Abstract Disclosure: B. Salama: None. M. Bassiony: None. J. Saini: None. P. Dogra: None. E. Atkinson: None. J. Larson: None. I. Vodanovic: None. D. Kastelan: None. D.A. Delivanis: None. J. Hubska: None. U. Ambroziak: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by diminished physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Patients with Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) demonstrate a high prevalence of frailty, however, no data are available on the impact of management on frailty progression. Objectives: To determine the impact of conservative vs surgical management on and the progression of frailty in patients with MACS. Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients with (MACS), primary aldosteronism (PA), or non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFA) between June 2020 and April 2025. Participants completed standardized frailty assessment (frailty index) at baseline and annually. Results: A total of 691 patients were included: 253 with MACS (median age 62 years, 73% women, 230 with NFA (median age 62 years, 67% women), and 208 with PA (median age 54 years, 50% women). At baseline, prevalence of frailty was highest patients with MACS (39%), followed by patients with PA (31%) and NFA (24%). Frailty was reassessed at 1 year post baseline in 189 patients with NFA (22% frail, median frailty index of 0.17) and 116 patients with MACS (27% frail, median frailty index of 0.16) managed conservatively, as well as in 108 patients with MACS treated with adrenalectomy (49% frail, median frailty score of 0.24). Conservatively treated patients with MACS and those treated with adrenalectomy had similar post-dexamethasone cortisol (median 2.9 mcg/dL vs 3.1 mcg/dL, p=0.396), but were older (median age 65 years vs 58 years, p=0.001) At one year follow up, patients with MACS treated with adrenalectomy demonstrated an improvement in frailty when compared to conservative management (delta frailty index: Est of −0.044, p = 0.004), after adjusting for age and sex. In contrast, when compared to conservatively managed patients with NFA, conservatively managed patients with MACS demonstrated worse frailty at 1 year follow up (delta frailty index: Est of 0.028, p = 0.013). Conclusion: In comparison to patients with NFA, conservatively managed patients with MACS demonstrated worse frailty at 1 year follow up. In contrast, adrenalectomy in patients with MACS led to improvement of frailty. Frailty index could be valuable to identify patients most likely to benefit from adrenalectomy. Patients with higher baseline frailty scores were more likely to undergo adrenalectomy, Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Bone Health in Patients With Adrenal Adenomas and Hypercortisolism: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study
ABSTRACT Objective Data on bone health in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) are limited and heterogenous. We sought to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and symptomatic fragility fractures in patients with adrenal adenomas and hypercortisolism, and explore associations with the degree of cortisol excess and frailty. Design This multicenter cross ‐sectional study involved prospective enrollment of adults with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (NFA), MACS, Cushing syndrome (CS) and referent subjects without adrenal disorders during the study period (January 2019–September 2022). All participants completed a bone health questionnaire at enrollment and had dual‐energy X ‐ray absorptiometry bone mineral density assessment within 12‐months. Final analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use. Results Participants included 117 with NFA (median age 62 years, 80% women), 191 with MACS (median age 63 years, 74% women), 62 with CS (median age 50 years, 92% women), and 101 referent subjects (median age 59 years, 47% women). Both patients with CS (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1–8.3) and MACS (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9–4.9) had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis when compared to referents. Among patients with MACS, only those with post 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test (post‐1mg‐DST) cortisol > 83 nmol/L had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis when compared to referents (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4–7.5) and NFA (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.4). For clinical fragility fractures, only patients with CS showed an increased prevalence when compared to referents (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.7–26.4) and NFA (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3–11.2). Prevalence of clinical fragility fractures was similar to referents in patients with MACS (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.6–6.9) and NFA (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.4–6.1), and was not associated with post‐1mg‐DST cortisol or frailty in the MACS and NFA groups. Conclusion Patients with CS, and those with MACS and post‐1mg‐DST cortisol > 83 nmol/L, exhibited a higher burden of osteoporosis. However, only CS was associated with an elevated risk of symptomatic fragility fractures.
Cortisol Testing to Diagnose Adrenal Insufficiency Following Adrenalectomy for Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
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.
8219 Biochemical Disease Severity Score For Hypercortisolism Can Predict Adrenal Insufficiency After Adrenalectomy For Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion
Abstract Disclosure: O. Hamidi: Advisory Board Member; Self; Corcept, Neurocrine Biosciences, Amryt Pharma, Recordati Rare Diseases, Lantheus, Xeris. B.H. Salama: None. P. Dogra: None. A.P. Dackiw: None. F. Nwariaku: None. A. Islam: None. A. Mehta: None. S.C. Oltmann: None. S. Mirfakhraee: None. T. McKenzie: None. T.R. Foster: None. M. Lyden: None. B.M. Dy: None. I. Bancos: None. Introduction: Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) are at risk for adrenal insufficiency (AI) after unilateral adrenalectomy. We aimed to determine the prevalence, predictors, and duration of AI after unilateral adrenalectomy for MACS, and to compare baseline and peak cortisol post cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) in diagnosing AI. Methods: We conducted a dual-center retrospective cohort study of patients with MACS who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy and were evaluated with postoperative cosyntropin stimulation test (CST). AI was diagnosed when postoperative morning cortisol was <10μg/dL and/or CST peak cortisol was <18μg/dL. Baseline and CST peak cortisol levels were considered concordant when both met corresponding cut-offs. Biochemical (BSS) and clinical (CSS) severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Results: In 100 adults with MACS (77% women, median age 56 years, interquartile range [IQR] 48-63), median adenoma size was 2.8 cm (IQR, 2.2-3.7), and 25 (25%) had bilateral nodules. Median BSS was 3 (IQR, 2-5) and median CSS was 4 (IQR, 2-8). After adrenalectomy, AI was diagnosed in 56 (56%) patients. AI was associated with higher BSS, larger tumor size, but not age, sex, BMI, tumor laterality. Baseline and CST peak cortisol levels were concordant in 76% of cases. In 14% of cases morning cortisol was <10μg/dL but CST peak cortisol was ≥18μg/dL, and in 10% of cases morning cortisol was ≥10μg/dL, but CST peak cortisol was <18μg/dL. On a multivariable analysis that included age, sex, BMI, BSS, laterality, and tumor size, only higher BSS (odd ratio [OR] = 1.6 per 1 point) was associated with postoperative baseline cortisol <10μg/dL (P<0.05 for all). Independent predictors of CST peak cortisol <18μg/dL were BSS (OR 1.5 per 1 point) and unilateral adenoma (OR 3.7). During a median postoperative follow up of 13 months, 33 (59%) patients recovered from AI. Median time to recovery was 6.0 months, with AI recovery in 28% of patients by 2 months, 42% by 3 months, 53% by 6 months, and 64% by 12 months. Conclusions: Prevalence of postoperative AI in MACS was 56%. Only 76% of patients had concordant baseline and CST peak cortisol, with peak CST cortisol being more commonly abnormal in patients treated for unilateral MACS. Patients with larger adenomas and higher BSS were at higher risk for AI. Patients with MACS should be counseled about the risk and duration of AI after adrenalectomy. Presentation: 6/3/2024
8714 Impact of Adrenalectomy Versus Conservative Therapy On Frailty In Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: A Prospective Multi-Center Cohort Study
Abstract Disclosure: M. Bassiony: None. P. Dogra: None. L. Šambula: None. J. Saini: None. U. Ambroziak: None. D. Kastelan: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Frailty is characterized by a multi-system decline and increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. We have recently shown that patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate a higher prevalence of frailty compared to patients with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (NFA). Objective: To determine the impact of adrenalectomy versus conservative management in patients with MACS, as compared to patients with NFA. Design: Multi-center, prospective cohort study (2019-2023). Methods: Adults with NFA and MACS were assessed for frailty at baseline and 1-year post-adrenalectomy, or conservative follow up. Frailty was assessed by frailty index (FI) that encompasses 47 health variables (comorbidities, symptoms, daily living activities). Patients with FI >0.25 were classified as frail. MACS was defined as post-dexamethasone cortisol>1.8 mcg/dL. Results: Paired frailty assessments were performed in 226 patients (MACS:117 and NFA:109). At baseline, patients’ median age was 63 years (interquartile range, IQR 55-78) and 113 (50%) were women, without differences between patients with MACS vs NFA. In conservatively treated patients with NFA (n=106) and MACS (n=61), baseline FI (median 0.15 vs 0.16, p=0.190) and frailty prevalence (18% vs 20%, p=0.846) were similar between groups. At follow up, patients with MACS demonstrated an increase in FI (mean of 0.013 vs -0.018 in patients with NFA, p=0.009). In conservatively treated patients, and after excluding outliers, post-dexamethasone cortisol positively correlated with a higher delta FI at follow up (estimate 0.015, p=0.01). Compared to conservatively treated, patients with MACS treated with adrenalectomy (n=56) were younger (median age of 58 vs 67 years, p=0.0002), had a similar post-dexamethasone cortisol (median 3.4 vs 2.8 mcg/dL, p=0.853), a higher FI (median 0.26 vs 0.15, p value <0.0001) and frailty prevalence (52% vs 20% P=0.0003) at baseline. At follow up, patients with MACS treated with adrenalectomy showed improved FI when compared to conservatively treated (mean delta FI of -0.025 vs 0.014, p=0.017). Conclusions: Patients with MACS treated conservatively demonstrate an accelerated frailty when compared to patients with NFA. In contrast, frailty improves in patients with MACS treated with adrenalectomy. Presentation: 6/2/2024
High LDL Particle and APOB Concentrations in Patients With Adrenal Cortical Adenomas
Abstract Context Patients with nonfunctioning adenomas (NFAs), adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) and Cushing syndrome (CS) demonstrate an increased cardiovascular risk. Objective This work aimed to determine the extent of lipoprotein abnormalities in NFA, MACS, and CS. Methods We conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study of patients with NFA (n = 167), MACS (n = 213), CS (n = 142), and referent individuals (n = 202) between January 2015 and July 2022. Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles (TRLP), low-density lipoprotein particles (LDLP), high-density lipoprotein particles (HDLP), their subclasses and sizes were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable logistic analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and lipid-lowering drug therapy. Results In age- and sex-adjusted analysis, all patients categories demonstrated increased very large TRLP, large TRLP, and greater TRLP size (odds ratio [OR], 1.22-2.08) and total LDLP (OR, 1.22-1.75) and decreased LDL and HDL size compared to referent individuals. In fully adjusted analysis, LDLP concentrations remained elevated in all patient categories (OR, 1.31-1.84). Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were also higher in all patient categories in age- and sex-adjusted analysis, with ApoB remaining elevated in all patient categories in fully adjusted analysis. Similar LDLP and ApoB elevations were observed in all patient categories after excluding individuals on lipid-lowering therapy. Conclusion Patients with overt, mild, and even absent cortisol excess demonstrate lipoprotein profile abnormalities, in particular, high LDLP and ApoB concentrations, which conceivably contribute to high cardiometabolic risk.
Enhanced Chronic Inflammation and Increased Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Adrenal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Context Patients with adrenal hormone excess demonstrate increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality. Objective We aimed to determine the effect of adrenal disorders on the inflammation marker glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA), total branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), ketone bodies, and the gut microbiome-derived metabolites trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and betaine. Methods We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of patients with nonfunctioning adenomas (NFAs), mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), primary aldosteronism (PA), Cushing syndrome (CS), pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs), other benign or malignant adrenal masses, and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) between January 2015 and July 2022 (n = 802). Referent individuals included participants in the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease) study (n = 5241). GlycA, BCAAs, ketone bodies, TMAO, and betaine were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable logistic analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and statin therapy. Results In age- and sex-adjusted comparison to referent individuals, increased GlycA was noted in all patient categories, increased BCAAs in NFA, MACS, CS, PA, and ACC, increased TMAO in patients with other malignant adrenal masses, increased betaine in NFA and MACS, and increased ketone bodies in NFA, CS, and ACC. Essentially similar findings were observed in fully adjusted analysis and after exclusion of participants with diabetes and CV disease. Conclusion Patients with functioning and nonfunctioning adrenal masses demonstrated increased GlycA and BCAAs, biomarkers associated with adverse cardiometabolic disorders and mortality. Patients with NFA demonstrated an adverse metabolic profile similar to patients with MACS and CS.
Kidney Function in Patients With Adrenal Adenomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract Context Patients with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (NFA) and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, factors associated with CKD are unknown. Objective We aimed to identify the factors associated with CKD and assess the effect of adrenalectomy on kidney function in patients with NFA or MACS. Methods A single-center cohort study of patients with NFA and MACS, 1999 to 2020, was conducted. MACS was diagnosed based on post dexamethasone suppression test (DST) cortisol greater than or equal to 1.8 mcg/dL. Age, sex, dysglycemia, hypertension, therapy with statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or angiotensin II receptor blocker were included in the multivariable analysis. Outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of diagnosis with MACS or NFA and postadrenalectomy delta eGFR. Results Of 972 patients, 429 (44%) had MACS and 543 (56%) had NFA. At the time of diagnosis, patients with MACS had lower eGFR (median 79.6 vs 83.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < .001) than patients with NFA. In a multivariable analysis, factors associated with lower eGFR were older age, hypertension, and higher DST. In 204 patients (MACS: 155, 76% and NFA: 49, 24%) treated with adrenalectomy, postadrenalectomy eGFR improved in both groups starting at 18 months up to 3.5 years of follow-up. Factors associated with increased eGFR were younger age, lower preadrenalectomy eGFR, and longer follow-up period. Conclusion DST cortisol is an independent risk factor for lower eGFR in patients with adrenal adenomas. Patients with both MACS and NFA demonstrate an increase in eGFR post adrenalectomy, especially younger patients with lower eGFR pre adrenalectomy.
FRI181 Increased LDL Particle And Apolipoprotein B Concentrations In Patients With Nonfunctioning And Cortisol Secreting Adrenal Adenomas
Abstract Disclosure: R. Sandooja: None. A. Kittithaworn: None. P. Dogra: None. D. Gruppen: None. E. Atkinson: None. S. Achenbach: None. K. Yu: None. M. Connelly: None. V. Simha: None. R.P. Dullaart: None. I. Bancos: None. INTRODUCTION: Based on the spectrum of cortisol excess, adrenal adenomas are classified as adenomas with Cushing syndrome (CS), adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), and non-functioning adenomas (NFA). Patients with adrenal adenomas demonstrate a high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality proportional to the degree of hypercortisolism. Evidence on whether dyslipidemia is a contributing cardiovascular risk factor in patients with NFA and MACS is discrepant. We aimed to characterize (apo) lipoprotein abnormalities across the spectrum of cortisol excess in patients with adenomas as compared to referent subjects. METHODS: Study Design: Single center cross sectional study between 01/2015 - 05/2021.Patients: Adults with NFA, MACS, or CS were consecutively enrolled. MACS was diagnosed based on post-dexamethasone cortisol >1.8 mcg/dL. Referent subjects were recruited from local population of patients with available abdominal imaging and no adrenal disorders. All subjects provided fasting ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) venous samples. Measurements: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LDL particle concentrations, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, apolipoprotein B (apo B), triglycerides (TG) and TG-rich lipoprotein concentrations. RESULTS: Participants included 101 patients with CS (median age 44 years, IQR 31-58, 85% women), 158 patients with MACS (median age 62 years, IQR 51-70, 62% women), 166 patients with NFA (median age 60 years, IQR 53--66, 63% women) and 136 referent subjects (median age 68 years, IQR 57-77, 52% women). Patients had higher BMI (32 vs 27 kg/m2), higher prevalence of hypertension (72% vs 46%) and diabetes mellitus (27% vs 9%) as compared to reference subjects. Statin therapy was used in 32% of patients and referent subjects. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and statin therapy, as compared to referent subjects, we found inconsistent increase in TC, LDL cholesterol and TG across CS, MACS and NFA and no consistent differences in LDL size, HDL variables, TG and TG-rich lipoproteins. However, when compared to referent subjects, LDL particle concentrations- CS(OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.33-2.39), MACS (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67), and NFA (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.12-1.82) and Apo B levels were higher in all patient categories: CS (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.57-3.24), MACS (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.00-1.85 ), and NFA (OR 1.54 95% CI 1.13-2.09). These differences were particularly evident in patients not on statin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We found that LDL particle and Apo B concentrations were elevated in all patient groups, including those with MACS and NFA. In comparison to conventional lipid measurements, LDL particle and Apo B may serve as a better biomarker of the future cardiovascular risk in patients with adrenal adenomas. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023
FRI175 Presentation, Etiology And Outcomes Of Adrenal Hemorrhage A Large Single-center Study
Abstract Disclosure: M. Chinthapalli: None. P. Dogra: None. R. Sandooja: None. L. Rahimi: None. N.M. Iniguez Ariza: None. T. Foster: None. I. Bancos: None. Introduction: Adrenal glands are susceptible to hemorrhage due to their unique vasculature and physiological stress response. Scarce data are available on the presentation, etiology, and outcomes of adrenal hemorrhage (AH). Objective: To describe the presentation, etiological associations, and outcomes of patients with unilateral and bilateral AH. Methods: Single-center retrospective longitudinal study of consecutive patients reported to have AH on imaging performed between January 1st 2017-December 31st 2021. Clinical, baseline and follow up imaging, and laboratory data were reviewed. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the laterality (unilateral vs. bilateral) of AH. Results: Of 454 patients with AH (median age 62 years (IQR 50-70), 160 (35%) women), 383 (85%) had unilateral AH, 60 (13%) presented with synchronous bilateral AH, and 9 (2%) had unilateral AH followed by contralateral AH at a later time (metachronous bilateral AH). Only 93 (20%) patients had an evaluation by an endocrinologist. AH was discovered incidentally in 190 (42%) patients, and during evaluation for abdominal or back pain in 133 (29%), trauma in 104 (23%), sepsis in 19 (4%), and adrenal insufficiency in 8 (2%). Primary etiology of AH was a post-procedural complication in 154 (34%), trauma in 126 (28%), coagulopathy in 54 (12%), anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy in 52 (12%), adrenal neoplasm in 29 (6%) and sepsis in 20 (4%). Metastasis (15, 50%) represented the most common adrenal neoplasm associated with AH. In 208 (46%) patients, diagnosis of AH occurred in the hospital setting, and in 246 (54%) during an outpatient evaluation. In the 393 patients with available baseline imaging, the median size of AH was 3.1 cm (IQR 2.2-4.0). During a median imaging follow-up of 6 months (IQR 3-12), AH reduced in size with a median decrease of -2.6 cm (IQR -1.8 to -3.7) on the right and -2.0 cm (IQR -1.0 to -4.8) on the left. Compared to patients with unilateral AH, those with bilateral AH were more likely to be diagnosed in the hospital setting (61 vs. 43%, P=0.006), have an underlying coagulopathy (50 vs. 4%, P<0.0001), or sepsis (13 vs. 3%, P<0.0001), be on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy (48 vs. 21%, P<0.0001), develop primary adrenal insufficiency (61 vs. 0%, P<0.0001) and have larger baseline AH size (4 cm vs. left 2.7 and right 3.1 cm, P=0.0002), but a similar rate of resolution. Conclusions: AH frequently presents as unilateral hemorrhage and can occur secondary to various etiologies, with trauma and postprocedural complication being the most common. Association with an underlying adrenal mass is uncommon, seen only in 6%. Bilateral AH carries a high risk for primary adrenal insufficiency and is more likely to occur in hospitalized patients, possibly due to an increased prevalence of underlying coagulopathy, sepsis and need for anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023