7404 Evaluation Of Cortisol Reserve And Adrenal Imaging In Patients With Graves’ Disease Before And Six Months After Treatment

Abstract Disclosure: P. Sharma: None. S. Mir: None. S. Mohd Patto: None. A.H. Bhat: None. B. Dar: None. M. Bhat: None. Introduction: There is scarcity of data regarding the effect of thyrotoxicosis on cortisol metabolism and adrenal gland size. An increase in cortisol metabolism can deplete the functional reserve of adrenal cortex and lead to adrenocortical insufficiency even when there is no pre-existing Addison's disease. In developing countries patients with Graves’ disease present in advanced states of thyrotoxicosis. Besides they are also exposed to a variety of environmental stresses such as recurrent febrile illnesses, salt, and water loss due to manual labour in hot and humid climates etc., which can precipitate an adrenal crisis in the presence of compromised adrenal reserve. So present study was undertaken to assess cortisol reserve and adrenal gland size in patients with treatment naive Graves' disease. Objectives- The present study, was undertaken to assess cortisol reserve and adrenal imaging in patients with treatment naive Graves' disease. Specific information in this regard would help alert physicians dealing with clinical thyrotoxicosis in developing countries of tropics to the possibility of co-existing adrenal decompensation and adopt appropriate life saving measures promptly. Material & Methods: We examined 38 treatment-naive Graves' Disease patients at GMC, SSH, Srinagar, Kashmir, INDIA. Basal cortisol and cortisol response to ACTH were measured before and after six months of treatment, alongside adrenal CT imaging. Results: In hyperthyroid state, Graves' patients exhibited significantly lower basal cortisol compared to euthyroid and healthy controls (306 vs. 410 vs. 421 nmol/l, p < 0.05). 23.6% patients had subnormal cortisol response to ACTH(250ug). Those with T3 ≥ 400 ng/dl had lower cortisol response (560±133 nmol/l) and delta cortisol response than T3 < 400 ng/dl (724 ± 294 nmol/l, 213+/-73 vs. 428+/-265 nmol/l). After achieving euthyroid state, cortisol levels improved significantly (410±213 nmol/l vs. 306 ± 103 nmol/l, p < 0.05). Adrenal CT scans in 34 patients was done out of which 19 showed statistically significant increases in gland thickness, width, and AP diameter compared to controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.05. Repeat CT in 26 patients demonstrated resolution of hyperplasia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Treatment-naive Graves' disease patients have compromised adrenocortical reserve and adrenal gland enlargement. Adrenal changes are reversible after achieving euthyroid state. These findings support steroid supplementation in impending thyrotoxic crisis and highlight a unique feature of reversible adrenal gland enlargement in this context. Keywords: Graves’ Disease, Adrenal hyperplasia, Cortisol reserve. Presentation: 6/3/2024