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Introduction: According to some authors, a higher incidence of subclinical hypercortisolemia is found among patients with bilateral benign adrenal tumors than in those with unilateral tumors. It is still unknown whether all patients with bilateral adrenal tumors and subclinical hypercortisolemia should undergo surgery, and, if so, which tumor should be removed first., Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate whether unilateral adrenalectomy can lead to resolution of hypercortisolemia in patients with bilateral adrenal tumors and to improvement of their clinical status., Patients and Methods: The study group consisted of 25 patients with bilateral benign adrenal tumors and subclinical hypercortisolemia. In 24 patients, unilateral adrenalectomy was performed. The adrenal gland was selected for removal on the basis of scintigraphy and/or tumor diameter. Cortisol concentrations were measured before the surgery and at 1 and 6 months after the surgery at 8:00 AM, 10:00 PM, and after dexamethasone suppression. The morning blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17‑hydroxyprogesterone, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined., Results: In all surgical patients, hypercortisolemia resolved after the surgery. However, only in 14 patients (58%), the clinical improvement was evident (improved control of diabetes and hypertension, body mass loss)., Conclusions: Although subclinical hypercortisolemia resolved after surgery in all patients with bilateral adrenal tumors, only patients with poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension and a rapid increase in body mass benefited from the surgery.

Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids can result in drug-related complications, among which osteoporosis is one of the most frequently encountered problems. Each patient treated with a dose of 7.5 mg or more of prednisone daily for at least 3 months can be affected. During the prolonged steroid use bone formation is inhibited while its resorption increases and negative calcium balance with secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs. In the affected bone, multiple focuses of osteomalacia and avascular necrosis are also described. The bone fracture risk is much higher than it can be suspected on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. Therefore, in glucocorticoid-treated patients with only slightly decreased BMD (osteopenia according to the WHO criteria) treatment with antifracture agents should be initiated as soon as possible. Indication for therapy is a T-score of -1.5. Calcium supplementation with vitamin D represents an initial step of prevention and treatment. A first-line treatment effective in preventing bone fractures involves aminobisfosfonates such as alendronate and risedronate. Other effective agents are also estrogens, testosterone, selective estrogen receptor modulators and anabolic agents (parathormon, dehydroepiandrosteron, strontium ranelate).

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of testosterone replacement therapy in elderly men on mood, bone mineral density, and lipids. We investigated thirty men (mean +/- SD; age 61.1 +/- 5.6 yr) with testosterone concentrations (mean +/- SEM) 2.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml. Testosterone deficiency was replacement by intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate 200 mg every second week from 1.5 to 6 yr. (mean +/- SD; 3.35 +/- 1.6 yr.). During the treatment serum testosterone increased reaching normal levels (mean +/- SEM; 6.6 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). This was associated with significant increase in positive mood parameters and a decrease in negative mood parameters. Also self assessment of libido, potence and dream were improved. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine increased. We noticed significant decrease in total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Hematocrit was increase Prostate-specific antigen concentration statistically increased from 0.65 +/- 0.1 to 1.35 +/- 0.1 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM), but in the cases of its levels were in normal range. Patients with coronary heart disease demonstrated decreasing ing symptoms of angina pectoris and nitrate requirement. In summary, long-term testosterone replacement therapy in elderly men may have beneficial effects on well-being, libido, potence, dream, bone mineral density, lipids, blood cell count and body mass (BMI). This therapy appears to be safe and there is no adverse effection on prostate.