[Mixed corticomedullary tumor].
BACKGROUND
Pheochromocytoma and primary hyperaldosteronism rarely occur simultaneously. Few cases have been reported in the literature.


METHODS
A patient explored for hypertension was found to have hypokalemia related to primary hyperaldosteronism. Pathology examination of the ablated adrenal showed a co-existing pheochromocytoma suspected at history taking although urine catecholamines were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Different pathogenic hypothesis have been proposed. Such dual tumors could be a simple coincidence, occur in a particular genetic setting, be related to direct contact between cortical and medullary tissue leading to reactional cortical hyperplasia, pheochromocytoma produced factors stimulating aldosterone synthesis, or factor X, a substance produced by cortical adenomas and favoring growth of the pheochromocytoma.
Service de Médecine interne, Hôpital Saint-Antonie, Paris.
I
I
Delèvaux
J
J
Cabane
O
O
Picard
C
C
Bénit
J
J
Lebas
B
B
Nordlinger
P
P
de Saint-Maur
J C
JC
Imbert
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000150:complications*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tumeur mixte corticomédullaire.