Achenbach, Sara J.

Abstract Disclosure: K. Yu: None. J. Saini: None. E.J. Atkinson: None. S.J. Achenbach: None. V. Fell: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Data on cognition in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) are scarce. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), defined based on post-dexamethasone cortisol >1.8 mcg/dL, is diagnosed in 20-30% of patients with PA. The impact of MACS on the cognition of patients with PA is unclear. Objectives: 1) to assess cognition in patients with PA versus sex-matched referent subjects with hypertension, 2) determine the differences in cognition of patients with PA (with and without MACS) and patients with MACS. Methods: A cross-sectional study, 2019-2023. Cognition was assessed by National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery and reported as T-score corrected for age, sex, race, and education. Only subjects with hypertension were included. Results: Cognitive assessment was performed in 52 patients with PA (including 11 patients with both PA and MACS, median age of 51 yrs, 30, 58% women), 47 patients with MACS (median age of 57 yrs, 31, 66% women), and 52 referent subjects (median age of 66 yrs, 30, 58% women). When compared to referents, and after age adjustment, patients with PA had lower cognition: fluid composite cognition β of -6.3 (P=0.014) and total composite of -5.6 (P=0.016). When compared to patients with MACS, and after age and sex adjustment, patients with PA had a similar total composite cognition score (β=3.6, P=0.108) but a higher fluid composite score (β=4.7, P=0.044). No differences in cognition were found between patients with PA with and without MACS, possibly due to low sample size. Conclusion: Patients with PA demonstrate lower cognition when compared to referents with hypertension. Patients with PA had a higher fluid cognition compared to patients with MACS. Future studies should delineate the impact of hyperaldosteronism vs MACS on cognition of patients with PA. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: S.R. Chacko: None. J. Saini: None. S. Sharma Sharma: None. S. Ahmadian: None. S.J. Achenbach: None. E. Atkinson: None. V. Fell: None. J.J. Van Gompel: None. W.F. Young, Jr.: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Evidence on the duration of postoperative adrenal insufficiency (AI) in patients with endogenous hypercortisolism is scarce. Objective: To determine the duration of postoperative AI and to identify factors associated with the duration of AI in patients undergoing surgery for endogenous hypercortisolism.Methods: We conducted a single center prospective cohort study, 2019-2024, of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism [Cushing syndrome (CS) or mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)] treated with surgery. Associations of demographics, BMI, clinical and biochemical hypercortisolism severity, subtype of hypercortisolism, presurgical hypercortisolism duration and glucocorticoid type in relation to duration of AI were investigated. Results: The 110 patients [36% MACS, 46% pituitary CS, 15% adrenal CS, 3% ectopic CS, median age 50 years (IQR: 40-60), 82% women] who developed postsurgical AI were followed for a median duration of 26 months (IQR: 15-38). By the end of follow up, 96 patients (87%) had recovery of AI. The median time to recovery of AI was shorter in MACS vs. Overt Cushing syndrome (3.0 months (95% CI: 2.5-6.2) vs. 12.3 months (95% CI 9.0-17.3), P =0.002). Biochemical severity score (r=0.32, P=0.002) and duration of preoperative hypercortisolism symptoms (r=0.29, P=0.005), but not age, sex, BMI, clinical severity, or glucocorticoid type were associated with the duration of AI. We found no differences in the duration of AI between patients with ACTH-dependent vs ACTH-independent CS (12.3 months (95% CI: 6.0-17.2) vs 13.9 months (95% CI: 9.0-25.5), P =0.7).Conclusion: In this interim analysis, we showed that after surgical remission of endogenous hypercortisolism, duration of postoperative AI was longer in CS compared to MACS. Additionally, higher biochemical hypercortisolism severity score and a longer duration of symptoms suggestive of hypercortisolism were associated with a longer duration of postoperative AI. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: J. Saini: None. E. Ferreira Taveras: None. Y. Hleibiehova: None. B. Bahrani Fard: None. M. Suresh: None. R. Sandooja: None. B. Salama: None. V. Fell: None. S. Achenbach: None. E.J. Atkinson: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Patients with endogenous hypercortisolism experience glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) post-surgery. Meditation may be an effective intervention to alleviate the severity of GWS. Objective: To determine the acceptability of portable, wearable EEG device for guided meditation (MUSE headband) and the impact of MUSE use on GWS and quality of life 12 weeks post-surgery. Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of adults with endogenous hypercortisolism undergoing curative surgery, 2019-2024. Patients had baseline and post-surgical assessments over 12 weeks. The study comprised of patients using MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks (MUSE cohort) and patients matched by age, sex, BMI, hypercortisolism type, and glucocorticoid type at 1:4 ratio. Quality of life and symptoms of GWS were assessed with AddiQoL, Cushing Quality of Life, and Short Form-36 mental and physical component (SF-36 MCS and PCS) questionnaires. Results: MUSE was offered to 52 patients, and 22 (42%) used MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks within 12 weeks post-surgery. At baseline, when compared to 88 matched subjects, 22 MUSE participants demonstrated a similar prevalence of comorbidities, clinical and biochemical hypercortisolism severity, but lower AddiQoL (mean 73 vs 66, P=0.031) and SF-36 MCS (mean 39 vs 33, P=0.022). At 12 weeks, these differences in quality of life were no longer present. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, clinical severity score, and baseline quality of life, MUSE use was an independent predictor of improved SF- 36 PCS at 12 weeks post-surgery (beta 4.2, 95% CI: 0.5-7.9, P=0.026). Conclusions: Meditation intervention post-surgery may improve symptoms of GWS and accelerate recovery. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: A.J. Han: None. S.J. Achenbach: None. B.J. Atkinson: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: The prevalence of adrenal adenomas continues to rise with increased utilization of imaging. However, much remains unknown about what risk factors may predispose individuals to develop adrenal adenomas. In this study, we aimed to identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with development of adrenal adenomas. Methods: Historical case-control population study was performed. Patients diagnosed with adrenal adenoma between 2005-2017 with no evidence of overt hormone excess were paired with age- and sex-matched individuals without a diagnosis of adrenal adenoma who had a CT/MRI scan performed within 5 years prior to index date. The prevalence of various social and metabolic risk factors present within 10 years prior to index date (date of adrenal adenoma diagnosis) was compared. Results: Total of 670 patients (median age 63, IQR 53-74 years, 56% women) with adrenal adenomas were identified. At 10 years prior to index date, patients with adrenal adenomas had a higher body mass index (BMI) (median 30.1 vs 28.2 kg/m2, p<0.001), lower socioeconomic status (SES) based on Area Deprivation Index (36.2% with national percentile score >50 vs 30.9%, p=0.037), and more tobacco use (70.2% vs 61.4%, p=0.001), compared to referent subjects. Patients also had a higher prevalence of diabetes (17.5% vs 11.7%, p=0.003) 5-10 years prior to index date, but no difference in prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, stroke, or heart failure was observed between groups. Based on multivariable analysis, increased BMI and tobacco use 10 years prior to index date was associated with increased odds of adrenal adenoma diagnosis with odds ratio (OR) of 1.18 (95% Confidence Interval 1.06-1.32) and 1.41 (1.06-1.87), respectively. Conclusions: Compared to controls, patients with adrenal adenoma were more likely to be obese, have lower SES, endorse tobacco use, and demonstrate evidence of impaired glucose metabolism at least 5-10 years prior to diagnosis. In particular, increased BMI and prior tobacco use was associated with increased odds of adrenal adenoma diagnosis. Further exploration of these intricate relationships may help identify modifiable risk factors for development of adrenal adenomas. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: J. Herndon: None. Y. Hleibiehova: None. A. Bancos: None. S. Achenbach: None. E. Atkinson: None. D. Donegan: Camarus, Recordati. I. Bancos: None. Introduction: Studies show that quality of life (QOL) among patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) (primary (PAI) or secondary (SAI)) improves following adequate glucocorticoid replacement, however decreased QOL persists. SAI due to hypophysitis or infrequently PAI due to adrenalitis are recognized complications of immune-checkpoint-inhibitors (ICI). It is unknown if patients with ICI induced AI (ICI-AI) would report similar findings in QOL. Aim: To assess the impact of ICI-AI on specific determinants of health-related QOL (HRQOL) and compare management and outcomes to SAI due to other etiologies (oSAI). Methods: A cross-sectional survey study of adult patients who completed at least 1 AddiQOL survey with a diagnosis of ICI- AI or oSAI evaluated between 2015 and 2024 were included. Patients with opioid- or glucocorticoid-induced-AI were excluded. A study survey obtained information regarding diagnosis and treatment. Results: 112 patients with ICI-AI were included (SAI n=109, PAI n=3). Among those with ICI-AI, 59% were female, median age at diagnosis was 59.7 ±12.8 years and melanoma was the most common indication for ICI use (51%). The median time to ICI-AI diagnosis was 5.5 (range 0.3-80.8) months and 46% used combination ICI therapy. When compared to those with oSAI (n=139), patients with central ICI-AI were older at diagnosis (59 ±12.7 vs 46 ±18.1 years, p <0.01), more were female (59 vs 43%, p=0.015) and most were diagnosed in the last year (88% vs 42%, p<0.01). Those with ICI-AI received higher hydrocortisone (HC) equivalent daily doses than those with oSAI (25.1± 18.3 vs 22.1 ±16.9 mg/day, p<0.01), however there was no difference in the number of adrenal crises (AC) reported within the last year (14 vs 16, p=0.78). Patients with ICI-AI felt that emergency personnel understood their diagnosis and treated them promptly (75% vs 0% p=0.012). Logistic regression analysis of the entire group (ICI-AI + oSAI) did not identify an association between the occurrence of AC in the last year and HC dose >20 mg/day or type of glucocorticoid. Furthermore, there was no difference in number of AC per person year assessed between the ICI-AI and oSAI (0.23 ±0.5 vs 0.21 ±0.5, p= 0.4). The mean total AddiQOL score was higher in those with ICI-AI (87.2 ±13.9 vs 81.8 ±15.8, p=0.02). When adjusted for age and sex, total AddiQOL score was inversely related to number of symptoms present (r: -0.49, p<0.01; r: -0.58, p<0.01), occurrence of AC in the last year (r: -0.27, p=0.01; r: -0.33, p<0.01) and positively related to current employment (r:0.33 p<0.01 0.2,p=0.02) in ICI-AI and oSAI respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to compare management and HRQOL in patients with ICI-AI compared to oSAI and although there were no significant differences in total number of AC events between the 2 groups, differences exist in terms of AI presentation, management and reported QOL. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: S. Sharma Sharma: None. J. Saini: None. S.R. Chacko: None. S. Ahmadian: None. V. Fell: None. S.J. Achenbach: None. E.J. Atkinson: None. W.F. Young: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: The impact of active hypercortisolism on sleep is incompletely characterized. Several studies report impaired sleep in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS). Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate an abnormal circadian cortisol secretion with mild nocturnal hypercortisolism that could also impact sleep. Objectives: To characterize sleep abnormalities and to identify factors associated with impaired sleep in patients with CS and MACS. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of prospectively enrolled adults with active CS and MACS evaluated between August 31, 2020, and December 2, 2024. Clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using 1) Short Form-36 (SF-36), physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries, and 2) Cushing QOL survey, with psychosocial and physical domains. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a global score of ≥5 was considered abnormal. Pearson correlations and linear regression models were used to explore associations with PSQI scores. Results: In 285 patients (226 [79%] women, 259 [91%] White, median age of 54 [IQR 44-64] years), MACS was diagnosed in 147 (52%) and CS in 138 (48%). Patients reported abnormal sleep (median PSQI of 12 (IQR 8-16) in CS vs 10 (IQR 7-15) in MACS (P=0.086). Most prevalent sleep abnormalities included report of “fairly bad” or “very bad” overall sleep quality (73% in CS and 54% in MACS) and report of severe day dysfunction due to sleepiness (70% in CS and 56% in MACS). In an age-, sex- and BMI- adjusted univariable analysis of patients with hypercortisolism, higher clinical hypercortisolism severity score (r=0.13, P=0.024) and worse QoL, as measured by SF-36 and Cushing QoL (P=<0.001 for all), were associated with higher PSQI scores, a reflection of poor sleep. In a multivariable analysis of patients with hypercortisolism, we found that younger age (est -0.08, P=<0.001), female sex (est 1.95, P=0.004), lower BMI (est -0.07, P=0.041), and higher clinical severity score (est 0.12, P=0.024) were associated with higher PSQI scores, indicating impaired sleep. In a multivariable analysis of only patients with MACS, female sex (est 2.17, P=0.012), lower BMI (est -0.12, P=0.017), and higher clinical severity score (est 0.24, P=0.003), but not age were associated with higher PSQI scores, indicating impaired sleep. In patients with CS, only younger age (est -0.12, P=<0.001), but not other variables were associated with higher PSQI scores. Conclusion: We found that patients with MACS have impaired sleep, possibly due to nocturnal hypercortisolism. In patients with MACS, but not CS, clinical hypercortisolism severity score was associated with more impaired sleep. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: S. Sharma Sharma: None. J. Saini: None. S.R. Chacko: None. S. Ahmadian: None. V. Fell: None. S. Achenbach: None. A. Peersen: None. E. Atkinson: None. W.F. Young: None. I. Bancos: None. Context: Patients with MACS demonstrate an abnormal circadian cortisol secretion with mild nocturnal hypercortisolism that could impact sleep. Objectives: 1) To characterize sleep abnormalities and to identify factors associated with impaired sleep in patients with MACS. 2) To compare sleep abnormalities between patients with MACS and referent subjects. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of prospectively enrolled adults with MACS evaluated between August 31, 2020, and April 03, 2025. In parallel, we conducted a referent subject study between May 15, 2019, and May 02, 2023. Referent subjects were eligible if they had abdominal cross-sectional imaging without evidence of an adrenal mass. For patients with MACS, clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. In both groups, quality of life was assessed using Short Form-36 (SF-36), physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a global score of ≥5 was considered abnormal. Pearson correlations and linear regression models were used to explore associations with PSQI scores. Results: The total cohort included 167 patients with MACS and 89 referent subjects. No differences in age (median 60 vs 56 years, P= 0.122) and sex (71% vs 67% females, P= 0.523) were observed between patients with MACS and referents. However, median BMI was higher in patients with MACS (32 28 kg/m2 [IQR 28-38] vs 28 kg/m2 [IQR 24-32], P= < 0.001). Patients with MACS had more impaired sleep than referent subjects (median PSQI 11 [IQR 7-15] vs 5 [IQR 3-7], P= <0.001). In an age-, sex- and BMI- adjusted univariable analysis, lower PCS and MCS scores were associated with poor sleep in both referents (r= -0.45, P= <0.001 and r= -0.29, P= 0.008) and patients with MACS (r= -0.36 and -0.38, P= <0.001), however, the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was not. In patients with MACS, both higher clinical and biochemical severity scores were associated with poor sleep (r=0.20, P=0.012) and (r= 0.15, P= 0.050). Multivariable analysis of age, sex, BMI, clinical severity and OSA demonstrated that women (est 2.35, P= 0.004), lower BMI (est -0.13, P= 0.014) and higher clinical severity score (est 0.17, P=0.026), but not OSA were associated with impaired sleep in patients with MACS. All PSQI subcomponents were higher in patients with MACS vs referents, indicating poor sleep-most significantly, sleep quality score (OR 3.93, 95% CI: 2.58-6.29), sleep disturbance score (OR 3.73, 95% CI: 2.28-6.37) and daytime dysfunction score (OR 4.74, 95% CI: 2.29-10.75). Conclusion: Patients with MACS report impaired sleep, and women with lower BMI and higher clinical hypercortisolism severity scores are more affected. Reversing abnormal nocturnal hypercortisolism may improve sleep. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Abstract Context The impact of active hypercortisolism on sleep is incompletely characterized. Studies report impaired sleep in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS). Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate mild nocturnal hypercortisolism that could impact sleep. Objectives To characterize sleep abnormalities in patients with CS and MACS using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), identify factors associated with poor sleep, and compare sleep abnormalities in patients with MACS vs referent subjects. Methods We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of adults with active CS and MACS. Clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Parallelly, we enrolled referent subjects. Quality of life was assessed using (1) the Short Form-36 (SF-36) in all participants and (2) the CushingQoL in patients with active hypercortisolism. Sleep quality was assessed using PSQI. Results PSQI was assessed in 154 patients with CS (mean 12, SD ±4.5), 194 patients with MACS (mean 11, SD 4.6), and 89 referents (mean 5, SD ±3.4). Patients with MACS exhibited shorter sleep duration, longer sleep latency, more severe daytime dysfunction, lower sleep efficiency, and a higher sleep medication use compared to referent subjects (P = <.001 for all). Age-, sex, and body mass index-adjusted analysis demonstrated no differences in PSQI or its subcomponents between patients with CS and MACS (P > .05 for all). In a multivariable analysis of patients with MACS, younger age, female sex, and higher clinical hypercortisolism severity score were associated with impaired sleep. In patients with CS, only younger age was associated with poor sleep. Conclusion Patients with MACS demonstrate sleep impairment that is similar to patients with CS. Younger women with higher clinical severity of MACS are more likely to have impaired sleep.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to identify social/metabolic risk factors associated with subsequent diagnosis of adrenal adenoma Design The design is a population-based historical case–control study. Methods Cases were adult patients diagnosed with an adrenal adenoma between 2005 and 2017 with no overt hormone excess. Controls were age- and sex-matched individuals with (1) no diagnosis of adrenal adenoma and (2) no diagnosis of adrenal adenoma with cross-sectional imaging of the chest/abdomen performed within 5 years prior to index date. The frequency of various social/metabolic risk factors present 5-10 years prior to index date and odds ratios (ORs) for adrenal adenoma diagnosis were reported. Results Six hundred seventy cases identified (median age 63 years old, 56% women). During the 5-10 years prior to index date, patients with adrenal adenomas had higher prevalence of obesity (56.7% vs 49.3%, P = .007), low socioeconomic status (36.7% vs 31.1%, P = .039), tobacco use (70.2% vs 61.4%, P = .001), and diabetes (17.5% vs 11.7%, P = .003) compared to controls with prior imaging. No difference in prevalence of hypertension, substance use, chronic kidney disease, or combined cardiovascular events was observed. Based on a multivariable analysis, increased body mass index (BMI) and tobacco use were associated with increased odds of adrenal adenoma diagnosis with ORs 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.32) and 1.41 (95% CI 1.06-1.87), respectively. Conclusions Compared to controls with prior imaging, patients with adrenal adenoma had higher prevalence of obesity, low socioeconomic status, tobacco use, and diabetes 5-10 years prior to index date. In particular, increased BMI and tobacco use were independent risk factors associated with increased odds of adrenal adenoma diagnosis.

Abstract Context Patients with endogenous hypercortisolism experience glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) after surgery. Meditation may be an effective intervention to alleviate the severity of GWS. Objective To determine the acceptability of a portable, wearable electroencephalography device for guided meditation (MUSE headband) and the impact of MUSE use on GWS and quality of life 12 weeks postsurgery. Methods We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of adults with endogenous hypercortisolism undergoing curative surgery from 2019 to 2024. Patients had baseline and postsurgical assessments over 12 weeks. The study comprised patients using MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks (MUSE cohort) and patients matched by age, sex, BMI, hypercortisolism type, and glucocorticoid type at 1:4 ratio. Quality of life and GWS symptoms were assessed with AddiQoL, CushingQoL, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey mental and physical component (SF-36 MCS and PCS) questionnaires. Results MUSE was offered to 52 patients, and 22 (42%) used MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks within 12 weeks after surgery. At baseline, compared to 88 matched subjects, 22 MUSE participants demonstrated similar prevalence of comorbidities and clinical and biochemical hypercortisolism severity, but lower AddiQoL (mean 73 vs 66, P = .031) and SF-36 MCS (mean 39 vs 33, P = .022). At 12 weeks, these differences in quality of life were no longer present. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, clinical severity score, and baseline quality of life, MUSE use was an independent predictor of improved SF-36 PCS at 12 weeks postsurgery (beta 4.2, 95% CI: 0.5-7.9, P = .026). Conclusion Postsurgical meditation intervention may improve physical symptoms and accelerate recovery.