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

ABSTRACT 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....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yan Wang, Yufen An, Xiaomei Hou, Yanan Xu, Zhen Li, Xin Liu, Fumin Zheng, Mingze Sun, Rendong Han, Caixia Lu, Jing Li, Jun Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-03-01
Series:Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/edm2.474
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Summary:ABSTRACT 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.
ISSN:2398-9238