Adrenal incidentaloma: evaluation and management

2008 ◽  
Vol 61 (11) ◽  
pp. 1168-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
P K Singh ◽  
H N Buch
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Adrenal incidentalomas are adrenal masses discovered incidental to imaging studies performed for reasons unrelated to adrenal pathology. Although most adrenal incidentalomas are non-functioning benign adenomas, their increasing prevalence presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The assessment of adrenal incidentalomas is aimed at deciding whether or not the tumour should be surgically removed. Adrenalectomy is indicated for phaeochromocytoma, other symptomatic hormone-secreting tumours and those with a high risk of malignancy. Biochemical screening for tumour hypersecretion is mandatory in all adrenal incidentalomas, since hormone secreting tumours may be clinically silent. The diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma is of paramount importance because of its life-threatening complications. Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas need assessment for risk of malignancy, and this is based on the size of the tumour and its imaging characteristics. An observational policy with periodic radiological and biochemical reassessment is pursued in patients with non-functioning incidentalomas with low malignancy risk. The duration and frequency of reassessment remains unclear, as the natural history of adrenal incidentalomas has yet to be clearly defined, and there is a lack of controlled studies comparing surgical intervention with observation. However, the possibility of acquiring autonomous hypersecretion or conversion to malignancy in an incidentaloma diagnosed to be a benign non-functioning lesion is very low, and most patients may be safely discharged after an initial follow-up period of 2 years.

scholarly journals Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors

2016 ◽  
Vol 175 (2) ◽  
pp. G1-G34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Fassnacht ◽  
Wiebke Arlt ◽  
Irina Bancos ◽  
Henning Dralle ◽  
John Newell-Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Adrenal Masses ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

By definition, an adrenal incidentaloma is an asymptomatic adrenal mass detected on imaging not performed for suspected adrenal disease. In most cases, adrenal incidentalomas are nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas, but may also represent conditions requiring therapeutic intervention (e.g. adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, hormone-producing adenoma or metastasis). The purpose of this guideline is to provide clinicians with best possible evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. We predefined four main clinical questions crucial for the management of adrenal incidentaloma patients, addressing these four with systematic literature searches: (A) How to assess risk of malignancy?; (B) How to define and manage low-level autonomous cortisol secretion, formerly called ‘subclinical’ Cushing’s syndrome?; (C) Who should have surgical treatment and how should it be performed?; (D) What follow-up is indicated if the adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed?Selected recommendations:(i) At the time of initial detection of an adrenal mass establishing whether the mass is benign or malignant is an important aim to avoid cumbersome and expensive follow-up imaging in those with benign disease. (ii) To exclude cortisol excess, a 1mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test should be performed (applying a cut-off value of serum cortisol ≤50nmol/L (1.8µg/dL)). (iii) For patients without clinical signs of overt Cushing’s syndrome but serum cortisol levels post 1mg dexamethasone >138nmol/L (>5µg/dL), we propose the term ‘autonomous cortisol secretion’. (iv) All patients with ‘(possible) autonomous cortisol’ secretion should be screened for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to ensure these are appropriately treated. (v) Surgical treatment should be considered in an individualized approach in patients with ‘autonomous cortisol secretion’ who also have comorbidities that are potentially related to cortisol excess. (vi) In principle, the appropriateness of surgical intervention should be guided by the likelihood of malignancy, the presence and degree of hormone excess, age, general health and patient preference. (vii) Surgery is not usually indicated in patients with an asymptomatic, nonfunctioning unilateral adrenal mass and obvious benign features on imaging studies. We provide guidance on which surgical approach should be considered for adrenal masses with radiological findings suspicious of malignancy. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for the follow-up of patients with adrenal incidentaloma who do not undergo adrenal surgery, for those with bilateral incidentalomas, for patients with extra-adrenal malignancy and adrenal masses and for young and elderly patients with adrenal incidentalomas

scholarly journals Adrenal Incidentaloma: A Cautionary Tale of Three Cases of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Arising from Apparently Benign Incidentalomas

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143
Author(s):  
Chris Armstrong ◽  
Janice L Pasieka ◽  
Adrian Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocortical Carcinoma ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Imaging ◽  
Sectional Imaging ◽  
Biochemical Testing ◽  
Average Size

ABSTRACT Unexpected incidental findings on cross-sectional imaging are becoming more commonplace in today's medical practice. These are likely due to ongoing improvements in the resolution of cross-sectional imaging and our increasing use of these tests combined with an aging population. In the case of the adrenal incidentalomas the majority of these represent benign nonfunctional adenomas and these are believed to have no malignant potential. On the contrary adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy that carries a high mortality. Current biochemical and radiological follow-up investigations are expensive and are of limited benefit in the majority of cases of adrenal incidentalomas. This has created a dilemma for the proper diagnostic, clinical and radiologic follow-up as well as the triggers for surgical intervention. We present a series of three patients presenting with ACC that retrospectively arose from a small incidentally found adrenal lesion. Three patients were identified with ACC arising from an apparently benign adrenal incidentaloma. The average size of the original lesion was 1.6 cm whereas the average size of their adrenal tumor was 9.3 cm when they presented with ACC. Two of the three cases were found to develop functional tumors at the time of the diagnosis of ACC. Two of the three cases underwent surgical resection. The third patient was found to have metastatic disease at presentation and declined surgical intervention. We agree that current follow-up guidelines result in an increasing burden on our healthcare system; with expensive biochemical testing and imaging for what in most cases will prove to be a benign adenoma, these three cases have influenced our current strategies for follow-up. At the present time, we continue to follow the AAES/AACE guidelines. The development of improved methods of biochemical, radiologic and tissue diagnosis may help to improve our ability to recognize an ACC in this population at an earlier and potentially curable stage.

scholarly journals A Mass in Disguise: A Rare Case of High-Attenuation Adrenal Myelolipoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A987-A987
Author(s):  
Yoon Kook Kim ◽  
Rana Malek
Keyword(s):  
Resistant Hypertension ◽  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Odontoid Fracture ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Urinary Cortisol ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background: Adrenal incidentalomas are common, and imaging studies play a large role in reaching the diagnosis in many cases. Adrenal myelolipomas are classically diagnosed by CT as a hypodense well circumscribed heterogenous mass with low attenuation. Clinical Case: A 51-year-old man with history of resistant hypertension presented with neck pain after a motor vehicle crash. After a cervical X-ray revealed an odontoid fracture, a whole body CT was obtained. The CT incidentally identified a massive heterogeneous left adrenal mass measuring 22.3 × 15.5 × 20.6 cm, with multiple attenuation measurements ranging from 20 to 53 Hounsfield units (HU). The patient’s physical examination and hormonal assessment were both unrevealing, with normal catecholamine, androgen, and an unremarkable renin aldosterone ratio. Inpatient urinary cortisol levels were elevated, however a repeat urinary cortisol as an outpatient weeks after repair of the odontoid fracture showed normal levels, suggesting physiologic stress response. Positron emission tomography showed a metabolically inactive adrenal mass without metastatic diseases. The patient eventually underwent a left adrenalectomy, and pathology revealed a myelolipoma measuring 24.2 × 20.5 × 8.3 cm. Imaging characteristics for adrenal incidentalomas are considered useful diagnostic information according to most clinical guidelines. Lesions with high HU are typically pheochromocytomas, adrenocortical carcinoma, metastatic disease, or lipid poor adenomas. Myelolipomas are identified on CT by their characteristically low HU (often -30). In this case of a massive myelolipoma with high HU, the unique imaging characteristics posed a diagnostic challenge. The patient’s history of resistant hypertension combined with the high HU led to the patient undergoing extensive testing for a functional mass or cancer. Conclusion: This is a rare case of a massive myelolipoma with low attenuation. The role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas is not definitive, and detailed exam along with hormonal assessment may be warranted in atypical cases. Providers should consider myelolipoma in the differential diagnosis of a large adrenal mass with a negative hormonal evaluation even in the setting of high HU.

scholarly journals Prevalence and natural history of adrenal incidentalomas

2003 ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Barzon ◽  
N Sonino ◽  
F Fallo ◽  
G Palu ◽  
M Boscaro
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Adrenocortical Adenomas ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Adrenal Masses ◽  
Adrenocortical Carcinomas ◽  
Management Recommendations

Clinically silent adrenal masses discovered by imaging studies performed for unrelated reasons, i.e. adrenal incidentalomas, have become a rather common finding in clinical practice. However, only limited studies of incidence, prevalence, and natural history of adrenal incidentalomas are available. A comprehensive review of the literature shows the prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas to be 2.3% at autopsy and 0.5-2% at abdominal computed tomography scan. Most lesions are adrenocortical adenomas at histology, whereas the prevalence of adrenocortical carcinomas is relatively low. The risk of malignancy over time for masses defined as benign at diagnosis is estimated at about 1/1000, even though 5-25% of masses increase in size during follow-up. Hyperfunction develops in about 1.7% of cases and the risk is higher in patients with lesions larger than 3 cm. Cortisol hypersecretion is the most likely disorder that may ensue, and it remains subclinical in about two-thirds of cases. The lack of controlled studies precludes making specific management recommendations. Large perspective controlled studies to define the epidemiology, natural history, and possible associated morbidity of adrenal incidentalomas and their impact on the quality of life of patients are needed.

scholarly journals Adrenal incidentalomas: imaging challenges—role of MDCT scan versus MRI in evaluating adrenal incidentalomas

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Maher Amin Nawar ◽  
Sameh Abdel Aziz Zaky Hanna ◽  
Shereen Sadik El-Sawy ◽  
Sally Yehia Shokralla
Keyword(s):  
Significant Risk ◽  
Adrenal Incidentaloma ◽  
Adrenal Incidentalomas ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ct ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
Enhanced Ct ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Adrenal Masses

Abstract Background The term adrenal incidentaloma (AI), by definition, is an adrenal mass that is unexpectedly detected through an imaging procedure performed for reasons unrelated to adrenal dysfunction or suspected dysfunction. Despite their frequent appearance, the challenge remains in recognizing and treating the small percentage of AI that poses a significant risk, either because of their hormonal activity or because of their malignant histology. The aim of this study is to study the role of MRI, specifically chemical shift imaging (CSI), against various MDCT scans (non-enhanced, enhanced, and delayed) in the characterization of incidentally discovered adrenal masses to offer a way for the patients to avoid unnecessary time and money-wasting imaging modalities used to reach a diagnosis of their incidentally discovered adrenal lesions. We examined a total number of 20 patients with total of 22 adrenal lesions. The mean age was 51.1 ± 15.27. Results In our study, we found that among CT parameters, APW and RPW showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of lipid-rich adenomas. CSI has also proven to be the best MR technique. However, there is no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic capability of CSI versus the CT washout technique. Both modalities could be conducted, according to specific patient preferences and/or limitations, with comparable highly accurate outcomes. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a similar diagnostic outcome is obtained from contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) and MRI with CSI of adrenal lesions.

A case of nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110528
Author(s):  
Lan Zhou ◽  
Juanjuan Wang ◽  
Guihua Xu ◽  
Dingding Wang ◽  
Xiaoyi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Topical Steroid ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Systemic Hypertension ◽  
Eye Drops ◽  
Definite Diagnosis ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Immunohistochemical Examination ◽  
History Of ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs

Purpose To describe an atypical nodular episcleritis mimicking a solitary giant episcleral mass, which is not attributed to any systemic diseases and identified only after immunohistochemical examination. Case report A sixty-year-old Chinese woman with systemic hypertension presented with 6-month history of giant, solitary and redness epibulbar mass arising from the superior aspect of her left eye. The lesion gradually enlarged, even with 6-month history of irregular topical steroid eye drops treatment. Imaging studies and laboratory test revealed a 10 mm × 8 mm episcleral mass absence of any infection indicator and autoimmune antibody changes. The mass was completely removed before its extension through the deep scleral, histopathologic examination revealed a nodular episcleritis composed of various chronic inflammatory cells infiltration. Topical steroid eye drops treatment combined with oral steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was then administrated regularly for 1 month, and no recurrence occurred after 1-year follow-up. Conclusion Nodular anterior episcleritis is characterized by underlying chronic inflammation of the anterior episclera and can be presented as asymptomatic episcleral mass. Besides a thorough investigation systemically, tissue biopsy is required for definite diagnosis.

Coeliac crisis mimicking nephrotic syndrome in a post-partum patient

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 116-118
Author(s):  
Özant Helvacı ◽  
Seyma Yıldız ◽  
Berfu Korucu ◽  
Ulver Derici ◽  
Turgay Arinsoy
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Coeliac Disease ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Multisystem Involvement ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Rare Occasion

Background Coeliac crisis is a life-threatening presentation of coeliac disease. Severe diarrhoea, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition are prominent features. Although mainly a disease of childhood, it can on the rare occasion be diagnosed in adults. Case presentation A 25-year-old female with severe generalised oedema, lower extremity weakness, hypokalemia and profound hypoalbuminemia was referred with an initial diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Three months previously she had given birth to a healthy child following an uneventful pregnancy. She did not have proteinuria. She had a history of diarrhoea with gluten-containing food since childhood but lacked a formal diagnosis of coeliac disease. A duodenal biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis. Coeliac crisis was diagnosed with life-threatening multisystem involvement. Introduction of a gluten-free diet abolished all disease symptoms and ameliorated laboratory parameters at six months’ follow-up. Conclusion Coeliac crisis is a rare, yet dangerous presentation of coeliac disease in adults. As this case suggests, it can present with generalised oedema and hypoalbuminemia mimicking nephrotic syndrome. Rapid diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

scholarly journals Paediatric oropharyngeal tularaemia requiring surgical intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. e229754
Author(s):  
Amina Nemmour ◽  
Adzreil Bakri ◽  
Claude A Fischer ◽  
Yves Brand
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Cervical Lymphadenopathy ◽  
Who Guidelines ◽  
Clinical Progression ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
Deep Neck Abscess ◽  
Extended Course ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Tularaemia is a rare infectious disease endemic in most European countries caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. 1 Patients often show acute non-specific symptoms, which causes a delay in diagnosis and proper treatment, potentially resulting in significant morbidities such as deep neck abscess, meningitis, endocarditis and septic shock. The authors present a case of a 5-year old boy with a 4-day history of fever, sore throat and painful cervical lymphadenopathy, whose clinical progression worsened despite being treated with recommended antibiotics as per WHO guidelines once the diagnosis of Tularaemia was confirmed by serologic tests. He developed a parapharyngeal abscess and a persistent left necrotic cervical lymph node, which both were surgically drained and excised, respectively, and an extended course of antibiotic was given. Subsequently, the patient fully recovered from the illness and the follow-up was negative for relapse.

1175Structural progression increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Chivulescu ◽  
Ø.H Lie ◽  
H Skulstad ◽  
B A Popescu ◽  
R O Jurcut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Tachycardia ◽  
Ventricular Arrhythmias ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Structural Progression ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Arrhythmic Event ◽  
History Of ◽  
Structural Disease

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inheritable cardiomyopathy with incomplete penetrance, variable phenotype severity and poorly described disease progression. It is characterized by high risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Risk stratification and selection of patients presenting without history of life-threatening arrhythmic events for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in primary prevention remains challenging. Purpose We aimed to assess the impact of disease progression on arrhythmic outcomes in AC patients. Methods We included consecutive AC probands and mutation-positive family members with at least one complete follow-up evaluation. Echocardiographic and electrical parameters were defined according to the 2010 Revised Task Force criteria at inclusion and at last follow-up. Structural progression was defined as development of new echocardiographic diagnostic criteria. Electrical progression was defined as the development of new diagnostic depolarization, repolarization and/or premature ventricular complex count criteria during follow-up. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia occurring during follow-up defined incident ventricular arrhythmic events. Results We included a total of 144 patients (48% female, 47% probands, 40±16 years old). At inclusion, 54 patients (37%) had a history of arrhythmic events, 30 patients (21%) had overt structural disease and 114 (79%) had no or minor structural disease. During 7.0 (IQR: 4.5 to 9.4) years of follow-up, 49 patients (43%) with no or minor structural disease at inclusion developed new structural criteria being defined as progressors. Among 80 participants with no or minor structural disease and no arrhythmic history at inclusion, a first arrhythmic event occurred in 14 (17%). The incidence of arrhythmic events was higher in progressors (11/27, 41%) than in non-progressors (3/53, 6%) (p<0.001) (Figure). Structural progression was associated with higher risk of first arrhythmic events during follow-up when adjusted for sex, age at inclusion and follow-up duration, independent of electrical progression (7.6, 95% CI [1.5, 37.2], P=0.01). Incident arrhythmic events distribution Conclusion Almost half of patients without overt structural cardiac disease at genetic diagnosis develop new structural criteria during 7 years follow-up and 17% experienced their first ventricular arrhythmic event. Structural progression was independently associated with ventricular arrhythmic events during follow-up. These findings highlight the increased risk of arrhythmias when structural abnormalities are detected. Their finding may initiate the evaluation for primary prevention cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

The EMDR DeTUR protocol for the treatment of self-injury in a patient with severe personality disorder: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
Phyllis Annesley ◽  
Adedayo Alabi ◽  
Laura Longdon
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Factitious Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Injury ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Healthcare Interventions ◽  
Therapy Sessions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of an adult female patient detained within a high secure hospital with complex mental health difficulties, including complex trauma, factitious disorder, self-injury and a history of offending. The EMDR treatment addressed the patient’s urges to engage in severe and sometimes life-threatening self-injury, a primary motive of which was to access physical healthcare interventions within a general hospital. The paper describes the wide-ranging benefits of the treatment and incorporates feedback from the patient and clinicians within her multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Design/methodology/approach Four triggers for self-injury were processed during the therapy using the DeTUR Protocol (Popky, 2005, 2009) and the Constant Installation of Present Orientation and Safety (CIPOS, Knipe, 2009a) method. In total, 18 one hour therapy sessions were delivered plus three follow-up sessions to continue to offer support and complete the post-treatment evaluation. Findings The level of urge for each trigger was reduced to 0 which the patient defined as “no urge to self-injure”. Benefits went well beyond self-injury with reported positive impacts on mood, thinking, sleep, concentration, memory and experience of flashbacks. Practical implications This case report demonstrates that the EMDR DeTUR Protocol together with the CIPOS method can be extremely valuable in the treatment of patients who self-injure. Originality/value The case report offers an important contribution to an area that requires much further research.

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