Corticotropin releasing factor as an aid in the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome

6 patients with Cushing's syndrome were investigated with regard to the effect of synthetic ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (o-CRF), administered as an intravenous bolus of 100 micrograms, on peripheral plasma concentrations of ACTH and cortisol. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of this "CRF test" in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome as compared with conventional diagnostic procedures. 100 micrograms CRF caused a rise in plasma ACTH and cortisol in patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (n = 3). However, in patients with cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma (n = 2) and ectopic ACTH overproduction (n = 1), no increase in plasma cortisol and ACTH was induced by exogenous CRF. We conclude from these findings that the CRF test will prove a valuable diagnostic tool to differentiate pituitary from extrapituitary forms of endogenous hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing's syndrome.     

An unusual cause of Cushing's syndrome: primary pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia

We report a case of Cushing's syndrome due to primary pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia (PPNAD) and discuss the diagnostic process and management of this rare case. The diagnosis of PPNAD is discussed in the context of other causes of Cushing's syndrome. Eighty-five per cent of cases of Cushing's syndrome are due to a pituitary corticotrophic tumour (Cushing's disease). Rarer causes include cortisol secreting adrenal adenoma and ectopic ACTH secretion. In the routine investigation of Cushing's disease it is not unusual to find bilateral adrenal nodules on the CT scan. We present a case of Cushing's syndrome in which this radiographic finding was present and yet the biochemical diagnosis was one of ACTH independent disease. Histology revealed PPNAD.     

Serum profiles of steroid hormones in patients with Cushing's syndrome determined by a new HPLC/RIA method

We developed a method for simultaneously measuring steroid hormones in very small volumes of serum, using a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). By this method, aldosterone, cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, estrone, estradiol, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, deoxycorticosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, pregnenolone, and progesterone could be determined in a single 100-microL aliquot of serum from normal adults and patients with Cushing's syndrome. The steroid profile associated with Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal adenoma was quite distinct from that associated with the syndrome caused by adrenal hyperplasia. Serum concentrations of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estrone, estradiol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, pregnenolone, and testosterone were significantly higher in patients with adrenal hyperplasia than in those with an adenoma. We compared the results of this HPLC/RIA method with those of 125I RIAs. The use of a HPLC/RIA system to obtain an accurate and sensitive profile of a range of serum steroids, as described here, obviates the need for large volumes of blood.     

Variable hormonogenesis in Cushing's syndrome.

Four patients with Cushing's syndrome and variable cyclic hormonogenesis are reported and 40 other cases from the literature are reviewed. These cases were divided into four categories depending on regular or irregular cyclic adrenal hypersecretion and presence or absence of concomitant fluctuations in the clinical course. The manifestations of cyclic adrenal hypersecretion in these patients varied from daily to yearly intervals. Cyclic activity persisted for as long as 25 years, with cycle lengths varying from 12 hours to 85 days. Some patients demonstrated complex biochemical cyclic patterns. Clinical presentations varied from a single outstanding symptom, such as recurring oedema, to a complex clinical syndrome. The aetiology in these patients varied: 12 appeared to be pituitary dependent, 11 had corticotropin-producing tumours and another eight were described as showing 'adrenal hyperplasia'. A hypothalamic disorder was found in four, a benign adrenal adenoma in two, and an adrenal 'mass' and adrenocortical nodular dysplasia in single patients. Evaluation during the intercyclic phase may reveal normal pituitary function. Inconsistent responsiveness to administration of dexamethasone in different phases of cyclic activities may suggest the presence of cyclic Cushing's syndrome.     

Cushing's syndrome. How to pinpoint and treat the underlying cause

In addition to prolonged glucocorticoid therapy (not discussed here), at least five other conditions cause Cushing's syndrome. They are excessive corticotropin secretion by the pituitary gland (which results in Cushing's disease), ectopic production of corticotropin by malignant nonpituitary tumors, benign adrenal adenoma, adrenal carcinoma, and primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia. Each can be distinguished by a specific pathophysiologic process that triggers the adrenal glands to overproduce glucocorticoids. At present, diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome or disease relies heavily on the dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) suppression test. After diagnosis, other studies, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and corticotropin radioimmunoassay, can be used to localize the site of the lesion. Treatment, of course, depends on the underlying cause.     

Parallel assays of beta-endorphin and ACTH in Cushing's patients undergoing petrosal sinus sampling

This study explores the possibility of improving endocrinologic testing during petrosal sinus catheterization by determining both beta-endorphin and corticotropin (ACTH). We studied 14 patients with Cushing's disease, two with adrenal tumor, and three with ectopic tumors secreting ACTH. In patients with Cushing's disease, beta-endorphin concentrations paralleled those of ACTH in all basal plasma samples collected either from petrosal sinuses or peripheral veins. Individual responses of beta-endorphin and ACTH to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) were closely related to the presence of a corticotroph adenoma. In such patients, a consistently higher concentration of beta-endorphin over ACTH was observed in all samples collected either from petrosal sinuses or peripheral veins; the ratios were unchanged after the administration of CRH. In patients with ectopic ACTH secretion, the mean ratio of beta-endorphin over ACTH (with both values expressed in pmol/L) was significantly higher (3.5) than that of patients with Cushing's disease (2.9) or Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal tumor (2.7).     

肾上腺静脉取血术在非促肾上腺皮质激素依赖性库欣综合征并双肾上腺占位诊断中的应用

目的　　研究肾上腺静脉插管取血术在非促肾上腺皮质激素（adrenocorticotropic hormone, ACTH）依赖性库欣综合征合并双侧肾上腺占位患者中的诊断价值。方法　　回顾性分析北京协和医院诊治的4例非ACTH依赖性库欣综合征合并双侧肾上腺占位患者的临床资料。空腹状态下取外周静脉及双侧肾上腺静脉血，分别测定血浆总皮质醇及醛固酮水平，分别计算双侧肾上腺静脉与外周静脉血皮质醇的比值及双侧肾上腺静脉的血皮质醇与醛固酮的比值比。 结果　　4例经肾上腺静脉插管取血后计算出双侧肾上腺静脉的血皮质醇与醛固酮的比值比平均为8.4（3.6~16.2），其中3例为单侧分泌皮质醇的高功能肾上腺腺瘤所致的显性库欣综合征，对侧腺瘤则为无功能皮质腺瘤；1例为单侧高功能肾上腺腺瘤所致的亚临床库欣综合征，对侧则为肾上腺结节样增生。定位明确后行单侧肾上腺及腺瘤切除术，病情均缓解，平均随访36个月（6~75个月）均无复发。 结论　　成功的肾上腺静脉取血可以帮助判断非ACTH依赖性库欣综合征合并双侧肾上腺占位的功能状态，对指导下一步治疗措施有重要的诊断价值，而成功的关键在于肾上腺静脉置管到位和排除内源性干扰因素。     

Uptake ratio of (19-1311) cholesterol by adrenal glands as observed by a scintigraphic method.

The adrenal scintigram was performed after administration of [19-131I] cholesterol. A high/low ratio of both adrenal glands was calculated to evaluate whether there is a difference between the left and right sides in adrenal diseases. During scanning, information was stored in a 64 X 64 matrix and then punched out on a computer compatible paper tape. This paper tape was processed with a small digital computer. The areas of interest were selected over adrenal glands. The computer decided mean counts per unit area. After subtraction of background counts, a high/low ratio of adrenal gland was calculated. In five patients with Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral hyperplasia, a high/low ratio ranged from 1.0 to 2.0. In four patients with primary aldosteronism due to adenoma, a high/low ratio ranged from 1.33 to 4.0. This method may be useful to differentiate bilateral hyperplasia from unilateral adrenocortical adenoma.     

Salivary cortisol for the evaluation of Cushing's syndrome

Cortisol concentrations were measured in matched plasma and salivary samples from 8 healthy controls, 8 patients with Cushing's syndrome and 4 patients suspected of having spontaneous hypercortisolism. In healthy subjects, the circadian rhythm in salivary cortisol paralleled that in plasma. Absence of the diurnal rhythm in Cushing's syndrome was seen in saliva as well as in plasma. After ACTH stimulation, mean peak cortisol in saliva showed a 3-fold increase while in plasma there was a 2.5-fold increment above baseline. Cushing's syndrome, due to pituitary or adrenal adenoma was diagnosed equally well by measuring the cortisol response to cosyntropin in either plasma or saliva. Finally, the low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression test was reflected equally well in both plasma and saliva. In patients suspected of having Cushing's syndrome dynamic tests can be performed in both plasma and saliva. However, in some samples, the salivary cortisol measurement appears advantageous over plasma cortisol determination.     

Avascular necrosis of bone: a manifestation of Cushing's disease

Cushing's disease is endogenous hypercortisolism due to a pituitary adenoma. Although exogenous hypercortisolism is a well known cause of avascular necrosis and although there have been many reports of avascular necrosis associated with endogenous Cushing's syndrome, there has only been a single well documented case report associating avascular necrosis of bone with Cushing's disease. We report four new cases of avascular necrosis of bone in patients with well documented Cushing's disease.     

肾上腺髓性脂肪瘤30例临床病理分析

目的：分析肾上腺髓性脂肪瘤的临床病理特点。方法：回顾性分析本科1980年—2002年30例肾上腺髓性脂肪瘤患者的临床、CT和病理资料。结果：肾上腺髓性脂肪瘤的发生占同期本院肾上腺原发肿瘤住院病例的2．58％(30／1166)。临床上多数患者无特殊表现，少数病例因肿瘤体积大而造成腹部隐痛和扪及腹部包块。本组中4例伴有高血压，3例同时伴有皮质腺瘤，2例库欣综合征，1例为肥胖多毛。大体检查：肿瘤切面淡黄色，夹杂灰白色斑块。3例大肿瘤有出血、坏死、囊性变和钙化。镜下肿瘤由成熟的脂肪组织和成熟的髓性造血细胞岛共同组成。结论：肾上腺髓性脂肪瘤是中年人中的少见病，男女之间发病率无差异，肿瘤的发生可能与内分泌紊乱有一定关系。该病预后较好，治疗应根据肿瘤大小和有无伴随肾上腺疾病而决定。     

ACTH-independant macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: imaging findings of a rare condition

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a relatively rare disease. Most cases being ACTH-dependent, ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome (AICS) is an even rarer condition [15%–20%]. In more than 95% cases the cause of AICS is unilateral adrenal enlargement caused by adenoma or carcinoma. Bilateral adrenal disease is caused by primary pigmented nodular adrenal dysplasia (PPNAD) and ACTH-independent macro nodular hyperplasia (AIMAH). Only few case reports of the latter condition exist in the radiology literature, PPNAD being the commoner of two as the cause for AICS.     

Clinical aspect of adrenal incidentaloma

Adrenal incidentaloma is defined as clinically inapparent adrenal mass identified at abdominal imagine undertaken for health screening or examination of unrelated diseases. Recent national Survey by Research Committee of Japanese Ministry of Health and Labor revealed 2,016 cases of adrenal incidentaloma in year 1999. Analysis of 2,626 cases including additional new cases indicate 51% was non-functional adrenocortical adenoma, cortisol producing adenoma 8.9%, pheochromocytoma 8.5%, aldosteronoma 4.2%, adrenal cancer 1.4%. Cut of point for cancer was estimated at 5 cm. 1 mg dexamethasone test and circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion evaluation may be necessary for exclusion of clinically inapparent cortisol producing adrenal adenoma known as preclinical Cushing's syndrome. Clinical aspect and management of adrenal incidentaloma was briefly reviewed based on this national report.     

Psychiatric aspects of Cushing's syndrome

Patients with Cushing's syndrome were studied (n=209, 78% females). Control patients had pituitary adenomas secreting growth hormone or prolactin. Age at diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome was 8-74 (mean 39) years. Duration of symptoms was 0.2-9 (median 2.0) years. Adverse life events within the 2 years preceding the onset of Cushing's syndrome were not significantly commoner than in controls. Depressive illnesses were associated with the presence of adverse life events (p<0.001). Depressive illness was more common in females (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in the severity of depression in the different types of Cushing's syndrome. Pathological anxiety had been diagnosed in 26 patients (12%), mania or hypomania in six patients (3%) and confusion in three patients (1%). Psychotic illness had been diagnosed in 16 patients (8%) and was more common in adrenal carcinomas (p<0.01). Significant psychiatric illness, usually depressive preceded the onset of all symptoms and signs of Cushing's syndrome in 25 patients (12%); 23 of these developed pituitary Cushing's disease, and two adrenal adenomas. When Cushing's syndrome was diagnosed, significant psychiatric illness, usually depression, was present or had been a feature of Cushing's syndrome in 120 (57%) patients.      

Biochemical evaluation of adrenal dysfunction: the laboratory perspective.

In this study, we reviewed the diagnostic efficiency of laboratory tests that are performed for assessment of patients with Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency. Baseline laboratory data from patients subsequently diagnosed with adrenal dysfunction were analyzed for tests performed between 1987 and 1989 at our institution. Results were analyzed for 36 patients diagnosed with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome, 15 with ectopic Cushing's syndrome, 12 with adrenal-dependent Cushing's syndrome, 20 with primary adrenal insufficiency, and 7 with secondary adrenal insufficiency. Tests reviewed were plasma cortisol, plasma corticotropin, urinary free cortisol, urinary 17-ketosteroids, urinary ketogenic steroids, low-dose and high-dose dexamethasone suppression, and metyrapone stimulation. Our findings suggest that a substantial proportion of diagnoses could be based on the results of three tests--plasma corticotropin, plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol. We present a nomogram that combines the results of plasma corticotropin and plasma cortisol testing to enhance the diagnostic efficiency of these tests.     

Medical treatment for Cushing's syndrome

Systemic cortisol plays an important role in the metabolism of glucose, lipids and proteins, as well as in the regulation of electrolyte balance. It is well known that the development of the microvascular disease of various organs such as the heart and kidney, in patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hypertension of which disorders are frequently associated with Cushing's syndrome. Thus, we should treat Cushing's syndrome as soon as possible, since many complications, including cardiovascular diseases and infections, will soon occur when the definite diagnosis is delayed. Adrenalectomy is essential for treatment for Cushing's syndrome even in the patients with pituitary or ectopic ACTH-producing tumor. Some case can not be treated with surgical procedures because of worsened conditions with several complications of infection and diabetes. Then we choose medical treatment. Medical adrenalectomy is achieved by using with mitotane which is usually used for adrenocortical cancer. We commonly treat the patients with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal tumor and pituitary or ectopic ACTH producing tumor by using metyrapone which mainly inhibits 11-hydroxylase. Metyrapone is also recommended to treat the patients who are not well differentiated Cushing's disease from ectopic ACTH syndrome. We rarely use trilostane which is an inhibitor against 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD). Replacement therapy with hydrocortisone should be considered if adrenal failure will occur during treatment with those drugs.     

原发性色素性结节状肾上腺皮质病的临床病理特征:附5例报道

目的:回顾性研究5例原发性色素性结节状肾上腺皮质病(PPNAD)的临床病理特征。方法:分析临床和实验室资料,对病变组织行HE染色和免疫组化标记。结果:本组5例患者临床诊断为库欣综合征,其中4例合并Carney综合征;1例为特发性。病理学表现为多发性色素性皮质结节伴结节间皮质萎缩;镜检观察到两种细胞,一种为含有嗜酸性细胞质和脂褐素的大细胞,另一种为细胞质富含脂质,空泡状。这些细胞免疫组化标记神经元特异性烯醇化酶阳性(++)。结论:PPNAD可造成促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)非依赖性皮质醇增多症。且多数患有Carney综合征。     

Normal and abnormal regulation of β-MSH in man

The regulation of plasma beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (beta-MSH) in man has been studied utilizing a radioimmunoassay previously described (1). In normal subjects plasma beta-MSH values ranged from 20 to 110 pg/ml. Metyrapone increased and dexamethasone decreased plasma beta-MSH levels. Surgical stress stimulated beta-MSH secretion. Plasma beta-MSH levels were elevated in patients with untreated Addison's disease and untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and these levels fell to normal during glucocorticoid therapy. In patients with Cushing's syndrome due to pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) excess, plasma beta-MSH was slightly elevated before treatment. In those patients who developed pituitary tumors and hyperpigmentation after bilateral adrenalectomy, plasma beta-MSH was greatly elevated. In patients with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenal tumor, plasma beta-MSH was subnormal. In patients with the ectopic ACTH syndrome, the levels of plasma beta-MSH were high. Plasma beta-MSH had a diurnal variation in normal subjects, patients with Addison's disease, and patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia; but the normal diurnal variation was lost in patients with Cushing's disease. In patients with high plasma beta-MSH, simultaneous determinations of plasma ACTH showed close correlation between the degree of elevation of ACTH and that of beta-MSH. In extracts of tumors from patients with the ectopic ACTH-MSH syndrome the quantities of the two hormones were roughly equivalent. In patients with hyperpigmentation due to a variety of disorders other than pituitary-adrenal abnormalities, plasma beta-MSH was normal. It is concluded that the secretion of beta-MSH is regulated by the same factors that regulate ACTH.     

The clinical significance of the radioimmunological determination of plasma ACTH (author's transl)]

The clinical significance of the direct determination of plasma ACTH was investigated in healthy persons and in patients with primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, with Cushing's syndrome or with acromegaly. The sensitivity of the radioimmunological method facilitated the detection of diurnal changes in plasma ACTH in healthy subjects and of variations in plasma ACTH after the administration of dexamethasone and glucagon. The determination of plasma ACTH appears to be a useful procedure of diagnostic value in patients suffering from primary adrenal insufficiency accompanied by high concentrations of plasma ACTH. However, in patients suffering from Cushing's syndrome or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency it is still essential to carry out the dexamethasone suppression test or the metopiron test, respectively.     

后腹腔镜技术在泌尿外科的应用(附237例报告)

目的:探讨后腹腔镜手术治疗泌尿系疾病的疗效及方法。方法:采用后腹腔镜手术治疗泌尿系疾病237例,其中肾囊肿去顶术132例,多囊肾去顶术6例,肾上腺手术46例(原醛25例,皮质醇腺瘤6例,皮质增生5例,无功能皮质腺瘤3例,肾上腺囊肿3例,嗜铬细胞瘤3例,肾上腺髓质增生1例),输尿管切开取石术31例,单纯肾切除5例,肾癌根治性肾切除3例,肾盂癌肾输尿管全切3例,肾盂成型术10例,腔静脉后输尿管矫形术1例。结果:手术全部成功,无改开放手术者,手术时间15～240min(平均115min),术中出血20～100mL(平均55mL),患者均于术后12h～3d下床活动,术后住院时间3～18d(平均6.5d),术中术后未发生严重并发症。结论:后腹腔镜手术具有创伤小、疼痛轻、恢复快、并发症少等优点,临床疗效可靠,实用性较强,具有良好的应用前景。