Management of adrenal incidentaloma: size still matters

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Nov 8:2011:bcr0820114709. doi: 10.1136/bcr.08.2011.4709.

Abstract

A 56-year-old man was found to have an adrenal incidentaloma on a CT scan of the abdomen. Clinically and biochemically, the mass was not functional. MRI scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing, T2-hyperintense, right-sided adrenal mass (4.5×6.5 cm). Meta-iodo-benzylguanidine scan was normal, making a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma unlikely. As the mass was larger that 4 cm, it was excised and histopathological examination revealed a rare, composite tumour: benign adrenal adenoma with haemangiomatous and myelolipomatous components. This case highlights the difficulties encountered by a clinician faced with investigating a potentially malignant adrenal mass (based on size) and correlates radiological findings with a rare histopathological specimen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Size

Supplementary concepts

  • Adrenal incidentaloma