scholarly journals Perioperative serum cortisol levels in ACTH sufficient and ACTH deficient patients during transsphenoidal surgery of pituitary adenoma

Endocrine ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Borg ◽  
Peter Siesjö ◽  
Babar Kahlon ◽  
Sigridur Fjalldal ◽  
Eva Marie Erfurth
2004 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 1131-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. F. S. Rollin ◽  
N. P. Ferreira ◽  
M. Junges ◽  
J. L. Gross ◽  
M. A. Czepielewski

Neurosurgery ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 688-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Sughrue ◽  
Jugal K. Shah ◽  
Jessica K. Devin ◽  
Sandeep Kunwar ◽  
Lewis S. Blevins

Abstract BACKGROUND Several investigators have recommended serial measurements of serum cortisol in the days following pituitary surgery to identify patients at risk of recurrence. OBJECTIVE We systematically reviewed the literature on this topic and analyzed the usefulness of this test in our own patient population. METHODS We identified studies publishing data regarding recurrence rates after transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease, focusing on studies with data regarding patients with early postoperative cortisol levels. We determined a cumulative relative risk of having a subnormal vs normal cortisol level postoperatively using a fixed-effects meta-analysis model. Additionally, we analyzed our own patients with Cushing's disease undergoing transsphenoidal surgery and performed Kaplan-Meier analysis of recurrence-free survival for patients with undetectable, subnormal but detectable, and normal immediate 8 AM serum cortisol levels. RESULTS Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. The length of follow-up varied between 32 and 115 months. The cumulative rate of recurrence in the group of patients with subnormal cortisol levels was 9% (95% confidence interval: 6%–12%). The cumulative rate of recurrence in the group with normal cortisol levels was 24% (95% confidence interval: 17%–31%). We analyzed 73 of our own patients and found similar recurrence rates in patients with subnormal vs normal early postoperative cortisol levels (4% vs 22%, χ2 test, P < .05). CONCLUSION Although a subnormal early postoperative cortisol level is predictive of improved outcome after transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease, it is not analogous with cure, nor is a normal level completely predictive of future failure.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Laith Al Sabie ◽  
Meenu Jain ◽  
Ammara Aziz

Abstract Introduction: Cushing disease refers to the endogenous overproduction of glucocorticoid due to an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. It is important to recognize and treat due to the adverse health outcomes associated with it. We describe an unusual case of Cushing disease which presented very rapidly and progressively with extremely high cortisol levels mimicking those seen in ectopic production of ACTH.Case Presentation: A 43 year old Caucasian man, with no past medical history, presented with hypertensive crisis. He was discharged home with anti-hypertensive medications. Over the next 4 months, he gained 20 pounds, mainly around his abdomen, developed fatigue, and blood pressure continued to be high despite six anti-hypertensive medications, developed diabetes and hypokalemia, requiring 120 meq/day of potassium chloride. On exam, he had plethora, central obesity and wide, purple striae over his abdomen. Work-up for secondary causes of hypertension showed normal renal Doppler US, normal aldosterone and renin activity, normal plasma metanephrines, however, his 24 hour urinary free cortisol was dramatically elevated at 4022ug/day with a urine volume of 4 L, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test showed unsuppressed serum cortisol of 55ug/dl. Morning ACTH of 125 pg/ml with concurrent serum cortisol level of 53.8 mcg/dl, indicated ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling indicated a pituitary source of ACTH. Sellar MRI initially did not show a pituitary adenoma, however, repeat MRI with a 3-Tesla magnet showed a 4 mm pituitary adenoma. He was treated with ketoconazole and was started on atovaquone for PCP prophylaxis while awaiting trans-sphenoidal resection, which he had a month later. Pathology showed a 4 mm adenoma which stained strongly for ACTH. On postoperative day 1, serum cortisol dropped to 2.1 from 52.3 mcg/dl, and patient was discharged on hydrocortisone replacement. Three weeks later, he had lost 12 pounds, hyperglycemia improved with discontinuation of insulin, hypokalemia resolved and hypertension was well controlled on two anti-hypertensives. Discussion: ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome is either caused by Cushing disease, or from ectopic ACTH production from a tumor. Cushing disease is characterized by a gradual onset and subtle manifestations of hypercortisolism. Acute, severe presentation favors an ectopic ACTH producing tumor, and is associated with much higher cortisol levels. In our patient, clinical data suggested ectopic ACTH production, yet he was found to have Cushing disease, and was treated successfully with trans-sphenoidal resection of the pituitary adenoma. It is imperative to consider all possibilities, and do the full work up so as not to miss an atypical presentation of Cushing disease, and direct treatment accordingly.


2016 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 66-67
Author(s):  
Inmaculada González Molero ◽  
Laura Gonzalez ◽  
Juan Garcia Arnes ◽  
Silvia Maraver ◽  
Gabriel Olveira ◽  
...  

Background. Adrenal insufficiency is a common complication of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma. It is very important to identify patients requiring glucocorticoid replacement, minimising risks of adrenal insufficiency.Aim: to assess the performance of early ( 3ºday) post-TSS 08:00 a.m. cortisol measurement to detect and exclude secondary adrenal insufficiency.Methods. We selected patients undergoing TSS in our hospital during 12 months and performed a 3º day postoperative 08:00 a.m. cortisol measurement and cortisol+/-Synachten 6 months post-surgery. All patients received perioperative glucocorticoid replacement (First and second days postsurgery) unless basal cortisol was > 10 microg/dl and cortisol after Synachten > 23 microg/dl previous to surgery. We excluded patients with previous diagnosed and treated adrenal insuficiency. In patients with 3º day cortisol lower than 10 microg/dl we maintained glucocorticoid treatment until reevaluation with cortisol/Synachten 6 months post-surgery.In patients with 3º day cortisol higher than 10 microg/dl glucocorticoids were discontinued.Results. Data were reviewed from 20 patients (9 males, mean age 52,8 years), 18 with macroadenomas, 8 patients with cushing disease. Patients with adenomas no cushing: all patients with 3º day cortisol > 15 microg/dl had normal cortisol/Synachten 6 months post-surgery. 2 patients with 3º day cortisol between 10 and 15 microg/dl had adrenal insufficiency 6 months postsurgery.1 patient with 3º day cortisol< 10 microg/dl mantained adrenal insuficiency 6 months postsurgery. Cushing disease: all patients with 3º day cortisol > 10 microg/dl had not adrenal insuficiency 6 months postsurgery, all except one with recurrence. All patients with 3º day cortisol <10 microg/dl had not recurrences, all except one with adrenal insufficiency.Conclusion. A 3º day post-TSS cortisol > 15 microg/dl is a safe cutt off to discarge adrenal insufficiency. In cushing disease, a level < 10 microg/dl predict a low likelihood of recurrences.


1995 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
pp. 722-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJM Ross ◽  
SL Chew ◽  
L Perry ◽  
K Erskine ◽  
S Medbak ◽  
...  

Ross RJM, Chew SL, Perry L, Erskine K, Medbak S, Afshar F. Diagnosis and selective cure of Cushing's disease during pregnancy by transsphenoidal surgery. Eur J Endocrinol 1995;132:722–6. ISSN 0804–4643 The diagnosis of Cushing's Disease during pregnancy is complex because the biochemical features are obscured by changes in the normal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that occur during gestation. To date, treatment has not been successful and there is a high incidence of maternal and fetal complications. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman with Cushing's disease who presented during her 16th week of pregnancy. Diagnosis was confirmed by the finding of elevated serum and urinary free cortisol levels with loss of the normal circadian rhythm of serum cortisol. Cortisol levels failed to suppress after a low-dose dexamethasone test but suppressed after a high-dose test. There was an exaggerated serum cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) response to corticotrophinreleasing hormone (CRH). Magnetic resonance (MR) scanning demonstrated a pituitary tumour and cure was effected by transsphenoidal surgery where tumour immunostaining for ACTH was removed. Postoperatively the patient made an uncomplicated recovery; serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels were undetectable at 9 days following surgery and recovery of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis occurred at 99 days after surgery. Caesarean section was performed at 38 weeks of pregnancy and a healthy but small female infant was delivered. This case illustrates the biochemical features of Cushing's disease during pregnancy and is the first report of the use of CRH testing and MR scanning in this clinical situation. The cure by surgery and successful outcome for mother and infant, with preservation of normal anterior pituitary function, suggest that transsphenoidal surgery may be the treatment of choice. RJM Ross, Dept of Endocrinology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London ECIA 7BE, UK


2018 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 1268-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Mayberg ◽  
Stephen Reintjes ◽  
Anika Patel ◽  
Kelley Moloney ◽  
Jennifer Mercado ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVESuccessful transsphenoidal surgery for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)–producing pituitary tumors is associated with subnormal postoperative serum cortisol levels, which may guide decisions regarding immediate reoperation. However, little is known about the detailed temporal course of changes in serum cortisol in the immediate postoperative period, and the relationship of postoperative cortisol dynamics to remission and late recurrence.METHODSA single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed for all patients undergoing pituitary surgery from 2007 through 2015. Standardized diagnostic and treatment algorithms were applied to all patients with potential Cushing’s disease (CD), including microsurgical transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) by a single surgeon. All patients had serum cortisol levels drawn at 6-hour intervals for 72 hours after surgery, and were offered reoperation within 3 days for normal or supranormal postoperative cortisol levels. Primary outcomes were 6-month remission and late recurrence; secondary outcomes were persistent postoperative hypocortisolism and surgical morbidity. Discriminatory levels of postoperative serum cortisol for predicting remission were calculated at various intervals after surgery using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.RESULTSAmong 89 patients diagnosed with CD, 81 underwent initial TSA for a potentially curable lesion; 23 patients (25.8%) underwent an immediate second TSA. For the entire cohort, 6-month remission was achieved in 77.8% and late recurrences occurred in 9.5%, at a mean of 43.5 months. Compared with patients with a single surgery, those with an immediate second TSA had similar rates of remission (78.3% vs 77.6%) and late recurrence (5.6% vs 11.1%). The rate of hypocortisolism for patients with 2 surgeries (12/23, 52.2%) was significantly greater than that for patients with single surgeries (13/58, 22.4%; p < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of CSF leaks between the first and second operations. Remission was achieved in 58 (92.1%) of 64 patients who completed the 2-surgery protocol. The temporal course of postoperative serum cortisol levels among patients varied considerably, with subnormal nadir levels < 2 μg/dl occurring between 12 hours and 66 hours. Patients achieving remission had significantly lower mean serum cortisol levels at every time point after surgery (p < 0.01). By ROC curve analysis, nadir cortisol levels < 2.1 μg/dl were predictive of 6-month remission for the entire cohort over 3 days (positive predictive value [PPV] = 94%); discriminating cortisol levels for predicting remission on postoperative day (POD) 2 were < 5.4 μg/dl (PPV = 97%), although patients with remission after postoperative cortisol levels of 2–5 μg/dl had a significantly higher rate of late recurrence.CONCLUSIONSThere is substantial variation in the temporal course of serum cortisol levels over the first 72 hours after TSA for CD, with nadir levels predictive for remission occurring as late as POD 3. Although a cortisol level of 2.1 μg/dl at any point was an accurate predictor of 6-month remission, levels less than 5.4 μg/dl on POD 2 were reasonably accurate. These data may enable decisions regarding the efficacy of an immediate second surgical procedure performed during the same hospitalization; immediate reoperation is associated with excellent remission rates and low recurrence rates in patients otherwise unlikely to achieve remission, but carries a higher risk of permanent hypocortisolism.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan E. Simmons ◽  
Tord D. Alden ◽  
Michael O. Thorner ◽  
Edward R. Laws

Object. Transsphenoidal surgery remains the optimal treatment for Cushing disease, but the definitions of surgical cure and failure remain debatable. In this study the authors evaluated serum cortisol levels in patients before and after they underwent transsphenoidal surgery to elucidate the patterns of cortisol decrease and the optimal time and criteria for determining surgically induced remission. Methods. Twenty-seven patients were evaluated throughout an 8-month period. Serum cortisol levels were obtained before surgery and at 6-hour intervals postoperatively. No exogenous steroid medications were administered until after cortisol sampling was discontinued, following diagnosis of remission. Twenty-one (78%) of 27 cases were labeled initial surgically induced remissions. Twenty-two (81%) of 27 cases were deemed surgically induced remissions at follow-up examination. Following surgery, initial remissions and failures demonstrated divergent patterns of cortisol levels. No patient whose condition was deemed an initial surgically induced remission has experienced definitive relapse of disease since discharge. One patient whose condition was initially deemed a surgical failure, eventually was found to exhibit surgically induced remission without further intervention. Conclusions. Given such findings, exogenous steroid medications do not appear to be required for patients until after the determination of remission. During the 1st postoperative day, there is a time period during which serum cortisol values significantly differ between the categories of surgically induced remissions and surgical failures. Surgically induced remissions were identified when postoperative values of cortisol were lower than preoperative midnight levels and when absolute values of cortisol were less than 10 µg/dl. In a small proportion of patients remission on a delayed basis may also be demonstrated. These data allow for a simple and rapid determination of postoperative remission in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Toledo-Corral ◽  
T. L. Alderete ◽  
M. M. Herting ◽  
R. Habre ◽  
A. K. Peterson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis dysfunction has been associated with a variety of mental health and cardio-metabolic disorders. While causal models of HPA-axis dysregulation have been largely focused on either pre-existing health conditions or psychosocial stress factors, recent evidence suggests a possible role for central nervous system activation via air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM). Therefore, in an observational study of Latino youth, we investigated if monthly ambient NO2, O3, and PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 (PM2.5) exposure were associated with morning serum cortisol levels. Methods In this cross-sectional study, morning serum cortisol level was assessed after a supervised overnight fast in 203 overweight and obese Latino children and adolescents (female/male: 88/115; mean age: 11.1 ± 1.7 years; pre-pubertal/pubertal/post-pubertal: 85/101/17; BMI z-score: 2.1 ± 0.4). Cumulative concentrations of NO2, O3 and PM2.5 were spatially interpolated at the residential addresses based on measurements from community monitors up to 12 months prior to testing. Single and multi-pollutant linear effects models were used to test the cumulative monthly lag effects of NO2, O3, and PM2.5 on morning serum cortisol levels after adjusting for age, sex, seasonality, social position, pubertal status, and body fat percent by DEXA. Results Single and multi-pollutant models showed that higher O3 exposure (derived from maximum 8-h exposure windows) in the prior 1–7 months was associated with higher serum morning cortisol (p < 0.05) and longer term PM2.5 exposure (4–10 months) was associated with lower serum morning cortisol levels (p < 0.05). Stratification by pubertal status showed associations in pre-pubertal children compared to pubertal and post-pubertal children. Single, but not multi-pollutant, models showed that higher NO2 over the 4–10 month exposure period associated with lower morning serum cortisol (p < 0.05). Conclusions Chronic ambient NO2, O3 and PM2.5 differentially associate with HPA-axis dysfunction, a mechanism that may serve as an explanatory pathway in the relationship between ambient air pollution and metabolic health of youth living in polluted urban environments. Further research that uncovers how ambient air pollutants may differentially contribute to HPA-axis dysfunction are warranted.


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