Multiple unilateral adrenal adenomas in a patient with primary hyperaldosteronism.
OBJECTIVE
To report a rare case of multiple unilateral adrenal adenomas in which immunohistochemistry results confirmed primary hyperaldosteronism in each of 3 adenomas.


METHODS
We present the clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and pathologic findings of a case of multiple unilateral adrenal adenomas.


RESULTS
Although multiple nodules in both adrenal glands are fairly common in patients with bilateral hyperplasia, multiple unilateral nodules are extremely rare. A 45-year-old woman with a long-standing history of severe hypertension was found to have biochemical parameters consistent with primary hyperaldosteronism, multiple unilateral adrenal adenomas, and immunohistochemical test results confirming primary hyperaldosteronism arising from each of 3 adrenal nodules (measuring 2.2 x 2.2 cm, 1.7 x 0.7 cm, and 0.5 x 0.5 cm).


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the rare presentation of primary hyperaldosteronism as multiple unilateral adrenal adenomas in which immunohistochemistry results can confirm the suspected preoperative diagnosis as suggested by biochemical and radiographic evidence.
Leung
Angela M
AM
Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA. Angela.Leung@bmc.org
Sasano
Hironobu
H
Nishikwa
Tetsuo
T
McAneny
David B
DB
Malabanan
Alan O
AO
D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D000450:Aldosterone / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000150:complications
D000450:Aldosterone