[Diagnostic difficulties in adrenal incidentaloma--analysis of 125 cases].
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic approach to incidentaloma, in spite of existing algorithms, is not always obvious due to diagnostic difficulties. The aim of the study was to assess the validity of the initial diagnoses of incidentaloma which determined the qualification for the operation.


METHODS
125 patients hospitalised in the Endocrinology Dept. of the Medical University of Bialystok in the years 2003-2005 and in the Endocrinology dept. of Voivodeship Hospital of Bialystok. The patients were clinically and hormonally examined (metanephrines in daily urine collection, daily cortisol rhythm, short dexamethasone test, aldosterone, and renin plasma activity, Na, K levels in the serum) as well as computer tomography of the adrenal glands were performed.


RESULTS
42 patients were qualified for adrenalectomy. Adenoma was confirmed in 25 patients (in 7 subclinical Cushing syndrome was diagnosed, in 2 Conn disease, in 16 inactive changes), phaeochromocytoma in 6 patients, cysts in 3, lipoma in 2, carcinoma in one, in 4 patients metastases (in 2 of kidney carcinoma, in 1 of malignant melanoma and in 1 of planocellular carcinoma) and in one oncocytoma. Metanephrines urine measurements showed 33% of false positive results.


CONCLUSIONS
Qualification for adrenalectomy requires an assessment of tumor's enlargement, its tissue density, morphology and growth dynamics. To reduce the percentage of false positive results of metanephrine measurement there is to eliminate an influence of some drugs, victuals, beverages and nicotine and eventually to carry out additional tests. The decision as to proceeding with adrenal incidentaloma should be individualized based on clinical symptoms, hormonal tests and tumor morphology.
Klinika Endokrynologii, Diabetologii i Chorób Wewnetrznych Akademii Medycznej, Białystok. mysjan@poczta.onet.pl
Janusz
J
Myśliwiec
Agnieszka
A
Rudy
Katarzyna
K
Siewko
Piotr
P
Myśliwiec
Mariusz
M
Pułka
Maria
M
Górska
D000236:Adenoma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies