Soonchunhyang Med Sci.  2017 Jun;23(1):49-51. 10.0000/sms.2017.23.1.49.

Adrenal Tuberculosis Mimicking a Malignant Tumor with Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

• Kim WS
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2404878
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/sms.2017.23.1.49

Abstract

Adrenal tuberculosis is a relatively infrequent cause of primary adrenocortical insufficiency in developed countries. Isolated adrenal tuberculosis, especially with enlargement of adrenal glands, can cause diagnostic problems and requires differentiation from primary or secondary neoplasms. A 40-year-old woman presented to Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital with altered consciousness. She showed biochemical evidence of adrenal insufficiency without signs of tuberculosis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a calcified mass 3.3×2.3 cm in size and peripheral enhancement of the left adrenal gland. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed for a diagnosis of left adrenal malignant tumor. The diagnosis of adrenal tuberculosis was confirmed by a final histological examination.

Keyword

Adrenal glands; Tuberculosis; Adrenal insufficiency; Laparoscopy

MeSH Terms

Addison Disease*
Adrenal Glands
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenalectomy
Adult
Consciousness
Developed Countries
Diagnosis
Female
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Humans
Laparoscopy
Tuberculosis*