Bilateral adrenal cysts and ectopic pancreatic tissue in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: is a conservative approach acceptable?

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jun;17(6):909-12. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2004.17.6.909.

Abstract

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a common overgrowth syndrome associated with an increased risk of neoplasias which might be explained by the nature and localization of the genetic defect. While malignant tumors are often associated with hemihypertrophy, benign tumors are also found. We report a patient with the typical features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with two histologically different abdominal tumors, bilateral cystic adrenals and ectopic pancreatic tissue present at birth. In both tumors no malignancy could be detected. Ectopic pancreatic tissue is rarely seen and has been described in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome only once. After extirpation of the ectopic pancreatic tissue the cystic adrenals were left in situ since macroscopically no normal adrenal tissue could be identified and separated. Regular ultrasound examinations revealed complete resolution of the cystic adrenals within 24 months. Thus it seems that a conservative approach in selected tumors associated with the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome might be acceptable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands*
  • Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome / complications*
  • Choristoma / complications*
  • Choristoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysts / complications*
  • Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications*
  • Endocrine System Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pancreas*
  • Pelvis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed