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Published on: April 20, 2018
Nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma: A novel predictive factor for metabolic syndrome
Emanuela M Ribeiro Cavalari1, Marcela P de Paula1, Mariana Arruda1
1Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrine Unit, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Metabolic syndrome is common in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). NFAI patients show a higher frequency of metabolic syndrome compared to individuals with normal adrenal imaging, highlighting a significant association.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Oncology
Background:
- Limited data exist on metabolic syndrome in nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI).
- Metabolic syndrome is well-studied in autonomous cortisol secretion but not NFAI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of metabolic syndrome in NFAI patients.
- Compare metabolic syndrome prevalence in NFAI patients versus controls without adrenal adenoma.
- Utilize multiple established criteria for metabolic syndrome assessment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective and transversal study design.
- Evaluated 74 NFAI patients and 90 controls with normal adrenal imaging.
- Assessed metabolic syndrome using WHO, NCEP-ATP III, AACE/ACE, and IDF criteria.
Main Results:
- NFAI patients had significantly higher frequencies of prediabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and waist circumference.
- Metabolic syndrome prevalence was substantially higher in NFAI group across all criteria (WHO: 69.2% vs 31.0%, NCEP-ATP III: 81.7% vs 44.9%, AACE/ACE: 77.1% vs 31.9%, IDF: 78.6% vs 45.5%).
- NFAI was identified as a significant predictor of metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome is frequently observed in patients with NFAI.
- The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is significantly higher in NFAI patients compared to controls.
- NFAI is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
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