Citations

Abstract Context: Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency (AI) despite standard glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Current evidence on the determinants of QoL is scarce and limited in very few European countries, and how it relates to AI subtypes remains underexplored. Objective: We conducted the first survey study in patients with AI in the USA to determine the correlations between clinical parameters, adverse outcomes, patient education, socioeconomic factors, and QoL in different subtypes of AI. Design, Setting and Participants: Cross-sectional survey study of 529 patients with AI between 2015 and 2020, at three tertiary centers in the USA. Intervention: Patient-centered questionnaires. Main Outcome Measures: QoL scores using Short-Form 36. Results: Of 529 participants, 223 (42.2%) had primary AI (PAI), 190 (35.9%) had secondary AI (SAI), and 116 (21.9%) had glucocorticoid induced AI (GIAI). Median age at the time of survey was 58 years (IQR: 43–68), 342 (64.8%) were women and 483 (91.3%) were Caucasians. Median duration of AI was 6 years (IQR: 3–14.5), longest in patients with PAI (11 vs 4 years in SAI and GIAI, p=0.0001). Overall, Physical Composite Summary (PCS) score was lower than the Mental Composite Summary (MCS) (38.1±12.9 vs 46.5±11.8). Across the eight dimensions, each individual decade- and sex-adjusted Z-score (using the normative data of USA population) in patients with PAI was significantly higher than that of the other two AI subtypes (all p<0.05), although all Z-scores were still below 0. In multivariate analyses, patients were more likely to report a worse PCS score (<40) if they were women (OR: 3.3, CI 95%: 1.8–6.0), had SAI or GIAI (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.4–4.3), had shorter duration of AI (<6 years) (OR: 2.0, CI 95%: 1.1–3.6), were treated with >25 mg hydrocortisone equivalent daily (OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.2–4.6), had more comorbidities related to GC excess (OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.3–4.0), reported higher financial burden due to AI (OR: 2.1, CI 95%: 1.3–3.6), and reported difficulties with AI management (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.2–5.2). Women (OR: 2.1, CI 95%: 1.08–4.0), shorter duration of AI (OR: 2.4, CI 95%: 1.4–4.3), higher financial burden due to AI (OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.3–4.0), reporting difficulties with AI management (OR: 2.6, CI 95%: 1.4–4.9), and lack of family support during adrenal crisis (OR: 9.1, CI 95%: 2.3–33.3), were predictors of a worse MCS score (<40). Conclusions: Patients with AI have substantially impaired QoL despite GC replacement therapy. Certain determinants of QoL are modifiable and achievable, such as avoiding GC over-replacement, offering detailed hands-on education in self-management, more comprehensive insurance coverage, and more robust domestic support. Our study calls for a multidimensional effort from patients, clinicians, and society to improve QoL in this vulnerable patient population.

Abstract Context Hyperthyroidism is associated with low levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and hypothyroidism is associated with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the impact of therapy for overt and subclinical hyper- and hypothyroidism on serum lipids. Data Sources We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from 1970 through April 5, 2018. Study Selection Pairs of independent reviewers selected randomized and observational studies evaluating lipid parameters in patients undergoing treatment for hyper- or hypothyroidism. Data Extraction Pairs of independent reviewers extracted data and appraised studies. Data Synthesis Treatment of overt hyperthyroidism showed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC) by 44.50 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.99, 51.02), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 31.13 mg/dL (95% CI: 24.33, 37.93), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 5.52 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.48, 9.56), apolipoprotein A (Apo A) by 15.6 mg/dL (95% CI: 10.38, 20.81), apolipoprotein B (apo B) by 26.12 mg/dL (95% CI: 22.67, 29.57), and lipoprotein (Lp[a]) by 4.18 mg/dL (95% CI: 1.65, 6.71). There was no significant change in triglyceride (TG) levels. Treatment of subclinical hyperthyroidism did not change any lipid parameters significantly. Levothyroxine therapy in overt hypothyroidism showed a statistically significant decrease in TC by -58.4 mg/dL (95% CI: -64.70, -52.09), LDL-C by -41.11 mg/dL (95% CI: -46.53, -35.69), HDL-C by -4.14 mg/dL (95% CI: -5.67, -2.61), TGs by -7.25 mg/dL (95% CI: -36.63, 17.87), apo A by -12.59 mg/dL (95% CI: -17.98, -7.19), apo B by -33.96 mg/dL (95% CI: 41.14, -26.77), and Lp(a) by -5.6 mg/dL (95% CI: -9.06, -2.14). Levothyroxine therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism showed similar changes but with a smaller magnitude. The studies contained varied population characteristics, severity of thyroid dysfunction, and follow-up duration. Conclusions Treatment of overt but not subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with worsening of the lipid profile. Levothyroxine therapy in both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism leads to improvement in the lipid profile, with a smaller magnitude of improvement in subclinical hypothyroidism.

AbstractObjectiveComprehensive data about patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma are limited. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, genetic analysis, treatment and outcomes of patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma.DesignA retrospective study at a tertiary care centre.PatientsAll patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma evaluated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota between January 1951 and December 2015.MeasurementsTumour size, genetic testing, plasma/urine metanephrines and catecholamines.ResultsA total of 94 patients (51% women) were diagnosed with bilateral pheochromocytoma at a median age at first presentation of 31 years (range, 4‐70). Bilateral disease was noted in 8.0% of pheochromocytoma patient overall and 37.5% of patients 18 years of younger. Most patients presented with synchronous tumours (80%). Median time to metachronous tumours was 4.5 years (range, 1‐38). Genetic disease was identified in 75 (80%) patients, including MEN 2A (42.6%), VHL (19.1%), MEN 2B (9.6%) and NF1 (8.5%). Excess catecholamines were present in 97% of patients. Patients with synchronous pheochromocytoma commonly underwent simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy (99%), and 18 (24%) had cortical‐sparing surgery. Multicentric tumours were reported in 23 of 77 (30%) patients with available data. Recurrent disease was found in 9.6% of patients, and 8.5% developed metastatic disease. Median follow‐up was 8.5 years. At the study conclusion, 4 patients had died due to pheochromocytoma or adrenalectomy.ConclusionsBilateral pheochromocytoma occurred in 7.0% of adults with pheochromocytoma and 37.5% of paediatric patients. Genetic disease was identified in 80% of patients, predominantly MEN2A. Multicentric tumours were common, but most were still cured following adrenalectomy.

Abstract Background: The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on pituitary function remains unclear. Yet, applying appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for affected patients is crucial for mitigating morbidity related to hypopituitarism and improving patient outcomes. Currently, data regarding the prevalence of post-TBI hypopituitarism and its predisposing factors are inconsistent. The goals of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate the prevalence of acute and chronic post-TBI hypopituitarism and assess for predictors of pituitary dysfunction. Methods: Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, and references of key articles were searched from inception to 2019. Studies enrolling ≥20 adult patients with TBI and reporting on pituitary dysfunction were included. A total of 992 studies were generated by the initial search. Titles and abstracts were screened in duplicate by two independent reviewers for inclusion criteria. Of these, 265 full text manuscripts were subsequently reviewed for eligibility. Predefined data were extracted from 14 representative studies for the preliminary analysis (7 cross-sectional studies, 6 prospective studies, and 1 retrospective study). Results: There was a total of 813 (78% male) patients with TBI. Of those with available data, 124/248 (50.0%) had mild TBI, 112/476 (23.5%) had moderate TBI, and 308/569 (54.1%) had severe TBI. Mean age at TBI diagnosis was 34.2±4.6 years, with time to evaluation of pituitary function following TBI ranging from 0 days to 120 months (mean, 27.1±35.1 months). Acute and chronic hypopituitarism was reported in 10.7% and 19.6% of patients, respectively. TBI was associated with increased risk for hypopituitarism compared to the general population (RR=765.8, 95% CI 538.8-1088.5). Secondary hypogonadism was noted in 15.7% of patients, growth hormone deficiency in 15.7%, secondary adrenal insufficiency in 11.6%, secondary hypothyroidism in 8.7%, and diabetes insipidus in 0.2%. Older age (40.4±5.5 vs 36.7±1.0 years, P<0.0001) and higher BMI (25.0±0.7 vs 23.9±0.2 kg/m2, P<0.0001) were associated with increased risk of post-TBI hypopituitarism. Conclusion: Available moderate- to low-quality evidence suggests that post-TBI hypopituitarism is common and correlates with older age and higher BMI. Secondary hypogonadism and growth hormone deficiency are the most predominant pituitary deficiencies. Further investigations are warranted to determine the most effective strategies for identifying patients at risk for post-TBI hypopituitarism in order to implement prompt assessment and management.

Abstract Myelolipoma is the second most common adrenal tumor. Yet, systematic approach to these tumors remains poorly defined. Thus, we aimed to describe natural history of myelolipoma and to identify predictors of tumor growth and need for surgery. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal follow-up study of consecutive patients with myelolipoma. A total of 321 myelolipomas (median size, 2.3 cm [range, 0.5-18.0]) were diagnosed in 305 patients at median age of 63 years (25-87). Most myelolipomas were discovered incidentally (86.6%), whereas others were discovered on imaging done for cancer staging (8.8%) or during workup of mass effect symptoms (4.6%). Median duration of follow-up was 54 months (range, 0.03-267). Compared with myelolipomas <6 cm, tumors ≥6 cm were more likely to be right-sided (59% vs 41%, P=0.02), bilateral (21% vs 3%, P <.0001), cause mass effects symptoms (32% vs 0%, P<.0001), have radiographic hemorrhagic changes (14% vs 1%, P<.0001), and undergo adrenalectomy (52% vs 5%, P<.0001). There was no difference in sex or age at diagnosis between the groups. Hemorrhagic changes were noted in 9 (3.0%) patients with median tumor size of 7.0 cm (range, 1.8-18.0). Concomitant adrenal hormone excess was diagnosed in 12/126 (9.5%) patients. Primary aldosteronism was noted in 9 patients: due to concomitant ipsilateral (n=3) or contralateral adrenocortical adenoma (n=3), or bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (n=3). Autonomous cortisol excess was noted in 3 patients: due to concomitant contralateral (n=2) or ipsilateral adrenocortical adenoma (n=1). Of 162 patients with ≥6 months of imaging follow-up, tumor size change ranged from -10 to 115 mm (median, 0 mm) and tumor growth rate ranged from -5.6 to 140 mm/year (median, 0 mm/year). Tumor growth ≥1.0 cm (n=26, 16.0%) was associated with larger initial tumor size (3.6 vs 2.3 cm, P=0.02) and hemorrhagic changes on imaging (12% vs 2%, P=0.007), compared with <1 cm size change. Myelolipomas with ≥1.0 cm growth were more likely to undergo adrenalectomy (35% vs 8%, P<.0001). Among 37 (12%) patients that underwent adrenalectomy for myelolipoma, surgical indications included: large tumor size/tumor growth (32%), diagnostic surgery (27%), mass effect symptoms (14%), concomitant ipsilateral tumor leading to hormonal excess (11%), acute hemorrhage (8%), and concomitant resection during non-adrenal surgery (8%). In conclusion, most myelolipomas are discovered incidentally, whereas myelolipomas ≥6 are more likely to cause mass effect symptoms, have radiographic hemorrhagic changes, and more commonly undergo resection. Hormonal excess is rare and is usually attributed to concomitant adrenocortical adenoma or hyperplasia. Tumor growth ≥1.0 cm is associated with larger myelolipoma and presence of hemorrhagic changes. Surgical resection should be considered in symptomatic patients with large tumors, evidence of hemorrhage, or tumor growth.

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to describe clinical course of myelolipoma and to identify predictors of tumour growth and need for surgery.DesignA retrospective study.PatientsConsecutive patients with myelolipoma.ResultsA total of 321 myelolipomas (median size, 2.3 cm) were diagnosed in 305 patients at median age of 63 years (range, 25‐87). Median follow‐up was 54 months. Most myelolipomas were incidentally detected (86%), whereas 9% were discovered during cancer staging and 5% during workup of mass effect symptoms. Thirty‐seven (12%) patients underwent adrenalectomy. Compared to myelolipomas <6 cm, tumours ≥6 cm were more likely to be bilateral (21% vs 3%, P < .0001), cause mass effect symptoms (32% vs 0%, P < .0001), have haemorrhagic changes (14% vs 1%, P < .0001) and undergo adrenalectomy (52% vs 5%, P < .0001). Among patients with ≥6 months of imaging follow‐up, median size change was 0 mm (−10, 115) and median growth rate was 0 mm/y (−6, 14). Compared to <1 cm growth, ≥1 cm growth correlated with larger initial size (3.6 vs 2.3 cm, P = .02), haemorrhagic changes (12% vs 2%, P = .007) and adrenalectomy (35% vs 8%, P < .0001).ConclusionsMost myelolipomas are incidentally discovered on cross‐sectional imaging. Myelolipomas ≥6 are more likely to cause mass effect symptoms, have haemorrhagic changes and undergo resection. Tumour growth ≥1 cm is associated with larger myelolipoma and haemorrhagic changes. Adrenalectomy should be considered in symptomatic patients with large tumours and when there is evidence of haemorrhage or tumour growth.

AbstractObjectivesLong-term follow-up is important for determining performance characteristics of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA).MethodsHistologic or 3 or more years of clinical follow-up was used to calculate performance characteristics of thyroid FNA before and after implementation of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). The impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) classification was also investigated.ResultsFollow-up was obtained for 1,277/1,134 and 1,616/1,393 aspirates/patients (median clinical follow-up, 9.9 and 4.4 years, pre- and post-TBSRTC, respectively). Nondiagnostic, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, and suspicious for malignancy (SFM) diagnoses decreased and benign diagnoses increased post-TBSRTC, while atypical rate remained less than 1%. Negative predictive value for benign nodules and positive predictive value (PPV) for SFM increased significantly. Eleven nodules were reclassified as NIFTP, slightly decreasing PPV/risk of malignancy (ROM).ConclusionsAppropriate ROM for thyroid FNA can be achieved through application of TBSRTC terminology with minimal use of atypical category.

Metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are incurable neuroendocrine tumors. The goals of treatment include palliating symptoms and reducing tumor burden. Little is known about the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (CRYO), and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) to treat metastatic PPGL. We performed a retrospective study of patients age 17 years and older with metastatic PPGL who were treated with ablative therapy at Mayo Clinic, USA, between June 14, 1999 and November 14, 2017. Our outcomes measures were radiographic response, procedure-related complications, and symptomatic improvement. Thirty-one patients with metastatic PPGL had 123 lesions treated during 42 RFA, 23 CRYO, and 4 PEI procedures. The median duration of follow-up was 60 months (range, 0–163 months) for non-deceased patients. Radiographic local control was achieved in 69/80 (86%) lesions. Improvement in metastasis-related pain or symptoms of catecholamine excess was achieved in 12/13 (92%) procedures. Thirty-three (67%) procedures had no known complications. Clavien-Dindo Grade I, II, IV, and V complications occurred after 7 (14%), 7 (14%), 1 (2%), and 1 (2%) of the procedures, respectively. In patients with metastatic PPGL, ablative therapy can effectively achieve local control and palliate symptoms.