Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease associated with Carney complex: case report and literature review

Sao Paulo Med J. 2006 Nov 7;124(6):336-9. doi: 10.1590/s1516-31802006000600007.

Abstract

Context: Carney complex (CNC), a familial multiple neoplasm syndrome with dominant autosomal transmission, is characterized by tumors of the heart, skin, endocrine and peripheral nervous system, and also cutaneous lentiginosis. This is a rare syndrome and its main endocrine manifestation, primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease (PPNAD), is an uncommon cause of adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing's syndrome.

Case report: We report the case of a 20-year-old patient with a history of weight gain, hirsutism, acne, secondary amenorrhea and facial lentiginosis. Following the diagnosing of CNC and PPNAD, the patient underwent laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy, and she evolved with decreasing hypercortisolism. Screening was also performed for other tumors related to this syndrome. The diagnostic criteria, screening and follow-up for patients and affected family members are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Diseases / blood
  • Adrenal Cortex Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Cortex Diseases / pathology*
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Cushing Syndrome / complications*
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cushing Syndrome / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay
  • Lentigo / complications*
  • Lentigo / genetics
  • Luminescent Measurements
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / genetics
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed