovery of an AI, it is suggested to assess in parallel if the mass is potentially malignant and functionally active. The answer to the former question is mainly based on medical history (extra-adrenal malignancies, new-onset of signs or symptoms) and imaging (conventional radiology and/or nuclear medicine). The answer to the latter question is a complete endocrine evaluation of both cortical (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids) and medullary (catecholamines) secretion.Expert opinion:A multidisciplinary discussion is suggested for patients with adrenal disease, after the exclusion of nonfunctioning benign cortical adenoma, in order to plan a close and tailored follow-up for the suspected malignant or functioning forms. Surgery is advised for patients with malignant disease (adrenocortical cancer) or with clinically relevant secreting neoplasm (primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, and pheochromocytoma).

Update on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma from the SSO Endocrine/Head and Neck Disease-Site Work Group. Part 1 of 2: Advances in Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

This first part of a two-part review of pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas (PPGLs) addresses clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, treatment, and outcomes. In this first part, the epidemiology, prevalence, genetic etiology, clinical presentation, and biochemical and radiologic workup are discussed. In particular, recent advances in the genetics underlying PPGLs and the recommendation for genetic testing of all patients with PPGL are emphasized. Finally, the newer imaging methods for evaluating of PPGLs are discussed and highlighted.

Management of adrenal incidentalomas: Working through uncertainty

The European society of endocrinology, in association with the European network for the study of adrenal tumors, published recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal incidentalomas in 2016. A thorough and critical analysis of the literature was performed to establish evidence-based recommendations and expert suggestions with the aim of avoiding 'over-diagnosis' and 'over-treatment' and to reduce unnecessary investigations, surgery and follow-up. The purpose of this review is to reconsider several recommendations that are open to debate, such as imaging of adrenal incidentalomas, diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, diagnosis and treatment of autonomous cortisol-secreting tumors, investigations of bilateral AI and follow-up of non-operated AIs, based on studies published after the release of the recommendations.

Preoperative Management of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors, characterized by excessive release of catecholamines (CAs), and manifested as the classic triad of headaches, palpitations, profuse sweating, and a variety of other signs and symptoms. The diagnosis of PPGL requires both evidence of excessive release of CAs and anatomical localization of CA-secreting tumor. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for all patients with PPGL unless contraindicated. However, without proper preparation, the release of excessive CAs, especially during surgery, can result in lethal cardiovascular complications. Herein, we briefly reviewed the pathogenesis of this disease, discussed the current approaches and evidence available for preoperative management, summarizing the results of the latest studies which compared the efficacies of preoperative management with or without α adrenergic-receptor antagonists, aiming to facilitate better understanding of the preoperative management of PPGL for the physicians.

A Guide to Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas

Pheochromocytomas and extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms with characteristic histologic and immunohistochemical features. These tumors can arise in several anatomic locations, necessitating that their diagnostic recognition extends beyond the realm of endocrine disorders. A practical and reproducible risk stratification system for these tumors is still in development. In this rapidly evolving era of molecular medicine, it is essential for pathologists to equip themselves with a framework for understanding the classification of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas and be informed of how they might advise their colleagues with regard to prognostication and appropriate follow-up.

Normotensive, Oversized Pheochromocytoma in Twin-Pregnancy: Analysis of Therapeutic Challenges in a Rare Case

An asymptomatic, normotensive 36-year-old woman in the second trimester of a twin-gestation was diagnosed with a 11 cm adrenal pheochromocytoma. Considering the hemodynamic stability of the patient, tumor size, and gestational age, the therapeutic decision of a multidisciplinary team ensued open surgical excision without any preoperative antihypertensive preparation. Following successful removal of pheochromocytoma, the patient had a normal subsequent course of pregnancy and cesarean section delivery of healthy twins at term. This unique case of a normotensive, incidental, large-sized pheochromocytoma in a twin-pregnancy illustrates that the decisions of management in such a rare occurrence should be based on individual features of the patient. Our experience supports that α-adrenergic blockade may not be essential in normotensive pheochromocytoma in pregnancy and open-surgery remains as a safe approach in the management of large adrenal tumors in twin-pregnant patients following a multidisciplinary consultation.

A Clinical Efficacy of PRRT in Patients with Advanced, Nonresectable, Paraganglioma-Pheochromocytoma, Related to SDHx Gene Mutation

Paragangliomas and pheochromytomas (PPGLs) exhibit variable malignancy, advanced/hormonally active/progressive need therapy. PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) could be an option for these patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of PRRT (90Y DOTATATE), based on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), in patients with PPGLs, related to SDHx gene mutation, we conducted a prospective open-label, single-center, phase II study. Thirteen patients were observed, eight PGL1 and five PGL4, all with advanced, non-resectable tumors, and eight had metastases. All were treated with 90Y DOTATATE. Efficacy was based on OS and PFS, and radiological response was based on RECIST. Hormonal activity was evaluated using serum-fractionated free catecholamines. Eight subjects had a clinical response, three were stable, and two exhibited disease progression. Among four patients with hormonally-active PPGLs, three showed a reduction and one showed normalization. OS for all was 68.0 months; PFS was 35.0 months. OS in PGL4 = 25.0 vs. N.R. (not reached) in PGL1. PFS in PGL4 = 12.0 vs. N.R. in PGL1. A difference was seen in the OS and PFS in patients who did not respond clinically, compared to those who did, OS = 22.0 vs. N.R. PFS = 7.0 vs. N.R. A difference in the OS and PFS was noted in patients with liver and bone involvement compared to those without. PRRT is an effective therapy in selected population of patients with SDHx, in those with locally-advanced, non-resectable tumors. Furthermore, it is effective regardless of the secretory status.

A case of normotensive incidentally discovered adrenal pheochromocytoma

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumors that arise from the adrenal medulla. The clinical presentation includes headache, palpitation, and hypertension, but pheochromocytomas are sometimes clinically silent. The present case highlights the importance of biochemical testing for pheochromocytoma in patients with adrenal incidentaloma, even if they are completely normotensive and asymptomatic.

Pheochromocytoma as a reversible cause of cardiomyopathy: Analysis and review of the literature

CONTEXT

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumors which overproduce catecholamines and arise from the adrenal gland or extra-adrenal chromaffin cells of the sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia (1). Excessive catecholamine-induced stimulation of cardiac myocytes leads to damage which manifests in several forms ranging from Takotsubo to dilated cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma-related cardiomyopathies is often delayed due to the atypical presentation associated with many cases.

OBJECTIVE

Limited data exists on the presentation and outcomes of the various forms of pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathies. We performed a literature review to assess the association of pheochromocytoma and cardiomyopathy to aide in further understanding this clinical entity.

DESIGN

163 cases from 150 articles published between 1991 and November 2016 were included from a PubMed search.

RESULTS

There were 163 occurrences of pheochromocytoma and cardiomyopathy (63 dilated cardiomyopathy, 38 Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 30 inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 10 HOCM, 8 myocarditis, and 14 unspecified cardiomyopathy). Many patients lacked classic signs or symptoms of pheochromocytoma with hypertension as a presenting symptom in 65% and the triad of headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis only in 4%. Resection of the pheochromocytoma led to improvement of the cardiomyopathy in 96% while lack of resection was associated with death or cardiac transplantation in 44%.

CONCLUSION

Pheochromocytoma should be considered in the evaluation of non-ischemic, non-valvular cardiomyopathy even in the absence of symptoms of catecholamine excess. Our study highlights the importance of early suspicion and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in cases of idiopathic heart failure as early resection may prevent progression to irreversible myocardial remodeling and death.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography to identify adenomas among adrenal incidentalomas in an endocrinological population

CONTEXT

The recent recommendations of the European Endocrine Society states that the performance of computed tomography (CT) to characterize 'true' adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) remains debatable.

OBJECTIVE

To determine relevant thresholds for usual CT parameters for the diagnosis of benign tumors using robust reference standard among a large series of 'true' AIs recruited in an endocrinological setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of 253 AIs in 233 consecutive patients explored in a single university hospital: 183 adenomas, 33 pheochromocytomas, 23 adrenocortical carcinomas, 5 other malignant tumors and 9 other benign tumors. Reference standard was histopathology in 118 AIs, biological diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in 2 AIs and size stability after at least 1 year of follow-up in 133 AIs.

METHODS

Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were estimated for various thresholds of size, unenhanced attenuation (UA), relative and absolute wash-out (RPW, APW) of contrast media. 197 scans were reviewed independently in a blinded fashion by two expert radiologists to assess inter-observer reproducibility of measurements.

RESULTS

Criteria associated with a 100% positive predictive value for the diagnosis of benign AI were: a combination of size and UA: 30 mm and 20 HU or 40 mm and 15 HU, respectively; RPW >53%; and APW >78%. Non-adenomatous AIs with rapid contrast wash-out were exclusively benign pseudocysts and pheochromocytomas, suggesting that classical thresholds of 60% and 40% for APW and RPW, respectively, can be safely used for patients with normal metanephrine values. Inter-observer reproducibility of all parameters was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficients: 0.96-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study, the largest conducted in AIs recruited in an endocrinological setting, suggests safe thresholds for quantitative CT parameters to avoid false diagnoses of benignity.

New Perspectives on Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Toward a Molecular Classification

A molecular biology-based taxonomy has been proposed for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas revealed clinically relevant prognostic and predictive biomarkers and stratified PPGLs into three main clusters. Each subgroup has a distinct molecular-biochemical-imaging signature. Concurrently, new methods for biochemical analysis, functional imaging, and medical therapies have also become available. The research community now strives to match the cluster biomarkers with the best intervention. The concept of precision medicine has been long awaited and holds great promise for improved care. Here, we review the current and future PPGL classifications, with a focus on hereditary syndromes. We discuss the current strengths and shortcomings of precision medicine and suggest a condensed manual for diagnosis and treatment of both adult and pediatric patients with PPGL. Finally, we consider the future direction of this field, with a particular focus on how advanced molecular characterization of PPGL can improve a patient's outcome, including cures and, ultimately, disease prevention.

Clinical evaluation and treatment of phaeochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytoma and extra adrenal paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumours and have the potential to secrete adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine causing a myriad of clinical symptoms. Prompt diagnosis is essential for clinicians and requires a multidisciplinary specialist approach for the clinical and laboratory investigation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients. This paper is an integrated review of the clinical and laboratory evaluation and treatment of patients suspected to have phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma, highlighting recent developments and best practices from recent published clinical guidelines.

Preoperative alpha-blockade in phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma: is it always necessary?

Resection of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) is traditionally preceded by alpha-blockade to prevent complications of haemodynamic instability intraoperatively. While there is general agreement on preoperative alpha-blockade for classic PPGLs presenting with hypertension, it is less clear whether alpha-blockade is necessary in predominantly dopamine-secreting tumours, normotensive PPGLs, as well as tumours that appear to be biochemically 'silent'. Preoperative management of these 'atypical' PPGLs is challenging and the treatment approach must be individualized, carefully weighing the risk of intraoperative hypertension against the possibility of orthostatic and prolonged postoperative hypotension. Consideration of antihypertensive medication pharmacology in the light of catecholamine physiology and PPGL secretory profile will facilitate the formulation of individualized preoperative preparatory strategies.

Interest of systematic screening of pheochromocytoma in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

OBJECTIVE

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) may occur in 0.1-5.7% of patients presenting with a neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Current recommendations are to explore only symptomatic patients. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and the interest of a systematic PHEO screening in this population.

DESIGN

A prospective study in a French tertiary center including consecutive NF1 patients older than 18 years.

METHODS

A systematic screening combining abdominal imaging and urinary fractionated metanephrines was proposed. In case of positivity of one or both exams, (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy or [(18)F]-fluoro-dihydroxyphenylalanine PET imaging was performed. The diagnosis of secreting PHEO was retained in case of elevated urinary metanephrines associated with positive scintigraphy and non-secreting PHEO when urinary metanephrines were normal with a positive scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 and August 2015, 234 patients were included and 156 patients (66.7%) completed both exams. In these 156 patients, 12 PHEOs were diagnosed, representing a prevalence of 7.7%. Of these, six PHEOs were secreting, with only two symptomatic patients. The tumor size of these PHEOs were bigger than that of non-secreting PHEO (25.2 ± 6.6 vs 14 ± 6.9 mm, P = 0.0165). One lesion was bilateral. Mean metanephrine and normetanephrine levels were 3.2 ± 2.6N and 2.8 ± 1N respectively. Three patients underwent surgery. The six patients with non-secreting PHEO were asymptomatic. One of them had bilateral lesion and one underwent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

PHEO in NF1, whether or not secreting, are mostly asymptomatic. The current strategy to explore only symptomatic patients leads to an underestimation of prevalence with the risks inherent to the existence of an unrecognized PHEO.

Symptom-dependent cut-offs of urine metanephrines improve diagnostic accuracy for detecting pheochromocytomas in two separate cohorts, compared to symptom-independent cut-offs

The development of advanced imaging techniques has increased the detection of subclinical pheochromocytomas. Because of the substantial proportions of subclinical pheochromocytomas, measurement of urine metanephrine concentrations is crucial due to detect or exclude pheochromocytoma. Although urine metanephrines are elevated in symptomatic subjects, diagnostic cut-offs according to the presence of adrenergic symptoms have not been studied. Pheochromocytomas patients who underwent adrenalectomy at Samsung Medical Center and a control group were compared to determine cut-off concentrations of urine metanephrines. An independent population was analyzed for urine metanephrines with different kits to validate the improvement in diagnostic accuracy using adjusted cut-offs. Symptom-dependent cut-offs of urine metanephrines were higher for symptomatic patients (307 μg/day in males, 235 μg/day in females for urine metanephrine, and 1,045 μg/day in males and 457 μg/day in females for urine normetanephrine) than for asymptomatic patients (206 μg/day in males, 199 μg/day in females for urine metanephrine, and 489 μg/day in males and 442 μg/day in females for urine normetanephrine). Symptom-dependent cut-offs of urine metanephrines improved a specificity from 92.7 % to 96.3 % and a high sensitivity of 97.8 % was maintained. Using the Symptom-dependent cut-offs raised diagnostic accuracy by 5.5 % (p <0.001). Similar trend was also observed in an independent population using different hormone kits. Using symptom-dependent cut-offs of urine metanephrines in symptomatic patients for pheochromocytomas resulted in a significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy in two separate cohorts.

Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors

: By definition, an adrenal incidentaloma is an asymptomatic adrenal mass detected on imaging not performed for suspected adrenal disease. In most cases, adrenal incidentalomas are nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas, but may also represent conditions requiring therapeutic intervention (e.g. adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hormone-producing adenoma or metastasis). The purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with best possible evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. We predefined four main clinical questions crucial for the management of adrenal incidentaloma patients, addressing these four with systematic literature searches: (A) How to assess risk of malignancy?; (B) How to define and manage low-level autonomous cortisol secretion, formerly called 'subclinical' Cushing's syndrome?; (C) Who should have surgical treatment and how should it be performed?; (D) What follow-up is indicated if the adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed? SELECTED RECOMMENDATIONS: (i) At the time of initial detection of an adrenal mass establishing whether the mass is benign or malignant is an important aim to avoid cumbersome and expensive follow-up imaging in those with benign disease. (ii) To exclude cortisol excess, a 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test should be performed (applying a cut-off value of serum cortisol ≤50nmol/L (1.8µg/dL)). (iii) For patients without clinical signs of overt Cushing's syndrome but serum cortisol levels post 1mg dexamethasone >138nmol/L (>5µg/dL), we propose the term 'autonomous cortisol secretion'. (iv) All patients with '(possible) autonomous cortisol' secretion should be screened for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to ensure these are appropriately treated. (v) Surgical treatment should be considered in an individualized approach in patients with 'autonomous cortisol secretion' who also have comorbidities that are potentially related to cortisol excess. (vi) In principle, the appropriateness of surgical intervention should be guided by the likelihood of malignancy, the presence and degree of hormone excess, age, general health and patient preference. (vii) Surgery is not usually indicated in patients with an asymptomatic, nonfunctioning unilateral adrenal mass and obvious benign features on imaging studies. We provide guidance on which surgical approach should be considered for adrenal masses with radiological findings suspicious of malignancy. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the follow-up of patients with adrenal incidentaloma who do not undergo adrenal surgery, for those with bilateral incidentalomas, for patients with extra-adrenal malignancy and adrenal masses and for young and elderly patients with adrenal incidentalomas.

[Adrenal incidentalomas]

Adrenal incidentalomas are found in approximately 2-3% of abdominal CT-scan examinations. A key issue is to determine whether the incidentaloma is neoplastic or responsible for endocrine hypersecretion, two situations in which surgical excision is recommended. Candidate incidentalomas for surgery include hypersecreting tumors (pheochromocytomas, Cushing's adenoma, Conn's adenoma) and adrenocortical carcinomas. The majority of adrenal incidentalomas are non-secreting cortical adenomas and lesions to remove account for less than 5% of adrenal incidentalomes. The pathological consequences of "subclinical" cortisol-secreting adenomas responsible for mild hypercortisolism and whether or not these tumors should be removed remain debatable.