Adrenal cavernous Hemangioma;A rare diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma:A case report, and literature review

Incidental adrenal hemangioma clinically suspicious for malignancy: diagnostic considerations and review of the literature

Adrenal hemangiomas are rare lesions often found incidentally during unrelated diagnostic work-up. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia, arthralgia, joint swelling and unexplained weight loss, which prompted imaging studies. Computed tomography scan revealed a 5.4 cm adrenal mass. The patient had no clinical manifestations of adrenal medullary or cortical hyperfunction. Urine and plasma metanephrines and aldosterone/renin ratio were within normal range. The patient was taking prednisone for hand and ankle swelling, precluding assessment for Cushing syndrome. Given the size of the lesion, the possibility of malignancy was considered, and the patient elected for surgical management. The left adrenalectomy specimen weighed 54 g and revealed a 4.9 cm tan-brown mass with congested cut surface and a thin rim of residual adrenal gland parenchyma. Histologic examination showed thick and thin-walled vessels intermingled with adrenocortical elements at the periphery characteristic of a hemangioma. Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for large, isolated adrenal masses to exclude malignancy and prevent retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Herein, we report a case of adrenal hemangioma, review a variety of other diagnostic considerations occurring in the adrenal gland, and highlight useful distinguishing features to assist in accurate diagnosis.

Imaging findings and 4 years follow-up of adrenal cavernous hemangioma: a case report

Background

Adrenal hemangioma is a rare and non-functional benign tumor. Since the first case in 1955, approximately 90 cases have been reported in literature frequently presenting as a large and incidentally discovered retroperitoneal mass or as a result of hemorrhage caused by spontaneous rupture.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for right hypocondrium pain and anemia. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and a large right adrenal mass measured 18 cm was found.

The patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Histopathological diagnosis revealed a cavernous adrenal hemangioma.

Conclusion

Cavernous hemangiomas are uncommon tumors. We reported a case of adrenal cavernous hemangioma incidentally discovered by ultrasound and CT. In the case of finding adrenal masses, cavernous hemangiomas, although rare, should be considered a possible diagnosis.

The appropriate treatment is surgical resection to rule out any potential for malignancy, to relieve symptoms secondary to the mass effect, and to prevent complications such as retroperitoneal bleeding.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Adrenal Cavernous Hemangioma: A Study of 8 Cases from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign tumor that develops from the adrenal glands. In this study, we present our experience with patients with adrenal cavernous hemangiomas (ACH) in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Demographic, diagnostic, surgical, and pathological findings in patients at a single institution who were adrenalectomized as a result of ACH were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 601 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, 8 (1.33%; 5 men, 3 women) cases were diagnosed with ACH between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2018, in a single institution. The mean age was 53.25 ± 11.9 years (range, 35-67 years). Four (50%) were asymptomatic, and three (37.5%) complained of abdominal or flank discomfort. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed ACH in 3 (37.5%) cases. Well-defined borders and heterogeneous enhancement with characteristic progressive partial filling-in were characteristic CT features of ACH (tumor size>3 cm). The mean tumor size was 5.16 ± 3.4 cm (range, 1.5-11 cm). No recurrence occurred during a median follow-up period of 38.37 months (range, 8-60 months).

CONCLUSIONS

ACH was asymptomatic in most cases, and diagnosis could be challenging. Adrenalectomy is a safe treatment modality for ACH, and it ensures favorable outcomes.