Bone Mineral Density Changes Related to Adrenal Incidentalomas in Menopausal Women

This article is part of Endocrinology Advisor‘s coverage of the 26th American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Annual Scientific Sessions & Clinical Congress, taking place in Austin, Texas. Our staff will report on medical research and technological advances in diabetes, obesity, and thyroid conditions, conducted by experts in the field. Check back regularly for more news from AACE 2017.

Age-dependent bone mineral density (BMD) loss may overlap with adrenal incidentaloma-associated BMD changes in menopausal women, according to research presented at the 26th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), May 3-7 in Austin, Texas. 

Researchers performed a retrospective study at a single tertiary center of endocrinology with a total of 18 women (average age, 61.5). All patients had confirmed menopausal status of at least 12 months, an adrenal incidentaloma based on specific endocrine assays, and at least 2 central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans.

The mean tumor diameters were 2.19±0.85 cm, respective of 1.48±0.85 cm, mean baseline plasma cortisol was 14.97±.0.72 μg/dL, adrenocorticotropic hormone was 8.15±6.93 pg/dL, and 25-hydroxivitamin D was 15.84±6.16 ng/mL. The mean number of years since menopause was 14.65. Baseline BMD scores consisted of the L1-4 lumbar (0.972±0.167 g/sqcm), femoral neck (0.885±0.131 g/sqcm), and total hip (0.949±0.181 g/sqcm).

After 12 months, the L1-4 BMD score was 1.009±0.139 g/cm², femoral neck score was 0.917±0.145 g/cm², and total hip score was 0.93±0.156 g/cm². After 24 months, the BMD score for all 3 regions was 0.89±0.75 g/cm², 0.791±0.09 g/cm², and 0.867±0.5 g/cm².

Baseline adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels were not correlated with BMD. After 24 months, BMD was statistically different from baseline.

“Despite the general concept of [adrenal incidentaloma] and harmless general profile, in special subgroups [such] as [the] menopausal population, DXA may reveal time-dependent changes,” the researchers wrote.

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Reference

Radu O, Paun S, Carsote M, Petris R, Paun DL. DXA profile in menopausal patients followed for adrenal incidentaloma: a longitudinal study. Abstract 121. Presented at: the 26th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. May 3-7, 2017; Austin, TX.