Korean J Med.  2000 Oct;59(4):423-427.

A case of primary bilateral adrenal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

• Kim SJ
• Kim BS
• Park SK
• Jin GH
• So KH
• Koh JS
• Lee SK
• Kim JR
• Roh YH
• Byun JH

Abstract

Primary adrenal lymphoma is extremely uncommon. The tumor is accidentally discovered by abdominal ultrasonography(USG), computed tomography(CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with nonspecific symptoms and diagnosed at operation or autopsy. In this case, a 60-year-old man was admitted for the evaluation of mild left frank discomfort for two months before admission. The abdominal USG was performed and showed the dense masses in both adrenal glands. The laboratory tests including blood count, chemistry and hormonal tests showed the normal levels except for the basal ACTH level of 108 pg/ml(normal range: 9~52 pg/ml). The 123I MIBG scan was normal. The bilateral adrenalectomy was done. The tumor was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) according to the Revised European-American lymphoma(REAL) classification. He was treated with the adjuvant combination chemotherapy of CHOP(cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisolone) but expired due to sepsis after the second chemotherapy. We describe the first case of primary bilateral adrenal NHL in Korea. Primary adrenal lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of suprarenal mass.

Keyword

Adrenal glands; Lymphoma; Non - Hodgkin

MeSH Terms

3-Iodobenzylguanidine
Adrenal Glands
Adrenalectomy
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Autopsy
B-Lymphocytes
Chemistry
Classification
Diagnosis, Differential
Doxorubicin
Drug Therapy
Drug Therapy, Combination
Humans
Korea
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Sepsis
Vincristine
3-Iodobenzylguanidine
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Doxorubicin
Vincristine