Ectopic adrenal tissue in the kidney: A systematic review

Introduction: Ectopic adrenal tissue in the kidney, including “Ectopic adrenal tissue” and “Adrenal-renal fusion”, is a rare event with a specific behavior which may be difficult to distinguish clinically from renal neoplasms. We performed a systematic review on ectopic adrenal tissue variants reported in the literature underlining its clinical aspects. Methods: Manuscripts which presented a case report or case series of ectopic adrenal tissue in the kidney were included even if published in original articles, reviews, or letters to the editor. A specific search on SCOPUS®, PubMed®, and Web of Science® database was performed. Only English language papers published in a period ranging between August 1991 and April 2020 were considered. Additionally, a case we had at our institution is described, and its characteristics are included. Data on clinical presentation, type of adrenal anomaly, location, anatomopathological and immune-histotype characteristics were collected. Results: We identified 888 manuscripts. Among these 29 were included in this systematic review. Overall, 39 patients with renal adrenal fusion or adrenal ectopia were considered. In most cases, the diagnosis was made incidentally, or following investigation for flank pain, abdominal pain, or endocrinological disorders. CT scan frequently identified a solid vascularized lesion that was difficult to distinguish from renal neoplasm. Adrenal fusion was mostly located at the level of the upper pole. Adrenal rest was found in the renal parenchyma, renal hilum, or retroperitoneum in close proximity to the renal peduncle. Often these ectopic adrenal tissue lesions follow a benign behavior and can be classified as functioning or non-functioning adenomas. Rarely, they may experience neoplastic degeneration. The most frequently positive markers were inhibin, vimentin, melan-A, synaptophysin and anti-p450 scc. Conclusions: Ectopic adrenal tissue in the kidney is a rare event with specific clinical characteristics that need to be identified in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis and carry out appropriate treatment management.

Ectopic adrenocortical carcinoma located in the ovary

AIM

Ovarian corticosteroid-producing tumors are exquisitely rare. Our aim was to describe the first case observed in our practice.

CASE HISTORY

A 34-year-old female was referred for Cushing's syndrome (CS) occurring in the postpartum period. Clinical examination showed severe CS with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a large mass in the right lower abdomen. Biochemistry demonstrated corticotropin (ACTH)-independent CS (cortisol=1900ng/mL (n=50-250), ACTH<10pg/mL (n=20-46)) with estradiol and testosterone overproduction.

INVESTIGATIONS

Abdomen CT scan revealed a 14cm right ovarian mass and small adrenal glands. Surgical exploration found the ovarian tumor with hemoperitoneum and enlarged lymph nodes. Histological study confirmed adrenocortical tumor located in the ovary with a Weiss score >5, associated with peritoneal and lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for inhibin-α, melan-A, and SF1, demonstrating tissue of adrenal origin. After surgery, plasma glucose level spontaneously returned to normal. However, the patient died on the second post-surgical day due to catastrophic pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSION

In this reported case, clinical, hormonal, histological, and immunohistochemical findings confirmed a cortisol and sex hormone-producing ovarian tumor with peritoneal and lymph node metastases, a very rare but important condition to recognize.

Growth patterns of placental and paraovarian adrenocortical heterotopias are different

Two cases of adrenocortical heterotopia are reported. One is in a full-term placenta. The other is adjacent to the ovarian hilum of an adult. Both are incidental findings. Despite sharing similar histological and immunological features, they show different growth patterns. The literature is reviewed and adrenocortical heterotopias of different locations are compared. New hypotheses of its histogenesis are discussed.