To evaluate the effects of mild cortisol excess on skeletal muscle health, body composition, and quality of life in patients with adrenal incidentalomas associated with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), compared to those with non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFAA) and healthy controls.
Key Findings:
Patients with MACS had a significantly higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis compared to NFAA and controls (61.9% vs. 28.6% and 25%, respectively; p= 0.03).
No significant differences were observed in fat-free mass, muscle mass, or fat mass among groups.
MACS patients showed significantly reduced MRC scores for biceps and quadriceps compared to controls (p=0.04).
Quality of life scores indicated a trend toward greater impairment in the MACS group, particularly in physical functioning.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the impact of mild hypercortisolism on proximal myopathy, suggesting that muscle strength and function may be underappreciated factors in patients with MACS, which could influence treatment approaches.
Limitations:
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, making it difficult to establish direct relationships.
Sample size may restrict the generalizability of the findings, necessitating further research with larger cohorts.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the clinical relevance of assessing muscle strength in patients with MACS, as it may indicate underlying musculoskeletal impacts of mild hypercortisolism and inform management strategies.
by Martina Romanisio, Chiara Mele, Sara Sturnia, Carola Ciamparini, Rosa Pitino, Alice Ferrero, Lorenza Scotti, Madalina Elena Iftimie, Gianluca Aimaretti, Paolo Marzullo, Flavia Prodam, Marina Caputo
