Endocrinol Metab.  2011 Sep;26(3):239-242. 10.3803/EnM.2011.26.3.239.

A Case of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Secreting Cortisol, Androgen and Aldosterone

• Choi JH
• So YR
• Hwang YC
• Jeong IK
• Ahn KJ
• Chung HY
• Yang SA

• KMID: 2169175
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2011.26.3.239

Abstract

Primary adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare tumor, and is characterized by a peri-tumor mass effect and hormone excess signs. Adrenocortical carcinoma most commonly secretes cortisol, but tumors that secrete other adrenal hormones (aldosterone, androgen) are rare. Herein, we report the case of a 70-year-old woman with cortisol, androgen, and aldosterone-secreting adrenal carcinoma. The patient complained of generalized weakness, moon face, and central obesity. On laboratory examination, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis was detected. On the hormone test, cortisol, DHEA-S, and aldosterone were all increased. Abdominal CT showed a large right adrenal mass. She underwent right adrenalectomy and the histology revealed the presence of an adrenocortical carcinoma. After adrenalectomy, the patient was treated with hydrocortisone and mitotane.

Keyword

Adrenocortical carcinoma; Androgen; Cortisol; Cushing's syndrome; Primary aldosteronism

MeSH Terms

Adrenalectomy
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Aged
Aldosterone
Alkalosis
Cushing Syndrome
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Hypokalemia
Mitotane
Obesity, Abdominal
Aldosterone
Hydrocortisone
Mitotane

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Abdominal CT scan showing a large right adrenal mass (maxinum diameter, 10 cm).

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  Fig. 2 PET-CT shows highly active lesion in right adrenal area.

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  Fig. 3 Microscopic findings of the surgically removed tumor (H&E stain, × 400).

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