scholarly journals MON-905 A Case of Cushing’s Disease with Glucocorticoid Positive-Feedback

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Shichi ◽  
Hidenori Fukuoka ◽  
Yasutaka Tsujimoto ◽  
Masaaki Yamamoto ◽  
Tomoaki Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Culture ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Positive Feedback ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Paradoxical Response ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract Background: Although paradoxical response of cortisol (F) during high dose dexamethasone (Dex) suppression test (DST) is observed in a part of ectopic ACTH syndrome, few reports have been shown in Cushing’s disease (CD). It suggests a presence of glucocorticoid (GC)-driven positive-feedback loop. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we present a case of CD showing clear clinical and pathophysiological evidences of GC positive-feedback using ex vivo 3-dimensional (D) culture method. Case: A 62-year-old woman manifested typical Cushing’s symptoms, including moon face, central obesity, hypertension, hypokalemia, and vertebral fractures. Endocrinological data were consistent with a diagnosis of CD; morning plasma ACTH 299 pg/mL, serum F 28 μg/dL, midnight serum F 43 μg/dL, and 24hr urinary free cortisol 988 μg/day. CRH test showed a slight increase in plasma ACTH levels (1.4 fold), and pituitary MRI revealed a 14 mm macroadenoma invading into the left cavernous sinus. Interestingly, both 1 mg and 8 mg DST showed a paradoxical increase in serum cortisol levels (27.7→64.7μg/dL and 17.17→35.68μg/dL, respectively). These data indicated a presence of positive-feedback response to GC in the tumor. Indeed, after the initiation of metyrapone (1,000 mg/day) administration for the treatment of hypercortisolemia, plasma ACTH levels were decreased to 147.5 pg/mL accompanied with the decrease in serum F levels to 4.12 μg/dL. Moreover, pituitary tumor obviously shrank during the metyrapone treatment. Thereafter, we undertook transsphenoidal surgery and plasma ACTH and serum F levels decreased to 35.8 pg/mL and 7.6μg/dL, respectively. ex vivo studies: To prove the presence of the positive feedback response and explore the underlying mechanisms, we performed a primary culture experiment using the tumor and applied 3D culture method. The resected tumor tissue was enzymatically digested, dispersed and embedded into the Matrigel. Then cells were treated with Dex (0.1-10 nM), and ACTH concentrations were measured after 72 hrs. Interestingly, ACTH levels significantly increased by 10 nM Dex treatment at 72 h (129 %, p <0.01), indicating a paradoxical response to Dex in the tumor ex vivo. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case of CD who showed clinically obvious GC positive-feedback that was proved by ex vivo 3D primary culture cell models. Notably, tumor shrinkage was observed during the metyrapone treatment, suggesting that GC positive-feedback mechanisms also involve tumor proliferation. Further investigation is required for elucidating the underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals Tumor shrinkage by metyrapone in Cushing's disease exhibiting glucocorticoid-induced positive feedback

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasutaka Tsujimoto ◽  
Hiroki Shichi ◽  
Hidenori Fukuoka ◽  
Masaaki Yamamoto ◽  
Itsuko Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Positive Feedback ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Tumor Shrinkage ◽  
Feedback Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Context Paradoxical increases in serum cortisol in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) have been rarely observed in Cushing’s disease (CD). Its pathophysiology and prevalence remain unclear. Case description A 62-year-old woman with suspected CD showed paradoxical increases in cortisol after both 1-mg and 8-mg DST (1.95-fold and 2.52-fold, respectively). The initiation of metyrapone paradoxically decreased plasma ACTH levels and suppressed cortisol levels. Moreover, the pituitary tumor considerably shrank during metyrapone treatment. Ex vivo experiments The resected tumor tissue was enzymatically digested, dispersed, and embedded into Matrigel as 3-D cultured cells. ACTH levels in the media were measured. In this tumor culture, ACTH levels increased 1.3-fold after dexamethasone treatment (p <0.01) while control tumor cultures exhibited no increase in ACTH levels, but rather 20–40% suppression (p <0.05). Clinical study A cross-sectional, retrospective, multicenter study that included 92 patients with CD who underwent both low dose- (LD) and high dose- (HD) DST from 2014 to 2020 was performed. Eight cases (8.7 %) showed an increase in serum cortisol after both LDDST and HDDST. Conclusions This is the first report of a patient with GC-driven positive-feedback CD who showed both ACTH suppression and tumor shrinkage by metyrapone. Our cohort study revealed that 8.7% of patients with CD patients possibly possess GC-driven positive feedback systems, thereby suggesting the presence of a new subtype of CD that is different from the majority of CD cases. The mechanisms exhibiting GC positive-feedback in CD and the therapeutic approach for these patients remain to be investigated.

Pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. E4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Bansal ◽  
Nadine El Asmar ◽  
Warren R. Selman ◽  
Baha M. Arafah
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Late Night Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Free Cortisol

Despite many recent advances, the management of patients with Cushing's disease continues to be challenging. Cushing's syndrome is a complex metabolic disorder that is a result of excess glucocorticoids. Excluding the exogenous causes, adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting pituitary adenomas account for nearly 70% of all cases of Cushing's syndrome. The suspicion, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis require a logical systematic approach with attention paid to key details at each investigational step. A diagnosis of endogenous Cushing's syndrome is usually suspected in patients with clinical symptoms and confirmed by using multiple biochemical tests. Each of the biochemical tests used to establish the diagnosis has limitations that need to be considered for proper interpretation. Although some tests determine the total daily urinary excretion of cortisol, many others rely on measurements of serum cortisol at baseline and after stimulation (e.g., after corticotropin-releasing hormone) or suppression (e.g., dexamethasone) with agents that influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Other tests (e.g., measurements of late-night salivary cortisol concentration) rely on alterations in the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion. Because more than 90% of the cortisol in the circulation is protein bound, any alteration in the binding proteins (transcortin and albumin) will automatically influence the measured level and confound the interpretation of stimulation and suppression data, which are the basis for establishing the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. Although measuring late-night salivary cortisol seems to be an excellent initial test for hypercortisolism, it may be confounded by poor sampling methods and contamination. Measurements of 24-hour urinary free-cortisol excretion could be misleading in the presence of some pathological and physiological conditions. Dexamethasone suppression tests can be affected by illnesses that alter the absorption of the drug (e.g., malabsorption, celiac disease) and by the concurrent use of medications that interfere with its metabolism (e.g., inducers and inhibitors of the P450 enzyme system). In this review, the authors aim to review the pitfalls commonly encountered in the workup of patients suspected to have hypercortisolism. The optimal diagnosis and therapy for patients with Cushing's disease require the thorough and close coordination and involvement of all members of the management team.

scholarly journals Long-Term Control of Urinary Free Cortisol With Osilodrostat in Patients With Cushing’s Disease: Final Results From the LINC 2 Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A521-A522
Author(s):  
Maria Fleseriu ◽  
Beverly M K Biller ◽  
Jerome Bertherat ◽  
Jacques Young ◽  
Giorgio Arnaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Entire Treatment Period ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Long Term Treatment

Abstract Introduction: During the 22-week core LINC 2 study, the oral 11β-hydroxylase inhibitor osilodrostat normalized mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) in 79% (15/19) of patients with Cushing’s disease. This report describes long-term LINC 2 efficacy and safety results following an optional extension. Methods: Patients receiving clinical benefit at week 22 could enter the extension (that ran until Oct 22, 2019), continuing the same osilodrostat dose; dose adjustments were permitted based on efficacy and safety. Response rate (mUFC ≤ULN [controlled] or mUFC >ULN but ≥50% decrease from baseline [BL; partially controlled]) was assessed over time. Efficacy/safety were assessed for all patients from core BL until study end. Results: Of 19 enrolled patients (female:male 14:5; mean [SD] age 36.8 years [8.4]), 16 entered the optional extension and 8 of them remained on treatment until study end. Median (range) osilodrostat exposure was 282 weeks (2-351). Mean mUFC decreased from BL (9.9 x ULN) to ≤ULN by week 4 and remained stable throughout the study. All 19 patients achieved mUFC ≤ULN at least once during the study. At each assessment up to month 70 of the extension phase, 50-88% of ongoing patients were controlled, and up to 18% were partially controlled. Mean percentage change in clinical signs from BL (mean [SD]) to last assessment were: fasting plasma glucose, -10.8% (22.1) (from BL: 105.6 mg/dL [49.2]); HbA1c, -2.1% (9.0) (from BL: 5.7% [0.7]); systolic BP, -3.3% (12.6) (from BL: 132.6 mmHg [11.6]); diastolic BP, -2.0% (10.4) (from BL: 85.0 mmHg [6.5]); BMI, -5.9% (8.8) (from BL: 30.7 kg/m2 [7.0]). Overall, 9 patients discontinued treatment (n=2 core and n=7 extension), mostly because of AEs or no longer requiring treatment (n=3 each). The most common AEs during the entire treatment period were nausea (n=10), adrenal insufficiency, and headache (both n=9). AEs related to hypocortisolism and adrenal hormone precursor accumulation occurred in 11 (mostly adrenal insufficiency, n=9) and 12 patients (mostly hypertension, n=4), respectively; most were grade 1/2 and managed with dose adjustment/interruption and/or concomitant medication. Mean (SD) plasma ACTH increased from 1.8 x ULN (0.9) at BL to 7.1 x ULN (12.3) at week 22 and 6.9 x ULN (12.6) at last assessment. Mean (SD) 11-deoxycortisol increased from 1.2 x ULN (1.3) at BL to 13.6 x ULN (12.2) at week 22 and 3.6 x ULN (4.2) at last assessment. In females, mean (SD) testosterone increased from 0.8 x ULN (0.4) at BL to 2.4 x ULN (2.1) at week 22 and 1.0 x ULN (0.9) at last assessment. Two patients, both female, reported an AE of hirsutism. Conclusions: Rapid reductions in mUFC were sustained for up to 6 years of osilodrostat treatment and were accompanied by improvements in clinical signs of hypercortisolism. Osilodrostat was well tolerated, with no new safety signals during long-term treatment.

scholarly journals Assessment of Vitamin D Metabolism in Patients with Cushing’s Disease in Response to 150,000 IU Cholecalciferol Treatment

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4329
Author(s):  
Alexandra Povaliaeva ◽  
Viktor Bogdanov ◽  
Ekaterina Pigarova ◽  
Artem Zhukov ◽  
Larisa Dzeranova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolites ◽  
Vitamin D Metabolism ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Free Cortisol

In this study we aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) compared to healthy individuals in the setting of bolus cholecalciferol treatment. The study group included 30 adults with active CD and the control group included 30 apparently healthy adults with similar age, sex and BMI. All participants received a single dose (150,000 IU) of cholecalciferol aqueous solution orally. Laboratory assessments including serum vitamin D metabolites (25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, 1,25(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3), free 25(OH)D, vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as serum and urine biochemical parameters were performed before the intake and on Days 1, 3 and 7 after the administration. All data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. Patients with CD had similar to healthy controls 25(OH)D3 levels (p > 0.05) and higher 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratios (p < 0.05) throughout the study. They also had lower baseline free 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05) despite similar DBP levels (p > 0.05) and lower albumin levels (p < 0.05); 24-h urinary free cortisol showed significant correlation with baseline 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). The increase in 25(OH)D3 after cholecalciferol intake was similar in obese and non-obese states and lacked correlation with BMI (p > 0.05) among patients with CD, as opposed to the control group. Overall, patients with CD have a consistently lower 25(OH)D3/24,25(OH)2D3 ratio, which is indicative of a decrease in 24-hydroxylase activity. This altered activity of the principal vitamin D catabolism might influence the effectiveness of cholecalciferol treatment. The observed difference in baseline free 25(OH)D levels is not entirely clear and requires further study.

Gamma Knife surgery for Cushing's disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 106 (6) ◽  
pp. 980-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Jagannathan ◽  
Jason P. Sheehan ◽  
Nader Pouratian ◽  
Edward R. Laws ◽  
Ladislau Steiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Cranial Nerve ◽  
Gamma Knife Surgery ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
The Mean

Object In this study the authors address the efficacy and safety of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting pituitary adenomas. Methods A review of data collected from a prospective GKS database between January 1990 and March 2005 was performed in patients with Cushing's disease. All but one patient underwent resection for a pituitary tumor, without achieving remission. Successful endocrine outcome after GKS was defined as a normal 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) concentration posttreatment after a minimum of 1 year of follow up. Patient records were also evaluated for changes in tumor volume, development of new hormone deficiencies, visual acuity, cranial nerve neuropathies, and radiation-induced imaging changes. Ninety evaluable patients had undergone GKS, with a mean endocrine follow-up duration of 45 months (range 12–132 months). The mean dose to the tumor margin was 23 Gy (median 25 Gy). Normal 24-hour UFC levels were achieved in 49 patients (54%), with an average time of 13 months after treatment (range 2–67 months). In the 49 patients in whom a tumor was visible on the planning magnetic resonance (MR) image, a decrease in tumor size occurred in 39 (80%), in seven patients there was no change in size, and tumor growth occurred in three patients. Ten patients (20%) experienced a relapse of Cushing's disease after initial remission; the mean time to recurrence was 27 months (range 6–60 months). Seven of these patients underwent repeated GKS, with three patients achieving a second remission. New hormone deficiencies developed in 20 patients (22%), with hypothyroidism being the most common endocrinopathy after GKS. Five patients experienced new visual deficits or third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerve deficits; two of these patients had undergone prior conventional fractionated radiation therapy, and four of them had received previous GKS. Radiation-induced changes were observed on MR images in three patients; one had symptoms attributable to these changes. Conclusions Gamma Knife surgery is an effective treatment for persistent Cushing's disease. Adenomas with cavernous sinus invasion that are not amenable to resection are treatable with the Gamma Knife. A second GKS treatment appears to increase the risk of cranial nerve damage. These results demonstrate the value of combining two neurosurgical treatment modalities—microsurgical resection and GKS—in the management of pituitary adenomas.

How early can one diagnose Cushing’s disease? An early diagnosis in a case of prepubertal Cushing’s disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1043-1047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Hoppmann ◽  
Isabel V. Wagner ◽  
Gudrun Junghans ◽  
Stefan A. Wudy ◽  
Michael Buchfelder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression Test ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Thyroid Function Tests ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Suppression Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Abstract Background: Cushing’s disease is very rare in children, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed by several years. Objective: We report a case of prepubertal Cushing’s disease with a medical history of only 9 months. This case illustrates the difficulties involved in diagnosing children at the early stage of the disease. Case presentation: An 8-year-old prepubertal boy presented with rapid weight gain accompanied by a decreasing growth velocity and hirsutism. Thyroid function tests and growth factor levels were normal, thus excluding hypothyroidism and growth hormone deficiency. Cushing’s syndrome was confirmed by elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol levels, increased diurnal cortisol levels, and a lack of cortisol suppression in the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Further tests to investigate the source of the hypercortisolism showed the following results: Basal morning adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal. The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test led to a 51% decrease in cortisol level. In the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, ACTH and cortisol increased only by 28%. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finally revealed a microadenoma in the anterior pituitary, thus establishng the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Upon diagnosis, the patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Histological analysis confirmed an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Conclusion: This case illustrates the difficulties associated with the clinical, biochemical, and radiological diagnoses of Cushing’s disease in children. Early diagnosis remains a challenge because test results often do not match standard diagnostic criteria.

Cyclic Cushing’s disease with paradoxical response to dexamethasone

2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 741-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Checchi ◽  
L. Brilli ◽  
E. Guarino ◽  
C. Ciuoli ◽  
G. Di Cairano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Paradoxical Response

scholarly journals Cavernous Sinus Sampling Is Highly Accurate in Distinguishing Cushing’s Disease from the Ectopic Adrenocorticotropin Syndrome and in Predicting Intrapituitary Tumor Location1

1999 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 1602-1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Graham ◽  
Mary H. Samuels ◽  
Gary M. Nesbit ◽  
David M. Cook ◽  
Oisin R. O’Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cavernous Sinus ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Tumor Location ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Plasma Acth ◽  
Catheter Position ◽  
Venous Flow ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Before And After

Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is used to distinguish pituitary Cushing’s disease from occult cases of the ectopic ACTH syndrome, but is limited in that it requires the use of ovine CRH (oCRH) and is not highly accurate at predicting the intrapituitary location of tumors. This study was designed to determine whether cavernous sinus sampling (CSS) is as safe and accurate as IPSS, whether CSS can eliminate the need for oCRH stimulation, and whether CSS can accurately predict the intrapituitary location of tumors. Ninety-three consecutive patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome were prospectively studied with bilateral, simultaneous CSS before and after oCRH stimulation. Prediction of a pituitary or ectopic ACTH source was based on cavernous/peripheral plasma ACTH ratios. Intrapituitary tumor location was predicted based on lateralization (side to side) ACTH ratios. These predictions were compared to surgical outcome in the 70 patients who had surgically proven pituitary (n= 65) or ectopic (n = 5) disease. CSS distinguished pituitary Cushing’s disease from the ectopic ACTH syndrome in 93% of patients with proven tumors before oCRH administration and in 100% of patients with proven tumors after oCRH. It was as safe and efficacious as published IPSS results. CSS accurately predicted the intrapituitary lateralization of the tumor in 83% of all patients and 89% of those patients with good catheter position and symmetric venous flow. CSS is as safe and accurate as IPSS for distinguishing patients with pituitary Cushing’s disease from those with the ectopic ACTH syndrome. In addition, CSS appears to be superior to IPSS for predicting intrapituitary tumor lateralization.

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