Long-term Efficacy of Trilostane for Cushing's Syndrome due to Adrenocorticotropin-Independent Bilateral Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia

Abstract

A 66-year-old man with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocorticotropin-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (AIMAH) was treated for 7 years with trilostane, a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor. Administration of trilostane reduced the serum cortisol level to around the upper limit of normal for 7 years, and symptoms of excessive glucocorticoid production (such as moon face and obesity) were gradually improved. On the other hand, the size of both adrenal glands gradually increased despite treatment with trilostane. Though trilostane therapy could not prevent adrenal growth, it did suppress cortisol secretion over the long term, so it might be a reasonable option for AIMAH in addition to adrenalectomy.