-
Gastroenterology Research and Practice 2017The most common pattern of esophageal cancer metastases (ECM) is to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and brain. On the other hand, unexpected... (Review)
Review
The most common pattern of esophageal cancer metastases (ECM) is to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and brain. On the other hand, unexpected metastasis (UM) spread to uncommon sites has increasingly reported and consequently affected the pathway of diagnosis, staging, and management. Using the PubMed database, a systematic search of the following headings "Esophageal" and "Metastasis" or "Metastases" was performed, 10049 articles were identified, and the articles were included if they demonstrated unexpected ECM. 84% of cases were men with an average age of 60.7 years. EC was located in the lower third in 65%. Two-thirds of the UM originated from the lower esophagus, and the two major histological types were adenocarcinoma 40% and squamous cell carcinoma 60%. Metastases were disseminated toward five main anatomical sites: the head and neck (42%), thoracic (17%), abdomen and pelvis (25%), extremities (9%), and multiple skin and muscle metastases (7%). The EC metastases were found to be synchronous 42% and metachronous 58%, isolated in 53.5% and multiple in 46.5%. The overall survival rate was 10.2 months. Since distant metastases are responsible for most EC-related deaths, understanding of ECM dissemination patterns needs more extensive studies. These critical data are the cornerstone of optimal cancer approach and treatment.
PubMed: 28659974
DOI: 10.1155/2017/1657310 -
The British Journal of Radiology Jun 2018We aimed to explore the role of the diagnostic accuracy of F fluodeoxyglucose PET (F-FDG PET) or PET/CT for characterization of adrenal lesions through a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to explore the role of the diagnostic accuracy of F fluodeoxyglucose PET (F-FDG PET) or PET/CT for characterization of adrenal lesions through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database, from the earliest available date of indexing through 30 April 2017, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of F-FDG PET or PET/CT for characterization of adrenal lesions. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR + and LR-), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves.
RESULTS
Across 29 studies (2421 patients), the pooled sensitivity for F-FDG PET or PET/CT was 0.91 [95% CI (0.88-0.94)] with heterogeneity (χ = 141.8, p = 0.00) and a pooled specificity of 0.91 [95% CI (0.87-0.93)] with heterogeneity (χ = 113.7, p = 0.00). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.9 [95% CI (7.1-13.7)] and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.09 [95% CI (0.07-0.13)]. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 105 [95% CI (63-176)]. In metaregression analysis, study design, publication year, study location (western vs others), interpretation criteria of PET or PET/CT images, quantification of PET or PET/CT [SUV (maximum standardized uptake value) vs SUV (standardized uptake value) ratio], patient group, and analysis method (patient-based vs lesion-based) were the sources of the study heterogeneity. However, in multivariate metaregression, no definite variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
F-FDG PET or PET/CT demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for the characterization of adrenal masses. At present, the literature regarding the use of F-FDG PET or PET/CT for the characterization of adrenal masses remains still limited; thus, further large multicenter studies would be necessary to substantiate the diagnostic accuracy of F-FDG PET or PET/CT characterization of adrenal masses. Advances in knowledge: F- FDG PET or PET/CT showed good sensitivity and specificity for the characterization of adrenal masses and could provide additional information for that purpose.
Topics: Adenoma; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 29327944
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170520 -
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford,... May 2022Local treatment (metastasectomy or stereotactic radiotherapy) for oligometastatic disease (OMD) in patients with esophagogastric cancer may improve overall survival... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Local treatment (metastasectomy or stereotactic radiotherapy) for oligometastatic disease (OMD) in patients with esophagogastric cancer may improve overall survival (OS). The primary aim was to identify definitions of esophagogastric OMD. A secondary aim was to perform a meta-analysis of OS after local treatment versus systemic therapy alone for OMD.
METHODS
Studies and study protocols reporting on definitions or OS after local treatment for esophagogastric OMD were included. The primary outcome was the maximum number of organs/lesions considered OMD and the maximum number of lesions per organ (i.e. 'organ-specific' OMD burden). Agreement was considered to be either absent/poor (< 50%), fair (50%-75%), or consensus (≥ 75%). The secondary outcome was the pooled adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for OS after local treatment versus systemic therapy alone. The ROBINS tool was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
A total of 97 studies, including 7 study protocols, and 2 prospective studies, were included. OMD was considered in 1 organ with ≤ 3 metastases (consensus). 'Organ-specific' OMD burden could involve bilobar ≤ 3 liver metastases, unilateral ≤ 2 lung metastases, 1 extra-regional lymph node station, ≤ 2 brain metastases, or bilateral adrenal gland metastases (consensus). Local treatment for OMD was associated with improved OS compared with systemic therapy alone based on 6 non-randomized studies (pooled aHR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30-0.74) and for liver oligometastases based on 5 non-randomized studies (pooled aHR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22-0.59). All studies scored serious risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Current literature considers esophagogastric cancer spread limited to 1 organ with ≤ 3 metastases or 1 extra-regional lymph node station to be OMD. Local treatment for OMD appeared associated with improved OS compared with systemic therapy alone. Prospective randomized trials are warranted.
Topics: Esophageal Neoplasms; Humans; Metastasectomy; Neoplasm Metastasis; Prospective Studies; Radiosurgery; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 35339868
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.02.018 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2016In the last decades, minimally invasive transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for surgical resection of the adrenal gland tumors.... (Review)
Review
Minimally invasive approach for adrenal lesions: Systematic review of laparoscopic versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and assessment of risk factors for complications.
In the last decades, minimally invasive transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard of care for surgical resection of the adrenal gland tumors. Recently, however, adrenalectomy by a mininvasive retroperitoneal approach has reached increasingly popularity as alternative technique. Short hospitalization, lower postoperative pain and decrease of complications and a better cosmetic resolution are the main advantages of these innovative techniques. In order to determine the better surgical management of adrenal neoplasms, the Authors analyzed and compared the feasibility and the postoperative complications of minimally invasive adrenalectomy approaches. A systematic research of the English literature, including major meta-analysis articles, clinical randomized trials, retrospective studies and systematic reviews was performed, comparing laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy versus retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Many studies support that posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is superior or at least comparable to laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in operation time, pain score, blood loss, hospitalization, complications rates and return to normal activity. However, laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy is up to now a safe and standardized procedure with a shorter learning curve and a similar low morbidity rate, even for tumors larger than 6 cm. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to objectively evaluate these techniques, excluding selection bias and bias related to differences in surgeons' experiences with this approaches.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Male; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications; Retroperitoneal Space; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26708860
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.12.042 -
Endocrine Jun 2017To determine the accuracy of biochemical tests for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. (Review)
Review
Accuracy of recommended sampling and assay methods for the determination of plasma-free and urinary fractionated metanephrines in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: a systematic review.
PURPOSE
To determine the accuracy of biochemical tests for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.
METHODS
A search of the PubMed database was conducted for English-language articles published between October 1958 and December 2016 on the biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma using immunoassay methods or high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric/electrochemical or tandem mass spectrometric detection for measurement of fractionated metanephrines in 24-h urine collections or plasma-free metanephrines obtained under seated or supine blood sampling conditions.
RESULTS
Application of the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Studies Accuracy Group criteria yielded 23 suitable articles. Summary receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed sensitivities/specificities of 94/93% and 91/93% for measurement of plasma-free metanephrines and urinary fractionated metanephrines using high-performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay methods, respectively. Partial areas under the curve were 0.947 vs. 0.911. Irrespective of the analytical method, sensitivity was significantly higher for supine compared with seated sampling, 95 vs. 89% (p < 0.02), while specificity was significantly higher for supine sampling compared with 24-h urine, 95 vs. 90% (p < 0.03). Partial areas under the curve were 0.942, 0.913, and 0.932 for supine sampling, seated sampling, and urine. Test accuracy increased linearly from 90 to 93% for 24-h urine at prevalence rates of 0.0-1.0, decreased linearly from 94 to 89% for seated sampling and was constant at 95% for supine conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
Current tests for the biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma show excellent diagnostic accuracy. Supine sampling conditions and measurement of plasma-free metanephrines using high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric/electrochemical or tandem mass spectrometric detection provides the highest accuracy at all prevalence rates.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Humans; Metanephrine; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Sensitivity and Specificity; Specimen Handling; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 28405881
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1300-y -
European Journal of Endocrinology Aug 2016Adrenal masses are incidentally discovered in 5% of CT scans. In 2013/2014, 81 million CT examinations were undertaken in the USA and 5 million in the UK. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Adrenal masses are incidentally discovered in 5% of CT scans. In 2013/2014, 81 million CT examinations were undertaken in the USA and 5 million in the UK. However, uncertainty remains around the optimal imaging approach for diagnosing malignancy. We aimed to review the evidence on the accuracy of imaging tests for differentiating malignant from benign adrenal masses.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and ZETOC (January 1990 to August 2015). We included studies evaluating the accuracy of CT, MRI, or (18)F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET compared with an adequate histological or imaging-based follow-up reference standard.
RESULTS
We identified 37 studies suitable for inclusion, after screening 5469 references and 525 full-text articles. Studies evaluated the accuracy of CT (n=16), MRI (n=15), and FDG-PET (n=9) and were generally small and at high or unclear risk of bias. Only 19 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Limited data suggest that CT density >10HU has high sensitivity for detection of adrenal malignancy in participants with no prior indication for adrenal imaging, that is, masses with ≤10HU are unlikely to be malignant. All other estimates of test performance are based on too small numbers.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite their widespread use in routine assessment, there is insufficient evidence for the diagnostic value of individual imaging tests in distinguishing benign from malignant adrenal masses. Future research is urgently needed and should include prospective test validation studies for imaging and novel diagnostic approaches alongside detailed health economics analysis.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Humans; Incidental Findings; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27257145
DOI: 10.1530/EJE-16-0461 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Environmental light entrains many physiological and behavioural processes to the 24 h solar cycle. Such light-driven circadian rhythms are centrally controlled by the... (Review)
Review
Environmental light entrains many physiological and behavioural processes to the 24 h solar cycle. Such light-driven circadian rhythms are centrally controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which receives information from the short-wavelength-sensitive intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. The SCN synchronizes local clocks throughout the body affecting sleep/wake routines and the secretion of neuroendocrine-linked hormones such as melatonin from the pineal gland and cortisol via the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Although the effects of light parameters on melatonin have been recently reviewed, whether the experimental variation of the spectral power distribution and intensity of light can induce changes in cortisol rhythms remains unclear. Thus, this systematic review evaluated the effects of daytime exposure to lights of different spectral wavelength characteristics and luminance intensity on the cortisol levels in healthy individuals. A search of the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases on 19 June 2023 identified 3418 articles, of which 12 studies (profiling 337 participants) met the inclusion and risk of bias criteria. An analysis of the literature indicated that exposure to bright lights of any colour during the late night or early morning can induce significant increases in cortisol secretion relative to time-matched dim light comparison conditions. Furthermore, exposure to bright lights with stronger short-wavelength (blue/green) components in the early morning typically induced greater increases in cortisol relative to lights with stronger long-wavelength (red) components. Thus, the circadian regulation of cortisol is sensitive to the wavelength composition of environmental lighting, in line with the more commonly studied melatonin. As such, wavelength characteristics should be optimized and reported in light intervention studies (particularly for the investigation of cortisol-associated disorders and HPA axis function), and exposure to short-wavelength light during sensitive periods should be carefully considered in constructed environments (e.g., bedroom and classroom lighting and device screens).
PubMed: 37895351
DOI: 10.3390/life13101968 -
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology Jan 2021Phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (collectively known as PPGL) in pregnant women can lead to severe complications and death due to associated catecholamine excess. We...
BACKGROUND
Phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma (collectively known as PPGL) in pregnant women can lead to severe complications and death due to associated catecholamine excess. We aimed to identify factors associated with maternal and fetal outcomes in women with PPGL during pregnancy.
METHODS
We did a multicentre, retrospective study of patients with PPGL and pregnancy between Jan 1, 1980, and Dec 31, 2019, in the International Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy Registry and a systematic review of studies published between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 27, 2019 reporting on at least five cases. The inclusion criteria were pregnancy after 1980 and PPGL before or during pregnancy or within 12 months post partum. Eligible patients from the retrospective study and systematic review were included in the analysis. Outcomes of interest were maternal or fetal death and maternal severe cardiovascular complications of catecholamine excess. Potential variables associated with these outcomes were evaluated by logistic regression.
FINDINGS
The systematic review identified seven studies (reporting on 63 pregnancies in 55 patients) that met the eligibility criteria and were of adequate quality. A further 197 pregnancies in 186 patients were identified in the International Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy Registry. After excluding 11 pregnancies due to potential overlap, the final cohort included 249 pregnancies in 232 patients with PPGL. The diagnosis of PPGL was made before pregnancy in 37 (15%) pregnancies, during pregnancy in 134 (54%), and after delivery in 78 (31%). Of 144 patients evaluated for genetic predisposition for phaeochromocytoma, 95 (66%) were positive. Unrecognised PPGL during pregnancy (odds ratio 27·0; 95% CI 3·5-3473·1), abdominal or pelvic tumour location (11·3; 1·5-1440·5), and catecholamine excess at least ten-times the upper limit of the normal range (4·7; 1·8-13·8) were associated with adverse outcomes. For patients diagnosed during pregnancy, α-adrenergic blockade therapy was associated with fewer adverse outcomes (3·6; 1·1-13·2 for no α-adrenergic blockade vs α-adrenergic blockade), whereas surgery during pregnancy was not associated with better outcomes (0·9; 0·3-3·9 for no surgery vs surgery).
INTERPRETATION
Unrecognised and untreated PPGL was associated with a substantially higher risk of either maternal or fetal complications. Appropriate case detection and counselling for premenopausal women at risk for PPGL could prevent adverse pregnancy-related outcomes.
FUNDING
US National Institutes of Health.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adult; Cohort Studies; Female; Fetal Diseases; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Pheochromocytoma; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; Pregnancy Outcome; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 33248478
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30363-6 -
Cancers Feb 2019Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs), collectively abbreviated PPGLs, are neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal medulla and paraganglia,... (Review)
Review
The Value of Histological Algorithms to Predict the Malignancy Potential of Pheochromocytomas and Abdominal Paragangliomas-A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature.
Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and abdominal paragangliomas (PGLs), collectively abbreviated PPGLs, are neuroendocrine tumors of the adrenal medulla and paraganglia, respectively. These tumors exhibit malignant potential but seldom display evidence of metastatic spread, the latter being the only widely accepted evidence of malignancy. To counter this, pre-defined histological algorithms have been suggested to stratify the risk of malignancy: Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) and the Grading system for Adrenal Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (GAPP). The PASS algorithm was originally intended for PCCs whereas the GAPP model is proposed for stratification of both PCCs and PGLs. In parallel, advances in terms of coupling overtly malignant PPGLs to the underlying molecular genetics have been made, but there is yet no combined risk stratification model based on histology and the overall mutational profile of the tumor. In this review, we systematically meta-analyzed previously reported cohorts using the PASS and GAPP algorithms and acknowledge a "rule-out" way of approaching these stratification models rather than a classical "rule-in" strategy. Moreover, the current genetic panorama regarding possible molecular adjunct markers for PPGL malignancy is reviewed. A combined histological and genetic approach will be needed to fully elucidate the malignant potential of these tumors.
PubMed: 30769931
DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020225 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Oct 2014The use of T has been suggested to improve women's health during the postmenopausal period. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
The use of T has been suggested to improve women's health during the postmenopausal period.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to summarize the best available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of systemic T in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBSCO CINAHL, and Scopus was conducted through January 2014. We conducted study selection, data extraction, and appraisal in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results.
RESULTS
We identified 35 randomized trials (n = 5053) at a moderate risk of bias. T use was associated with statistically significant improvement in various domains of sexual function and personal distress in postmenopausal women, although the majority of the trials did not have specific or contemporary diagnostic criteria for androgen deficiency in women. T use was also associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein and an increase in low-density lipoprotein and in the incidence of acne and hirsutism. No significant effect was noted on anthropometric measures and bone density. Long-term safety data were sparse, and the quality of such evidence was low.
CONCLUSION
Despite the improvement in sexual function associated with T use in postmenopausal women, long-term safety data are lacking.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aging; Androgens; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexuality; Testosterone
PubMed: 25279572
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-2262