title: [Primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma].
abstract: When abdominal imaging reveals the existence of unsuspected adrenal masses, a diagnostic strategy is necessary. We report the case of a woman presenting with pulmonary embolism, in whom abdominal ultrasound revealed voluminous masses in both adrenals without clinical or biological signs of hormone hypersecretion, but with mild primary adrenal failure. From a CT scan-directed needle biopsy of the right adrenal mass and subsequent staging we were able to diagnose a primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type (REAL/WHO). On CHOP chemotherapy both adrenal masses decreased dramatically and the patient is in remission 18 months later. Primary adrenal lymphoma is a rare condition, since 65 cases have been reported to date. Histological diagnosis is nevertheless important, in view of the excellent response to specific therapy observed in some cases.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine interne A, CHUV, Lausanne.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cachat
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Delacrétaz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zadory
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gomez
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lamy
mesh_terms: D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone