Adrenocortical incidentaloma with uncertain prognosis associated with an inadequately treated congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2010 Feb;71(1):56-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2009.10.001. Epub 2009 Nov 25.

Abstract

Large adrenal tumors are rarely associated with adrenal enzymatic deficiency, except in 11-ss-hydroxylase insufficiency. These tumors are exceptionally malignant. We report here the case of a patient with a congenital 21-hydroxylase deficiency (compound heterozygote for two severe mutations in the CYP21A2 gene) untreated for 20 years. His evaluation at 36 years of age showed a four-centimeter mass in the left adrenal gland, with most characteristics suggestive of malignancy (CT and positron emission tomography [PET] scan). We performed a surgical resection that established the diagnosis of adrenocortical tumor of uncertain prognosis (Weiss's score: 3). Even though malignant tumors are unusual in adrenal deficiency, our observation shows the need for a replacement therapy during adulthood, with a regular CT scan follow up in order to diagnose early isolated adrenal adenoma and remove it in case of malignancy suspicion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / genetics
  • Adrenal Glands / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Glands / pathology
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / complications*
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / genetics
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Adult
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prognosis
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • CYP21A2 protein, human
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase