Bilateral adrenal incidentaloma with subclinical hypercortisolemia: indications for surgery.

INTRODUCTION

According to some authors, a higher incidence of subclinical hypercortisolemia is found among patients with bilateral benign adrenal tumors than in those with unilateral tumors. It is still unknown whether all patients with bilateral adrenal tumors and subclinical hypercortisolemia should undergo surgery, and, if so, which tumor should be removed first.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate whether unilateral adrenalectomy can lead to resolution of hypercortisolemia in patients with bilateral adrenal tumors and to improvement of their clinical status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 25 patients with bilateral benign adrenal tumors and subclinical hypercortisolemia. In 24 patients, unilateral adrenalectomy was performed. The adrenal gland was selected for removal on the basis of scintigraphy and/or tumor diameter. Cortisol concentrations were measured before the surgery and at 1 and 6 months after the surgery at 8:00 AM, 10:00 PM, and after dexamethasone suppression. The morning blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17‑hydroxyprogesterone, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were determined.

RESULTS

In all surgical patients, hypercortisolemia resolved after the surgery. However, only in 14 patients (58%), the clinical improvement was evident (improved control of diabetes and hypertension, body mass loss).

CONCLUSIONS

Although subclinical hypercortisolemia resolved after surgery in all patients with bilateral adrenal tumors, only patients with poorly controlled diabetes and hypertension and a rapid increase in body mass benefited from the surgery.