An unusual case of multiple giant myelolipomas: clinical and pathogenetic implications.
Myelolipomas are benign tumors composed of both mature adipose and myeloid tissues. They typically present as an incidental mass in one of the adrenal glands proper. However, they can occur in ectopic adrenal tissue or, rarely, without associated adrenal tissue in various locations and can grow to weights of several kilograms. These tumors have been linked to endocrinopathies, such as Cushing disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which involve overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone. We report a case of three giant adrenal myelolipomas arising in a persistently virilized female with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, supporting a role for hormonal stimuli in myelolipoma formation.
Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Kimberly H
KH
Allison
Gary N
GN
Mann
Thomas H
TH
Norwood
Brian P
BP
Rubin
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018209:Myelolipoma / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D014770:Virilism / Q000503:physiopathology*