Back to Authors

Sada, Alaa

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6000-5597

Mayo Clinic

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Citations 11

MON-011 Presentation, Management and Outcomes of Ectopic ACTH Syndrome: an International Multicenter Retrospective Study
Chacko, Shireen R , Torres, Camila A Villavicencio, Lü, Lin , Bandgar, Tushar, Varlamov, Elena V , Paissan, Andrea, Imamudeen, Nasvin, Tabarin, Antoine, Shah, Rutu, Peersen, Anina, Kaplan, Jennifer B. , Varghese, Jeena , Yamichannaiah, Chethan, Yu, Kai , Waguespack, Steven G. , Belaya, Zhanna E. , Bandgar, Tushar , Sada, Alaa , Ragnarsson, Oskar , Altieri, Barbara , Newman, Andrew J , Vibhatavata, Peeradon , Tóth, Miklós , Badiu, Corin , St‐Jean, Matthieu , Falhammar, Henrik , Haberbosch, Linus , Bobrowicz, Małgorzata , Gadelha, Mônica R. , Young, William F. , Kaplan, Jennifer, Habra, Mouhammed Amir , Golounina, Olga O. , Mel'nichenko, Galina Afanas'evna , Lila, Anurag Ranjan , Bancos, Irina

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 23, 2025 | Volume: 9 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvaf149.1344 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: S.R. Chacko: None. C.A. Villavicencio Torres: None. K. Yu: None. S.G. Waguespack: None. L. Lu: None. Z. Belaya: None. T. Bandgar: None. A. Sada: None. O. Ragnarsson: None. B. Altieri: None. A. Newman: None. P. Vibhatavata: None. M. Tóth: None. E.V. Varlamov: None. C. Badiu: None. A. Paissan: None. M. St-Jean: None. H. Falhammar: None. N. Imamudeen: None. L. Haberbosch: None. M. Bobrowicz: None. A. Tabarin: None. R. Shah: None. M.R. Gadelha: None. A. Peersen: None. W.F. Young: None. J. Kaplan: None. J. Varghese: None. M.A. Habra: None. O. Golounina: None. G.A. Melnichenko: None. A.R. Lila: None. C. Yamichannaiah: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Cushing syndrome (CS) due to ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) is a rare condition, associated with severe hypercortisolism and consequent morbidity and mortality. Its varied and often emergent presentation make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Objectives: 1.Characterize clinical and biochemical presentation of EAS. 2.Describe the scope of hypercortisolism-related complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. 3.Identify factors associated with CS-specific mortality. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study in patients with EAS at 37 centers. Outcomes were clinical/biochemical severity scores, complications, overall and CS-specific mortality. Results: In 1053 patients [median age at diagnosis 52 years (IQR 37-64), 57% women], metastatic disease was present at diagnosis in 585 (56%). The most common sources of EAS were bronchial neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) (304, 29%), pancreatic NEN (114, 11%) and small cell lung carcinoma (114, 11%), with the source of EAS being occult in 192 (18%). Clinical and biochemical severity scores were severe in 475 (45%) and 873 patients (92%) respectively. Hypokalemia was present in 819 patients (78%) in the year prior to diagnosis. Of 342 patients (32%) who had IPSS, 301 (88%) suggested an ectopic source, 7 (2%) a pituitary source, and 23 (7%) were non-diagnostic. Of 595 patients who had both functional and cross-sectional imaging, discordant findings were seen in 122 (21%), concordant lesion was seen on both in 326 (55%), and no lesion in 147 (25%). Of those with discordant results, cross-sectional imaging was accurate in 66 (54%) and functional imaging in 56 (46%).Management included medical therapy alone in 237 (23%), surgical excision of the source of EAS in 158 (15%), bilateral adrenalectomy in 77 (7%) and multimodal therapies in 498 patients (47%). Complications within 5 years after diagnosis included hospitalization related to CS or its therapy in 351 (33%), infection in 337 (32%), thromboembolic event in 102 (10%), cardiovascular event in 83 (8%) and cerebrovascular event in 27 (3%). During a median follow-up of 35 months (IQR 20-122) from CS diagnosis, death occurred in 462 patients (44%), with the cause of death related to CS in 149 (14%). CS-specific mortality was higher in metastatic compared with non-metastatic disease (19% vs. 7%, P<0.001). On multivariable analysis of age, sex, clinical and biochemical severity, older age (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and lower clinical severity score (HR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), were associated with higher CS-specific mortality. Conclusion: Our interim analysis, the largest worldwide, found that most patients with EAS had severe hypercortisolism and hypokalemia. Metastatic disease was present in 56%, and the source of EAS was occult in 18%. CS-related death occurred in 14%, emphasizing the need for urgent management. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025
Cortisol Testing to Diagnose Adrenal Insufficiency Following Adrenalectomy for Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Hamidi, Oksana , Salama, Bahaa , Findling, James W. , Zhang, Catherine D , Dream, Sophie , Balderrama-Brondani, Vania , Dackiw, Alan P.B., Mirfakhraee, Sasan , Mehta, Ankeeta , McKenzie, Travis J. , Foster, Trenton R. , Findling, James W , Balderrama-Brondani, Vania , Mirfakhraee, Sasan , Foster, Trenton, Bancos, Irina , Hamidi, Oksana , Wang, Tracy S. , Carroll, Ty B , Sada, Alaa , Dogra, Prerna , Oltmann, Sarah Catherine , Bancos, Irina

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | September 12, 2025 | Volume: 111 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 665-678

10.1210/clinem/dgaf515 Get It

Abstract Context Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) can develop adrenal insufficiency after unilateral adrenalectomy. Objective This work aimed to determine the prevalence, duration, and predictors of adrenal insufficiency, and compare postoperative basal cortisol and cosyntropin stimulation test (CST). Methods In this multicenter retrospective study of patients with MACS, adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed when postoperative basal cortisol was less than 10 µg/dL and/or CST < 18 µg/dL. The results were concordant when both tests met cutoffs. Biochemical (BSS) and clinical severity scores (CSS) were calculated. Results Among 281 patients with MACS (80% women), postoperative adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in 153 (54.5%) patients. Adrenal insufficiency inversely correlated with age (odds ratio [OR] 0.67 per 10 years; 95% CI, 0.53-0.84). Low basal cortisol and CST were associated with younger age (OR 0.64 per 10 years for both) and higher BSS (OR 1.17 and 1.22, respectively). Basal cortisol and CST were discordant in 22% of patients, and the discordance rate was more common in patients with bilateral nodules (32% vs 19%; P < .001). The median time to adrenal insufficiency recovery was 3.9 months (IQR, 3-5.9 months), with longer duration associated with higher BSS and CSS: 3 months for mild, 4 to 5 months for moderate, and 12 to 14 months for severe BSS and CSS. Conclusion Approximately half of patients with MACS developed postoperative adrenal insufficiency, with 50% recovering by 3.9 months after surgery. BSS correlated with basal cortisol, CST, and duration of adrenal insufficiency. As discordant results were noted in 22%, performing both basal cortisol and CST postoperatively should be considered.
Comparative efficacy of systemic therapies in malignant insulinoma
Koch, Regina M. , Vella, Adrian, Shah, Pankaj, Hobday, Timothy J. , Sonbol, Mohamed Bassam, Starr, Jason S. , Eiring, Rachel A. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Sada, Alaa , Koch, Regina , Starr, Jason , Gudmundsdottir, Hallbera , Eiring, Rachel A , McGarrah, Patrick W. , Shah, Pankaj, Starlinger, Patrick , Gudmundsdottir, Hallbera , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R.

Endocrine-Related Cancer | May 29, 2025 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 6 | Pages: No page available

10.1530/erc-25-0091 Get It

Abstract Malignant insulinomas are rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors characterized by excessive insulin secretion and a high propensity for metastasis, leading to challenging management. This study retrospectively analyzed 57 patients treated for malignant insulinoma at Mayo Clinic sites between 1992 and 2024, focusing on the efficacy of systemic therapies in improving hypoglycemic control and survival outcomes. The most commonly used therapies included somatostatin analogs (SSA), everolimus, capecitabine-temozolomide (CAPTEM), and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). PRRT demonstrated the highest efficacy in controlling hypoglycemia (93%), followed by CAPTEM (68%) and everolimus (62%). SSA, chemotherapy, and streptozocin were less effective, with hypoglycemic improvement seen in 37.5, 33.3, and 28.6% of patients, respectively. Overall survival (OS) was longest with SSA at 84.67 months, followed by CAPTEM at 81.67 months and everolimus at 74.07 months. PRRT demonstrated a median OS of 49.73 months. In contrast, chemotherapy and streptozocin-based therapies had significantly shorter OS times of 15.23 and 8.35 months, respectively. These findings highlight significant variability in systemic therapy efficacy for malignant insulinoma, with PRRT emerging as a promising treatment for refractory hypoglycemia and long survival. Cox regression analysis identified primary tumor resection and a history of benign insulinoma as associated with longer OS. Optimal sequencing of therapies remains unclear, and individualized treatment plans based on hypoglycemic burden and tumor characteristics are critical for improving survival and quality of life in these patients.
Does Completion Thyroid Surgery Pose a Higher Risk of Complications?
Sada, Alaa , McCoy, Kelly L., Carty, Sally E. , Ramonell, Kimberly M. , Habermann, Elizabeth B. , Yip, Linwah

World Journal of Surgery | March 14, 2025 | Volume: 49 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 1034-1039

10.1002/wjs.12546 Get It

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe outcomes of completion thyroidectomy are not well‐documented. The study aim is to compare the risks of total thyroidectomy (TT), thyroid lobectomy (TL), and completion thyroidectomy (CT) using a large multi‐institutional database.MethodsAll cases of thyroidectomy without lymphadenectomy were identified using the CESQIP national database (2013–2023). Completion thyroidectomy was defined as contralateral lobectomy following previous lobectomy. Outcomes were examined including hematoma requiring evacuation, vocal cord dysfunction on post‐op laryngoscopy, and clinical concern for hypoparathyroidism.ResultsAmong 33,154 cases, TT, TL, and CT were performed in 19,057 (57%), 13,135 (40%) and 962 (3%), respectively. 30‐day hematoma rates were overall low: 135 (0.8%) in TT, 57 (0.5%) in TL, and < 10 (0.7%) in CT (p < 0.01). 30‐day vocal cord dysfunction was documented in 233 (1.4%), 159 (1.3%), and < 10 (1.0%) for TT, TL, and CT, respectively (p = 0.65). Temporary hypoparathyroidism was more common after TT than CT (989 (6%) versus 20 (2%), p < 0.01). Among 16,311 (49%) patients with reported long‐term outcomes, there were no differences in the rates of vocal cord dysfunction by type of operation (p = 0.34). However, long‐term hypoparathyroidism was more likely after TT than CT (237 (2.5%) versus < 10 (0.7%), p < 0.01).ConclusionIn this multi‐institutional endocrine surgery database, the reported long‐term complication rates after completion thyroidectomy were the same as for first‐time thyroid lobectomy. However, clinical hypoparathyroidism was 2.5‐fold more likely for total thyroidectomy than for completion thyroidectomy at 30‐days and remained 3.7‐fold higher in the long term suggesting that completion thyroidectomy does not pose a higher risk of complications.
Oncocytic Adrenal Neoplasms: Clinical Profiles and Long-Term Outcomes
Sada, Alaa , Joseph, Josiane , Alsibai, Reem , Foster, Trenton R. , Lyden, Melanie L. , Dy, Benzon M. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Habermann, Elizabeth B. , Bancos, Irina

The American Surgeon™ | October 22, 2024 | Volume: 91 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 381-385

10.1177/00031348241292727 Get It

Background: Oncocytic adrenal neoplasms, defined by ≥90 % of oncocytic cells, are rare. The significance of oncocytic changes within an adrenal neoplasm remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective study of adults who underwent adrenalectomy at a large center identified pure oncocytic neoplasms on final pathology (1997-2022). Neoplasms were categorized based on Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system as malignant, benign, or of uncertain malignant potential. Analysis was performed using Fisher exact, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Among a total of 33 patients, 24% had benign, 36% malignant, and 39% neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. None of the benign neoplasms recurred, while 50% of the malignant neoplasms recurred (median of 40 months). Two of 13 neoplasms initially thought to be of uncertain malignant potential recurred as distant metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma at 11 and 25 months, over a median follow-up duration of 31 months. Ki67% was available for 20 patients: median (IQR) Ki67% was 5 (1, 5) for benign, 10 (6, 15) for malignant, and 6.5 (5, 10) for neoplasms of uncertain behavior, P = 0.05. Recurred neoplasms had higher Ki67% at initial resection compared to cases that did not recur. Conclusion: While oncocytic adrenal neoplasms are rare, a significant proportion are malignant or have malignant potential. Judicious follow-up is required for oncocytic adrenal neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential, as they can recur as metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. Ki67% should always be obtained in cases of malignancy or uncertain malignant potential as it can predict recurrence. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the appropriate follow-up protocols for these neoplasms.
Interventional vs surgical procedures in localized/nonmetastatic insulinomas (ablation vs surgery)
Sada, Alaa , McKenzie, Travis J. , Vella, Adrian, Levy, Michael J. , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Halfdanarson, Thorvardur R , Levy, Michael J.

Endocrine-Related Cancer | March 23, 2023 | Volume: 30 | Issue: 6 | Pages: No page available

10.1530/erc-22-0362 Get It

Localized insulinoma is an uncommon entity that can result in substantial morbidity due to the associated hypoglycemia. Recent studies have suggested an increase in the incidence of insulinoma in recent decades that may possibly be secondary to increased awareness, incidental diagnoses, and better diagnostic methods. Diagnosing and localizing insulinoma within the pancreas can be challenging, but advances in nuclear imaging may improve diagnostic accuracy. Delays in diagnosis are common, but once a localized insulinoma is diagnosed and appropriately treated, the long-term prognosis is excellent. Surgical resection is considered the standard of care management option for localized insulinoma, but tumor ablation with endoscopic ultrasound guidance has also been shown to be an effective and safe method for therapy.
Comparison Between Sporadic and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1–Associated Insulinoma
Sada, Alaa , Thompson, Geoffrey B. , Lyden, Melanie L. , Foster, Trenton R. , Dy, Benzon M. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Szabo Yamashita, Thomas, Habermann, Elizabeth B. , Yamashita, Thomas Szabo , Hálfdánarson, Þorvarður R. , Vella, Adrian

Journal of the American College of Surgeons | June 26, 2022 | Volume: 235 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 756-763

10.1097/xcs.0000000000000307 Get It

BACKGROUND: The differences between sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1)–associated insulinoma are not well described. Herein, we compared demographics, neoplasm characteristics, presentation, and survival in patients with sporadic vs MEN-1 insulinomas including benign and malignant disease. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study identified insulinoma patients. MEN-1 was defined based on genetic testing or clinically in patients with 2 or more primary MEN-1 tumor types. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients were identified: 84% benign and 16% malignant. The incidence of malignancy was similar (18% vs 16%, MEN-1 vs sporadic, p = 0.76). Within malignant patients, the median (interquartile range) age was 33 (25 ,44) years in MEN-1 vs 54 (41, 70) years in sporadic insulinoma (p = 0.04). There was no difference in sex or tumor size between MEN-1 and sporadic malignant insulinoma (p > 0.05). Of the 260 patients with benign insulinoma, 7% had MEN-1 syndrome. MEN-1 patients presented with insulinoma at a younger age: median (interquartile range) age was 38 (24, 49) years vs 52 (43, 65) years (p < 0.01). Resection of benign insulinoma was performed in 78% of the MEN-1 and 94% of the sporadic group (p = 0.03). Resected benign tumors were larger in the MEN-1 group: 2.0 (1.65, 2.45) cm vs 1.5 (1.2, 2.0) cm, respectively (p = 0.03). Concurrent insulinomas were more common in MEN-1 (17% vs 2%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MEN-1 patients present with insulinoma at younger age and have larger benign pancreatic lesions at the time of resection compared with sporadic neoplasms. Younger patients and those with multifocal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in the setting of endogenous hyperinsulinism should be evaluated for MEN-1.
Cytoreductive Surgery of the Primary Tumor in Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Impact on Patients’ Survival
Srougi, Victor , Daher, Marilyne , Lee, Jeffrey E. , Graham, Paul H. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Sada, Alaa , Bourdeau, Isabelle , Poirier, Jonathan , Vaidya, Anand , Abbondanza, Tiffany, Kiernan, Colleen M., Rao, Sarika , Sachithanandan, Nirupa , Hoff, Ana O. , Chambô, Jose L, Almeida, Madson Q. , Fragoso, Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Bancos, Irina , Henriquez, Andres, Rao, Sarika N , Hamidi, Oksana , Almeida, Madson Q , Bancos, Irina , Karam, Jose Antonio , Henriquez, Andres, Hamidi, Oksana , Habra, Mouhammed Amir

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | December 1, 2021 | Volume: 107 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 964-971

10.1210/clinem/dgab865 Get It

Abstract Context The role of cytoreduction of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains poorly understood. Objective To analyze the impact of cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic ACC. Design and Setting We performed a multicentric, retrospective paired cohort study comparing the overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic ACC who were treated either with cytoreductive surgery (CR group) or without cytoreductive surgery (no-CR group) of the primary tumor. Data were retrieved from 9 referral centers in the American-Australian-Asian Adrenal Alliance collaborative research group. Patients Patients aged ≥18 years with metastatic ACC at initial presentation who were treated between January 1, 1995, and May 31, 2019. Intervention Performance (or not) of cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor. Main outcome and measures A propensity score match was done using age and the number of organs with metastasis (≤2 or &gt;2). The main outcome was OS, determined from the date of diagnosis until death or until last follow-up for living patients. Results Of 339 patients pooled, 239 were paired and included: 128 in the CR group and 111 in the no-CR group. The mean follow-up was 67 months. Patients in the no-CR group had greater risk of death than did patients in the CR group (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.18; 95% CI, 2.34-4.32). Independent predictors of survival included age (HR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03), hormone excess (HR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.66-3.92), and local metastasis therapy (HR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.47-0.65). Conclusion Cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumor in patients with metastatic ACC is associated with prolonged survival.
Telemedicine Video Follow-Up for Bariatric Surgery Patients: What Do Patients Prefer? A Prepandemic Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Sada, Alaa , Harmsen, William S. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Kellogg, Todd A., Ghanem, Omar M. , Kendrick, Michael L. , Habermann, Elizabeth B. , Habermann, Elizabeth

The American Surgeon™ | November 14, 2021 | Volume: 89 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 2806-2809

10.1177/00031348211054547 Get It

While the safety of video follow-up in bariatric surgery is established, patients’ perception of telemedicine visits remained unknown. A randomized clinical trial evaluating patients’ perception of video postoperative follow-up (F/U) visits was conducted in the pre COVID-19 era. 24 patients were randomized in the preoperative clinic to receive either in-person or video F/U, and then surveyed about their experience and preference. The majority reported that if they had to do it over, they would prefer a video visit. Among those who received video visits, 11/12 reported that the lack of physical contact was acceptable. 82% of the video group expressed that their visit was better or as good as an in-person visit, while 9% were not sure, and 9% reported that video was worse. This finding suggests that postoperative video follow-up visits are acceptable among bariatric surgery patients and should be offered as an alternative to traditional visits.
Positive Lymph Nodes in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: What Does It Mean?
Sada, Alaa , Glasgow, Amy E. , Lyden, Melanie L. , Thompson, Geoffrey B. , Dy, Benzon M. , McKenzie, Travis J. , Habermann, Elizabeth B. , Glasgow, Amy E. , Habermann, Elizabeth , Glasgow, Amy E

World Journal of Surgery | October 9, 2020 | Volume: 45 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 188-194

10.1007/s00268-020-05801-x Get It

AbstractBackgroundThe role of lymphadenectomy in adrenocortical carcinoma resection is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a population‐based study to assess the association between positive lymph nodes (LN) and survival.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results set of cancer registries were utilized. The associations between positive lymph nodes and tumor size, grade and laterality were assessed. Cancer specific survival (CSS) trends and factors affecting survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 2170 adult patients were identified; 60% underwent resection. Among those resected, LN were examined in 23% and were positive in 25% of patients with LN examined. Patients with positive LN tended to have smaller tumors compared to those with negative LN (12 ± 5 vs 15 ± 11 cm, p = 0.02). The rate of positive LN was higher in right ACC, p = 0.03. Median overall CSS was 21 months, with significant differences between resection (42 months) and no resection (4 months), p < 0.01. Median CSS did not change over time when comparing ACC patients who underwent surgery before 2000, 2000–2009, and 2010–2016. On multivariable analysis including resection group, advanced age, grades III and IV, regional and distant stage, in addition to positive LN were associated with worse survival, p < 0.05.ConclusionLymphadenectomy is infrequently performed during ACC resection, and when performed, regional LN involvement tends to be associated with worse survival. Neoplasm size and grade were not associated with LN involvement and therefore, do not inform lymphadenectomy need. Further studies are needed to assess the indications for, and value of lymphadenectomy in ACC.