Angiomyolipoma of the Adrenal Gland: A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Am J Case Rep. 2017 Sep 14:18:989-994. doi: 10.12659/ajcr.903908.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and adipose tissue and has been described as belonging to the group of tumors of perivascular epithelioid cell origin (PEComa), commonly found in the kidneys and strongly associated with tuberous sclerosis. Only a few cases of extra-renal angiomyolipoma have previously been reported in the literature, most commonly in the liver. Adrenal angiomyolipoma is very rare, is usually asymptomatic, and is often found incidentally, with only 14 previously reported cases identified in the literature. CASE REPORT We report two cases of adrenal angiomyolipoma that were identified by abdominal computed tomography (CT). The first case presented in a 36-year-old man and was an oval-shaped adrenal mass, measuring 5.2×4.2×3.1 cm. The second case presented in a 61-year-old woman and was a round-shaped mass measuring 8.6×9.5×8.1 cm. Both patients underwent adrenalectomy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of benign angiomyolipoma composed of adipose tissues, blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS We present two rare cases of adrenal angiomyolipoma. We have reviewed the literature and identified 14 other cases of adrenal angiomyolipoma, and discuss the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of this rare tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Adult
  • Angiomyolipoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Angiomyolipoma / pathology*
  • Angiomyolipoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged