Context: Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome that may occur in an isolated form or as part of Carney complex. The diagnosis of this disease can be difficult preoperatively because computed tomography (CT) scan can be normal or suggest unilateral adrenal lesion, which can impede the correct diagnosis of bilateral adrenal disease.
Objective: The aim of our study was to describe the results of preoperative imaging (adrenal [6β-(131)I]iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol] [NP-59] scintigraphy and standard adrenal CT scan) and their correlations with clinical, pathological, and genetics investigations in patients with PPNAD.
Patients And Methods: Seventeen patients with ACTH-independent syndrome due to PPNAD were investigated with a standard adrenal CT scan and NP-59 scintigraphy. Hormonal, pathological, and genetics data were analyzed.
Results: Four males and 13 females (median age, 27 y) were included. PPNAD was isolated in 11 patients (with PRKAR1A mutation, n = 7; and without PRKAR1A mutation, n = 4) and was associated with extra-adrenal manifestations of Carney complex in six patients (with PRKAR1A mutation, n = 4; and without PRKAR1A mutation, n = 2). Standard adrenal CT scan revealed micronodules in 11 patients, macronodules in three patients, and was normal in three patients. All patients demonstrated bilateral adrenal radiocholesterol uptake. Adrenal uptake was asymmetrical in 10 of 17 patients (59%). Asymmetrical uptake correlated with the presence of macronodules at pathological analysis (P = .03).
Conclusion: Standard adrenal CT scan most often reveals micronodules but there is no specific CT imaging. NP-59 scintigraphy always shows a bilateral adrenal uptake confirming the bilateral nature of the disease, but asymmetrical scintigraphic uptake can be observed in patients with macronodules.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2015-2174 | DOI Listing |
Diseases
December 2024
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and CERICSAL (Centro di Ricerca Clinico SALentino), "Veris delli Ponti Hospital", Via Giuseppina Delli Ponti, 73020 Scorrano, Lecce, Italy.
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Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital(Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
Thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-UTs), recently recognized as a rare malignancy described in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors, are characterized by an inactivating mutation in SMARCA4, most commonly found in the mediastinum of male smokers. Despite the aggressive nature and poor prognosis associated with these tumors, which have a median survival time of approximately 4-7 months, no standardized treatment guidelines are currently established. There are currently no reported cases of extended progression-free survival (PFS) in SMARCA4-UT patients treated with surgery and immunotherapy.
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January 2025
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Neurol Sci
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Dresden International University, Division of Medicine, Dresden, Germany.
Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe neuromuscular disorder, often leading to wheelchair dependence by age 13 with limited treatment options, largely relying on glucocorticosteroids. We assessed the efficacy and safety of vamorolone, a modified synthetic corticosteroid, for DMD.
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Hypertens Res
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Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
The synergistic interplay between cortisol and aldosterone is critical for maintaining homeostasis, particularly in blood pressure regulation, fluid balance, and stress response. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, and aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, often act in tandem to regulate sodium retention and blood volume. Dysregulation of these hormones, as seen in hyperaldosteronism or Cushing's syndrome, contributes to hypertension and metabolic imbalances.
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