Altered thalamic volume in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion: a structural brain MRI study

PurposeTo compare thalamic volume and cognitive functions of patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) with control subjects and patients with overt Cushing's syndrome (CS).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, volumes of regions of interest were assessed using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging and a voxel-based morphometry approach in 23 patients with MACS, 21 patients with active CS, 27 patients with CS in remission, and 21 control subjects. Cognitive functions were assessed using validated questionnaires.ResultsPatients with MACS had smaller left thalamic (F = 3.8, p = 0.023), left posterior thalamic (F = 4.9, p = 0.01), left medial thalamic (F = 4.7, p = 0.028), and right lateral thalamic (F = 4.1, p = 0.025) volumes than control subjects. Patients with active CS also had smaller left thalamic (F = 3.8, p = 0.044), left posterior thalamic (F = 4.9, p = 0.007), left medial thalamic (F = 4.7, p = 0.006), and right lateral thalamic (F = 4.1, p = 0.042) volumes compared to controls. Patients with CS in remission had smaller left medial (F = 4.7, p = 0.030) and right lateral thalamic (F = 4.1, p = 0.028) volumes than controls. Neuropsychological tests showed no difference between the groups.ConclusionMACS may decrease thalamic volume.

Automated summary

This study compared thalamic volume and cognitive functions in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) with control subjects and patients with overt Cushing's syndrome (CS). The results showed that patients with MACS and active CS had smaller thalamic volumes compared to controls. Patients with CS in remission also had smaller thalamic volumes than controls. No differences were found in cognitive functions between the groups.