Spinal volumetric bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in female patients with adrenal incidentalomas: the effects of subclinical hypercortisolism and gonadal status.

Although adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are not associated with clinically evident syndromes, some patients display biochemical features of subclinical hypercortisolism (SH). Previous studies indicated a negative effect of SH on bone in AI patients, but the prevalence of vertebral fractures and the roles of SH and gonadal status in volumetric bone mineral density are unknown. In 70 female AI patients and 84 controls, the prevalence of vertebral fractures and spinal bone mineral density (by quantitative computed tomography) were evaluated. Subjects were subdivided according to menopausal status into groups Pre (21 patients and 23 controls) and Post (49 patients and 61 controls); there were 14 and 35 patients without SH (SH(-)) and 7 and 14 patients with SH (SH(+)) in groups Pre and Post, respectively. The prevalence of fractures was higher in SH(+) than in controls and in SH(-) subjects in both groups Pre [SH(+), 42.9%; controls, 0% (P = 0.001); SH(-), 7.1% (P = 0.049)] and post [SH(+), 78.6%; controls, 37.7% (P = 0.006); SH(-) 42.9% (P = 0.024)]. In group Post, the mean z-score quantitative computed tomography values were lower in SH(+) patients (-0.78 +/- 0.29) than in controls (0.06 +/- 0.14; P = 0.011) and SH(-) patients (0.02 +/- 0.19; P = 0.034). Evaluation of spinal bone is indicated in female AI patients with SH.

Bone involvement in eugonadal male patients with adrenal incidentaloma and subclinical hypercortisolism.

Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are not associated, by definition, with clinically evident syndromes; however, some AI patients may show biochemical indexes of subclinical hypercortisolism (SH). Previous data on female AI patients indicated that SH may lead to bone loss, at least at spine. No data are available on bone involvement in samples of only AI male patients. We measured bone metabolism and bone mineral density at spine and femur by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in 38 consecutive eugonadal male AI patients and 38 healthy matched control subjects. Patients were subdivided according to the presence or absence of SH (group SH+ and group SH-, respectively). Mean Z-score levels of spinal bone mineral density measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were lower (P < 0.05) in group SH+ (-0.42 +/- 1.62) in comparison with group SH- (0.6 +/- 1.13) and controls (0.47 +/- 1.06). Thus, in order for the most appropriate management to be individually tailored, bone mass evaluation is strongly indicated in AI male patients with SH, irrespective of their gonadal status.

[Design and implementation of an integrated HIS-RIS-PACS system: our experience].

PURPOSE: To develop an integrated information system to support the administrative and healthcare work processes in a highly specialised research-oriented healthcare institution composed of one hospital and a separate outpatient centre. The project, developed within the context of an ongoing process of technological innovation, aimed to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the services provided. In particular, over the past year our efforts focused on developing and implementing a RIS-PACS system to support the management of clinical data and radiological reports and images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RIS-PACS system was implemented in four phases to meet the technical-functional needs of the Units of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging. The plan was developed considering the work flow between the Department, the outpatient centre and the hospital wards with the aim of creating a filmless and paperless organisational model for the Radiology Units. The four implementation phases were characterised by defining and developing protocols that would integrate the systems (HIS, RIS, PACS and modalities) to guarantee correct and complete management of the work flow. RESULTS: Phases I and II have already been completed and have led to efficient, safe and complete interaction between the hospital wards, the outpatient centre and the Radiology Units. Overall performance of the hospital has improved and the outpatient centre is now completely managed in digital mode. Phases III and IV will extend these positive results by enabling the routine distribution of radiological reports and images to all hospital wards and clinics and associated facilities. As a result, the use of film and printing and developing materials will gradually be reduced, enabling all the required clinical and diagnostic information to be immediately and securely shared. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This project is one of the first examples in Italy of the routine implementation of a single virtual radiology department distributed across physically remote locations. In particular, the project was successfully completed thanks to the approach used in planning and defining the clinical and functional specifications, and in the implementation phase. We conclude that setting up an information system truly capable of supporting the routine clinical activity of a Diagnostic Imaging Department requires a detailed operational project and careful planning of each implementation phase.