Discriminative Capacity of CT Volumetry to Identify Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Incidental Adrenal Adenomas.

CONTEXT: Incidentally discovered adrenal adenomas are common. Assessment for possible autonomous cortisol excess (ACS) is warranted for all adrenal adenomas, given the association with increased cardiometabolic disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the discriminatory capacity of 3-dimensional volumetry on computed tomography (CT) to identify ACS. METHODS: Two radiologists, blinded to hormonal levels, prospectively analyzed CT images of 149 adult patients with unilateral, incidentally discovered, adrenal adenomas. Diameter and volumetry of the adenoma, volumetry of the contralateral adrenal gland, and the adenoma volume-to-contralateral gland volume (AV/CV) ratio were measured. ACS was defined as cortisol ≥ 1.8 mcg/dL after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and a morning ACTH ≤ 15. pg/mL. RESULTS: We observed that ACS was diagnosed in 35 (23.4%) patients. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with adenoma diameter and volume, and inversely correlated with contralateral adrenal gland volume. Cortisol post-DST was positively correlated with the AV/CV ratio (r = 0.46, P < 0.001) and ACTH was inversely correlated (r = -0.28, P < 0.001). The AV/CV ratio displayed the highest odds ratio (1.40; 95% CI, 1.18-1.65) and area under curve (0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96) for predicting ACS. An AV/CV ratio ≥ 1 (48% of the cohort) had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 70% to identify ACS. CONCLUSION: CT volumetry of adrenal adenomas and contralateral adrenal glands has a high discriminatory capacity to identify ACS. The combination of this simple and low-cost radiological phenotyping can supplement biochemical testing to substantially improve the identification of ACS.

[Update on neuroendocrine tumors]. / Tumores Neuroendocrinos: un desafío transversal.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) encompass a wide variety of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, which produce bioactive substances. The incidence of NETs increased significantly lately, becoming one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. Their clinical presentation is as diverse as their capacity for hormone production. Carcinoid syndrome is the most common hormonal syndrome produced by NETs and is characterized by diarrhea, flushing and cardiac valvular lesions. New research brought multiple changes in the classification of these neoplasms and a new understanding about their diagnosis and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Somatostatin analogues, radiation, biological, and cytotoxic drugs have improved the prognosis of these patients, which entails a great challenge for healthcare providers.

[Performance of formulas for the evaluation of 24-hour urine collections using urine creatinine excretion]. / Evaluación de la recolección de orina de 24 horas a partir de la creatininuria: fórmulas para estimarla y su rendimiento.

Creatinine excretion is widely used as a method to evaluate the adequacy of urine collection in different clinical settings. Many factors influence its elimination, such as protein intake, exercise, muscle mass, age, and sex, among many others. As 24-hour urine collections can be cumbersome, several equations have been developed to aid clinicians to correctly interpret results derived from them. In this review article, we report the factors that can modify creatinine excretion and we evaluate the accuracy of different published equations to estimate 24-hour urine creatinine excretion.

Tumores Neuroendocrinos: un desafío transversal / Update on neuroendocrine tumors

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) encompass a wide variety of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells, which produce bioactive substances. The incidence of NETs increased significantly lately, becoming one of the most common tumors of the digestive tract. Their clinical presentation is as diverse as their capacity for hormone production. Carcinoid syndrome is the most common hormonal syndrome produced by NETs and is characterized by diarrhea, flushing and cardiac valvular lesions. New research brought multiple changes in the classification of these neoplasms and a new understanding about their diagnosis and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach. Somatostatin analogues, radiation, biological, and cytotoxic drugs have improved the prognosis of these patients, which entails a great challenge for healthcare providers.

GnRH agonist-associated pituitary apoplexy: a case series and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical presentation and longitudinal outcome of Pituitary Apoplexy (PA) after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in a series of patients and compare to prior reports. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on seven patients receiving GnRHa who developed PA. Prior reported cases were analyzed. RESULTS: Six men (median age 72 years) with prostate cancer and one woman (aged 22 years) undergoing oocyte donation presented with PA between 1990 and 2020. Most presented with within 24 h of the first dose, but two developed PA 1 to 5 months after GnRHa initiation. The main clinical manifestations were headache (100%), nausea and vomiting (86%). While no patients had a previously known pituitary tumor, all had imaging demonstrating sellar mass and/or hemorrhage at presentation. Among those surgically treated (5/7), 80% (4/5) of patients had pathologic specimens that stained positive for gonadotropins; the remaining patient's pathologic specimen was necrotic. At the time of PA, the most common pituitary dysfunction was hypocortisolism. Central adrenal insufficiency and central hypothyroidism were reversible in a subset. Pituitary imaging remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a case series with PA after GnRHa administration with longitudinal follow-up. Although infrequent, PA can be life-threatening and should be suspected among patients receiving GnRHa, with or without a known pituitary adenoma, who develop acute headache, nausea and/or vomiting. Since hypopituitarism was reversible in a subset, ongoing pituitary function testing may be indicated.

Evaluación de la recolección de orina de 24 horas a partir de la creatininuria: fórmulas para estimarla y su rendimiento / Performance of formulas for the evaluation of 24-hour urine collections using urine creatinine excretion

Creatinine excretion is widely used as a method to evaluate the adequacy of urine collection in different clinical settings. Many factors influence its elimination, such as protein intake, exercise, muscle mass, age, and sex, among many others. As 24-hour urine collections can be cumbersome, several equations have been developed to aid clinicians to correctly interpret results derived from them. In this review article, we report the factors that can modify creatinine excretion and we evaluate the accuracy of different published equations to estimate 24-hour urine creatinine excretion.

Lower Oxytocin Levels Are Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density and Less Favorable Hip Geometry in Hypopituitary Men.

INTRODUCTION: Hypopituitary patients are at risk for bone loss. Hypothalamic-posterior pituitary hormones oxytocin and vasopressin are anabolic and catabolic, respectively, to the skeleton. Patients with hypopituitarism may be at risk for oxytocin deficiency. Whether oxytocin and/or vasopressin contribute to impaired bone homeostasis in hypopituitarism is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels and bone characteristics (bone mineral density [BMD] and hip structural analysis [HSA]) in patients who have anterior pituitary deficiencies only (APD group) or with central diabetes insipidus (CDI group). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Subjects included 37 men (17 CDI and 20 APD), aged 20-60 years. Main outcome measures were fasting plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels, and BMD and HSA using dual X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Mean BMD and HSA variables did not differ between the CDI and APD groups. Mean BMD Z-scores at most sites were lower in those participants who had fasting oxytocin levels below, rather than above, the median. There were positive associations between fasting oxytocin levels and (1) BMD Z-scores at the spine, femoral neck, total hip, and subtotal body and (2) favorable hip geometry and strength variables at the intertrochanteric region in CDI, but not APD, participants. No associations between vasopressin levels and bone variables were observed in the CDI or ADP groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for a relationship between oxytocin levels and BMD and estimated hip geometry and strength in hypopituitarism with CDI. Future studies will be important to determine whether oxytocin could be used therapeutically to optimize bone health in patients with hypopituitarism.

[Hypophosphatemia induced by carboxymaltose iron and imatinib. Report of two cases]. / Hipofosfatemia inducida por drogas: fierro carboximaltosa e imatinib. Casos clínicos.

Hypophosphatemia is a relatively frequent and a potentially serious adverse drug effect. Clinically it is characterized by bone pain and muscle weakness. There are several mechanisms by which a drug can induce hypophosphatemia and they can be classified according to whether or not they are mediated by an excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23). We report two patients with the condition: (i) A 49-year-old woman with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and gastric sleeve surgery at 46 years of age. After receiving intravenous carboxymaltose iron in one occasion due to refractory anemia, she developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia. Urinary phosphate losses associated with high FGF23 levels were confirmed. Plasma phosphate returned to normal values 90 days after the iron administration. (ii) A 40-year-old man with a history of CML in whom imatinib was started. He developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia due to non FGF23-mediated hyperphosphaturia. As treatment with imatinib could not be interrupted, hypophosphatemia and its symptoms resolved with oral phosphate intake. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing and treating drug-induced hypophosphatemia in a timely manner, and thus avoid the morbidity associated with this entity.

Clinical MEN-1 Among a Large Cohort of Patients With Acromegaly.

CONTEXT: Clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is diagnosed by the presence of at least 2 MEN-1-associated tumors. Many patients with acromegaly and clinical MEN-1 yield negative testing for MEN1 mutations. While cases of acromegaly and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with negative genetic testing have been reported, its prevalence among patients with acromegaly is undetermined, and the clinical presentation has not been well characterized. OBJECTIVES: The main goals of this study are: (1) To determine the prevalence of clinical MEN-1 with PHP in patients with acromegaly and characterize their clinical features; and (2) to evaluate the genetic basis for the coexistence of acromegaly and PHP. DESIGN: Retrospective record review and genetic analysis. SETTING: Clinical Research Centers. PARTICIPANTS: 414 patients with acromegaly. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical evaluation and DNA sequencing for MEN1, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, CDKN2B, CDKN2C, and AIP genes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical and genetic analysis. RESULTS: Among patients with acromegaly, clinical MEN-1, as defined by the presence of at least one other MEN-1-associated tumor, was present in 6.6%. PHP occurred in 6.1%; more than half had parathyroid hyperplasia. DNA sequencing was unrevealing for genetic mutations, except for 1 case of a CDC73 mutation. Acromegaly was diagnosed at an older age with a higher prevalence of malignancies (specifically breast and thyroid) in patients with coexisting PHP than those with isolated acromegaly. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct phenotype is described in patients with clinical MEN-1 and negative genetic testing for mutations previously associated with this syndrome. Further studies are needed to identify other genes that may explain the association between PHP and acromegaly.

Hipofosfatemia inducida por drogas: fierro carboximaltosa e imatinib. Casos clínicos / Hypophosphatemia induced by carboxymaltose iron and imatinib. Report of two cases

Hypophosphatemia is a relatively frequent and a potentially serious adverse drug effect. Clinically it is characterized by bone pain and muscle weakness. There are several mechanisms by which a drug can induce hypophosphatemia and they can be classified according to whether or not they are mediated by an excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23). We report two patients with the condition: (i) A 49-year-old woman with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and gastric sleeve surgery at 46 years of age. After receiving intravenous carboxymaltose iron in one occasion due to refractory anemia, she developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia. Urinary phosphate losses associated with high FGF23 levels were confirmed. Plasma phosphate returned to normal values 90 days after the iron administration. (ii) A 40-year-old man with a history of CML in whom imatinib was started. He developed symptomatic hypophosphatemia due to non FGF23-mediated hyperphosphaturia. As treatment with imatinib could not be interrupted, hypophosphatemia and its symptoms resolved with oral phosphate intake. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing and treating drug-induced hypophosphatemia in a timely manner, and thus avoid the morbidity associated with this entity.

Biochemical Control in Acromegaly With Multimodality Therapies: Outcomes From a Pituitary Center and Changes Over Time.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) normalization with long-term multimodality therapy in a pituitary center and to assess changes over time. METHODS: Patients with acromegaly (N = 409), with ≥1 year of data after surgery and at least 2 subsequent clinic visits were included in long-term analysis (N = 266). Biochemical data, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic interventions were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: At diagnosis, mean [standard deviation] age was 43.4 [14.3] years, body mass index was 28.5 (24.9-32.1) kg/m2 (median, interquartile range), serum IGF-1 index (IGF-1 level/upper limit of normal) was 2.3 [1.7-3.1], and 80.5% had macroadenomas. Patients with transsphenoidal surgery after 2006 were older [46.6 ± 14.3 vs 40.0 ± 13.4 years; P < 0.001]. Age and tumor size correlated inversely. Overall (N = 266), 93.2% achieved a normal IGF-1 level during 9.9 [5.0-15.0] years with multimodality therapy. The interval to first normal IGF-1 level following failed surgical remission was shorter after 2006: 14.0 (95% confidence interval, 10.0-20.0) versus 27.5 (22.0-36.0) months (P = 0.002). Radiation therapy and second surgery were rarer after 2006: 28 (22%) versus 62 (47.0%); P < 0.001 and 12 (9.4%) versus 28 (21.2%); P = 0.010, respectively. Age at diagnosis increased over time periods, possibly reflecting increased detection of acromegaly in older patients with milder disease. Male gender, older age, smaller tumor and lower IGF-1 index at diagnosis predicted long-term sustained IGF-1 control after surgery without adjuvant therapies. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of patients with acromegaly can be biochemically controlled with multimodality therapy in the current era. Radiotherapy and repeat pituitary surgery became less frequently utilized over time. Long-term postoperative IGF-1 control without use of adjuvant therapies has improved.

Mifepristone Increases Thyroid Hormone Requirements in Patients With Central Hypothyroidism: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: Mifepristone is a glucocorticoid and progesterone receptor blocker that can be used for patients with hyperglycemia and Cushing syndrome in whom surgery failed to achieve remission or who were ineligible for surgery. We report a case series of patients with Cushing disease (CD) and central hypothyroidism that presented with increased levothyroxine requirements during mifepristone therapy. METHODS: Retrospective longitudinal case series of patients with CD and central hypothyroidism treated with mifepristone in a retrospective database at four pituitary centers in the United States. RESULTS: Five patients with CD were found, all women, median age 50 (interquartile range 47 to 64.5). They received mifepristone because no adequate response or intolerance to other drugs was observed. Mifepristone initiation was associated with a decrease in free thyroxine levels, mandating a dose increase of a median 1.83 (1.71 to 3.5) times the initial dose of levothyroxine to achieve normal levels. Weight loss was seen in four of five patients, ranging from 3.2 to 42.6 kg in up to 54 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although the mechanism behind the decrease in thyroid hormone level is unknown, intestinal malabsorption, decreased residual thyroid function and increased inactivation of T4 via deiodinases are all potential causes. Whereas therapies for hypercortisolism aim to decrease features of hypercortisolemia such as weight gain and depression, hypothyroidism can hamper these goals. This case series raises awareness on the importance of assessment of thyroid status in patients receiving mifepristone to optimize clinical outcomes.

Chilean Registry for Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Latin American Perspective.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare and highly heterogeneous neoplasms. Despite this, recent studies from North America and Central Europe have suggested an increase in incidence. In Latin America, NET data are scarce and scattered with only a few studies reporting registries. Our goal was to establish a NET registry in Chile. Here, we report the establishment and our first 166 NET patients. We observed a slight preponderance of males, a median age at diagnosis of 53 years and a median overall survival of 110 months. As anticipated, most tumors were gastroenteropancreatic (GEP). Survival analyses demonstrated that non-GEP or stage IV tumors presented significantly lower overall survival (OS). Similarly, patients with surgery classified as R0 had better OS compared to R1, R2, or no surgery. Furthermore, patients with elevated chromogranin A (CgA) or high Ki67 showed a trend to poorer OS; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (log-rank test p = 0.07). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a NET registry in Chile. Median OS in our registry (110 months) is in line with other registries from Argentina and Spain. Other variables including age at diagnosis and gender were similar to previous studies; however, our data indicate a high proportion of small-bowel NETs compared to other cohorts, reflecting the need for NET regional registries. Indeed, these registries may explain regional discrepancies in incidence and distribution, adding to our knowledge on this seemingly rare, highly heterogeneous disease.

Hipofisitis linfoplasmocitaria y fibrosis retroperitoneal asociadas a un síndrome poliglandular autoinmune: enfermedades relacionadas con IgG4. Caso clínico / Hypophysitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome and IgG4-related disease: report of one case

We report a 23 year old woman presenting with a nephrotic syndrome due to minimal change disease, central diabetes insipidus, primary hypothyroidism, vitiligo and universal alopecia. Eleven years later, she presented secondary amenorrhea due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with mild hyperprolactinemia and central adrenal insufficiency. A magnetic resonance imaging of the sella turcica showed a pituitary mass with suprasellar extension that was resected using a transsphenoidal approach. Pathology confirmed the presence of a lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis. She needed a second surgical resection due to mass growth and neuro-ophthalmologic impairment. One year later, systemic lupus erythematosus, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were diagnosed. Two years later, due to back pain, constipation and renal failure, retroperitoneal fibrosis was found, satisfactorily treated with glucocorticoids and colchicine. Hence, this clinical vignette shows the coexistence of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome with retroperitoneal fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis. Tissue analysis showed the presence of IgG4 producing plasma cells in the pituitary and retroperitoneum, which constitute a basis for the diagnosis of IgG4 related disease.

[Hypophysitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome and IgG4-related disease. Report of one case]. / Hipofisitis linfoplasmocitaria y fibrosis retroperitoneal asociadas a un síndrome poliglandular autoinmune. Enfermedades relacionadas con IgG4. Caso clínico.

We report a 23 year old woman presenting with a nephrotic syndrome due to minimal change disease, central diabetes insipidus, primary hypothyroidism, vitiligo and universal alopecia. Eleven years later, she presented secondary amenorrhea due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, with mild hyperprolactinemia and central adrenal insufficiency. A magnetic resonance imaging of the sella turcica showed a pituitary mass with suprasellar extension that was resected using a transsphenoidal approach. Pathology confirmed the presence of a lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis. She needed a second surgical resection due to mass growth and neuro-ophthalmologic impairment. One year later, systemic lupus erythematosus, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus were diagnosed. Two years later, due to back pain, constipation and renal failure, retroperitoneal fibrosis was found, satisfactorily treated with glucocorticoids and colchicine. Hence, this clinical vignette shows the coexistence of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome with retroperitoneal fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic hypophysitis. Tissue analysis showed the presence of IgG4 producing plasma cells in the pituitary and retroperitoneum, which constitute a basis for the diagnosis of IgG4 related disease.

Continuum of Renin-Independent Aldosteronism in Normotension.

Primary aldosteronism is a severe form of autonomous aldosteronism. Milder forms of autonomous and renin-independent aldosteronism may be common, even in normotension. We characterized aldosterone secretion in 210 normotensives who had suppressed plasma renin activity (<1.0 ng/mL per hour), completed an oral sodium suppression test, received an infusion of angiotensin II, and had measurements of blood pressure and renal plasma flow. Continuous associations between urinary aldosterone excretion rate, renin, and potassium handling were investigated. Severe autonomous aldosterone secretion that was consistent with confirmed primary aldosteronism was defined based on accepted criteria of an aldosterone excretion rate >12 µg/24 hours with urinary sodium excretion >200 mmol/24 hours. Across the population, there were strong and significant associations between higher aldosterone excretion rate and higher urinary potassium excretion, higher angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone, and lower plasma renin activity, suggesting a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity. Autonomous aldosterone secretion that fulfilled confirmatory criteria for primary aldosteronism was detected in 29 participants (14%). Normotensives with evidence suggestive of confirmed primary aldosteronism had higher 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion rate (20.2±12.2 versus 6.2±2.9 µg/24 hours; P<0.001) as expected, but also higher angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone (12.4±8.6 versus 6.6±4.3 ng/dL; P<0.001) and lower 24-hour urinary sodium-to-potassium excretion (2.69±0.65 versus 3.69±1.50 mmol/mmol; P=0.001); however, there were no differences in age, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, blood pressure, or renal plasma flow between the 2 groups. These findings indicate a continuum of renin-independent aldosteronism and mineralocorticoid receptor activity in normotension that ranges from subtle to overtly dysregulated and autonomous. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether this spectrum of autonomous aldosterone secretion contributes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Clomiphene citrate treatment for late onset hypogonadism: rise and fall

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous series have demonstrated that Clomiphene Citrate (CC) is an effective treatment to increase Total Testosterone (TT) in Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) patients. However, what happens to TT levels after ending CC treatment is still debatable. The objective of this study is to evaluate TT levels 3 months after the discontinuation of CC in patients with LOH who were previously successfully treated with the same drug. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with LOH that were successfully treated (achieved TT levels >11nmol/l) with CC 50mgs daily for 50 days were prospectively recruited in our Andrological outpatient clinic. CC was then stopped for 3 months and TT levels were measured at the end of this period. Results: Mean TT level before discontinuation of CC was 22.7±8.1nmol/L (mean±SD). Three months after discontinuation, mean TT level significantly decreased in all patients, 10.2±3.9nmol/l (p<0.01). Twenty-one patients (78%) decreased TT levels under 11nmol/L. Six patients (22%) had TT levels that remained within the normal recommended range (≥11nmol/l). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups. Conclusion: In the short term LOH does not seem to be a reversible condition in most patients after CC treatment. More studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the kinetics of TT in LOH.

Radioactive Iodine Administration Is Associated with Persistent Related Symptoms in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Context. Radioiodine (RAI) administration has adverse effects in patients treated for thyroid cancer (DTC), but there is scarce information regarding their intensity and duration. Objective. To evaluate frequency and intensity of early and late RAI-related symptoms in patients with DTC. Design. Observational prospective study. Patients. DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy, with or without RAI. Measurements. Patients answered 2 surveys: (1) from 0 to 6 months and (2) between 6 and 18 months after initial treatment. Results. 110 patients answered the first survey and 61 both. Nearly 80 percent received RAI. Among early symptoms, periorbital edema, excessive tearing, salivary gland disturbances, dry mouth, taste disorders, and nausea were more frequent and intense among RAI patients. Regarding late symptoms, periorbital edema, salivary gland pain and swelling, and dry mouth were more frequent and intense in RAI patients. Frequency and intensity of adverse effects were not different between low and high RAI doses (50 versus ≥100 mCi). Conclusion. RAI-related symptoms are frequent and usually persist after 6 months of administration, even when low doses are given. This finding must be considered when deciding RAI administration, especially in low risk patients, among whom RAI benefit is controversial.

Clomiphene citrate treatment for late onset hypogonadism: rise and fall.

OBJECTIVE: Previous series have demonstrated that Clomiphene Citrate (CC) is an effective treatment to increase Total Testosterone (TT) in Late Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) patients. However, what happens to TT levels after ending CC treatment is still debatable. The objective of this study is to evaluate TT levels 3 months after the discontinuation of CC in patients with LOH who were previously successfully treated with the same drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with LOH that were successfully treated (achieved TT levels >11nmol/l) with CC 50mgs daily for 50 days were prospectively recruited in our Andrological outpatient clinic. CC was then stopped for 3 months and TT levels were measured at the end of this period. RESULTS: Mean TT level before discontinuation of CC was 22.7±8.1nmol/L (mean±SD). Three months after discontinuation, mean TT level significantly decreased in all pa¬tients, 10.2±3.9nmol/l (p < 0.01). Twenty-one patients (78%) decreased TT levels under 11nmol/L. Six patients (22%) had TT levels that remained within the normal recommended range (≥11nmol/l). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups. CONCLUSION: In the short term LOH does not seem to be a reversible condition in most patients after CC treatment. More studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the kinetics of TT in LOH.

Dietary Sodium Restriction Increases the Risk of Misinterpreting Mild Cases of Primary Aldosteronism.

CONTEXT: The aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) is recommended to screen for primary aldosteronism (PA). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether dietary sodium restriction results in misinterpretation of PA screening. PARTICIPANTS: Untreated hypertensives with ARR more than 20 on a high dietary sodium intake (HS) were also evaluated on a low dietary sodium intake (LS) (n = 241). Positive screening for PA was defined as: plasma renin activity (PRA) less than or equal to 1.0 ng/mL · h with serum aldosterone more than or equal to 6 ng/dL. PA was confirmed by a 24-hour urinary aldosterone excretion more than or equal to 12 mcg with urinary sodium more than 200 mmol. RESULTS: Only 33% (79/241) of participants with an ARR more than 20 had a positive PA screen on HS. On LS, 56% (44/79) of these participants no longer met criteria for positive PA screening. When compared with participants with positive PA screening on both diets, participants with a positive screen on HS but negative on LS exhibited a significantly higher PRA on both diets. Remarkably, of the 48/79 participants who had PA confirmed, 52% had negative PA screening on LS. The distinguishing feature of these participants with "discordant" screening results was a larger rise in PRA on LS resulting in normalization of the ARR and higher Caucasian race prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium restriction is recommended in hypertension; however, it can significantly raise PRA, normalize the ARR, and result in false interpretation of PA screening. Milder phenotypes of PA, where PRA is not as suppressed, are most susceptible to dietary sodium influences on renin and ARR. Optimal screening for PA should occur under conditions of HS.