Assessment of Plasma-Free Cortisol Concentrations by LC-MS/MS in Patients with Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 752-758
Author(s):  
Serkan Yener ◽  
Gamze Tuna ◽  
Melis Kant ◽  
Merve Akis ◽  
Ozlem Kara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Free Fraction ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

AbstractAutonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) of an adrenal incidentaloma (AI) is associated with mild cortisol excess that could result in poor metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. The biological activity of glucocorticoids depends on the unbound, free fraction. We aimed to evaluate plasma free cortisol (FC) concentrations in patients with ACS in this cross-sectional study. One hundred and ten AI patients in 3 groups; non-functioning (NFA, n=33), possible ACS (n=65), ACS (n=12) were enrolled. Following measurements were conducted: Clinical data and total serum cortisol (TC), plasma corticotrophin (ACTH), serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone by both immunoassay and LC-MS/MS (DexF), serum corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), plasma dexamethasone concentration [DEX] and plasma FC by LC-MS/MS. Patients with ACS featured an unfavorable metabolic profile. Plasma [DEX] and serum CBG levels were similar between groups. Plasma FC was significantly higher in ACS when compared to NFA and possible ACS groups p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively. In multiple regression analysis DexF (beta=0.402, p<0.001) and CBG (beta=−0.257, p=0.03) remained as the independent predictors of plasma FC while age, sex, BMI, smoking habit, and existing cardiovascular disease did not make a significant contribution to the regression model. In conclusion, the magnitude of cortisol excess in ACS could lead to increased plasma FC concentrations. Further studies in AI patients are needed to demonstrate whether any alterations of cortisol affinity for CBG exist and to establish whether plasma FC concentrations predict the unfavorable metabolic profile in ACS.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular events in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion: analysis with artificial neural networks

2017 ◽  
Vol 177 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Morelli ◽  
Serena Palmieri ◽  
Andrea Lania ◽  
Alberto Tresoldi ◽  
Sabrina Corbetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Artificial Neural Networks ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Artificial Neural

Background The independent role of mild autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) in influencing the cardiovascular event (CVE) occurrence is a topic of interest. We investigated the role of mild ACS in the CVE occurrence in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) by standard statistics and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Methods We analyzed a retrospective record of 518 AI patients. Data regarding cortisol levels after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression (1 mg DST) and the presence of obesity (OB), hypertension (AH), type-2 diabetes (T2DM), dyslipidemia (DL), familial CVE history, smoking habit and CVE were collected. Results The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that 1 mg DST, at a cut-off of 1.8 µg/dL, had the best accuracy for detecting patients with increased CVE risk. In patients with 1 mg-DST ≥1.8 µg/dL (DST+, n = 223), age and prevalence of AH, T2DM, DL and CVE (66 years, 74.5, 25.9, 41.4 and 26.8% respectively) were higher than that of patients with 1 mg-DST ≤1.8 µg/dL (61.9 years, 60.7, 18.5, 32.9 and 10%, respectively, P < 0.05 for all). The CVE were associated with DST+ (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.5–4.1, P = 0.01), regardless of T2DM, AH, DL, smoking habit, gender, observation period and age. The presence of at least two among AH, T2DM, DL and OB plus DST+ had 61.1% sensitivity in detecting patients with CVE. By using the variables selected by ANNs (familial CVE history, age, T2DM, AH, DL and DST+) 78.7% sensitivity was reached. Conclusions Cortisol after 1 mg-DST is independently associated with the CVE occurrence. The ANNs might help for assessing the CVE risk in AI patients.

scholarly journals Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors

2016 ◽  
Vol 175 (2) ◽  
pp. G1-G34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Fassnacht ◽  
Wiebke Arlt ◽  
Irina Bancos ◽  
Henning Dralle ◽  
John Newell-Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Adrenal Masses ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

By definition, an adrenal incidentaloma is an asymptomatic adrenal mass detected on imaging not performed for suspected adrenal disease. In most cases, adrenal incidentalomas are nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas, but may also represent conditions requiring therapeutic intervention (e.g. adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hormone-producing adenoma or metastasis). The purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with best possible evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. We predefined four main clinical questions crucial for the management of adrenal incidentaloma patients, addressing these four with systematic literature searches: (A) How to assess risk of malignancy?; (B) How to define and manage low-level autonomous cortisol secretion, formerly called ‘subclinical’ Cushing’s syndrome?; (C) Who should have surgical treatment and how should it be performed?; (D) What follow-up is indicated if the adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed?Selected recommendations:(i) At the time of initial detection of an adrenal mass establishing whether the mass is benign or malignant is an important aim to avoid cumbersome and expensive follow-up imaging in those with benign disease. (ii) To exclude cortisol excess, a 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test should be performed (applying a cut-off value of serum cortisol ≤50nmol/L (1.8µg/dL)). (iii) For patients without clinical signs of overt Cushing’s syndrome but serum cortisol levels post 1mg dexamethasone >138nmol/L (>5µg/dL), we propose the term ‘autonomous cortisol secretion’. (iv) All patients with ‘(possible) autonomous cortisol’ secretion should be screened for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to ensure these are appropriately treated. (v) Surgical treatment should be considered in an individualized approach in patients with ‘autonomous cortisol secretion’ who also have comorbidities that are potentially related to cortisol excess. (vi) In principle, the appropriateness of surgical intervention should be guided by the likelihood of malignancy, the presence and degree of hormone excess, age, general health and patient preference. (vii) Surgery is not usually indicated in patients with an asymptomatic, nonfunctioning unilateral adrenal mass and obvious benign features on imaging studies. We provide guidance on which surgical approach should be considered for adrenal masses with radiological findings suspicious of malignancy. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the follow-up of patients with adrenal incidentaloma who do not undergo adrenal surgery, for those with bilateral incidentalomas, for patients with extra-adrenal malignancy and adrenal masses and for young and elderly patients with adrenal incidentalomas

Approach to the patient with adrenal incidentaloma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Bancos ◽  
Alessandro Prete
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Adrenal Tumors ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Abstract Adrenal tumors are commonly discovered incidentally, on cross-sectional abdominal imaging performed for reasons other than adrenal mass. Incidence of adrenal tumors increased 10-fold in the last two decades, with most diagnosed in older adults. In any patient with a newly discovered adrenal mass determining whether the adrenal mass is malignant and whether it is hormonally active is equally important to guide the best management. Malignancy is diagnosed in 5-8% of patients with adrenal tumors, with a higher risk in young patients, if history of extra-adrenal malignancy, in those with large adrenal tumors with indeterminate imaging characteristics, and in bilateral adrenal tumors. While overt hormone excess is uncommon in adrenal incidentalomas, mild autonomous cortisol secretion can be diagnosed in up to 30-50% of patients. As autonomous cortisol secretion is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and metabolic abnormalities, all patients with adrenal incidentalomas require work up with dexamethasone suppression test. Management of adrenal tumors varies based on etiology, associated comorbidities, and patient’s preference. This article reviews the current evidence on the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with adrenal mass and focuses on management of the most common etiologies of adrenal incidentalomas.

scholarly journals Post-surgical hypocortisolism after removal of an adrenal incidentaloma: is it predictable by an accurate endocrinological work-up before surgery?

2010 ◽  
Vol 162 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Eller-Vainicher ◽  
Valentina Morelli ◽  
Antonio Stefano Salcuni ◽  
Massimo Torlontano ◽  
Francesca Coletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Tolerance Test ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Unilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Few Data

ObjectiveFew data are available regarding the need of steroid substitutive therapy after unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal incidentaloma (AI). It is unknown whether, before surgery, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis secretion parameters can predict post-surgical hypocortisolism.AimThis study aimed to evaluate whether, in AI patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy, post-surgical hypocortisolism could be predicted by the parameters of HPA axis function.DesignProspective, multicenter.MethodsA total of 60 patients underwent surgical removal of AI (surgical indication: 29 subclinical hypercortisolism (SH); 31 AI dimension). Before surgery, SH was diagnosed in patients presenting at least three criteria out of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels>60 μg/24 h, cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg-DST)>3.0 μg/dl, ACTH levels<10 pg/ml, midnight serum cortisol (MSC)>5.4 μg/dl.Two months after surgery, HPA axis function was assessed by low dose ACTH stimulation test or insulin tolerance test when needed: 39 patients were affected (Group B) and 21 were not affected (Group A) with hypocortisolism. The accuracy in predicting hypocortisolism of pre-surgical HPA axis parameters or their combinations was evaluated.ResultsThe presence of >2 alterations among 1 mg-DST>5.0 μg/dl, ACTH<10 pg/ml, elevated UFC and MSC has the highest odds ratio (OR) for predicting post-surgical hypocortisolism (OR 10.45, 95% confidence interval, CI 2.54–42.95, P=0.001). Post-surgical hypocortisolism was predicted with 100% probability by elevated UFC plus MSC levels, but not ruled out even in the presence of the normality of all HPA axis parameters.ConclusionPost-surgical hypocortisolism cannot be pre-surgically ruled out. A steroid substitutive therapy is indicated after unilateral adrenalectomy for SH or size of the adenoma.

scholarly journals Clinical features, risk of mass enlargement, and development of endocrine hyperfunction in patients with adrenal incidentalomas: a long-term follow-up study

Endocrine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Falcetta ◽  
Francesca Orsolini ◽  
Elena Benelli ◽  
Patrizia Agretti ◽  
Paolo Vitti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Plasma Renin ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Adrenal Tumors ◽  
Hormonal Function ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Hormonal Evaluation

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the risk of mass enlargement and endocrine function modification in patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI). Methods In this retrospective study, we examined clinical and hormonal characteristics of 310 patients with AI (200 females and 110 males; age: 58.3 ± 12.9 years), followed up for a median (interquartile range) of 31.4 months (13.0–78.6) and evaluated for possible modification in adrenal mass size and hormonal function. The hormonal evaluation included morning serum cortisol and plasma ACTH at 8 a.m., aldosterone, plasma renin activity/direct renin concentration, and 24-h urine metanephrines/normetanephrines. One microgram overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed. Autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) was diagnosed in the presence of cortisol after 1 mg DST > 5 μg/dl (138 nmol/l) or >1.8 and ≤5 μg/dl (50–138 nmol/l) and at least one of the following: (i) low ACTH; (ii) increased 24-h urinary-free cortisol; (iii) absence of cortisol rhythm; and (iv) post-LDDST cortisol level > 1.8 μg/dl (50 nmol/l). When there was no biochemical evidence of adrenal hormonal hyperactivity, AIs were classified as nonfunctioning (NFAIs). The mass was considered significantly enlarged when the size increase was more than 20% and at least 5 mm compared to baseline. Results At diagnosis, NFAIs were found in 209 patients, while ACS and overt adrenal hyperfunction were diagnosed in 81 and 20 patients, respectively. During follow-up, 3.3% and 1.5% of patients with NFAI developed subtle and overt endocrine hyperfunction, respectively, while a significant mass enlargement was observed in 17.7% of all AIs. The risk of developing ACS was significantly higher in patients with adenoma >28 mm (hazard ratio [HR] 12.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33–66.52, P = 0.003), in those with bilateral adrenal tumors (HR: 5.36; 95% CI, 1.17–24.48, P = 0.030), and with low/suppressed ACTH values (HR: 11.2, 95% CI 2.06–60.77; P = 0.005). The risk of mass enlargement was lower for patients in the fourth quartile of body mass index than those in the first quartile (HR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14–0.78; P = 0.012). Conclusions In patients with AI, the risk of developing hormonal hyperfunction and mass enlargement is overall low, although some tumor characteristics and anthropometric features might increase this risk. Taking account of all these aspects is important for planning a tailored follow-up in AI patients.

scholarly journals Accuracy of several parameters of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in predicting before surgery the metabolic effects of the removal of an adrenal incidentaloma

2010 ◽  
Vol 163 (6) ◽  
pp. 925-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Eller-Vainicher ◽  
Valentina Morelli ◽  
Antonio Stefano Salcuni ◽  
Claudia Battista ◽  
Massimo Torlontano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Metabolic Outcome ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

ContextIt is unknown whether the metabolic effects of the removal of an adrenal incidentaloma (AI) can be predicted by the assessment of cortisol hypersecretion before surgery.ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of several criteria of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in predicting the metabolic outcome after adrenalectomy.DesignRetrospective longitudinal study.PatientsIn 55 surgically treated AI patients (Group 1) before surgery and in 53 nontreated AI patients (Group 2) at the baseline, urinary free cortisol (UFC), cortisol after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone-suppression test (1 mg-DST), ACTH, and midnight serum cortisol (MSC) were measured. In Groups 1 and 2, metabolic parameters were evaluated before and 29.6±13.8 months after surgery and at the baseline and after 35.2±10.9 months respectively.Main outcome measuresThe improvement/worsening of weight, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels (endpoints) was defined by the presence of a >5% weight decrease/increase and following the European Society of Cardiology or the ATP III criteria respectively. The accuracy of UFC, 1 mg-DST, ACTH, and MSC, singularly taken or in combination, in predicting the improvement/worsening of ≥2 endpoints was calculated.ResultsThe presence of ≥2 among UFC>70 μg/24 h (193 nmol/l), ACTH<10 pg/ml (2.2 pmol/l), 1 mg-DST>3.0 μg/dl (83 nmol/l) (UFC–ACTH–DST criterion) had the best accuracy in predicting the endpoints' improvement (sensitivity (SN) 65.2%, specificity (SP) 68.8%) after surgery. In the nontreated AI patients, this criterion predicted the worsening of ≥2 endpoints (SN 55.6%, SP 82.9%).ConclusionsThe UFC–ACTH–DST criterion seems to be the best for predicting the metabolic outcome in surgically treated AI patients.

scholarly journals OR25-05 Increased Overall Mortality and Cardiovascular Morbidity in Patients with Adrenal Incidentalomas and Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: Results of the ENS@T NAPACA-Outcome Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Deutschbein ◽  
Giuseppe Reimondo ◽  
Guido Di Dalmazi ◽  
Irina Bancos ◽  
Henrik Falhammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Survival Status ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Randomized Intervention ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Objective. Several smaller studies on adrenal incidentalomas (AI) suggested an association between autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) and mortality (Di Dalmazi Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2014, Debono J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014, Patrova Endocrine 2017). However, a recent meta-analysis (9 studies, 1356 patients) could not confirm these findings (Elhassan Ann Intern Med 2019). Aim. To investigate the effects of ACS on mortality, prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, and (CV) morbidity, in a representative cohort of AI. Design. Retrospective observational study conducted at 27 ENS@T centers from 15 countries. Methods. Inclusion criteria: AI diagnosed 1996-2015, 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, follow-up (FU) of ≥36 months, known survival status. Exclusion criteria: clinically relevant adrenal hormone excess (i.e. Cushing’s syndrome, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism), known malignancy. Patient stratification: serum cortisol after dexamethasone (&gt;5 µg/dl, ACS; 1.9-5 µg/dl, possible ACS (PACS); ≤1.8 µg/dl, non-functioning adenoma (NFA)). Definition of CV events (CVE): hospitalization due to myocardial infarction and related interventions (PTCA, surgical bypass), stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. Results. 3640 patients (57% NFA, 36% PACS, 7% ACS) were considered eligible: 64% females; median age 61 years (range 18-91); median FU 84 months (36-277) (distribution between subgroups n.s.). 352 patients died during FU. Age- and sex adjusted overall survival was significantly reduced in patients with PACS (HR 1.55; 95%CI 1.24-1.94) and ACS (1.84; 1.29-2.61). Prevalence of CV risk factors were significantly higher in PACS and ACS than in NFA (hypertension: 72, 73, 57%, p&lt;0.0001; dyslipidemia: 42, 49, 35%, p&lt;0.0001; diabetes: 22, 25, 17%, p&lt;0.0001) When adjusted to relevant confounders (i.e. age, sex, CV risk factors), time to first CVE was shorter in PACS (HR 1.36; 1.07-1.73) and ACS (HR 1.62; 1.10-2.40) compared to NFA. Conclusion. PACS and ACS are associated with increased overall mortality and CV morbidity. However, to prove causality a large randomized intervention trial is required.

scholarly journals High prevalence of smoking in patients with adrenal incidentalomas: causality or case selection?

2020 ◽  
Vol 183 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-341
Author(s):  
Henrik Olsen ◽  
Albin Kjellbom ◽  
Magnus Löndahl ◽  
Ola Lindgren
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
Established Risk Factor ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

Objective: Autonomous cortisol secretion and possible autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS/pACS) are associated to an increase of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. To our knowledge, the prevalence of smoking, another well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has not been studied in detail in people with ACS/pACS or adrenal incidentalomas. Methods: Patients with adrenal incidentalomas were examined with the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (cortisolONDST). Information about current smoking was collected from the patient’s records. Results: We studied 1044 patients, of whom 370 (35%) were current smokers. Of these, 22% had bilateral AI compared to 12% of the non-smokers (P < 0.001). Among patients with unilateral adrenal incidentalomas, smokers had larger adrenal incidentalomas than non-smokers (22 mm vs 19 mm, P < 0.001). Smokers also more often had cortisolONDST ≥50 nmol/L than non-smokers, 54% vs 40% (P < 0.001), a finding independent of the size of the adrenal incidentaloma in patients with unilateral adrenal incidentalomas. Conclusions: In the present study of patients with adrenal incidentalomas, the prevalence of current smoking was higher than in the general population. Furthermore, smokers had larger unilateral adrenal incidentalomas, more often bilateral adrenal incidentalomas, and more frequently ACS/pACS. Whether smoking is a risk factor for adrenal incidentalomas and ACS/pACS or our findings are due to case selection needs to be further studied.

scholarly journals Late-night and low-dose dexamethasone-suppressed cortisol in saliva and serum for the diagnosis of cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas

2009 ◽  
Vol 161 (5) ◽  
pp. 747-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Deutschbein ◽  
Nicole Unger ◽  
Jakob Hinrichs ◽  
Martin K Walz ◽  
Klaus Mann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Characteristics Analysis ◽  
Receiver Operating Characteristics Analysis ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

ObjectiveIn patients with adrenal incidentalomas, hormonally active masses need to be considered, particularly cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA), aldosterone-producing adenomas, and pheochromocytomas. The screening for hypercortisolism relies on confirming excess cortisol secretion and insufficient suppression after dexamethasone. Because of its high correlation with free cortisol and its stress-free collection, salivary cortisol (SaC) may offer advantages over serum cortisol (SeC). We evaluated the value of SaC and SeC for the diagnosis of CPA.DesignComparative study between 2001 and 2006.MethodsThirty-eight patients with confirmed CPA were compared with 18 healthy subjects as well as 48 control patients suffering from aldosterone-producing adenomas (n=13), pheochromocytomas (n=16), or nonfunctioning adenomas (n=19). Sampling of saliva and serum was performed at 2300 and at 0800 h following low-dose dexamethasone suppression. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to calculate thresholds with at least 95% sensitivity for CPA.ResultsRegarding the cutoffs for late-night cortisol, SaC (4.8 nmol/l, sensitivity 97%, specificity 69%) was slightly more specific than SeC (115 nmol/l, sensitivity 97%, specificity 63%). In contrast, the cutoff for dexamethasone-suppressed SaC (3.7 nmol/l, sensitivity 97%, specificity 83%) was slightly less specific than SeC (94 nmol/l, sensitivity 97%, specificity 88%). However, the latter cutoffs demonstrated greater specificity when compared with the cutoffs for late-night cortisol.ConclusionThe diagnostic accuracy of SaC is as good as SeC. Owing to its higher specificity, dexamethasone-suppressed cortisol is preferable to late-night cortisol when screening for Cushing's syndrome in patients with adrenal incidentalomas.

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