Utility of semi-quantitative quick cortisol assay with low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone infusion adrenal vein sampling

Background Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is integral to identifying surgically remediable unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). However, right adrenal vein (AV) cannulation can be challenging, limiting its success. Intra-procedural cortisol assays can improve the reliability of AVS. The aim of this study was to validate the use of semi-quantitative cortisol estimates obtained utilizing a quick cortisol assay (QCA) during AVS procedures at our institution. Methods Retrospective review of results of AVS procedures before and after the introduction of the QCA. Twenty-three AVS procedures were performed with the provisional success determined by intra-procedural QCA. Successful AV cannulation was defined by an AV to peripheral vein cortisol ratio >= 4.0 (the selectivity index) from laboratory measurements. The control cohort consisted of 23 consecutive procedures prior to introduction of the QCA. Results QCA correctly predicted all AV cannulation attempts. Successful bilateral AV cannulation increased from 52% to 91% of procedures when performed with the QCA (P = 0.01) and adequate cannulation of the right AV increased from 61% to 91% (P = 0.03). There was no increase in procedural time, number of AV cannulation or sampling attempts. Conclusions Point-of-care, semi-quantitative cortisol estimates can be performed accurately during AVS with QCA, facilitating improvements in AVS success rates without increasing procedural time.