ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia caused Cushing's syndrome

Urol Int. 1997;58(4):259-61. doi: 10.1159/000282999.

Abstract

A 53-year-old man who had been followed up for the treatment of hypertension presented with a bilateral adrenal mass during a screening CT scan. Other imaging studies and biochemical tests suggested Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary-independent and adrenal-dependent bilateral adrenal tumor. A total adrenalectomy was performed and the pathological appearance of the surgical specimen showed adrenal hyperplasia. Therefore, these findings were considered to be consistent with ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH). This tumor is quite rare and its etiology still remains controversial. We herein report this incidentally found AIMAH and also review the pertinent literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / pathology*
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / physiology
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone