La cirugía transesfenoidal (TSS) es la intervención de primera línea establecida para la enfermedad de Cushing. Cuando la cirugía — incluso cuando es realizada por un neurocirujano hipofisario experimentado en un centro especializado — no alcanza el umbral de remisión definido, se requiere un enfoque estructurado de segunda línea.
Manejo inicial: cirugía transesfenoidal (TSS) como terapia de primera línea, realizada por un neurocirujano hipofisario experimentado, preferiblemente en un Centro de Excelencia para Tumores Hipofisarios (PTCOE).
La escalada se activa cuando no se alcanza el objetivo de remisión: cortisol sérico postoperatorio <55 nmol/L (<2 μg/dL) no logrado.
El objetivo principal es la normalización del cortisol libre urinario (CLU). La adecuación del tratamiento se reevalúa si los niveles de cortisol permanecen persistentemente elevados tras 2–3 meses con las dosis máximas toleradas.
If there are no contraindications for surgery, we suggest repeat TSS in patients with biochemical evidence of recurrent CD if tumor is evident on MRI, especially if the first surgery was not done in a PTCOE.
They may be used to treat hypercortisolism in patients with persistent or recurrent CD and those who are not candidates or refuse surgery, and to control cortisol levels in patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT).
Adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors are usually used first given their reliable effectiveness.
For patients with mild disease and no visible tumor on MRI, ketoconazole, osilodrostat, or metyrapone are typically preferred.
For patients with mild-to-moderate disease and some residual tumor, there may be a preference for cabergoline or pasireotide because of the potential for tumor shrinkage.
RT is most commonly used in cases of persistent hypercortisolism after incomplete corticotroph tumor resection, particularly if the tumor is aggressive or invasive and/or considered unresectable.
Change in treatment should be considered if cortisol levels are persistently elevated after 2–3 months on maximum tolerated doses.
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