The influence of cortisol co-secretion on clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes in unilateral primary aldosteronism.

Context: The prevalence of unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) with cortisol co-secretion varies geographically. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of UPA with cortisol co-secretion in a Chinese population. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: We recruited 580 patients with UPA who underwent cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) after the 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes of UPA with and without cortisol co-secretion. Results: UPA with cortisol co-secretion (1 mg DST>1.8 ug/dL) was identified in 65 of 580 (11.2%) patients. These patients were characterized by older age, longer duration of hypertension, higher concentration of plasma aldosterone and midnight cortisol, lower adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), larger tumor diameter, and more history of diabetes mellitus. Cortisol and aldosterone levels were higher and DHEAS level was lower in UPA with cortisol co-secretion at 0-120 min after CST. Among 342 UPA patients with KCNJ5 gene sequencing and follow-up results, the complete clinical success rate was lower in UPA with cortisol co-secretion (33.3% vs. 56.4%, P<0.05); the complete biochemical success rate and KCNJ5 mutation did not differ between the two groups. Age, tumor size, and ACTH were independent predictors of UPA with cortisol co-secretion. Sex, BMI, duration of hypertension, KCNJ5 mutation, and cortisol co-secretion were independent predictors for complete clinical success in UPA after surgery. Conclusions: UPA with cortisol co-secretion is not uncommon in China, but the clinical features were distinctly different from those without co-secretion. Cortisol co-secretion is an independent risk factor for incomplete clinical success after surgery in UPA.

[A rare cause of hypercorticism: ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma (a case report)]. / Une cause rare d'hypercorticisme: un phéochromocytome sécrétant l'ACTH (à propos d'un cas).

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a very rare cause of Cushing´s syndrome, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We here report the case of a female patient with suspected severe Cushing´s syndrome associated with melanoderma, arterial hypertension resistant to triple therapy and unbalanced diabetes treated with insulin therapy. Biologically, urinary ethoxylated, 24-hour urinary free cortisol and ACTH were very high. Imaging showed a 3.5 cm left adrenal mass. The patient underwent left adrenalectomy after medical preparation, with good clinico-biological outcome. Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. This case study highlights the importance of measuring methoxylated derivatives in any patient with ACTH-dependent Cushing´s syndrome associated with an adrenal mass. The aim is to ensure early treatment and avoid life-threatening complications.

Surgical versus medical management of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism and indeterminate adrenal vein sampling: A 10-year experience of the Cleveland Clinic.

In patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA), adrenal vein sampling (AVS) can identify patients suitable for unilateral adrenalectomy. However, in AVS with an indeterminate aldosterone-to-cortisol lateralization (ACL) ratio of 3.0-4.0, clinical guidance is unclear. The authors screened all patients undergoing AVS at the Cleveland Clinic from October 2010 to January 2021 and identified 18 patients with indeterminate ACL results. Ten underwent adrenalectomy and eight continued medical management. The surgical group was younger (58.5 vs. 68 years, p = .17), and more likely to have a unilateral imaging adrenal abnormality (90% vs. 38%, p = .043) and a lower contralateral suppression index (0.63 vs. 1.1, p = .14). Post-treatment, the surgical group had a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg, p = .043) and aldosterone (4.40 vs. 35.80 ng/mL, p = .035) and required fewer anti-hypertensive medications (2 vs. 3, p = .015). These findings may support the benefit of adrenalectomy in a select group of patients with indeterminate ACL.

Long-term outcome of retroperitoneoscopic partial versus total adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We analyze the long-term outcome of surgery for Cushing's syndrome (CS) and the influence of the extent of surgical resection on the duration of postoperative cortisone substitution. METHODS: One-hundred forty-one patients (129 female, 12 males; mean age: 45.7 ± 12.8 years) operated between January 2000 to June 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients suffered from manifest (124) or subclinical (17) CS due to benign unilateral adrenal neoplasia. All tumors were removed by the posterior retroperitoneoscopic approach. 105 patients had total (TA) and 36 partial (PA) adrenalectomies. All patients were discharged with ongoing corticosteroid supplementation therapy. RESULTS: Follow-up data could be obtained for 83 patients. Twenty-four (1 male, 23 females; mean age 42.3 years) underwent PA and 59 TA (6 males, 53 females; mean age 44.6 years). Mean follow-up time was 107 ± 68 months (range: 6-243 months). The median duration of postoperative corticosteroid therapy was 9.5 months after PA and 11 months after TA (p = 0.1). Significantly, more patients after total adrenalectomy required corticosteroid therapy for more than 24 months (25% vs. 4%; p = 0.03). Recurrent ipsilateral disease occurred in one case after partial adrenalectomy and was treated by completion adrenalectomy. A case of contralateral recurrence associated with subclinical Cushing's syndrome was observed after total adrenalectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of local recurrence after partial adrenalectomy in CS is low. Cortical-sparing surgery may shorten corticosteroid supplementation therapy after surgery.

Case report: A rare combination of aldosterone-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma with Graves' disease.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy originating in the adrenal glands, aldosterone-producing ACC, even rarer. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), by contrast, accounts for the majority of thyroid carcinomas. We herein describe the first reported case of a female with comorbidities of aldosterone-producing ACC, PTC, and Graves' Disease(GD). The patient achieved transient clinical remission following adrenalectomy. However, three months later, aldosterone-producing ACC lung metastases emerged. Subsequently, within another three-month interval, she developed thyroid eye disease(TED). The patient died roughly one year after the adrenal operation. Exome sequencing did not reveal associations between aldosterone-producing ACC, PTC, and GD, and the underlying concurrence mechanism has yet to be elucidated. Further research of similar cases are needed to confirm potential links between the three pathologies.

Risk factors for postoperative fever after laparoscopic adrenalectomy focusing on hormones produced: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is widely performed for a number of hormone-producing tumors and postoperative management depends on the hormones produced. In the present study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the risk factors for postoperative complications, particularly postoperative fever after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. METHODS: We analyzed 406 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy at our hospital between 2003 and 2019. Postoperative fever was defined as a fever of 38 °C or higher within 72 h after surgery. We investigated the risk factors for postoperative fever after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. RESULTS: There were 188 males (46%) and 218 females (54%) with a median age of 52 years. Among these patients, tumor pathologies included 188 primary aldosteronism (46%), 75 Cushing syndrome (18%), and 80 pheochromocytoma (20%). Postoperative fever developed in 124 of all patients (31%), 30% of those with primary aldosteronism, 53% of those with pheochromocytoma, and 8% of those with Cushing syndrome. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified pheochromocytoma and non-Cushing syndrome as independent predictors of postoperative fever. Postoperative fever was observed in 42 out of 80 cases of pheochromocytoma (53%), which was significantly higher than in cases of non-pheochromocytoma (82/326, 25%, p < 0.01). In contrast, postoperative fever developed in 6 out of 75 cases of Cushing syndrome (8%), which was significantly lower than in cases of non-Cushing syndrome (118/331, 35.6%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Since postoperative fever after laparoscopic adrenalectomy is markedly affected by the hormone produced by pheochromocytoma and Cushing syndrome, it is important to carefully consider the need for treatment.

Exploration of factors affecting hemodynamic stability following pheochromocytoma resection - cohort study.

Purpose: Surgery is the only way to cure pheochromocytoma; however, postoperative hemodynamic instability is one of the main causes of serious complications and even death. This study's findings provide some guidance for improved clinical management. Patients and methods: This study was to investigate the factors leading to postoperative hemodynamic instability in the postoperative pathology indicated pheochromocytoma from May 2016 to May 2022. They were divided into two groups according to whether vasoactive drugs were used for a median number of days or more postoperatively. The factors affecting the postoperative hemodynamics in the perioperative period (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative) were then evaluated. Results: The median number of days requiring vasoactive drug support postoperatively was three in 234 patients, while 118 (50.4%) patients required vasoactive drug support for three days or more postoperatively. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated more preoperative colloid use (odds ratio [OR]=1.834, confidence interval [CI]:1.265-2.659, P=0.001), intraoperative use of vasoactive drug (OR=4.174, CI:1.882-9.258, P<0.001), and more postoperative crystalloid solution input per unit of body weight per day (ml/kg/d) (OR=1.087, CI:1.062-1.112, P<0.001) were risk factors for predicting postoperative hemodynamic instability. The optimal cutoff point of postoperative crystalloid use were 42.37 ml/kg/d. Conclusion: Hemodynamic instability is a key issue for consideration in the perioperative period of pheochromocytoma. The amount of preoperative colloid use, the need for intraoperative vasoactive drugs, and postoperative crystalloid solution are risk factors for predicting postoperative hemodynamic instability (registration number: ChiCT2300071166).

Elevated IL-6 levels in a patient with pheochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytoma is a chromaffin cell-derived adrenal medullary tumour and usually presents with paroxysms of hypertension, palpitations, sweating and headache due to excessive catecholamine release. These tumours can also secrete a variety of bioactive neuropeptides and hormones other than catecholamines, resulting in unusual clinical manifestations. We report a female in her mid-30s who presented with fever, anaemia, thrombocytosis and markedly elevated inflammatory markers. The fever profile, including cultures, was negative. Contrast-enhanced CT of abdomen showed a large solid-cystic right adrenal lesion with elevated plasma-free normetanephrine levels suggestive of pheochromocytoma. The fever persisted despite empirical antibiotics and antipyretics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were elevated (41.2 pg/mL (3-4 pg/mL)). She was initiated on naproxen (NPX) at a dose of 250 mg two times per day. The patient responded to NPX, and after stabilisation, she underwent an adrenalectomy. There was a complete resolution of fever with normalisation of IL-6 levels postoperatively.

Anastomosing haemangioma of adrenal gland: an unusual vascular tumour.

With only 15 reported cases, anastomosing haemangioma of adrenal is a rare entity and usually presents as adrenal incidentaloma. A hypertensive, diabetic, non-smoker man in his late 60s presented with irritative voiding symptoms. On evaluation, he was found to have a urinary bladder mass and left adrenal incidentaloma measuring 8 cm. Metabolic evaluation confirmed it to be non-functional.The patient underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumour with left laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Intraoperatively, the adrenal tumour was highly vascular with multiple feeder vessels. Grossly it was soft, encapsulated with focal grey-brown areas. Microscopically, most of adrenal gland was replaced by anastomosing proliferating capillary vessels within framework of non-endothelial supporting cells reminiscent of splenic sinusoids. The tumour was positive for CD-31, CD-34, Glut-1 and SMA.Anastomosing haemangioma is a benign entity but it must be differentiated from angiosarcoma. Characteristic imaging features are not yet defined and is, therefore, difficult to diagnose preoperatively.

A novel method of tunneling retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To introduce the surgical technique and our team's extensive experience with tunnel method in laparoscopic adrenalectomy. METHODS: From July 2019 to June 2022, we independently designed and conducted 83 cases of " Tunnel Method Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy," a prospective study. There were 45 male and 38 female patients, ages ranged from 25 to 73 years(mean: 44.6 years).The cases included 59 adrenal cortical adenomas, 9 pheochromocytomas, 6 cysts, 4 myelolipomas, 1 ganglioneuroma, and 4 cases of adrenal cortical hyperplasia. In terms of anatomical location, there were 39 cases on the left side, 42 on the right side, and 2 bilateral cases. Tumor diameters ranged from 0.6 to 5.9 cm(mean: 2.9 cm). Utilizing ultrasound monitoring, percutaneous puncture was made either directly to the target organ or its vicinity, and the puncture path was manually marked. Then, under the direct view of a single-port single-channel laparoscope, the path to the target organ in the retroperitoneum or its vicinity was further delineated and separated. This approach allowed for the insertion of the laparoscope and surgical instruments through the affected adrenal gland, thereby separating the surface of the target organ to create sufficient operational space for the adrenalectomy. RESULTS: All 83 surgeries were successfully completed. A breakdown of the surgical approach reveals that 51 surgeries were done using one puncture hole, 25 with two puncture holes, and 7 with three puncture holes. The operation time ranged from 31 to 105 min (mean: 47 min), with a blood loss of 10 to 220mL (mean: 40 mL). Notably, there were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative complications. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 months, during which after re-examination using ultrasound, CT, and other imaging methods, there were no recurrences or other complications detected. CONCLUSIONS: The completion of the tunnel method laparoscopic adrenalectomy represents a breakthrough, transitioning from the traditional step-by-step separation of retroperitoneal tissues to reach the target organ in conventional retroperitoneoscopic surgery. This method directly accesses the target organ, substantially reducing the damage and complications associated with tissue separation in retroperitoneoscopic surgery, As a result, it provides a new option for minimally invasive surgery of retroperitoneal organs and introduces innovative concepts to retroperitoneoscopic surgery.

Effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation during adrenal vein sampling for the subtyping of primary aldosteronism: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is key for primary aldosteronism subtype identification. However, the value of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation in AVS is still controversial. METHODS: In this prospective study, we investigated the role of continuous ACTH infusion on the performance and interpretation of bilateral simultaneous AVS using a standard protocol in 59 primary aldosteronism patients. We analyzed the selectivity index and lateralization index in AVS pre and post-ACTH and estimated the prognosis of patients who underwent adrenalectomy with different cutoff points of lateralization index post-ACTH. RESULTS: The confirmed success rate of bilateral adrenal vein catheterization increased from 84% pre-ACTH to 95% post-ACTH. Fifty percent of the patients had a decline in lateralization index post-ACTH, 30% of patients showed unilateral primary aldosteronism pre-ACTH but bilateral primary aldosteronism post-ACTH according to lateralization index at least 2 pre-ACTH and lateralization index at least 4 post-ACTH. The outcomes of the patients with primary aldosteronism after adrenalectomy indicated that all patients achieved clinical and biochemical success regardless of lateralization index at least 4 or less than 4 post-ACTH. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that lateralization index cutoff 2.58 post-ACTH stimulation yielded the best threshold in lateralization with a sensitivity of 73.1% and a specificity of 92.9%. CONCLUSION: ACTH stimulation increased the AVS success rates in patients with primary aldosteronism, reduced lateralization index in some cases and decreased the proportion of identified unilateral primary aldosteronism, resulting in some patients losing the opportunity for disease cure. Compared with lateralization index at least 4, a lower cutoff point of lateralization index at least 2.58 after ACTH stimulation has better accuracy of lateralization diagnosis.

A multidisciplinary approach of a patient with pheochromocytoma presenting as recurrent acute fulminant myocarditis: A rare case report and comprehensive review of literature.

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a rare illness characterized by abrupt and severe widespread cardiac inflammation, which frequently results in mortality due to cardiogenic shock, ventricular arrhythmias, or multiorgan system failure. Pheochromocytoma is an uncommon and difficult-to-diagnose cause of FM, and it is associated with a significant risk of recurrent acute myocarditis. There is, however, little information on reoccurring acute FM. Herein, we report a rare case of recurrent acute FM due to pheochromocytoma. We present the case of a 22-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital three days previously with acute dyspnea. Five months prior, the patient was diagnosed with post-acute myocarditis, and a massive tumor on the right adrenal gland was discovered, which lead to pheochromocytoma diagnosis. In this present admission, following the exclusion of infection, autoimmune, and metabolic derangements, pheochromocytoma was presumed to be the reason for the recurrence and more severe acute FM during the current hospitalization. The patient responded favorably to high-dose steroids combined with heart failure therapy regimens. To detect recurrent acute myocarditis related to pheochromocytoma, a multidisciplinary approach was used, including several laboratory biomarkers and imaging findings. Following pheochromocytoma removal and biopsy, the patient recovered satisfactorily. Our findings may provide beneficial contributions to the literature as pheochromocytoma is an uncommon but important cause of recurrent acute myocarditis. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in identifying acute FM and determining the underlying causes of this malady.

Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy - two case reports.

Background: Cushing's syndrome (CS) during pregnancy is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by hypercortisolism, which is significantly associated with maternal-fetal complications. Despite its rarity, CS during pregnancy may be related to a high risk of complications for both the mother and fetus.The aim of the present case study is to update the diagnostic approach to CS during pregnancy and the therapeutic strategies for this medical condition to minimize maternal-fetal complications. Methods: Here, we present two cases of CS in pregnant women, one of whom had twins. Typical clinical symptoms and signs of hypercortisolism developed at the beginning of pregnancy. The plasma cortisol diurnal rhythm of the pregnant patient was absent. CS was confirmed by cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) assessment, as well as imaging examination. We investigated the changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during normal pregnancy and the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of CS during pregnancy. Conclusion: Due to the associated risks of laparoscopic adrenalectomy,it is uncertain whether this treatment significantly decreases overall maternal mortality. Additional observational research and validation through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are required. We advise that CS in pregnant women be diagnosed and treated by experienced teams in relevant departments and medical centers.

Modified versus three-level technique of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for all patients with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm: a retrospective, case-controlled study.

Objectives: The modified three-level technique for retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) has proven beneficial in the treatment of adrenal lesions in patients with BMI≥25 Kg/m2. This paper aims to summarize our institution's seven-year experience using this technique for all patients with Adrenal Lesions ≤ 6cm. Patients and methods: Between January 2016 and December 2022. The patients underwent laparoscopic adrenal surgery were categorized into Zhang's technique (ZT) (Three-level Technique) group and modified technique (MT) group. The fundamental characteristics and perioperative data were analyzed, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: In total, 731 patients were stratified into two groups: ZT (n=448) and MT (n=283). Statistically significant distinctions were not detected between the two groups regarding sex, BMI, tumor location, tumor size, tumor type, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p>0.05). The MT group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the ZT group in terms of operative time, estimated blood loss, drainage volume, diet recovery time, complication rates, and postoperative hospitalization duration (p<0.05). 17 (4.34%) in the ZT group required unplanned adrenalectomy, while there was none in MT group (P<0.05). Conclusion: MT retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has demonstrated its benefits in the treatment of adrenal lesions across all patients with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm, serving as a valuable point of reference for the surgical management of adrenal diseases. Patient summary: We have made modifications to the classic retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and achieved superior surgical outcomes, resulting in a procedure known as modified retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This technique is suitable for both obese individuals and the general population with adrenal lesions ≤ 6cm.

Surgical resection of adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancers: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The decision for resection of adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancers remain controversial and there is no proposed standard treatment. The aim of the article is to review the available literature on outcomes and complications rates following adrenalectomy for adrenal metastasis from colorectal cancer. METHODS: Relevant papers were identified through electronic databases. Data was extracted independently by two authors on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet up to June 2023. RESULTS: A total of 55 studies were included in the final analysis (145 cases). A large proportion of patients had an uneventful postoperative recovery following surgical adrenalectomy. The mean length of follow up ranged from 2 months to 9.5 years. A total of 33 (22.8%) patients were alive and well with no evidence of local or systemic recurrence; 2 (1.4%) patients had recurrence in the bed of adrenalectomy; 2 (1.4%) patients were alive with recurrence in the contralateral adrenal gland; 4 (2.8%) patients were alive with extra-adrenal metastasis, and 7 (4.8%) patients were alive and well with no comments regarding local and systemic recurrence. Post-operative mortality following adrenalectomy was uncommon: 1 patient died due to systemic sepsis following anastomotic leak. 17.2% of patients died due to disease progression. CONCLUSION: If complete resection can be achieved, surgical adrenalectomy in the surgically fit patient should be strongly considered, especially in patients with solitary adrenal metastasis which may translate into survival benefits and potential surgical cure.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes between robot-assisted adrenalectomy and laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) using propensity score matching. This retrospective study included 395 patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy: 354 who underwent LA and 41 who underwent RAA between February 2015 and March 2023. To mitigate potential confounding factors, 2:1 propensity score matching was conducted based on age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor laterality, and tumor size. Perioperative outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors for complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching analysis identified 123 patients, with 82 and 41 in the LA and RAA groups, respectively. Operative time (81.4 ± 26.6 min vs. 83.5 ± 25.9 min, P = 0.675), estimated blood loss (77.7 ± 68.3 mL vs. 83.2 ± 73.9 mL, P = 0.683), and post-operative stay (3.8 ± 1.0 days vs. 4.0 ± 0.9 days, P = 0.211) showed no significant differences between two groups. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (9.8%) in the LA group, while no patients (0%) experienced intraoperative complications in the RAA group (P = 0.051). In both groups, post-operative complications occurred in 2.4% (P = 1). The only factor contributing to complications after adrenalectomy was tumor size (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.001-1.051, P = 0.042). RAA exhibited comparable perioperative outcomes and presented an improved intraoperative complication rate compared with LA. Tumor size was the only factor that contributed to complications after adrenalectomy.

Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) and laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) for pheochromocytoma (PHEO). We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for studies comparing RA and LA treatment for PHEO, covering the period from database inception to January 1, 2024. Two researchers will independently screen literature and extract data, followed by meta-analysis using Review Manager 5.3 software. Six studies with 658 patients were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in operation time [MD = -8.03, 95% CI (-25.68,9.62), P > 0.05], transfusion rate [OR = 1.10, 95% CI (0.55, 2.19) , P > 0.05], conversion rate [OR = 0.31, 95% CI (0.08, 1.12), P > 0.05], complication rate [OR = 0.93, 95% CI (0.52, 1.70), P > 0.05], Intraoperative max SBP [MD = -4.08, 95% CI (-10.13,1.97), P > 0.05], Intraoperative min SBP [MD = -2.71, 95% CI (-9.60,4.18), P > 0.05] among patients undergoing RA and LA. However, compared with patients who underwent LA, patients who underwent RA had less estimated blood loss [MD = -37.72, 95% CI (-64.11,-11.33), P < 0.05], a shorter length of hospital stay [MD = -0.43, 95% CI (-0.65,-0.21) P < 0.05]. RA has higher advantages in some aspects compared to LA. RA is a feasible, safe, and comparable treatment option for PHEO.

Cushing's Syndrome in Pregnancy Secondary to Adrenocortical Adenoma: A Case Series and Review.

PURPOSE: To present a case series of Cushing's syndrome (CS) during pregnancy caused by adrenocortical adenomas, highlighting clinical features, hormonal assessments and outcomes. METHODS: We describe five pregnant women with CS, detailing clinical presentations and laboratory findings. RESULTS: Common clinical features included a full moon face, buffalo back and severe hypertension. Elevated blood cortisol levels with circadian rhythm disruption and suppressed adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were observed. Imaging revealed unilateral adrenal tumours. Two cases underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomies during the second trimester, while three had postpartum surgery. All required hormone replacement therapy, with postoperative pathological confirmation of adrenocortical adenomas. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of CS during pregnancy is challenging due to overlapping features with normal pregnancy: elevated blood cortisol levels and abnormal diurnal rhythm of blood cortisol, suppressed aid diagnosis. Treatment should be individualised due to a lack of explicit optimum therapeutic approaches. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be an optimal choice, along with multidisciplinary management including hormone replacement therapy.