Diagnostic challenges in adrenocortical carcinoma: recommendations for surveillance after surgical resection of selected adrenal nodules.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss challenges in the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma and to suggest surveillance measures after removal of selected adrenal nodules.


METHODS
We present the case of a 65-year-old man with worsening hypertension and new-onset hypokalemia attributed to primary hyperaldosteronism due to a 3-cm right adrenal nodule.


RESULTS
A laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed, and the histologic diagnosis was a benign adenoma. The patient's hypertension and hypokalemia improved postoperatively but recurred 8 months later, and florid Cushing's syndrome developed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an 8-cm mass in the right adrenal bed and multiple hepatic metastatic lesions. Fine-needle biopsy confirmed the presence of adrenocortical carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a comprehensive biochemical, radiologic, and histologic assessment, the diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma can be missed. Particularly, we caution against undue reliance on the initial tumor size. We recommend that abdominal imaging be performed every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months for the second year after surgical removal of selected adrenal nodules.
Fareau
Gilbert G
GG
Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Vassilopoulou-Sellin
Rena
R
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D018268:Adrenocortical Carcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome