Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2018) 59 P138 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.59.P138

1Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; 2Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK; 3Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.


Introduction: Bilateral adrenalectomy (BADx) is a treatment option in ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome refractory to other therapeutic modalities or can be an emergency measure in cases with severe manifestations of hypercortisolaemia.

Aim: To review the outcomes of our patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s offered BADx.

Methods: Records of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s managed by BADx and seen in our Department between 1995 and 2017 were reviewed.

Results: Twenty cases were identified; two were excluded due to unavailable clinical data. Fourteen patients (11 females) had Cushing’s disease (CD) (median age at diagnosis: 21 years (11–50)) and 4 (2 females) were considered to have ectopic Cushing’s (ECS) of unknown origin (median age at diagnosis: 48 years (36–54)). Pituitary adenoma was identified in 11 patients (79%) with CD (all microadenomas) and in 1 (25%) with ECS. CD patients underwent BADx after 0 (21%), 1 (14%) or several (65%) transsphenoidal surgeries, radiotherapy (21%) and medical therapies (86%), whilst 3 patients (75%) with ECS had received medical treatment prior to adrenalectomy. BADx was performed via open route in 13/18 patients (72%) and laparoscopically in 5/18 (28%). Surgical complications were documented in seven patients (39%) (6 had open adrenalectomy); 30-days post-operative mortality was 0%. Biochemical cure was achieved in 17 cases (94%). During median follow-up of 10.5 years (1–26), 2 patients had died (both with CD). Based on clinic review, hypertension had improved in 83% and diabetes in 50% of the patients. Development of Nelson’s syndrome was reported in 7 (50%) patients with CD (median interval since BADx 3 years (1–17)) and none had received radiotherapy prior to this diagnosis.

Conclusions: Our series demonstrate that BADx offers a high rate of biochemical control with no peri-operative mortality and considerable improvement in hypertension and diabetes. Nonetheless, the high rate of Nelson’s syndrome requires attention and optimal patient monitoring.

Volume 59

Society for Endocrinology BES 2018

Glasgow, UK
19 Nov 2018 - 21 Nov 2018

Society for Endocrinology 

Browse other volumes

Article tools

My recent searches

No recent searches.