Citations

Abstract Objective Recent studies suggest a unique disease profile in elderly patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), who have a high prevalence of comorbidities and low clinical cure rate post-adrenalectomy. This study aims to investigate histopathology and genetic characteristics of PA in late adulthood. Methods Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded adrenal tissue sections from 114 patients with PA who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy at age 60 or older were used. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for histopathologic analysis. Somatic DNA variants were identified in aldosterone-producing tissue following CYP11B2 IHC-guided sequencing. Results Histopathologic analysis revealed that 56 adrenals contained an aldosterone-producing nodule (APN) (49%), 44 contained an aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) (39%), 7 contained multiple APN (6%), and 7 contained only non-functioning adenomas [NFA, of which 6 had at least one aldosterone-producing micronodule (APM) in the adjacent tissue] (6%). NFAs were also identified alongside APN/APA in 24 cases. An APN was the most common histologic subtype in men (51/88, 58%), while APA was predominant in women (18/26, 69%). Of 67 APNs with successful sequencing, the majority had variants in CACNA1D (40/67, 60%). KCNJ5 variants were the most common alteration in APA (14/44, 32%). Conclusions Older individuals with lateralized PA exhibit distinct genetic and histologic causes of disease with sex differences in mutation prevalence and adrenal histopathology. In APN, the most frequently altered gene is CACNA1D, while KCNJ5 variants are most common in APA. Unlike young patients with PA, the presence of NFA is a frequent observation in late adulthood individuals with PA.

Introduction Previous studies have demonstrated that C 11 choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Choline-PET/CT) can localize abnormal parathyroid glands in the reoperative setting. This study assesses a large volume of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT) who underwent Choline-PET/CT to confirm its utility in the setting of negative or equivocal conventional imaging. Methods All patients who underwent Choline-PET/CT for evaluation of 1HPT from July 2017 to July 2024 at a single institution were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent parathyroidectomy and had lab testing to assess for cure (defined as >50% drop from baseline PTH and into normal range, or resolution of hypercalcemia at follow-up). Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), false negative rate (FNR), and accuracy were compared to conventional imaging (neck ultrasound, parathyroid scan, and parathyroid four-dimensional CT (4D-CT)). Subgroup analysis was conducted comparing sensitivity of modalities among index operations and separately in reoperations. Results 84 patients were included for analysis. 61 failed to localize on at least one conventional modality, and 15 failed to localize on all conventional studies. 67 patients (80%) achieved cure, of which 53 were reoperations. Choline-PET/CT outperformed conventional modalities across sensitivity, PPV, FNR, and accuracy. Choline-PET/CT also outperformed conventional modalities when comparing sensitivity in both subgroups. Conclusion C 11 choline-PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality in the reoperative setting and demonstrates utility for index operations. It provides localization when other modalities fail and allows for a high surgical cure rate. Further investigation into its utility as a primary imaging modality is warranted.

Abstract Disclosure: P. Hopmann: None. S. Lund: None. T. Foster: None. B. Dy: None. T. McKenzie: None. G. Johnson: None. R.A. Wermers: None. M. Lyden: None. Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that C11 choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Choline-PET/CT) can localize abnormal parathyroid glands in the re-operative setting. This study assesses a large volume of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (1HPT) who underwent Choline-PET/CT to confirm its utility in the setting of negative or equivocal conventional imaging. Methods: All patients who underwent Choline-PET/CT for evaluation of 1HPT from July 2017 to July 2024 at a single institution were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent parathyroidectomy and had lab testing to assess for cure (defined as >50% drop from baseline PTH and into normal range, or resolution of hypercalcemia at follow-up). Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), false negative rate (FNR), and accuracy were compared to conventional imaging (neck ultrasound, parathyroid scan, and parathyroid four-dimensional CT (4D-CT)). Subgroup analysis was conducted comparing sensitivity of modalities among index operations, and separately in re-operations. Results: 176 patients were identified. 85 underwent parathyroidectomy, 1 patient was excluded due to lacking data to evaluate for cure. Of 91 patients who did not undergo parathyroidectomy, 45 were non-localizing on all imaging, and 46 had positive Choline-PET/CT findings but opted against surgery due to mild disease or prohibitive re-operative risk. Of the included 84 parathyroidectomy patients, 61 failed to localize on at least one conventional modality, and 15 failed to localize on all conventional studies. 67 patients (80%) achieved cure, of whom 53 were re-operations (range of 1-4 prior operations, average 1.5). Choline-PET/CT outperformed conventional modalities across sensitivity, PPV, FNR, and accuracy. Among index operations, Choline-PET/CT had significantly higher sensitivity than conventional modalities (100% vs 27% for ultrasound, 30% for parathyroid scan, 29% for 4D-CT; p values ≤0.01). This was also true in re-operations (95% for Choline-PET/CT vs 13% for ultrasound, 30% for parathyroid scan, 32% for 4D-CT; p values <0.01). Conclusion: C11 choline-PET/CT is a valuable imaging modality in the re-operative setting and demonstrates utility for index operations. It provides localization when other modalities fail and allows for a high surgical cure rate. Further investigation into its utility as a primary imaging modality is warranted. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Disclosure: B. Salama: None. O. Hamidi: None. T.S. Wang: None. A. Sada: None. M.A. Habra: None. P. Dogra: None. A.P. Dackiw: None. S.C. Oltmann: None. S. Mirfakhraee: None. I. Lingvay: None. T. Mckenzie: None. T. Foster: None. M. Lyden: None. B. Dy: None. V. Balderrama Brondani: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) are at risk for adrenal insufficiency (AI) after unilateral adrenalectomy. Guidelines recommend initiating glucocorticoid replacement post-adrenalectomy. However, identifying patients at risk and accurately diagnosing AI can enable individualized management. Objectives: Determine the prevalence, duration and predictors of postoperative AI after unilateral adrenalectomy for MACS and compare baseline and peak cortisol post cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) In diagnosing AI. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with MACS who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy and post-operative CST evaluation between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2024. MACS was defined as cortisol >1.8 mcg/dL following overnight administration of 1 mg dexamethasone (DST-cortisol). AI was diagnosed when post-operative day 1 early morning baseline cortisol was <10 μg/dL and/or CST peak cortisol was <18 μg/dL. Baseline and peak cortisol levels were considered concordant when both met cut-offs. Biochemical (BSS) and clinical (CSS) severity scores were calculated. Results: Among 281 adults with MACS (80% women, median age 57 years, interquartile range [IQR] (47-64), the median adenoma size was 3.0 cm (IQR, 2.3-3.9), and 62 (22%) had bilateral disease. The median BSS was 4 (IQR, 3-5), and the median CSS was 6 (IQR, 2-11). Postoperative AI was diagnosed in 153 (54.5%) patients. A multivariable analysis showed that a higher BSS (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.36) and younger age at diagnosis (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.81), but not sex, BMI, or laterality, were associated with AI. Diagnosis of AI was concordant based on the baseline and peak CST cortisol cutoffs in 78% of patients. Diagnosis of AI was discordant in 22%: in 35 patients (12%), baseline cortisol was <10 μg/dL, but CST peak cortisol was ≥18 μg/dL, and in 28 cases (10%), baseline cortisol was ≥10 μg/dL, but CST peak cortisol was <18 μg/dL. Patients with bilateral MACS were more likely to have discordant results (32% vs. 19%, P < 0.001). During a median postoperative follow-up period of 15.4 months, 108 patients (70.6%) recovered from AI. The median time to recovery was 3.9 months (IQR, 3-5.9), with 41% recovering by 3 months, 60% by 6 months, and 73% by 12 months. The median time to recovery was associated with baseline BSS: mild: 3 months, moderate: 4.7 months, and severe: 14.5 months. Conclusion: We found that more than half of patients with MACS develop postoperative AI, with 50% recovering by 4 months post-surgery. BSS was associated with both the development and duration of AI. Baseline and CST peak cortisol results were concordant only in 78% of patients, thus performing both should be considered for an accurate diagnosis of AI. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

ABSTRACT Introduction The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) drafted Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for Endocrine Surgery (ES) to assess general surgery residents and ES fellows in core topics. Here, we examine learner and teacher concordance of entrustability ratings. Methods Fourteen EPAs were defined (10 “core”–6 with pre‐, intra‐, and post‐operative phases, four single‐phase–and four elective EPAs). Ten institutions collected three‐item micro‐assessments (MAs) of learner EPA performance using a web‐based platform, where entrustment was assessed on observable behaviors using a five‐point scale. Learner provided self‐assessment ratings, while teachers separately assigned ratings for the same activities. Spearman rank correlation tests were applied to compare learner‐teacher ratings for EPAs. Results MAs ( n = 698) were submitted between 7/2022‐9/2023. Programs submitted between 3 and 468 MAs. Among 3‐phase core EPAs, the intraoperative phase was most assessed ( n = 496), followed by pre‐ and post‐operative phases ( n = 108 and 55, respectively). Thirty‐nine single‐phase EPAs were submitted. Learner self‐assessment and teacher ratings were equivalent for 32% of pre‐operative EPAs, 53% of intra‐operative EPAs, 29% of post‐operative EPAs, and 64% of single phase of care EPAs. Spearman rank correlation between teacher and learner ratings for all phases of care combined was 0.66. Correlation was highest for the intra‐operative phase (0.73), followed by single‐phase (0.65), pre‐operative phase (0.27), and post‐operative phase (0.20). Rating concordance did not differ when high and low scores were examined independently. Learners were more prone to underestimate performance than to overestimate it when ratings were discordant. Conclusions Learners' self‐assessment and teacher ratings of endocrine surgery EPAs are strongly concordant with operative technical skills. However, learners often underestimate their performance of pre‐ and post‐operative care compared to faculty ratings when using EPAs.

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.

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

Abstract Disclosure: B. Bahrani Fard: None. N. Nikravangolsefid: None. J. Maroun: None. A. Cross: None. T. Foster: None. T. McKenzie: None. W. Young Jr: None. B.M. Dy: None. M. Lyden: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Giant pheochromocytomas (PHEO), defined based on size > 10 cm, are rare. Data on clinical presentation, management, and prognosis of giant PHEOs are scarce. Objectives: to determine prevalence of giant PHEO and compare presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with giant vs non-giant PHEOs. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with giant PHEO and randomly chosen patients with non-giant PHEO (referents) at 6:1 ratio, evaluated between 2000-2023. All variables were extracted from the electronic medical record. Results: Of 828 patients with PHEO evaluated between 2000 and 2023, 31 (3.7%) had giant PHEO (median size 12 cm, IQR 10.0-13.5). In comparison to referents (n=186, median size 4 cm, IQR, 2.9-5.0), patients with giant PHEO were similar in age (median age 53 vs 55 years, P=.55), more frequently discovered based on symptoms (52% vs 32%, P=.04), and less likely to be bilateral (3% vs 12%, P=.31). Genetic testing was performed in 103 (48%) of patients, without group differences, however, patients with giant PHEO were less likely to have an associated germline mutation detected (7% vs 47%, P=.004). Patients with giant PHEO had more symptoms of catecholamine excess (median of 2 vs 1, P=.04) and presented with a higher prevalence of severe metanephrine excess >10 times above upper normal range (76% vs 30%, P<.0001). Adrenalectomy was performed in 94% of patients with giant PHEOs and in 100% referents, with higher rates of open adrenalectomy in giant PHEO (86% vs 14%, P<.0001). In addition to preoperative alpha-adrenergic blockade (89%), metyrosine was used in 14 (7%) patients, mostly in patients with giant PHEO (26% vs 3%, P<.0001). Patients with giant PHEO had a longer hospital length of stay (laparoscopic: median 5 vs 2 days, P<.0001; open: median 6 vs 5 days, P=.24), and a higher complication rate (31% vs 10%, P=.006).Median follow up was 3 years (IQR 1-8) years, similar in patients and referents. Metastases developed at a much higher rate in patients with giant PHEOs (45% vs 4% in referents, P<.0001). Disease specific mortality was 7% in patients with giant PHEOs and 0% in referents. Conclusion: Patients with giant PHEO were more symptomatic, had a higher degree of catecholamine excess, and a higher rate of perioperative complications. Almost half of patients with giant PHEO developed metastases, warranting a close follow-up. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Abstract Context Data on giant pheochromocytomas (PHEOs), defined based on size 10 cm or greater, are scarce. Objective This work aimed to compare presentation, management, and outcomes of patients with giant vs non–giant PHEOs. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a referral center from 2000 to 2023. Consecutive patients with giant PHEOs and randomly chosen patients with non–giant PHEO (referents) were studied at a 1:6 ratio. Outcomes included perioperative complications, metastases, and mortality. Results Of 828 patients with PHEOs, 31 (3.7%) had giant PHEO (median size 12 cm, interquartile range [IQR] 10.0-13.5 cm). In comparison to referents (n = 186, median size 4 cm, IQR, 2.9-5.0 cm), patients with giant PHEO had more symptoms of catecholamine excess (median of 2 vs 1; P = .04) and presented with a higher prevalence of severe catecholamine excess (76% vs 30%; P < .0001). Adrenalectomy was performed in 94% of patients with giant PHEOs and 100% of referents. In addition to preoperative α-adrenergic blockade (89%), metyrosine was used in 14 (7%) patients, mostly in patients with giant PHEOs (26% vs 3%; P < .0001). Patients with giant PHEOs had a higher perioperative complication rate (31% vs 10%; P = .004). During a median follow-up of 3 years, metastases developed at a higher rate in patients with giant PHEOs (45% vs 4% in referents; P < .0001). Disease-specific mortality was 7% in patients with giant PHEOs and 0% in referents (P = .02). Conclusion Patients with giant PHEOs compared to referents were more symptomatic, had a higher degree of catecholamine excess, and had a higher rate of perioperative complications. Almost half of patients with giant PHEOs developed metastases, warranting close follow-up.

Abstract Disclosure: A. Blinder: None. K. Nanba: None. D. Sapiro: None. J. Baker: None. C. Liu: None. I. Bancos: None. M. Lyden: None. W. Young: None. H. Wachtel: None. D. Cohen: None. J. Luther: None. T.A. Williams: None. M. Reincke: None. T. Else: None. T.J. Giordano: None. A. Udager: None. W.E. Rainey: None. Background: There is accumulating evidence that changes in adrenal histology and regulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system occur with age. Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension. Recent clinical studies suggest unique characteristics of PA in elderly patients, including high prevalence of comorbidities and low clinical cure rate after adrenalectomy. However, histologic and genetic features of PA in late adulthood have not been well elucidated. Objective: To determine histologic and genetic characteristics of PA in late adulthood. Methods: Seventy-six patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy at the age of 60 or older were included in this study. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of resected adrenal tissue were used for the analysis. Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to identify the source of inappropriate aldosterone production. Histologic classification was made according to the HISTALDO (histopathology of primary aldosteronism) consensus. CYP11B2 IHC-guided DNA capture followed by sequencing analysis using direct Sanger sequencing or ion torrent based next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed. Results: Median age of the studied patients was 70 (interquartile range: 64-73). Based on the CYP11B2 IHC, histologic diagnosis was made as follows; aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA, n=23), aldosterone-producing nodule (APN, n=41), and non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma (NFA, n=6). The remaining six cases had multiple CYP11B2-expressing neoplastic lesions, including APA with APN (n=2) and multiple APNs (n=4). Co-existence of NFA with APA or APN(s) was also observed in 13. Sequencing analysis revealed that somatic KCNJ5 mutation was the most frequent genetic alteration in APA (7/23, 30%), whereas somatic CACNA1D mutation was the most common genetic cause of APN (20/39 with successful sequencing, 51%). Of the 18 sequenced NFA DNA samples, two had somatic mutations in CTNNB1 (n=1) and GNAS (n=1). Conclusion: APN is the major histologic feature of PA in late adulthood. Co-existence of NFA also appears to be a frequent observation in this age population. Somatic CACNA1D and KCNJ5 mutations are common in APN and APA, respectively. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023