Malignant aldosterone-producing adrenal tumour: reoccurrence with glucocorticoid excess without hyperaldosteronism.
We describe a case of hypokalaemic hypertension due to hyperaldosteronism caused by a unilateral adrenocortical tumour with unfavourable histopathology suggestive of malignancy. After removal, the aldosterone excess disappeared. The patient's clinical course was uneventful, until she presented with extensive metastases of adrenal carcinoma four years later. Biochemical abnormalities were now consistent with glucocorticoid excess without hyperaldosteronism. She died four months later. Although malignant aldosterone-producing adrenal tumours are very rare, the present case underscores that clinicians should be aware that primary hyperaldosteronism can occur in the context of adrenocortical carcinoma.
Abma
E M
EM
Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Hospital Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Kluin
P M
PM
Dullaart
R P F
RP
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D018268:Adrenocortical Carcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D011188:Potassium; D006854:Hydrocortisone