A giant myelolipoma discovered as an adrenal incidentaloma: radiological, endocrine and pathological evaluation

BMJ Case Rep. 2010 Dec 20:2010:bcr0520103005. doi: 10.1136/bcr.05.2010.3005.

Abstract

A 51-year-old Filipino woman presenting with hypertension was unexpectedly found to have a large right adrenal mass by ultrasound. As she did not have symptoms of adrenal disease, this was labelled an adrenal incidentaloma. Ultrasound and CT imaging demonstrated a large adrenal mass on the right measuring 15 cm at its greatest diameter, with both benign and malignant features. Tests for endocrine hyperfunction (excess of cortisol, catecholamines and aldosterone) concluded that the mass was hormonally non-functioning. The patient eventually underwent open adrenalectomy. Histopathological examination revealed myelolipoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / blood
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Aldosterone / blood
  • Catecholamines / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelolipoma / blood
  • Myelolipoma / diagnosis*
  • Myelolipoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Myelolipoma / pathology
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Catecholamines
  • Aldosterone
  • Hydrocortisone

Supplementary concepts

  • Adrenal incidentaloma