Cardiovascular Status in Adrenal Insufficiency

Cardiovascular Status in Patients With Chronic Cortisol Deficiency (Adrenal Insufficiency)

Within this trial, the cardiovascular status and metabolic profile of patients with chronic primary adrenal insufficiency is evaluated.

An unfavorable metabolic profile in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) under hormone replacement therapy with hydrocortisone (HC) has been revealed in one recent analysis. Furthermore an increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity in AI is assumed. The aim of the study is to evaluate the metabolic profile and cardiovascular status in patients with primary AI. Patients with primary AI under standard replacement therapy with HC undergo detailed CV evaluation (including e.g. laboratory test, analysis of endothelial function, 24h blood pressure profile, Holter ECG, echocardiography and cardiac MRI).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic primary adrenal insufficiency
• Adequate hormone replacement therapy (>3 years)
• Age >18 years
• Patient's informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hormone replacement therapy with an other glucocorticoid than hydrocortisone
• Pharmacotherapy with glucocorticoids
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Coronary heart disease
• Heart failure
• Systemic disease with (potential) cardiac involvement (e.g. amyloidosis, lung fibrosis)
• Pregnancy
• Chronic alcohol abuse
• Malignant disease
• Arterial hypertension
• Chronic renal failure (MDRD <60)