Researchers Identify Adrenal Biomarker of Stress
Johns Hopkins researchers report that a deep-learning model automatically measures adrenal gland volume on routine chest CTs, in analysis of 2,842 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (mean age 69.3; 51% women). They defined an Adrenal Volume Index (AVI) and found higher AVI correlates with greater cortisol exposure, increased allostatic load, perceived stress, left ventricular mass, and higher heart failure and mortality risk over up to 10 years.
Key Points
- 1Developed deep-learning model to measure adrenal gland volume automatically on routine chest CT scans
- 2Demonstrated Adrenal Volume Index (AVI) aligns with cortisol, allostatic load, and stress questionnaires
- 3Linked each 1 cm3/m2 AVI increase to higher heart failure risk and long-term mortality
Scoring Rationale
High novelty and clinical validation justify top score; limited to CT-available populations and conference presentation stage.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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