Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (MACS) - Related Osteoporosis

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2024 Dec;132(12):712-722. doi: 10.1055/a-2329-5787. Epub 2024 May 17.

Abstract

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) has thus far been associated with several comorbidities, among which osteoporosis and fractures appear to be highly prevalent. Recent guidelines for adrenal incidentalomas have updated the definition of MACS, currently formulated on serum cortisol after a 1-mg dexamethasone test above 1.8 µg/dL or 50 nmol/L. Previous studies on bone health in adrenal incidentalomas had adopted different definitions of MACS, producing heterogeneous results in terms of fracture prevalence. This review aims to summarize the clinical impact of MACS in relation to fractures, bone quantity and quality, by providing a thorough update on MACS-related osteoporosis (MACS-ROP). This area has a large room for research, and management of this comorbidity still needs to be elucidated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / blood
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone* / blood
  • Hydrocortisone* / metabolism
  • Osteoporosis* / metabolism

Substances

  • Hydrocortisone

Supplementary concepts

  • Adrenal incidentaloma