Work

AD02 Are non-functioning adrenal adenomas truly metabolically neutral? Determinants of cardiometabolic risk

Year: 2026

Type: conference-abstract

Abstract: Background/Introduction Non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFAAs) are generally considered hormonally inactive. However, increasing evidence suggests an association with metabolic abnormalities and increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to identify factors associated with cardiometabolic risk in patients with NFAAs. Purpose To identify clinical, hormonal, and radiological determinants of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in patients with NFAAs. Methods We conducted a retrospective analytical study including patients with NFAAs followed at Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco, between 2009 and 2023. Patients were classified according to the presence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk assessed using SCORE2/SCORE2-OP. Clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and radiological parameters, including adenoma size, unenhanced computed tomography (CT) density, and laterality, were analyzed. Patients with diabetes mellitus, established cardiovascular disease, hormonally active adrenal tumors, or incomplete records were excluded. Results Seventy-four patients were included (mean age 59 ± 15 years; body mass index 29.3 ± 5.7 kg/m²). Metabolic syndrome was present in 27 patients, while 48 had moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that adenoma size >2 cm was independently associated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.021) and increased cardiovascular risk (P = 0.015). Higher cortisol concentrations following the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test were also associated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.030) and higher cardiovascular risk (P = 0.043). Higher unenhanced CT density showed a non-significant trend towards metabolic syndrome (P = 0.070). Conclusion Non-functioning adrenal adenomas may not be metabolically neutral. Larger adenoma size and subtle cortisol secretion appear to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, supporting systematic cardiometabolic evaluation in these patients.

Source: European Journal of Endocrinology

DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvag128.009

Authors: M Eladla, M A Essafi, Z Elazime, H Aynaou, H Salhi

Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,292