Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a simple and non-invasive method used to detect atherosclerosis. This measure could predict future cardiovascular events. Some studies have showed an increased cardiovascular in non functional adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI). The aim of this case control study was to determine the relationship between NFAI and CIMT.

Methods: This case control study included 40 NFAI patients (16 men, 24 women, mean age 52.9±11.2 years) and 40 individuals (17 men, 23 women, mean age 56.8±8 years) in the control group matched for age, sex, and weight. NFAI diagnosis was established according to current guidelines. Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion, chronic kidney disease, liver failure or under hypolipidemic drugs, combined contraceptive pills, alcohol or depression were excluded of this study. All participants underwent physical examination (waist circumference (WC), blood pressure), adrenal imaging, and biochemical evaluation including CRP-hs and baseline cortisol. All participants underwent the measurement of CIMT.

Results: The NFAI group had significantly higher CIMT (0,62mm (0.57-0.65) vs 0.46mm (0.39-0.55), P <10^-3). CIMT was positively correlated to CRP-hs (r=0.323, P=0.045), baseline cortisol (r=0.484, P=0.002) and age (r=0.433, P=0.005) in NFAI patients. No correlation was found between CIMT and systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, size of the adrenal tumor, and lipid levels.

Conclusion: NFAI may in fact produce small amounts of GCs that, in consequence, may cause morphological and functional changes in vessels. Given the increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in NFAI patients, a more vigilant follow-up is necessary.