Partial nephrectomy of an ectopic adrenocortical adenoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma led to tertiary adrenal insufficiency, which improved following hydrocortisone therapy.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Endocrinological evaluation before surgery is important for patients with body habitus suggesting Cushing's syndrome to prevent postoperative adrenal insufficiency.
ABSTRACT Introduction Ectopic adrenocortical adenomas that produce adrenal hormones and mimic renal cell carcinoma are extremely rare. Case Presentation A 49‐year‐old woman underwent partial nephrectomy of the upper pole of the kidney following a clinical diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma. The tumor, initially suspected to be renal cell carcinoma, was definitively diagnosed as an ectopic adrenocortical adenoma producing adrenocortical hormones, which was removed surgically. Postoperatively, she developed tertiary adrenal insufficiency. After hydrocortisone therapy, the patient's symptoms gradually improved, and laboratory results also showed improvement. Retrospectively, the patient exhibited signs of Cushing's syndrome. Conclusion If the patient's body habitus suggests Cushing's syndrome, it is important to conduct an endocrinological evaluation before surgery. Additionally, early postoperative monitoring and glucocorticoid supplementation should be performed if necessary.
Arinami et al. (Mon,) conducted a case report in Ectopic adrenocortical adenoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma (n=1). Partial nephrectomy and postoperative hydrocortisone therapy was evaluated on Development of tertiary adrenal insufficiency and symptom improvement. Partial nephrectomy of an ectopic adrenocortical adenoma mimicking renal cell carcinoma led to tertiary adrenal insufficiency, which improved following hydrocortisone therapy.