12573 Management Challenges In A Young Male With Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Nguyen Christina , Ghernautan Victoria , Melendez-Ramirez Lydia Yvonne , Carmen Chiang Monica , Lovre Dragana 
Published: October 2024

Disclosure: C. Nguyen: None. V. Ghernautan: None. L.Y. Melendez-Ramirez: None. M.C. Chiang: None. D. Lovre: None.

Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) may present in isolation or as part of a syndrome. It is classified according to nodule size as Macronodular: primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH), or Micronodular: primary pigmented micronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PPNAD) and isolated micronodular adrenal hyperplasia (iMAD). High variability in cortisol secretion and disease progression is seen in both forms subclinical and overt Cushing’s Syndrome (CS). In PBMAH, bilateral adrenalectomy is advised for remission of CS, but benefits must be weighed against risks of lifelong adrenal insufficiency. A 45-year-old male with hypertension, depression, prediabetes, obesity presented to clinic for second opinion regarding incidentally discovered adrenal nodules five years prior with negative initial hormonal workup. Over the previous year he had gained 20 lbs. and developed proximal muscle weakness and sleep apnea. Physical exam showed uncontrolled hypertension and increased abdominal and supraclavicular fat. Hormonal testing revealed hypercortisolism. Adrenal CT confirmed bilateral adrenal nodules up to 4.9 cm with absolute washout ≥60% consistent with benign etiology. CS secondary to PBMAH was diagnosed. Prior to surgical evaluation. Ketoconazole 200 mg twice daily was started and titrated to 400 mg twice daily over the next three months. ACTH became detectable and symptoms of hypercortisolism improved. Right adrenalectomy was performed. Surgical pathology showed golden yellow-orange nodules with minimal grey adrenal parenchyma without necrosis or hemorrhage. The gland was 9.5 x 5.8 x 2.6 cm and weighed 85 g. Microscopic examination showed macronodular hyperplasia. Following surgery, he experienced a 17-pounds weight loss, improvement in blood pressure and quality of life. Three months later, hypercortisolism recurred. He elected to be monitored clinically and contemplating option of left adrenalectomy.Our case highlights the challenges in the care of patients with PBMAH. Bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) is the classical treatment. Its disadvantages include life-long hormone replacement with risk for adrenal crisis, increased morbidity, and mortality. Surgical alternatives, such as unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) and UA with subtotal contralateral adrenal resection, have shown promising results with up to 90% remission rates. The role of adjuvant novel medical therapy is unknown. Studies to compare cost, quality of life, cardiovascular risk, comorbidities, and life span between BA and UA are lacking. New biomarkers are needed to allow closer monitoring of disease progression. Additional research is necessary on medical management of hypercortisolism recurrence after UA and its long-term safety. Finally, given the presence of germline defects associated with adrenal hyperplasia, genetic testing should be offered to all patients with BAH.

Presentation: 6/1/2024