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Objectives Salivary cortisol and cortisone at late night and after dexamethasone suppression test (DST) are increasingly used for screening of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We aimed to establish reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone with three liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) techniques and for salivary cortisol with three immunoassays (IAs), and evaluate their diagnostic accuracy for CS. Methods Salivary samples at 08:00 h, 23:00 h and 08:00 h after a 1-mg DST were collected from a reference population (n=155) and patients with CS (n=22). Sample aliquots were analyzed by three LC-MS/MS and three IA methods. After establishing reference intervals, the upper reference limit (URL) for each method was used to calculate sensitivity and specificity for CS. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing ROC curves. Results URLs for salivary cortisol at 23:00 h were similar for the LC-MS/MS methods (3.4–3.9 nmol/L), but varied between IAs: Roche (5.8 nmol/L), Salimetrics (4.3 nmol/L), Cisbio (21.6 nmol/L). Corresponding URLs after DST were 0.7–1.0, and 2.4, 4.0 and 5.4 nmol/L, respectively. Salivary cortisone URLs were 13.5–16.6 nmol/L at 23:00 h and 3.0–3.5 nmol/L at 08:00 h after DST. All methods had ROC AUCs ≥0.96. Conclusions We present robust reference intervals for salivary cortisol and cortisone at 08:00 h, 23:00 h and 08:00 h after DST for several clinically used methods. The similarities between LC-MS/MS methods allows for direct comparison of absolute values. Diagnostic accuracy for CS was high for all salivary cortisol and cortisone LC-MS/MS methods and salivary cortisol IAs evaluated.

Objective To describe the treatment and long-term outcomes of patients with acromegaly from all healthcare regions in Sweden. Design and methods Analysis of prospectively reported data from the Swedish Pituitary Register of 698 patients (51% females) with acromegaly diagnosed from 1991 to 2011. The latest clinical follow-up date was December 2012, while mortality data were collected for 28.5 years until June 2019. Results The annual incidence was 3.7/million; 71% of patients had a macroadenoma, 18% had visual field defects, and 25% had at least one pituitary hormone deficiency. Eighty-two percent had pituitary surgery, 10% radiotherapy, and 39% medical treatment. At the 5- and 10-year follow-ups, insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were within the reference range in 69 and 78% of patients, respectively. In linear regression, the proportion of patients with biochemical control including adjuvant therapy at 10 years follow-up increased over time by 1.23% per year. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) (95% CI) for all patients was 1.29 (1.11–1.49). For patients with biochemical control at the latest follow-up, SMR was not increased, neither among patients diagnosed between 1991 and 2000, SMR: 1.06 (0.85–1.33) nor between 2001 and2011, SMR: 0.87 (0.61–1.24). In contrast, non-controlled patients at the latest follow-up from both decades had elevated SMR, 1.90 (1.33–2.72) and 1.98 (1.24–3.14), respectively. Conclusions The proportion of patients with biochemical control increased over time. Patients with biochemically controlled acromegaly have normal life expectancy, while non-controlled patients still have increased mortality. The high rate of macroadenomas and unchanged age at diagnosis illustrates the need for improvements in the management of patients with acromegaly.

Purpose: Residual adrenocortical function, RAF, has recently been demonstrated in one-third of patients with autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD). Here, we set out to explore any influence of RAF on the levels of plasma metanephrines and any changes following stimulation with cosyntropin. Methods: We included 50 patients with verified RAF and 20 patients without RAF who served as controls upon cosyntropin stimulation testing. The patients had abstained from glucocorticoid and fludrocortisone replacement > 18 and 24 h, respectively, prior to morning blood sampling. The samples were obtained before and 30 and 60 min after cosyntropin stimulation and analyzed for serum cortisol, plasma metanephrine (MN), and normetanephrine (NMN) by liquid-chromatography tandem-mass pectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Among the 70 patients with AAD, MN was detectable in 33%, 25%, and 26% at baseline, 30 min, and 60 min after cosyntropin stimulation, respectively. Patients with RAF were more likely to have detectable MN at baseline (p = 0.035) and at the time of 60 min (p = 0.048) compared to patients without RAF. There was a positive correlation between detectable MN and the level of cortisol at all time points (p = 0.02, p = 0.04, p < 0.001). No difference was noted for NMN levels, which remained within the normal reference ranges. Conclusion: Even very small amounts of endogenous cortisol production affect MN levels in patients with AAD.

Objective To determine the effects of liquorice consumption, topical hydrocortisone, and blood contamination on salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations. Design and methods Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to a low, medium, or high dose of liquorice. Late-night saliva samples were collected using a Salivette® collection device at baseline, during 1 week of daily liquorice consumption, and during 4 weeks' washout. Saliva sampling was also performed before and after the application of topical hydrocortisone on the skin. Furthermore, in a subgroup (n = 16), saliva and venous blood were collected from each individual and mixed to achieve graded blood contamination in saliva. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Significant increases in salivary cortisol concentrations were observed during medium- (+49%) and high-dose (+97%) liquorice intake, which returned to baseline 4 days after liquorice withdrawal. Topical hydrocortisone on fingers holding the collection swab increased salivary cortisol concentrations >1000-fold with concomitant pronounced elevation of the cortisol:cortisone ratio. Salivary cortisol increased significantly after contamination with blood ≥0.5%. Visual examination could safely detect these samples. Salivary cortisone concentrations were unaffected by liquorice consumption and blood contamination, and only marginally affected by topical hydrocortisone. Conclusion Liquorice, topical hydrocortisone, and blood contamination may all cause elevated salivary cortisol concentrations. Improved sampling instructions and visual examination of the sample may minimize these risks. Salivary cortisone is essentially unaffected by the different preanalytical confounders and may be used as a first-line screening test for Cushing's syndrome.

ObjectiveAutoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) entails a chronic adrenal insufficiency and is associated with an increased risk of severe infections. It is, however, unknown how patients with AAD were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020-2021. This study was aimed at investigating the incidence of COVID-19 in patients with AAD in Sweden, the self-adjustment of medications during the disease, impact on social aspects, and treatment during hospitalization. Additionally, we investigated if there were any possible risk factors for infection and hospitalization.Design and methodsQuestionnaires were sent out from April to October 2021 to 813 adult patients with AAD in the Swedish Addison Registry. The questionnaires included 55 questions inquiring about COVID-19 sickness, hospital care, medications, and comorbidities, focusing on the pre-vaccine phase.ResultsAmong the 615 included patients with AAD, COVID-19 was reported in 17% of which 8.5% required hospital care. Glucocorticoid treatment in hospitalized patients varied. For outpatients, 85% increased their glucocorticoid dosage during sickness. Older age (P = .002) and hypertension (P = .014) were associated with an increased risk of hospital care, while younger age (P < .001) and less worry about infection (P = .030) were correlated with a higher risk of COVID-19.ConclusionsIn the largest study to date examining AAD during the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed that although one-fifth of the cohort contracted COVID-19, few patients required hospital care. A majority of the patients applied general recommended sick rules despite reporting limited communication with healthcare during the pandemic.

Purpose Bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) still plays an important role in the management of Cushing's disease (CD). Nelson’s syndrome (NS) is a severe complication of BA, but conflicting data on its prevalence and predicting factors have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NS, and identify factors associated with its development. Data sources Systematic literature search in four databases. Study Selection Observational studies reporting the prevalence of NS after BA in adult patients with CD. Data extraction Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by three independent investigators. Data synthesis Thirty-six studies, with a total of 1316 CD patients treated with BA, were included for the primary outcome. Pooled prevalence of NS was 26% (95% CI 22–31%), with moderate to high heterogeneity (I2 67%, P Conclusions Every fourth patient with CD treated with BA develops NS, and every fifth patient requires pituitary-specific treatment. The risk of NS may persist for up to four decades after BA. Life-long follow-up is essential for early detection and adequate treatment of NS.

Objective The challenge of diagnosing Cushing’s syndrome (CS) calls for high precision biochemical screening. This study aimed to establish robust reference intervals for, and compare the diagnostic accuracy of, salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after a low-dose (1 mg) dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Design and methods Saliva samples were collected at 08:00 and 23:00 h, and at 08:00 h, after a DST, from 22 patients with CS and from 155 adult reference subjects. We also collected samples at 20:00 and 22:00 h from 78 of the reference subjects. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals were calculated as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of the reference population measurements. Diagnostic accuracies of different tests were compared, based on areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results The upper reference limits of salivary cortisol and cortisone at 23:00 h were 3.6 nmol/L and 13.5 nmol/L, respectively. Using these reference limits, CS was detected with a sensitivity (95% CI) of 90% (70–99%) and specificity of 96% (91–98%) for cortisol, and a 100% (84–100%) sensitivity and 95% (90–98%) specificity for cortisone. After DST, cortisol and cortisone upper reference limits were 0.79 nmol/L and 3.5 nmol/L, respectively. CS was detected with 95% (75–100%) sensitivity and 96% (92–99%) specificity with cortisol, and 100% (83–100%) sensitivity and 94% (89–97%) specificity with cortisone. No differences in salivary cortisol or cortisone levels were found between samples collected at 22:00 and 23:00 h. Conclusion Salivary cortisol and cortisone in late-night samples and after DST showed high accuracy for diagnosing CS, salivary cortisone being slightly, but significantly better.

BackgroundDiagnosing endogenous hypercortisolism remains a challenge, partly due to a lack of biochemical tests with good diagnostic accuracy.ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic value of salivary cortisol and cortisone in patients with suspected hypercortisolism.MethodsRetrospective study including 155 patients with adrenal incidentaloma, and 54 patients with suspected Cushing´s syndrome (CS). Salivary samples were collected at home, at 11 p.m., and at 8 a.m. following an over-night dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Salivary cortisol and cortisone were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsTen of 155 patients with adrenal incidentaloma were considered to have autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Using previously established cut-offs, all patients with ACS had elevated plasma-cortisol (>50 nmol/L) following DST, 9/10 had elevated late-night salivary cortisone (>15 nmol/L) whereas only 4/10 had elevated late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC; >3 nmol/L) compared to 35%, 9% and 8%, respectively, of the 145 patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma. Six (60%) patents with ACS had elevated salivary cortisol and cortisone at 8 a.m. following DST compared to 9% and 8%, respectively, of patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma. One of 6 patients with overt CS had a normal LNSC and one had normal late-night salivary cortisone, while all had increased salivary cortisol and cortisone following DST.ConclusionLNSC is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to be used for screening patients with suspected hypercortisolism. Instead, late-night salivary cortisone seems to be a promising alternative in patients with adrenal incidentaloma and salivary cortisone at 8 a.m. following DST in patients with suspected CS. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Context Whether biochemical remission normalizes life expectancy in Cushing’s disease (CD) patients remains unclear. Previous studies evaluating mortality in CD are limited by using the expected number of deaths in the background population instead of the actual number in matched controls. Objective and setting To study mortality by time-to-event analysis in an unselected nationwide CD patient cohort. Design and participants Longitudinal data from the Swedish Pituitary Register of 371 patients diagnosed with CD from 1991 to 2018 and information from the Swedish Cause of Death Register were evaluated. Four controls per patient (n = 1484) matched at the diagnosis date by age, sex, and residential area were included. Main outcome measures Mortality and causes of death. Results The median diagnosis age was 44 years (interquartile range 32-56), and the median follow-up was 10.6 years (5.7-18.0). At the 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year follow-ups, the remission rates were 80%, 92%, 96%, 91%, and 97%, respectively. Overall mortality was increased in CD patients compared with matched controls [hazard ratio (HR) 2.1 (95% CI 1.5-2.8)]. The HRs were 1.5 (1.02-2.2) for patients in remission at the last follow-up (n = 303), 1.7 (1.03-2.8) for those in remission after a single pituitary surgery (n = 177), and 5.6 (2.7-11.6) for those not in remission (n = 31). Cardiovascular diseases (32/66) and infections (12/66) were overrepresented causes of death. Conclusions Mortality was increased in CD patients despite biochemical remission compared to matched controls. The study highlights the importance of careful comorbidity monitoring, regardless of remission status.

Objective Rathkes cleft cysts are benign, embryological remnants in the pituitary gland. The majority of them are small and asymptomatic but a few may become large, and cause mass effects, pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairment. Recommendations for the follow-up of Rathkes cleft cysts vary since data on the natural history are sparse. Patients and Design Data at diagnosis and at 1, 5 and 10 years for patients with a Rathkes cleft cyst (434 at diagnosis, 317 females) were retrieved from the Swedish Pituitary Registry. Cysts = 10 mm that were not operated (n = 174) decreased in size over the years (p < .01). Pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairments were more frequent (18% and 5.7%, respectively) but were stable over time. Transphenoidal surgery was performed in 56 patients of whom 51 underwent surgery before the 1-year follow-up. The mean cyst diameter at diagnosis was 18 mm (range: 930 mm), 36% had pituitary hormone deficiency, 45% had visual field defects and 20% had impaired visual acuity. One year after surgery 60% had no cyst remnants, 50% had a pituitary deficiency, 26% had visual field defects and 12% had impaired visual acuity. No major changes were observed after 5 years. Twelve of the operated patients had a follow-up at 10 years, in eight the cyst remnants or recurrences increased in size over time (p < .05). Conclusions Rathkes cleft cysts with a size less than 10 mm rarely grow and our results indicate that radiological follow-up can be restricted to 5 years. In contrast, progression of postoperative remnants or recurrent cysts is more likely and require long-term follow-up.

CONTEXT: Oral once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) replacement therapy has demonstrated an improved metabolic profile compared to conventional 3-times-daily (TID-HC) therapy among patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. This effect might be related to a more physiological cortisol profile, but also to a modified pattern of cortisol metabolism. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to study cortisol metabolism during DR-HC and TID-HC. DESIGN: A randomized, 12-week, crossover study was conducted. INTERVENTION AND PARTICIPANTS: DC-HC and same daily dose of TID-HC were administered to patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (n = 50) vs healthy individuals (n = 124) as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Urinary corticosteroid metabolites were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry at 24-hour urinary collections. RESULTS: Total cortisol metabolites decreased during DR-HC compared to TID-HC (P

Background Studies on the incidence of Cushing’s disease (CD) are few and usually limited by a small number of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the annual incidence in a nationwide cohort of patients with presumed CD in Sweden. Methods Patients registered with a diagnostic code for Cushing’s syndrome (CS) or CD, between 1987 and 2013 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. The CD diagnosis was validated by reviewing clinical, biochemical, imaging, and histopathological data. Results Of 1317 patients identified, 534 (41%) had confirmed CD. One-hundred-and-fifty-six (12%) patients had other forms of CS, 41 (3%) had probable but unconfirmed CD, and 334 (25%) had diagnoses unrelated to CS. The mean (95% confidence interval) annual incidence between 1987 and 2013 of confirmed CD was 1.6 (1.4–1.8) cases per million. 1987–1995, 1996–2004, and 2005–2013, the mean annual incidence was 1.5 (1.1–1.8), 1.4 (1.0–1.7) and 2.0 (1.7–2.3) cases per million, respectively. During the last time period the incidence was higher than during the first and second time periods (P

Whether patients with Cushing disease (CD) in remission have increased mortality is still debatable.To study overall and disease-specific mortality and predictive factors in an unselected nationwide cohort of patients with CD.A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CD, identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry between 1987 and 2013. Medical records were systematically reviewed to verify the diagnosis. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% CIs were calculated and Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of mortality.Of 502 identified patients with CD (n = 387 women; 77%), 419 (83%) were confirmed to be in remission. Mean age at diagnosis was 43 (SD, 16) years and median follow-up was 13 (interquartile range, 6 to 23) years. The observed number of deaths was 133 vs 54 expected, resulting in an overall SMR of 2.5 (95% CI, 2.1 to 2.9). The commonest cause of death was cardiovascular diseases (SMR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.6 to 4.3). Excess mortality was also found associated with infections and suicide. For patients in remission, the SMR was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.5 to 2.3); bilateral adrenalectomy and glucocorticoid replacement therapy were independently associated with increased mortality, whereas GH replacement was associated with improved outcome.Findings from this large nationwide study indicate that patients with CD have excess mortality. The findings illustrate the importance of achieving remission and continued active surveillance, along with adequate hormone replacement and evaluation of cardiovascular risk and mental health.

Context Psychiatric symptoms are common in Cushing’s disease (CD) and seem only partly reversible following treatment. Objective To investigate drug dispenses associated to psychiatric morbidity in CD patients before treatment and during long-term follow-up. Design Nationwide longitudinal register-based study. Setting University Hospitals in Sweden. Subjects CD patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2018 (N = 372) were identified in the Swedish Pituitary Register. Longitudinal data was collected from 5 years before, at diagnosis, and during follow-up. Four matched controls per patient were included. Cross-sectional subgroup analysis of 76 patients in sustained remission was also performed. Main outcome measures Data from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and the Patient Register. Results In the 5-year period before and at diagnosis, use of antidepressants (odds ratio [OR] 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.7]) and 2.3 [1.6-3.5]), anxiolytics [2.9 (1.6-5.3) and 3.9 (2.3-6.6)], and sleeping pills [2.1 (1.2-3.7) and 3.8 (2.4-5.9)] was more common in CD than controls. ORs remained elevated at 5-year follow-up for antidepressants [2.4 (1.5-3.9)] and sleeping pills [3.1 (1.9-5.3)]. Proportions of CD patients using antidepressants (26%) and sleeping pills (22%) were unchanged at diagnosis and 5-year follow-up, whereas drugs for hypertension and diabetes decreased. Patients in sustained remission for median 9.3 years (interquartile range 8.1-10.4) had higher use of antidepressants [OR 2.0 (1.1-3.8)] and sleeping pills [2.4 (1.3-4.7)], but not of drugs for hypertension. Conclusions Increased use of psychotropic drugs in CD was observed before diagnosis and remained elevated regardless of remission status, suggesting persisting negative effects on mental health. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis of CD, and the need for long-term monitoring of mental health.

Objective: To determine the risk association between fasting glucose levels and pancreatic cancer using systematically collected prediagnostic blood glucose samples. Methods: Prospective nested case-control study of participants from the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, including 182 cases that developed pancreatic cancer and four matched controls per case. Blood glucose levels collected up to 24 years before pancreatic cancer diagnosis were analyzed. The association between fasting glucose levels and pancreatic cancer risk was determined using unconditional and conditional logistic regression models. The association between fasting glucose and the time to pancreatic cancer diagnosis, tumor stage and survival was determined using likelihood-ratio test, t test and log rank test. Results: The unadjusted risk of developing pancreatic cancer increased with increasing fasting glucose levels (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05-1.60, P = .015). Impaired fasting glucose (>6.1 mmol/L) was associated with an adjusted risk of 1.77 for developing pancreatic cancer (95% CI 1.05-2.99, P = .032). In subgroup analysis, fasting glucose levels were associated with an increased risk in never-smokers (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.26-12.77, P = .018) and non-diabetics (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.08-8.79, P = .035) (non-significant for interaction). The ratio between fasting glucose and BMI was higher among future pancreatic cancer patients and an increased ratio was associated with elevated risk of pancreatic cancer (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04-2.66, P = .034). Fasting glucose levels were not associated with TNM stage at diagnosis or survival. Conclusions: High fasting glucose is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. (c) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of IAP and EPC. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Context Oral once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) replacement therapy has demonstrated an improved metabolic profile compared to conventional 3-times-daily (TID-HC) therapy among patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. This effect might be related to a more physiological cortisol profile, but also to a modified pattern of cortisol metabolism. Objective This work aimed to study cortisol metabolism during DR-HC and TID-HC. Design A randomized, 12-week, crossover study was conducted. Intervention and Participants DC-HC and same daily dose of TID-HC were administered to patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (n = 50) vs healthy individuals (n = 124) as controls. Main Outcome Measures Urinary corticosteroid metabolites were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry at 24-hour urinary collections. Results Total cortisol metabolites decreased during DR-HC compared to TID-HC (P

Objective Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is common in patients with acromegaly, with a reported prevalence of 19–64%. We studied CTS in a large national cohort of patients with acromegaly and the temporal relationship between the two diagnoses. Design Retrospective, nationwide, cohort study including patients diagnosed with acromegaly in Sweden, 2005–2017, identified in the Swedish Healthcare Registries. Methods CTS (diagnosis and surgery in specialised healthcare) was analysed from 8.5 years before the diagnosis of acromegaly until death or end of the study. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% CIs were calculated for CTS with the Swedish population as reference. Results The analysis included 556 patients with acromegaly (50% women) diagnosed at mean (s.d.) age 50.1 (15.0) years. During the study period, 48 patients were diagnosed with CTS and 41 patients underwent at least one CTS surgery. In the latter group, 35 (85%) were operated for CTS before the acromegaly diagnosis; mean interval (range) 2.2 (0.3–8.5) years and the SIR for having CTS surgery before the diagnosis of acromegaly was 6.6 (4.8–8.9). Women with acromegaly had a higher risk for CTS than men (hazard ratio: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7). Conclusions Patients with acromegaly had a 6-fold higher incidence for CTS surgery before the diagnosis of acromegaly compared with the general population. The majority of patients with both diagnoses were diagnosed with CTS prior to acromegaly. Increased awareness of signs of acromegaly in patients with CTS might help to shorten the diagnostic delay in acromegaly, especially in women.

Context Whether multisystem morbidity in Cushing’s disease (CD) remains elevated during long-term remission is still undetermined. Objective To investigate comorbidities in patients with CD. Design, Setting, and Patients A retrospective, nationwide study of patients with CD identified in the Swedish National Patient Register between 1987 and 2013. Individual medical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis and remission status. Main Outcomes Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using the Swedish general population as reference. Comorbidities were investigated during three different time periods: (i) during the 3 years before diagnosis, (ii) from diagnosis to 1 year after remission, and (iii) during long-term remission. Results We included 502 patients with confirmed CD, of whom 419 were in remission for a median of 10 (interquartile range 4 to 21) years. SIRs (95% CI) for myocardial infarction (4.4; 1.2 to 11.4), fractures (4.9; 2.7 to 8.3), and deep vein thrombosis (13.8; 3.8 to 35.3) were increased during the 3-year period before diagnosis. From diagnosis until 1 year after remission, SIRs (95% CI were increased for thromboembolism (18.3; 7.9 to 36.0), stroke (4.9; 1.3 to 12.5), and sepsis (13.6; 3.7 to 34.8). SIRs for thromboembolism (4.9; 2.6 to 8.4), stroke (3.1; 1.8 to 4.9), and sepsis (6.0; 3.1 to 10.6) remained increased during long-term remission. Conclusion Patients with CD have an increased incidence of stroke, thromboembolism, and sepsis even after remission, emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of risk factors for these comorbidities during long-term follow-up.

Context Contrary to current dogma, growing evidence suggests that some patients with autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) produce corticosteroids even years after diagnosis. Objective To determine frequencies and clinical features of residual corticosteroid production in patients with AAD. Design Two-staged, cross-sectional clinical study in 17 centers (Norway, Sweden, and Germany). Residual glucocorticoid (GC) production was defined as quantifiable serum cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol and residual mineralocorticoid (MC) production as quantifiable serum aldosterone and corticosterone after > 18 hours of medication fasting. Corticosteroids were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Clinical variables included frequency of adrenal crises and quality of life. Peak cortisol response was evaluated by a standard 250 µg cosyntropin test. Results Fifty-eight (30.2%) of 192 patients had residual GC production, more common in men (n = 33; P Conclusion In established AAD, one-third of the patients still produce GCs even decades after diagnosis. Residual production is more common in men and in patients with shorter disease duration but is not associated with adrenal crises or quality of life.

The cosyntropin test is used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency (AI) and nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH). Current cutoffs for cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) are derived from nonstandardized immunoassays. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) offers direct measurement of steroids, prompting the need to re-establish normal ranges.The goal of this study was to define cutoff values for cortisol and 17-OHP in serum by LC-MS/MS 30 and 60 minutes after intravenous administration of 250 µg tetracosactide acetate to healthy volunteers and to compare the results with LC-MS/MS with routine immunoassays.Cosyntropin testing was performed in healthy subjects (n = 138) and in patients referred for evaluation of adrenocortical function (n = 94). Steroids were assayed by LC-MS/MS and compared with two immunoassays used in routine diagnostics (Immulite and Roche platforms). The cutoff level for cortisol was defined as the 2.5% percentile in healthy subjects not using oral estrogens (n = 121) and for 17-OHP as the 97.5% percentile.Cortisol cutoff levels for LC-MS/MS were 412 and 485 nmol/L at 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. Applying the new cutoffs, 13 of 60 (22%) subjects who had AI according to conventional criteria now had a normal test result. For 17-OHP, the cutoff levels were 8.9 and 9.0 nmol/L at 30 and 60 minutes, respectively.LC-MS/MS provides cutoff levels for cortisol and 17-OHP after cosyntropin stimulation that are lower than those based on immunoassays, possibly because cross-reactivity between steroid intermediates and cortisol is eliminated. This reduces the number of false-positive tests for AI and false-negative tests for NCCAH.

Autoimmune Addison’s disease is the predominant cause of primary adrenal failure, and is highly heritable. The genetic background has remained poorly understood due to the low prevalence and complex inheritance of the disease. We performed a genome-wide association study, which identified nine independent risk loci (P < 5 × 10–8). In addition to novel and previous risk loci involved in lymphocyte functionality, we further associated autoimmune Addison’s disease with two independent protein-coding alterations in the gene Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE). The most striking is the amino-acid substitution p.R471C (rs74203920, OR = 3.4 (2.7–4.3), P = 9.0 × 10–25), which introduces an additional cysteine residue in the zinc-finger motif of the PHD2 domain of AIRE. This unbiased elucidation of the genetic contribution to development of autoimmune Addison’s disease points to the importance of central immunological tolerance, and explains 35–41 percent of heritability.

Neurocognitive dysfunction is an important feature of Cushing's syndrome (CS). Our hypothesis was that patients with CS in remission have decreased functional brain responses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during memory testing. In this cross-sectional study we included 19 women previously treated for CS and 19 controls matched for age, gender, and education. The median remission time was 7 (IQR 6-10) years. Brain activity was studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging during episodic- and working-memory tasks. The primary regions of interest were the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. A voxel-wise comparison of functional brain responses in patients and controls was performed. During episodic-memory encoding, patients displayed lower functional brain responses in the left and right prefrontal gyrus (p0.001) and in the right inferior occipital gyrus (p0.001) compared with controls. There was a trend towards lower functional brain responses in the left posterior hippocampus in patients (p=0.05). During episodic-memory retrieval, the patients displayed lower functional brain responses in several brain areas with the most predominant difference in the right prefrontal cortex (p0.001). During the working memory task, patients had lower response in the prefrontal cortices bilaterally (p0.005). Patients, but not controls, had lower functional brain response during a more complex working memory task compared with a simpler one. In conclusion, women with CS in long-term remission have reduced functional brain responses during episodic and working memory testing. This observation extends previous findings showing long-term adverse effects of severe hypercortisolaemia on brain function.

Acromegaly is usually not a difficult condition to diagnose once the possibility of this disease has been raised. However, a few conditions present with some aspects of acromegaly or gigantism but without growth hormone (GH) excess. Such cases are described as "pseudoacromegaly" or "acromegaloidism". Here we describe a female patient investigated for GH excess at 10 years of age for tall stature since infancy (height and weight > +3 standard deviations) and typical acromegalic features, including large hands/feet, large jaw, tongue, hoarse deep voice, and headache. Results of radiography of the sella turcica and GH response at an oral glucose tolerance test and insulin–arginine– thyrotrophin–luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone test were normal. Ethinylestradiol and medroxyprogesterone were given for 2 years; this successfully stopped further height increase. Although the patient's growth rate plateaued, coarsening of the facial features and acral enlargement also led to investigations for suspicion of acromegaly at 23 and 36 years of age, both with negative results. On referral at the age of 49 years, she had weight gain, sweating, sleep apnea, headaches, joint pain, and enlarged tongue. Endocrine assessment again showing normal GH axis was followed by genetic testing with a macrocephaly/overgrowth syndrome panel. A de novo mutation in the NSD1 gene (c.6605G>C; p.Cys2202Ser) was demonstrated. Mutations affecting the same cysteine residue have been identified in patients with Sotos syndrome. In summary, Sotos syndrome and other overgrowth syndromes can mimic the clinical manifestations of acromegaly or gigantism. Genetic assessment could be helpful in these cases., This case report describes a patient with tall stature and acromegalic features, but no GH excess, at four independent evaluations from ages 10 to 49 years. Genetic studies showed a novel NSD1-mutation causing Sotos syndrome.

Background: Patients with Cushing´s disease (CD) in remission have increased mortality compared to the general population. To date, large cohort studies, performed to assess long-term comorbidities in patients with CD, are lacking. Objective: To study the incidence of cardiovascular disease, sepsis, fractures and cancer in an unselected nationwide cohort of patients with CD. Methods: Patients with CD, diagnosed between 1987 and 2013, were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. Medical records were systematically reviewed to verify the diagnosis and remission status. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for comorbidities after CD was diagnosed, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated by using the Swedish general population as the reference. Patients: A total of 502 patients had confirmed diagnosis of CD. Of these, 419 (83%) patients [325 (78%) women] were in remission at the last follow-up, and thereby eligible for the analysis. The mean±SD age at diagnosis was 41±15 years and median (interquartile range) time in remission was 10 years (4-21). Out of 419 patients in remission, 315 (75%) had been treated with pituitary surgery, 116 (28%) with radiotherapy and 102 (25%) with bilateral adrenalectomy. Results: SIR in patients in remission was 2.6 (1.9-3.4) for stroke, 1.8 (1.1-2.6) for myocardial infarction, 4.4 (2.5-7.1) for pulmonary embolism and 3.4 (1.8-6.0) for deep vein thrombosis. The risk for sepsis was markedly elevated with a SIR of 5.8 (3.8-8.4). SIR for all fractures was 1.7 (1.3-2.1), 2.6 (1.4-4.6) for wrist fracture and 1.6 (0.9-2.6) for hip fracture. The overall incidence of cancer was not increased [SIR 1.2 (0.9-1.5)] in comparison with the background population. Conclusions This large nationwide study shows that patients with CD in remission have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism, fractures and severe infections. The excess morbidity in these patients illustrate the importance of early identification and management of risk factors for these comorbidities during long-term follow-up.

Pituitary metastases (PM) are often considered to be associated with advanced stages of neoplastic disease, and diabetes insipidus the dominating endocrine consequence. With recent advancements in cancer therapy many patients survive relapses, and life expectancy has improved. In addition, enhanced follow-up programs including more sensitive radiological techniques facilitate earlier detection of metastases. Purpose: To investigate the current clinical presentation of PM, in particular hormonal disturbances, MRI tumor characteristics, and temporal relation to the primary tumor. Patients: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with PM between 1996 and April 2018 at the University hospitals, Sweden. Methods: PM was confirmed by histopathological examination in 27 patients. In 11 patients the diagnosis of PM was based on radiological findings, including rapid progression of a pituitary lesion in patients with disseminated cancer. Medical charts served to identify presenting symptoms and signs, hormonal and ophthalmological status, treatment, and survival. MRI/CT of the sellar region were re-examined centrally. Results: Breast and lung cancer were the most common primary sources, found in 17 and 8 patients. In 9 patients (6 breast cancers), PM was the only detected metastasis. Nine of 17 PM from breast cancers appeared ≥10 years after diagnosis of the primary tumor. PM preceded the diagnosis of the primary tumor with 1 year in 3 patients. Twenty-five of 37 (68%) patients had TSH deficiency, 26/35 (74%) had ACTH deficiency. At presentation 10/17 with early morning cortisol ≤100 nmol/L vs. 3/13 with cortisol ≥200 nmol/L complained of fatigue, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, myalgia/arthralgia. Ten of 38 patients had diabetes insipidus. Sixteen patients had visual field defects, 8 had diplopia. Intra/suprasellar extensions were the most frequent on imaging. Pituitary adenoma was initially considered as the only likely etiology in 7 patients. Conclusion: PM may be mistaken for a pituitary adenoma, present as the only metastasis, and appear late in time, especially in breast cancer. Hypocortisolism, the most common endocrine consequence of PM, may mask as cancer-related malaise. An increased awareness of PM and undiagnosed anterior pituitary failure, especially adrenal insufficiency, should improve management and quality of life of patients with malignancies.

Objective Cushing’s syndrome is associated with long-term cognitive deficits and affective symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The alterations in brain function underlying these deficits after Cushing’s syndrome are unclear and therefore we aimed to explore alterations in resting-state functional connectivity in patients with Cushing’s syndrome in remission. Design Cross-sectional case–control study. Methods Nineteen women with Cushing’s syndrome in remission for a median time of 7 years (IQR: 6–10) and a mean age of 45 years were included at three university clinics. These patients and 38 age-matched female controls underwent brain imaging at a single center. The main outcome measure was functional connectivity at rest, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results The medial temporal lobe (MTL) and prefrontal cortex networks, exhibited elevated functional connectivity among patients compared to controls. The degree of elevated functional connectivity in the MTL was negatively associated with time in remission. Conclusions Resting-state functional connectivity within glucocorticoid receptor-rich regions, particularly the MTL and medial prefrontal cortex, was increased in patients. These differences in connectivity may provide a neural basis for the cognitive deficits and affective symptoms commonly experienced by patients with Cushing’s syndrome in remission.

To investigate the contemporary presentation of pituitary metastases.Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with pituitary metastases from 1996 to 2018 in Sweden.Pituitary metastases were confirmed by histopathology (n = 27) or considered highly likely according to radiological findings, including rapid tumor progression (n = 11). Medical records were reviewed and sellar images reexamined centrally.Breast and lung cancers were the most common primary tumors, in 45% and 21% of patients, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of breast cancers overexpressed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2); 53% of pituitary metastases from breast cancers appeared ≥10 years after diagnosis of the primary tumor. At presentation, 71% appeared to have ACTH deficiency, 65% had TSH deficiency, and 26% had diabetes insipidus. Fatigue, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, myalgia, and/or arthralgia were reported in 47% of patients with morning cortisol100 nmol/L vs 23% with cortisol ≥200 nmol/L. Sixteen patients had visual field defects, and eight had diplopia. Intrasellar and suprasellar tumor growth was the most frequent finding. Initially, a pituitary adenoma was considered the etiology in 18% of patients.Radiotherapy, pituitary surgery, and chemotherapy were used in 68%, 68%, and 11% of patients, respectively. One and 2 years after diagnosis of pituitary metastases, 50% and 26% of patients were alive.Pituitary metastases may be mistaken for pituitary adenomas and can appear late, especially in breast cancer. Breast cancers overexpressing HER2 seem prone to metastasize to the pituitary. Hypocortisolism may be misdiagnosed as cancer-related malaise. An increased awareness of pituitary metastases and undiagnosed pituitary failure can improve management in these patients.

Introduction Oral once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) replacement therapy provides a more physiological cortisol profile than conventional thrice-daily (TID) therapy and has demonstrated improved metabolic profile among patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). The mechanisms by which this metabolic improvement occurs may be due to less total exposure, changed cortisol time exposure profile, but also modified metabolism of cortisol. Objective To study cortisol metabolism during DR-HC and TID. Methods Patients with primary AI received DR-HC or an equal total daily dose of TID in a crossover multi-center study. Cortisol metabolites were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry on 24 h urinary collections after both treatments and in controls. Results Fifty patients (22 females, mean age 47 years) and 124 healthy controls (73 females, mean age 48 years) were included in the study. Total cortisol metabolites were significantly decreased during DR-HC [median: 6380 μg/24 h] compared to TID [8825 μg/24 h]; P Conclusion The urinary cortisol metabolome may be a more sensitive marker of “optimal cortisol replacement”. Abnormal cortisol metabolites excretion and cortisol metabolism are observed in patients receiving TID. This abnormal profile improves with DR-HC. Especially, reduced 11βHSD1 activity during DR-HC may mediate some of the beneficial metabolic effects previously observed with this treatment.

PurposePatients with acromegaly have an increased risk of sleep apnea, but reported prevalence rates vary largely. Here we aimed to evaluate the sleep apnea prevalence in a large national cohort of patients with acromegaly, to examine possible risk factors, and to assess the proportion of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea prior to acromegaly diagnosis.MethodsCross-sectional multicenter study of 259 Swedish patients with acromegaly. At patients follow-up visits at the endocrine outpatient clinics of all seven university hospitals in Sweden, questionnaires were completed to assess previous sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases, smoking habits, anthropometric data, and S-IGF-1 levels. Daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Patients suspected to have undiagnosed sleep apnea were referred for sleep apnea investigations.ResultsOf the 259 participants, 75 (29%) were diagnosed with sleep apnea before the study start. In 43 (57%) of these patients, sleep apnea had been diagnosed before the diagnosis of acromegaly. After clinical assessment and sleep studies, sleep apnea was diagnosed in an additional 20 patients, yielding a total sleep apnea prevalence of 37%. Higher sleep apnea risk was associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and index finger circumference. Sleep apnea was more frequent among patients with S-IGF-1 levels in the highest quartile.ConclusionSleep apnea is common among patients with acromegaly, and is often diagnosed prior to their acromegaly diagnosis. These results support early screening for sleep apnea in patients with acromegaly and awareness for acromegaly in patients with sleep apnea. Funding Agencies|Swedish Pituitary Registry; Department of Research and Development Vasternorrland County Council

Context: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a monogenic disorder that features autoimmune Addison disease as a major component. Although APS1 accounts for only a small fraction of all patients with Addison disease, early identification of these individuals is vital to prevent the potentially lethal complications of APS1. Objective: To determine whether available serological and genetic markers are valuable screening tools for the identification of APS1 among patients diagnosed with Addison disease. Design: We systematically screened 677 patients with Addison disease enrolled in the Swedish Addison Registry for autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and interferon-α4. Autoantibody-positive patients were investigated for clinical manifestations of APS1, additional APS1-specific autoantibodies, and DNA sequence and copy number variations of AIRE. Results: In total, 17 patients (2.5%) displayed autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and/or interferon-α4, of which nine were known APS1 cases. Four patients previously undiagnosed with APS1 fulfilled clinical, genetic, and serological criteria. Hence, we identified four patients with undiagnosed APS1 with this screening procedure. Conclusion: We propose that patients with Addison disease should be routinely screened for cytokine autoantibodies. Clinical or serological support for APS1 should warrant DNA sequencing and copy number analysis of AIRE to enable early diagnosis and prevention of lethal complications.

Background: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) secondary to treatment with glucocorticoids (GCs) is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but little is known about the relationship between AI and the clinical course in IBD. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical course in IBD patients with normal adrenal function versus patients with subnormal adrenal function. Methods: A retrospective observational study on 63 patients with IBD who had performed a low-dose short Synacthen test (LDSST) (1 μg) immediately (1–7 days) after a standard course of GCs. A subnormal LDSST was defined as serum cortisol Results: Sixty-three percent ( n = 40) of the IBD patients had a subnormal LDSST. Patients who were steroid-free ( n = 41) after the LDSST were observed for 3 years. Patients with a peak serum cortisol Conclusions: GC-induced AI is common in patients with IBD and is associated with lower disease activity. This suggests a link between responsiveness to GC treatment and suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in IBD.