Acute adrenal infarction as an incidental CT finding and a potential prognosis factor in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective cohort analysis on 219 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively investigate the incidence of acute adrenal infarction (AAI) in patients who underwent chest CT for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and to correlate findings with prognosis. METHODS: The local ethics committee approved this retrospective study and waived the need of informed consent. From March 9 to April 10, 2020, all patients referred to our institution for a clinical suspicion of COVID-19 with moderate to severe symptoms underwent a chest CT for triage. Patients with a/parenchymal lesion characteristics of COVID-19 involving at least 50% of lung parenchyma and b/positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were retrospectively included. Adrenal glands were reviewed by two independent readers to look for AAI. Additional demographics and potential biological markers of adrenal insufficiency were obtained. Correlations with ICU stay and mortality were sought. RESULTS: Out of the 219 patients with critical (n = 52) and severe lung (n = 167) parenchyma lesions, 51 (23%) had CT scan signs of AAI, which was bilateral in 45 patients (88%). Four patients had an acute biological adrenal gland insufficiency (8%). Univariate analysis in AAI+ patients demonstrated a higher rate of ICU stay (67% vs. 45%, p < 0.05) and a longer stay (more than 15 days for 31% for AAI+ vs. 19%, p < 0.05) compared with AAI- patients. Mortality rate was similar (27%, p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Acute adrenal infarction on initial chest evaluation of severe COVID-19 is frequent (51/219, 23%) and might be a sign of poorer prognosis. KEY POINTS: • Acute adrenal infarction on initial chest CT evaluation of severe COVID-19 is frequent (51/219). • AAI might be a factor of poorer prognosis, with increased rate of ICU hospitalization and length of stay.

Imaging spectrum of adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a form of immunotherapy, are increasingly used for a variety of malignancies and have been linked to numerous treatment-related side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). IrAEs can affect multiple organ systems and are important to recognise in order to avoid misinterpretation as progressive tumour and to ensure appropriate management. In this pictorial review, we will briefly discuss radiological response criteria of immunotherapy and describe the imaging appearances of the wide spectrum of these ICI-associated toxicities.

[Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage after severe COVID-19 infection. Report of one case]. / Hemorragia adrenal bilateral en paciente recuperado de neumonía COVID-19 Grave. Caso Radiológico.

We report a 47-year-old male with a severe disease caused by COVID-19, who required mechanical ventilation for 18 ays. During the hospital stay he received dexamethasone and anticoagulation with heparin. After discharge a new chest CT scan showed homogeneous hypo vascular enlargement of both adrenal glands, not present in the initial imaging studies. It was interpreted as a subacute bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. The patient remained stable and without any complaint.

Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage: A Case Series.

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage (NAH) in newborn infants is a rare event that is associated with specific anatomical and vascular characteristics. It is more common in term infants and occurs more often in neonates who feature perinatal asphyxia. Symptoms that more frequently prompt to diagnosis are prolonged jaundice, detection of an abdominal mass, anemia, scrotal discoloration and/or swelling, hypotonia, lethargy, and hypertension. However, NAH may also occur without symptoms with its detection being occasional. Imaging through ultrasound scans is the cornerstone of diagnosis and follow-up monitoring over time. Here we report on a small NAH case series comprising three full-term, macrosomic infants who were born by vaginal delivery. The first and second ones showed clear signs of birth asphyxia, whereas the third was completely asymptomatic. In all three patients, only the right adrenal gland was involved, in line with what happens in 70% of cases. NAH is usually self-limiting and prone to a progressive resolution in a time ranging between 3 weeks and 6 months and so did in our three patients. KEY POINTS: · NAH is caused by perinatal asphyxia.. · It is diagnosed with addominal ultrasound.. · It is usually self-limiting..

A pictorial review of non-traumatic adrenergic crisis.

Non-traumatic adrenal crisis is a rare but critical diagnosis to make in emergency settings due to grave consequences. Various pathologies can present as acute crisis, such as spectrum of endocrine imbalance, ranging from catecholamine excess in pheochromocytomas to acute adrenal insufficiency related to glandular dysfunction. Critical manifestations may be due to structural causes related to adrenal hemorrhage, especially when they are bilateral. Oncological complications such as vascular invasion, tumoral bleed, rupture, and hormonal dysfunction can occur. Due to non-specific clinical presentation, these conditions may come as a surprise on imaging performed for other reasons. Recognition of these imaging findings is critical for appropriate patient management. Although there are few articles discussing non-traumatic emergencies in literature, this review is inclusive of all possible etiologies, thus provides a holistic approach and insight into each situation. Specific imaging approach is needed to tailor the diagnosis. This article will also discuss about the advanced imaging techniques that will complement diagnosis.

Bilateral adrenal haemorrhage after a high energetic trauma: a case report and review of current literature.

Most adrenal injuries are asymptomatic. In traumatic events, adrenal haemorrhage is very likely to be accompanied by injuries to other organs. Isolated adrenal injury after trauma is very rare and mostly unilateral. We report a case of a 44-year-old male who suffered a major traffic accident with multiple trauma, including a bilateral adrenal haemorrhage. This caused a primary adrenal insufficiency, as proven with a cortisol stimulation test with synthetic corticotrophin. Bilateral adrenal haemorrhage is a very rare but potentially fatal disorder and should not be missed. This case illustrates that early diagnosis and prompt treatment with hydrocortisone may contribute to a beneficial outcome.

[Essential thrombocythemia accompanied by adrenal infarction].

A 64-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset upper abdominal pain and pain in the left chest area. His platelet count was 121.7×104/µl. Computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral adrenal swelling and inflammation of the adjacent tissue. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintensity in the bilateral adrenal glands. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral adrenal infarction. A bone marrow biopsy yielded a diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia, and a positive JAK2 V617F mutation was detected. He presented with recurrent adrenal infarction and developed aortic mural thrombosis and splenic infarction. We administered aspirin and performed cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea and anagrelide; however, the patient then went into heart failure resulting from coronary artery stenosis. We then added prasugrel to the list of medicines administered to manage his condition. Bilateral adrenal infarction is a very rare thrombotic event of essential thrombocythemia. CT and MRI were useful for making the diagnosis; however, we also had to rule out acute coronary syndrome or intestinal ischemia. Our patient presented with strong thrombotic diathesis, which prompted us to use dual antiplatelet therapy; however, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Familial Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Are Associated with Adrenal Calcifications on CT Scans: An Imaging Biomarker for a Hereditary Cerebrovascular Condition.

Purpose To determine if adrenal calcifications seen at computed tomography (CT) are associated with familial cerebral cavernous malformations (fCCMs) in carriers of the CCM1 Common Hispanic Mutation. Materials and Methods This study was approved by the institutional review board. The authors retrospectively reviewed abdominal CT scans in 38 patients with fCCM, 38 unaffected age- and sex-matched control subjects, and 13 patients with sporadic, nonfamilial cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). The size, number, and laterality of calcifications and the morphologic characteristics of the adrenal gland were recorded. Brain lesion count was recorded from brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with fCCM. The prevalence of adrenal calcifications in patients with fCCM was compared with that in unaffected control subjects and those with sporadic CCM by using the Fisher exact test. Additional analyses were performed to determine whether age and brain lesion count were associated with adrenal findings in patients with fCCM. Results Small focal calcifications (SFCs) (≤5 mm) were seen in one or both adrenal glands in 19 of the 38 patients with fCCM (50%), compared with 0 of the 38 unaffected control subjects (P < .001) and 0 of the 13 subjects with sporadic CCM (P = .001). Adrenal calcifications in patients with fCCM were more frequently left sided, with 17 of 19 patients having more SFCs in the left adrenal gland than the right adrenal gland and 50 of the 61 observed SFCs (82%) found in the left adrenal gland. No subjects had SFCs on the right side only. In patients with fCCM, the presence of SFCs showed a positive correlation with age (P < .001) and number of brain lesions (P < .001). Conclusion Adrenal calcifications identified on CT scans are common in patients with fCCM and may be a clinically silent manifestation of disease. © RSNA, 2017.

Adrenal disorders: Is there Any role for vitamin D?

An emerging branch of research is examining the linkage between Vitamin D and nonskeletal disorders, including endocrine diseases. In this regard, a still little studied aspect concerns the involvement of vitamin D in adrenal gland disorders. Adrenal gland disorders, which might be theoretically affected by vitamin D unbalance, include adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical tumors and hyperaldosteronism. In this review, we provide an updated document, which tries to collect and discuss the limited evidence to be found in the literature about the relationship between vitamin D and adrenal disorders. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence proving a causal relationship between vitamin D levels and adrenal disorders. Evidence coming from cross-sectional clinical studies can hardly clarify what comes first between vitamin D unbalance and adrenal disease. On the other hand, longitudinal studies monitoring the levels of vitamin D in patients with adrenal disorders or, conversely, the possible development of adrenal pathologies in subjects affected by impaired vitamin D levels would be able to elucidate this still unclear issue.

Management of adrenal masses in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic overgrowth and cancer predisposition syndrome, associated with both benign and malignant adrenal findings. Literature review and an institutional case series elucidate the wide spectrum of adrenal findings in BWS patients. The altered expression of the 11p15 region is likely related to adrenal gland hyperplasia and growth dysregulation. Given the absence of guidelines for managing adrenal findings in BWS, we propose a systematic approach to adrenal findings in BWS patients, to allow for maximum detection of potentially malignant pathology without posing additional risk to patients.

Latent polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type 2 case diagnosed during a shock manifestation.

There are many types of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PAS). PAS type 2 is the most common type among adults. For PAS type 2 (PAS-2) diagnosis, detection of Addison's disease with autoimmune thyroid disease and/or type 1 diabetes mellitus are required. Premature ovarian insufficiency, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, alopecia, myasthenia gravis, celiac disease and autoimmune diabetes insipidus may be comorbidities of this condition. Contrary to the common belief, latent PAS is more common than the manifest forms. Here, we present a PAS-2 case diagnosed via adrenal crisis. At the time of diagnosis, the case was observed to have thyroid, adrenal and ovarian involvement. Therefore, PAS-2 and possible immunologic disorders were discussed.

CT during Arteriography to Visualize the Right Adrenal Vein for Adrenal Venous Sampling.

The present report describes 6 cases of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) during arteriography because cannulation of right adrenal veins was otherwise difficult. CT was performed during arteriography to obtain information on the location and direction of the right adrenal vein. Two right adrenal veins were visualized in 1 case. The right central adrenal vein was not visualized in 1 case owing to an injury from a previous unsuccessful AVS procedure, but the right renal capsular vein was well visualized. CT during arteriography could contribute to a high AVS success rate.

The challenge of bleeding in antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients.

Antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients can develop bleeding due to capillaritis, microthrombosis, antiprothrombin antibodies, thrombocytopenia, and/or excessive antithrombotic therapy. Clinical characteristics of patients, e.g., renal impairment, elderly, or concomitant medications, are closely related to the risk of bleeding. The management of bleeding in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients is challenging due to the baseline increased risk of thrombosis. If anticoagulation is stopped, it should be restarted as soon as possible once the acute bleeding is controlled; the continuation of anticoagulation despite active bleeding may be required in selected cases. High-dose corticosteroid is the mainstay treatment for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome, and severe thrombocytopenia; immunosuppressive drugs are also required to improve the long-term outcomes. Hydrocortisone is critical in adrenal hemorrhage patients due to concomitant adrenal insufficiency; despite bleeding, anticoagulation should be maintained as much as possible. Plasma exchange should be considered in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome patients with concurrent bleeding. This article will review the causes of bleeding in aPL-positive patients as well as the management strategies.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the adrenal gland after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: report of two cases and literature review.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is one of the life-threatening complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT), and it is associated almost exclusively with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We herein report 2 cases of EBV-associated PTLD after allogeneic HSCT localized in the adrenal gland. Both patients developed adrenal tumor within 3 months after HSCT and were successfully treated with rituximab or tapering immunosuppressive agents. Both remained alive without recurrence. A literature review revealed 12 reported cases of PTLD involving the adrenal gland, but the adrenal gland was involved as one of the lesions of advanced-stage PTLD after SOT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to show cases of isolated EBV-associated adrenal PTLD after HSCT. PTLD should be recognized as one of the causes of isolated adrenal tumor after HSCT.

Imaging of adrenal and renal hemorrhage.

Hemorrhage of the kidneys and adrenal glands has many etiologies. In the adrenal glands, trauma, anticoagulation, stress, sepsis, surgery, and neoplasms are common causes of hemorrhage. In the kidneys, reasons for hemorrhage include trauma, bleeding diathesis, vascular diseases, infection, infarction, hemorrhagic cyst rupture, the Antopol-Goldman lesion, and neoplasms. Angiomyolipoma and renal cell carcinoma are the neoplasms most commonly associated with hemorrhage in the kidneys and adrenal cortical carcinoma, metastases, and pheochromocytoma are associated with hemorrhage in the adrenal glands. Understanding the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features, and causes of hemorrhage in the kidneys and adrenal glands is critical. It is also important to keep in mind that mimickers of hemorrhage exist, including lymphoma in both the kidneys and adrenal glands, and melanoma metastases in the adrenal glands. Appropriate imaging follow-up of renal and adrenal hemorrhage should occur to exclude an underlying malignancy as the cause. If there is suspicion for malignancy that cannot be definitively diagnosed on imaging, surgery or biopsy may be warranted. Angiography may be indicated when there is a suspected underlying vascular disease. Unnecessary intervention, such as nephrectomy, may be avoided in patients with benign causes or no underlying disease. Appropriate management is dependent on accurate diagnosis of the cause of renal or adrenal hemorrhage and it is incumbent upon the radiologist to determine the etiology.

Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection.

This report aims to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and treatment of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). A patient treated at Taihe Hospital for tuberculous OPSI is described, and relevant literature is reviewed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, suppression of the systemic inflammatory reaction, and anti-shock measures were the keys to the successful treatment of this condition. OPSI is a life-threatening condition and has a high mortality rate. Early diagnosis, use of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids, and administration of high-dose gamma globulin and ulinastatin for the treatment of OPSI may improve outcomes.

[ADRENAL HEMORRHAGE: 6 CASES AND A REVIEW OF 57 REPORTED CASES].

PURPOSE: The guidelines on adrenal hemorrhage has not established in Japan. In this article, we discuss the management of adrenal hemorrhage. OBJECTS AND METHODS: We experienced 6 patients from November 2004 to September 2013 in The University of Tokyo Hospital and The Fraternity Memorial Hospital, and we searched 57 cases already reported in Japan by using Japan Medical Abstracts Society (http://search.jamas.or.jp/). So we analyzed total 63 adrenal hemorrhage cases in Japan. RESULTS: In 63 cases, 5 cases were performed TAE, 3 cases were performed emergent surgeries, 13 cases were managed conservatively and elective surgeries were performed in the other cases. 5 cases were fulfilled criteria for Hb < 10 g/dl and the maximum diameter of the hematoma > 10 cm. Of 5 cases, 4 cases were performed emergent hemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal hemorrhages caused by metastatic tumor tend to be serious anemia. In addition, the most patients with adrenal hemorrhages, who had Hb < 10 g/dl and the maximum diameter of the hematoma > 10 cm, required immediate medical treatment, e.g. TAE or surgical hemostasis.

Delayed Unilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage Complicating Pneumococcal Septic Shock.

An 80-year-old male presented to the hospital after being found unresponsive at home. He was found to have pneumococcal pneumonia complicated by septic shock. He was treated in the medical ICU briefly with vasopressors and received intravenous antibiotics. He achieved a full recovery and was discharged after 10 days. He returned within 24 hours with vague abdominal and chest pain. His complaints of pain were difficult to localize--radiating from back to chest and abdomen. He received an extensive work-up to exclude acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and rib fracture. He was ultimately found to have a symptomatic unilateral adrenal hemorrhage, likely secondary to the acute stress of septic shock.

[Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1-like clinical picture of hereditary hemochromatosis]. / Hemochromatoza pierwotna o obrazie klinicznym przypominajacym autoimmunologiczny zespól wielogruczolowy typu 1.

The presence of hereditary hemochromatosis, one of the most common genetic disorders in the Caucasian population, disrupting iron absorption, storage and utilization, results in tissue iron overload. Its clinical presentation is usually complex and differs from patient to patient. In this article, the authors report a case of primary adrenal failure followed by primary hypoparathyroidism in a young male patient, describing diagnostic and treatment strategies undertaken in this patient. Our report shows that the presence of hemochromatosis should always be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by autoimmune multiorgan disease secondary to mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE), and leading to hypofunction of the adrenal cortex and parathyroid glands.

Clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with adrenal hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) is a rare condition and severe cases can lead to acute adrenal insufficiency with potentially life-threatening consequences. AH can be caused by a variety of etiologic factors, including systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The early identification and treatment of these patients improves their prognosis. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to analyze and summarize the clinical characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with AH. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 6 systemic lupus erythematosus patients complicated with AH admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Beijing Shijitan Hospital from May 2004 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The diagnosis of AH was based on computed tomography (CT) findings. Two patients had bilateral lesions, and the other 4 patients had unilateral lesions. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency were observed in 2 patients. The frequent presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, lower abdominal distension, vomiting, weakness, fever, arthrodynia, and skin rash. Four patients had APS. Five patients (4 patients with APS and 1 patient without APS) had thromboembolic events. All patients received glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy. Five patients were treated with anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up imaging examinations showed a partial or total regression of the lesions after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In the proper clinical setting, having high clinical suspicion for AH, early diagnosis and timely management is crucial to avoid life-threatening adrenal insufficiency. Key Points • AH is a rare condition and severe cases may lead to death. It can be caused by a variety of etiologic factors, including SLE. • In patients with SLE, especially combined with APS, if they complain of abdominal pain, particularly when common gastrointestinal involvement is difficult to explain, a high index of clinical suspicion is needed for the diagnosis of AH. • Early identification of AH in SLE patients can improve their prognosis.