Secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) is a potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder due to an impairment of corticotropin (ACTH) secretion from any process affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. ACTH deficit can be isolated or associated with other pituitary failures (hypopituitarism). An increased mortality due to cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases has been described in both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. However, few studies have provided compelling evidences on the underlying mechanism in SAI, because of the heterogeneity of the condition. Recently, some studies suggested that inappropriate glucocorticoid (GCs) replacement therapy, as for dose and/or timing of administration, may play a role. Hypertension, insulin resistance, weight gain, visceral obesity, increased body mass index, metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia have all been associated with GC excess. These conditions are particularly significant when SAI coexists with other pituitary alterations, such as growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, and residual tumor. Novel regimen schemes and GC preparations have been introduced to improve compliance and better mimick endogenous cortisol rhythm. The controlled trials on the improved replacement therapies, albeit in the short-term, show some beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk, glucose metabolism, and quality of life. This review examines the current evidence from the available clinical trials investigating the association between different glucocorticoid replacement therapies (type, dose, frequency, and timing of treatment) and glycometabolic alterations in SAI.

We are reporting a case of co-existing left sided pelvic and right sided adrenal myelolipomas in a 68-year-old male patient. Both lesions were incidentally discovered on CT whilst undergoing a staging scan for suspected urinary bladder cancer. The patient had a background of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Contrast enhanced CT scan showed both lesions to be of mixed fat and soft tissue density. Given the size, location, and attenuation characteristics of the pelvic mass, retroperitoneal liposarcoma was thought to be a differential diagnosis, prompting the decision for an elective CT-guided biopsy. Both masses were targeted successfully using core biopsy needles. Subsequently, histopathology results for both the right adrenal and the left pelvic masses showed features compatible with myelolipomas. The right retroperitoneal mass was compatible with an adrenal myelolipoma and left pelvic mass was deemed as an extra-adrenal myelolipoma (EAML).

In patients with prostate cancer, metastases mostly develop in bone, lung, liver, pleura and adrenal glands. Prostate carcinoma metastases to the ureter are very rare, and the peritoneum is an even rarer site of prostate metastases. We present two cases of ureteral metastases of prostate cancer, of which one patient also developed malignant ascites and peritoneal metastases. An overview of the literature on these metastatic sites is also provided. Both patients presented with hydronephrosis and a ureteral mass. Biopsies of the masses were taken, which showed the presence of prostate carcinoma metastases. The first patient was treated with chemotherapy but was diagnosed with progressive disease and died 3 years later. The second patient was diagnosed with pathology-confirmed peritoneal metastases 8 months later. He died 2 years after presentation with hydronephrosis.

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion represents 5%-10% of cases of Cushing's syndrome (CS), and approximately 50%-60% of these arise from neuroendocrine lung tumours, including small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). We report a 42-year-old man admitted with hypertension, metabolic alkalosis and severe hypokalaemia. On physical examination, centripetal obesity with 'moon face' and 'buffalo's hump' were identified, and wheezing on left lung was heard. A markedly elevated serum cortisol, ACTH and urine free cortisol production supported the diagnosis of CS. Chest CT showed a left hilar mass with metastasis to the liver, adrenal glands and lymph nodes. Bronchoscopy identified bronchial infiltration by SCLC. Treatment with metyrapone and chemotherapy was started. Despite initial improvement, progressive clinical deterioration occurred, culminating in death 1 year after diagnosis. Ectopic ACTH secretion is uncommon but should be suspected in patients with severe hypokalaemia, hypertension and metabolic alkalosis, especially in the context of lung cancer.

Adrenal cysts are a rare entity which makes their treatment somewhat tough. Discovered in a fortuitous way or in the course of explorations for very aspecific symptoms, it is necessary to decide on a case-by-case basis, and after a careful clinical examination, whether the lesion is to be treated through surgery or if a follow-up iconography is sufficient. Three main parameters will influence this choice: the functional status of the cyst, its malignant potential and the potential complications related to the cyst. Current recommendations suggest a surgical treatment for all symptomatic cysts, for functional cysts, for cysts with a diameter exceeding 5 cm, for hemorrhagic cysts and for cysts with malignant imaging potential. The progress and surgical advantages brought by the development of laparoscopy make it the first technique to be chosen.

A 47-year-old female diagnosed with well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma was referred to our center for a 131Iodine whole body scintigraphy as follow-up. The patient had been previously treated with total thyroidectomy and ablative dose of 175mCi 131I three years ago. Diagnostic 131I scan showed a zone of radioiodine uptake in posterior aspect of the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Spiral abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed an enhancing solid mass in superior aspect of the left adrenal gland, which was in favor of metastasis to the lymph node or an adrenal tumor. A biopsy was performed from the lesion. Histological examination of the surgical specimen was consistent with adrenocortical adenoma. Even though rare, adrenocortical adenoma should be included in the potential causes of false-positive results of radioiodine scans.