-
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and... (Review)
Review
To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and overall morbidity and mortality. Systematic literature review. We performed a search in the PubMed database using search terms: 'abscess and adrenal glands', 'adrenalitis', 'infection and adrenal gland', 'adrenal abscess', 'adrenal infection' and 'infectious adrenalitis'. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were included. We found total of 116 articles, and after applying exclusion criteria, data from 73 articles was included in the final statistical analysis. Of 84 patients included in this review, 68 were male (81%), with a mean age of 55 years (range: 29 to 85 years). Weight loss was the most frequent symptom reported in 58.3% patients, followed by fever in 49%. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 months. The most common laboratory findings were low cortisol (51.9%), elevated ACTH (43.2%), hyponatremia (88.2%) and anemia (83.3%). Adrenal cultures were positive in 86.4% cases, with (37.3%) being the leading causative agent. Blood cultures were positive in 30% of patients. The majority of the adrenal infections occurred through secondary dissemination from other infectious foci and abscesses were more commonly bilateral (70%). A total of 46.4% of patients developed long-term adrenal insufficiency requiring treatment. Abscess drainage was performed in 7 patients (8.3%) and adrenalectomy was performed in 18 (21.4%) patients. The survival rate was 92.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor for mortality was thrombocytopenia ( = 0.048). Our review shows that adrenal abscesses are usually caused by fungal pathogens, and among these, is the most common. The adrenal glands are usually involved in a bilateral fashion and become infected through dissemination from other primary sources of infection. Long-term adrenal insufficiency develops in 46% of patients, which is more common than what is observed in non-infectious etiology of adrenal gland disorders. Mortality is about 7%, and the presence of thrombocytopenia is associated with worse prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to better characterize optimal testing and treatment duration in patients with this relatively rare but challenging disorder.
PubMed: 37510716
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144601 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2023Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess.
OBJECTIVE
To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH.
SETTING
Literature review and analysis.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
All cases of AMH published to date.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05).
CONCLUSION
AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hyperplasia; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Medulla; Adrenalectomy; Catecholamines
PubMed: 36896586
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2015Partial adrenalectomy is typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumours, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure, particularly in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Partial adrenalectomy is typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumours, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure, particularly in younger patients. Partial adrenalectomy proposes a postoperative steroid-free course nevertheless, is associated with the risk of local recurrence. In this study we evaluate the recurrence and functional outcomes of partial adrenalectomy.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 60 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent partial adrenalectomy. Data was extracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
The overall recurrence rate was 8% (95% CI: 0.05-0.12) and the 85% (95% CI: 0.78-0.9) of the patients were steroid free. The recurrence rates were the least in the retroperitoneoscopic group 1% (95% CI: 0-0.04) and Conn's syndrome group 2% (95% CI: 0.01-0.05) and highest in open group 15% (95% CI: 0.07-0.28) and Pheochromocytoma group 10% (95% CI: 0.07-0.16). Steroid independence rates were best in the Conn's syndrome group 97% (95% CI: 0.85-0.99) and laparoscopic group 88% (95% CI: 0.75-0.95).
CONCLUSIONS
Partial adrenalectomy can obviate the need for steroid replacement in the majority of patients and local recurrence rates appear to be infrequent. For patients with hereditary and bilateral adrenal tumours, partial adrenalectomy should be recommended as a primary surgical approach whenever possible.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Laparoscopy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pheochromocytoma; Postoperative Period
PubMed: 25681039
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.01.015 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Mar 2022Composite phaeochromocytoma is a tumour containing a separate tumour of neuronal origin in addition to a chromaffin cell tumour. This study reports on two cases from a... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Composite phaeochromocytoma is a tumour containing a separate tumour of neuronal origin in addition to a chromaffin cell tumour. This study reports on two cases from a single centre's records and presents a systematic literature review of composite phaeochromocytomas.
METHODS
In addition to describing 2 case reports, a systematic search of the Medline database from inception up to April 2020 was done for human case reports on composite phaeochromocytomas. Relevant titles and/or abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed to identify appropriate studies. Data was extracted and a descriptive analysis of presentation, clinical features, management strategies and outcomes was performed. The quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal checklist.
RESULTS
There were 62 studies included, with a total of 94 patients. Of 91 patients where data was available, the median (range) age of patients was 48 (4-86) years. Of 90 patients where information was provided, 57% were female. In at least 28% of patients, a genetic cause was identified. Common presenting features include abdominal pain, palpable mass, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common tumour component with phaeochromocytoma is ganglioneuroma; other components include ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In patients with follow-up data (n=48), 85% of patients were alive and well at a median (range) follow-up time of 18 (0.5-168) months.
CONCLUSION
Composite phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour, with a significant genetic predisposition. This review summarises available epidemiological data, which will be useful for clinicians managing this rare condition.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brain Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pheochromocytoma
PubMed: 33651160
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02129-5 -
International Journal of Surgery... Sep 2022To compare the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA).
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of the primary outcomes of interest according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) Guidelines. Five databases, including Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, were systematically searched. The search timeframe was set from the creation of the database to December 2021.
RESULTS
There were 26 studies including 2985 patients. Our study found that the robotic technique was superior to conventional laparoscopy for estimated blood loss (WMD = -18.25, 95% CI [-27.85, -8.65], P < 0.01), length of stay (WMD = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.57, -0.33], P < 0.01), and conversion to open (OR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.12, 0.78], P = 0.01), while complications and readmissions were comparable. Interestingly, there was no difference in operative time between the two surgical modalities, but subgroup analysis found that the retroperitoneal route robotic technique took longer (WMD = 14.64, 95% CI [0.04, 29.24], P < 0.05), whereas the study of the mixed surgical modality (RA versus LA with mixed transabdominal and retroperitoneal surgical routes) found that the robot required less time (WMD = -12.29, 95% CI [-22.86, -1.72], P < 0.05). For pheochromocytoma, RA was superior to LA in terms of length of stay (WMD = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.83, -0.15], P < 0.01), with no difference in other indicators.
CONCLUSION
robotic-assisted adrenalectomy is a superior technique to conventional laparoscopy in managing adrenal tumors, even in the case of a specific adrenal tumor - pheochromocytoma.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Pheochromocytoma; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36075556
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106853 -
Indian Journal of Psychiatry 2022Depression is associated with hyperactivity of the hypothalamo pituitary adrenal axis. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, released from the adrenal gland and is considered... (Review)
Review
Depression is associated with hyperactivity of the hypothalamo pituitary adrenal axis. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, released from the adrenal gland and is considered to be a biological marker of stress and anxiety. Serum or plasma cortisol levels have been previously studied in depressive patients but reported contradictory results. The present meta analysis aims to assess the serum or plasma concentration of cortisol in depressive patients compared with controls. We have conducted a systematic review with sequential meta analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases, and published reference lists were searched up to January 2021. We have conducted a systematic review on PubMed for the following search (MeSH) terms ("Hydrocortisone"[Mesh]) AND "Depressive Disorder"[Mesh]). The RevMan 5.3 and Open Meta Analyst software was used with the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Jamovi and Open Meta Analyst Software were used to evaluate the publication bias, sensitivity analysis, and meta regression as possible sources of heterogeneity. Seventeen studies having a combined population (n) of 1400 (743 depressive patients and 657 controls) had satisfied the inclusion criteria for serum or plasma cortisol. The pooled SMD of the serum or plasma cortisol levels in depressive patients compared with controls was 1.18, (95% CI: 0.84, 1.52; P < 0.00001) with I2 = 85% (Ph < 0.00001). This meta analysis indicates a statistically significant mean difference in serum or plasma cortisol between depressed patients and controls. Meta analysis concluded that serum or plasma cortisol can differentiate depressed patients from nondepressed controls.
PubMed: 36458076
DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_561_21 -
Progres En Urologie : Journal de... Nov 2021The aim of this article was to cite rare but sometimes serious emergencies that may be encountered by any urologist during their practice, and to outline the main...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this article was to cite rare but sometimes serious emergencies that may be encountered by any urologist during their practice, and to outline the main principles of their management.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
A systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar was carried out between January 2000 and June 2021. The articles obtained were selected according to their age and type. The original articles, meta-analyses, recommendations and the most recent journal articles published in French and English have been retained. A total of 312 articles were identified and 58 selected from their abstracts. The articles were then analysed exhaustively by the authors, and 24 references were finally selected.
RESULTS
Several rare emergencies of an infectious nature (xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, emphysematous cystitis and pyelonephritis, malacoplasia, hydatiduria), ischemic nature (Fournier's gangrene, penile calciphylaxis), or hemorrhagic nature (hemospermia, hemorrhages of the upper urinary tract or adrenal gland spontaneous hematoma), or at the origin of painful manifestations (spermatic colic, venous thrombosis of the penis), can pose diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties, in the absence of consensus concerning their management.
CONCLUSION
These pathologies, rare but sometimes serious, must be recognized in order to not delay the treatment and to be able to reduce their morbidity and mortality. Combined with the constant improvement of our diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal, a better knowledge of these rare emergencies will help to preserve the functional and vital prognosis of patients.
Topics: Cystitis; Emergencies; Fournier Gangrene; Humans; Male; Pyelonephritis; Urology
PubMed: 34419373
DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2021.08.002 -
The American Surgeon May 2016Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is increasingly employed for removal of adrenal masses. As adrenal tumors increase in size, however, their malignant potential likewise... (Review)
Review
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is increasingly employed for removal of adrenal masses. As adrenal tumors increase in size, however, their malignant potential likewise increases, raising concerns for the use of laparoscopy for removal of large adrenal malignancies. We present a systematic review of the use of laparoscopic adrenalectomy of large malignant tumors. A PubMed search was undertaken and two independent reviewers reviewed the manuscripts and a methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was determined. Manuscripts with scores greater than eight were included. The primary end points were rate of cancer recurrence, rate of conversion to open, complications, and surgical technique. Our initial search produced 412 manuscripts. After abstract review, 44 manuscripts were scored, of which 19 manuscripts were used. A total of 2183 tumors were removed, of which 517 were malignant. Average follow-up time was 38.7 months. The recurrence rate was 12.9 per cent. The rate of conversion was 3.6 per cent. The main techniques used were transabdominal and retroperitoneal. No significant differences in rate of recurrence or complications were seen when compared with open. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be performed for large and malignant tumors; however, most manuscripts on this subject lack significant scientific rigor and follow-up.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27215723
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Endocrinology Jul 2021To describe the presentation and outcomes of patients with adrenal ganglioneuromas (AGNs).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the presentation and outcomes of patients with adrenal ganglioneuromas (AGNs).
DESIGN
Single-centre retrospective cohort study (1 January 1995 to 31 December 2019) and systematic review of literature (1 January 1980 to 19 November 2019).
PATIENTS
Diagnosed with histologically confirmed AGN.
MEASUREMENTS
Baseline clinical, imaging and biochemical characteristics, recurrence rates and mortality. Subgroup analysis was performed on tumours with histologic elements of ganglioneuroma and pheochromocytoma (ie composite tumours).
RESULTS
The cohort study included 45 patients with AGN, 20 (44%) of which had composite tumours. Compared to pure AGN, patients with composite tumour were older (median age, 62.5 vs. 35 years, p < .001), had smaller tumours (median size, 3.9 vs. 5.7 cm, p = .016) and were discovered incidentally less frequently (65% vs. 84%, p = .009). No recurrences or ganglioneuroma-specific mortality occurred during follow-up (range, 0-266 months). The systematic review included 14 additional studies and 421 patients. The mean age of diagnosis was 39 years, and 47% were women. AGNs were discovered incidentally in 72% of patients, were predominantly unilateral (99%) and had a mean diameter of 5.8 cm and an unenhanced computed tomography (CT) attenuation of -118 to 49 Hounsfield units (HU). On imaging, 69% of AGNs were homogenous, 41% demonstrated calcifications, and 40% were lobulated.
CONCLUSIONS
AGNs are rare benign tumours that present with variable imaging features including large size, unenhanced CT attenuation >20 HU, calcifications and lobulated shape. Imaging characteristics can assist in establishing a diagnosis and avoiding an unnecessary adrenalectomy. The association of pheochromocytomas with AGNs is frequent. Diagnosis should include biochemical testing.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adult; Cohort Studies; Female; Ganglioneuroma; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33721367
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14460 -
Pituitary May 2024This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland.
METHOD
PubMed and Tripdatabase were searched from January 1st, 2020 to February 12th, 2024. Case reports, case series and reviews related to post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease were included. Eligible articles were tabulated and analysed in the attempt to provide an overview on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, outcomes and pathophysiological background of post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease.
RESULTS
Among the 23 case reports included in this review, post COVID-19 vaccination hypophysitis was reported in 9 patients, pituitary apoplexy (PA) in 6 cases, SIADH in 5 cases and Isolated ACTH deficiency in 2 cases. Additionally, precipitating adrenal crisis was registered in 7 patients and pituitary tumor enlargement in 1 patient after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
CONCLUSION
Despite the rarity of these events, our research findings suggest an association between COVID-19 vaccination and the subsequent development of pituitary diseases. The most common manifestations include hypophysitis with ADH deficiency, PA and SIADH, with symptoms typically emerging shortly after vaccine administration. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include molecular mimicry, vaccine adjuvants and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), with the presence of ACE2 receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary system contributing to the process. These findings can aid in diagnostic and treatment decisions for patients presenting with these syndromes. Nevertheless, given the rarity of these events, safety and efficacy of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines remain robust and we strongly advocate continuing pursuing vaccination efforts.
PubMed: 38761322
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01402-2