Clinical Heterogeneity and Imaging-driven Genetic Screening Priorities in Patients with Radiologically Suspected Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical spectrum, ARMC5 mutation distribution, and metabolic/cardiovascular risks in patients with radiologically suspected primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: We analyzed clinical characteristics and germline ARMC5 mutations in patients meeting radiologic criteria for PBMAH (bilateral adrenal nodules ≥1 cm), excluding non-adrenocortical lesions or bilateral adenomas with adrenal atrophy.

Results: The subgroup distribution among 485 patients with radiologically suspected PBMAH was as follows: nonfunctional adrenal tumors (NFAT, 30.1%), mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS, 41%), overt Cushing's syndrome (CS, 14.4%), primary aldosteronism (PA, 8.9%), and coexisting PA and MACS (PA+MACS, 5.6%). Imaging revealed a higher proportion of multiple confluent adrenal nodules in the MACS and CS groups compared to others (P<0.05). Cortisol-related comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) showed no statistically significant differences between MACS and NFAT. Germline ARMC5 testing in 62 unrelated patients identified 7 novel pathogenic variants. Pathogenic mutations were detected only in MACS and CS groups, with no significant difference observed between them (P>0.05). Multiple confluent nodules were present in all ARMC5-mutated patients (16/16) but in fewer ARMC5 wild-type patients (20/44), with high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the prediction of germline pathogenic mutations.

Conclusion: No significant cortisol-related comorbidity differences were observed between radiologically suspected PBMAH patients with NFAT and MACS. Germline ARMC5 screening should prioritize patients with radiological findings of multiple confluent macronodules.

Significance statement: Our work provides new insights into the management of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH): 1) MACS and NFAT patients with radiologically suspected PBMAH (i.e., bilateral benign adrenal macronodules) may require equal clinical attention; 2) We identified 7 novel ARMC5 pathogenic variants; 3) Multiple confluent adrenal nodules on imaging demonstrate predictive value for ARMC5 pathogenic mutations, refining genetic screening criteria.