Case Report: a family presenting with β-adrenergic/vasopressin-responsive bilateral macronodular adrenal disease with an ARMC5 mutation treated with metyrapone monotherapy for more than 5 years - Report - MDSpire

Family Case Study: β-adrenergic and vasopressin-responsive bilateral macronodular adrenal disease associated with an ARMC5 mutation successfully managed with metyrapone monotherapy for over five years

  • By

  • Masanori Arai

  • Masato Ono

  • Ryota Inoue

  • Kazuki Tajima

  • Kota Aomori

  • Tomoyuki Tatenuma

  • Sawako Suzuki

  • Shoji Yamanaka

  • Satoshi Fujii

  • Yasuo Terauchi

  • Jun Shirakawa

  • July 21, 2026

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Clinical Report: β-adrenergic and vasopressin-responsive bilateral macronodular adrenal disease

Background

Bilateral macronodular adrenal disease (BMAD) is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome, accounting for less than 2% of endogenous cases. Familial cases have become more recognized. Understanding the genetic basis and treatment options for BMAD is crucial for managing affected patients.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data is provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • BMAD is characterized by multiple large nodules in both adrenal glands, leading to excessive cortisol production.
  • ARMC5 mutations are implicated in approximately 80% of familial BMAD cases.
  • Metyrapone monotherapy was effective in achieving biochemical control in both familial cases reported.
  • One patient developed progressive hypokalemia, necessitating unilateral adrenalectomy.
  • Close monitoring is essential for potential complications during metyrapone treatment.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should monitor for complications such as hypokalemia during metyrapone therapy.

Conclusion

Careful patient monitoring is necessary during treatment.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022 -- PDE11A as a Modulator of Phenotypic Expression in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia: Findings from a Study Involving 334 Patients
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022 -- Evaluating Patients with Primary Aldosteronism: The Importance of Molecular Imaging Techniques
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022 -- KCNJ5 Somatic Mutations Linked to Improved Long-Term Prognosis in Individuals with Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022 -- Surgical Intervention for Arterial Hypertension: Exploring the Role of Adrenalectomy in MACS—Latest Insights from the CHIRACIC Study
  5. Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Adrenal Cortical Tumors - PMC, 2022
  6. Aberrant hormone receptors regulate a wide spectrum of endocrine tumors - ScienceDirect, 2024
  7. European Society of Endocrinology clinical practice guidelines on the management of adrenal incidentalomas, 2023
  8. Overview of the 2022 WHO Classification of Adrenal Cortical Tumors - PMC
  9. Aberrant hormone receptors regulate a wide spectrum of endocrine tumors - ScienceDirect
  10. European Society of Endocrinology clinical practice guidelines on the management of adrenal incidentalomas, in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors

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