A Large Benign Adrenocortical Adenoma Cosecreting Testosterone and Cortisol
April 2024
in “
JCEM case reports
”
New to Hydrocortisone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → adrenocortical adenoma cortisol androgen Cushing syndrome virilization hyperandrogenism hypercortisolism hormonal testing adrenal adenomas aldosterone hypertension prediabetes menstrual cycles weight loss imaging techniques histopathologic schemas adrenal gland tumor male hormones female hormones high blood pressure pre-diabetes periods weight reduction scanning methods tissue examination
Studysummary In this case study, a 44-year-old woman with an adrenal adenoma secreting both cortisol and androgens developed Cushing syndrome and significant virilization, but experienced major symptom improvement following surgical removal of the benign tumor.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document discusses a rare case of a 44-year-old female patient who had a benign adrenocortical adenoma that was secreting both cortisol and androgen, leading to Cushing syndrome and significant virilization. This is unusual as most adrenal adenomas are nonfunctioning, and those that are functional usually secrete cortisol or aldosterone. The patient's condition improved significantly after the adenoma was surgically removed, with the resolution of hypertension and prediabetes, the resumption of regular menstrual cycles, and a weight loss of 60 pounds. Hormonal testing at 3 months and 1 year post-surgery showed the resolution of hyperandrogenism and hypercortisolism. The document also highlights the importance of differentiating benign adenomas from carcinomas, and the various imaging techniques and histopathologic schemas used for this purpose.
