Laparoscopic adrenalectomy of an adrenal adenoma with myelolipoma relieves severe hypertension in a 16-year-old patient

Pediatr Nephrol. 2006 Mar;21(3):433-6. doi: 10.1007/s00467-005-2114-3. Epub 2005 Dec 29.

Abstract

Adrenal adenoma with myelolipoma is extremely rare in pediatrics. Although the tumor is usually asymptomatic, sometimes it may result in serious manifestations. A 16-year-old patient was diagnosed with severe hypertension associated with a right adrenal mass. The laboratory work-up was inconclusive of the nature of the tumor. Plasma and urinary hormonal studies were not diagnostic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scanning were normal. MRI of the abdomen showed a heterogeneous adrenal mass 4.2x3.3 cm. Laparoscopic resection of the mass was done, and the pathology revealed an adrenal adenoma with myelolipoma. After tumor resection the hypertension resolved, and within 1 month the patient was off medications. At 2-year follow-up the patient's blood pressure remained normal at 120/73 mmHg. This is a case in which an adrenal adenoma with myelolipoma, a benign and usually asymptomatic tumor, presented as severe hypertension resolving with surgical resection of the tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenalectomy*
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / complications
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / diagnosis
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology*
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Male
  • Myelolipoma / complications
  • Myelolipoma / diagnosis
  • Myelolipoma / surgery*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery*