Tuberculosis of the adrenal gland: a case report and review of the literature of infections of the adrenal gland

Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders in Endocrine Pathology

A variety of inflammatory conditions may directly involve the endocrine glands, leading to endocrine dysfunction that can cause severe consequences on patients' health, if left untreated. Inflammation of the endocrine system may be caused by either infectious agents or other mechanisms, including autoimmune and other immune-mediated processes. Not infrequently, inflammatory and infectious diseases may appear as tumor-like lesions of endocrine organs and simulate neoplastic processes. These diseases may be clinically under-recognized and not infrequently the diagnosis is suggested on pathological samples. Thus, the pathologist should be aware of the basic principles of their pathogenesis, as well as of their morphological features, clinicopathological correlates, and differential diagnosis. Interestingly, several systemic inflammatory conditions show a peculiar tropism to the endocrine system as a whole. In turn, organ-specific inflammatory disorders are observed in endocrine glands. This review will focus on the morphological aspects and clinicopathological features of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, drug-induced inflammatory reactions, IgG4-related disease, and other inflammatory disorders involving the endocrine system. A mixed entity-based and organ-based approach will be used, with the aim to provide the practicing pathologist with a comprehensive and practical guide to the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory disorders of the endocrine system.

Adrenal Abscesses: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and overall morbidity and mortality. Design: Systematic literature review. Methods: We performed a search in the PubMed database using search terms: 'abscess and adrenal glands', 'adrenalitis', 'infection and adrenal gland', 'adrenal abscess', 'adrenal infection' and 'infectious adrenalitis'. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were included. We found total of 116 articles, and after applying exclusion criteria, data from 73 articles was included in the final statistical analysis. Results: Of 84 patients included in this review, 68 were male (81%), with a mean age of 55 years (range: 29 to 85 years). Weight loss was the most frequent symptom reported in 58.3% patients, followed by fever in 49%. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 months. The most common laboratory findings were low cortisol (51.9%), elevated ACTH (43.2%), hyponatremia (88.2%) and anemia (83.3%). Adrenal cultures were positive in 86.4% cases, with Histoplasma capsulatum (37.3%) being the leading causative agent. Blood cultures were positive in 30% of patients. The majority of the adrenal infections occurred through secondary dissemination from other infectious foci and abscesses were more commonly bilateral (70%). A total of 46.4% of patients developed long-term adrenal insufficiency requiring treatment. Abscess drainage was performed in 7 patients (8.3%) and adrenalectomy was performed in 18 (21.4%) patients. The survival rate was 92.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor for mortality was thrombocytopenia (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Our review shows that adrenal abscesses are usually caused by fungal pathogens, and among these, Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common. The adrenal glands are usually involved in a bilateral fashion and become infected through dissemination from other primary sources of infection. Long-term adrenal insufficiency develops in 46% of patients, which is more common than what is observed in non-infectious etiology of adrenal gland disorders. Mortality is about 7%, and the presence of thrombocytopenia is associated with worse prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to better characterize optimal testing and treatment duration in patients with this relatively rare but challenging disorder.

Complete heart block revealing adrenal tuberculosis

Complete heart block is a commonly encountered entity in clinical cardiology practice, which may be secondary to a variety of diseases including metabolic disorders. Here, we report the case of a 60-year-old female patient who presented with persistent symptomatic complete heart block despite the correction of electrolyte disorder and required admission for permanent pacemaker implantation. The etiologic investigation revealed underlying adrenal insufficiency due to tuberculosis. The clinical and biological presentation of adrenal insufficiency is variable with a difficult etiologic assessment. Although cardiac manifestations are rare, significant electrocardiographic abnormalities can be observed in untreated adrenal insufficiency, such as conduction abnormalities. Hence, in our case, we highlight one of the rare etiologies of conductive disorders and the complexity of the extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis that clinicians should be aware of it.

Adrenal Tuberculosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Adrenal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease, which is difficult to diagnose because of its atypical symptoms. We reported a 41-year-old female who was admitted to hospital due to a left adrenal tumor, which was found in health examination without any symptoms. Abdominal CT showed a mass in her left adrenal. The results of blood test were normal. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy was carried out, and adrenal TB was finally pathologically diagnosed. Following this, examinations focusing on TB were conducted which revealed negative results except for T-cell enzyme-linked immunospot. After the operation, the hormone level was normal. However, a wound infection occurred, which was recovered after antituberculosis treatment. In conclusion, even if there is no evidence of TB, we should be alert when diagnosing adrenal masses. Examinations of pathology, radiography, and hormone play important roles in determining the definite diagnosis of adrenal TB.

Diffuse Adrenal Gland and Pancreas Necrosis in a Patient with Disseminated Cryptococcosis-Case Report

(1) Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is mostly known for causing meningitis, with or without disseminated disease. (2) Case presentation: An immunocompromised 75-year-old gentleman presented post renal transplant with generalized weakness, altered mental status, hypoxemia, and hyponatremia, and was found to have disseminated cryptococcal infection. After an initial improvement, the patient became suddenly hypotensive, and passed away soon after. The autopsy revealed widespread cryptococcal involvement, with the most severely affected organs being the brain, lungs, pancreas, adrenal glands, and spleen. The pancreas and one of the adrenal glands revealed diffuse granulomatous cryptococcal infection, with large areas of necrosis. The spleen also showed a large area of cryptococcal necrosis. In addition, the patient had chylous ascites, without histologically identifiable organisms. (3) Conclusions: This is a rare case of disseminated cryptococcal infection with severe necrotizing adrenalitis and pancreatitis, in addition to significant spleen, lung, and central nervous system involvement. The early recognition and treatment of the adrenal gland and pancreas cryptococcosis with surgical interventions may lead to better outcomes in affected patients. Furthermore, steroid treatment and diabetes mellitus may be risk factors for adrenal gland involvement. Additionally, clinicians should keep cryptococcal infection in their differential diagnosis for isolated adrenal gland and pancreas lesions.

Disseminated Tuberculosis Presenting as Cerebellar Dysfunction and Adrenal Insufficiency in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Rare Coexistence

Disseminated tuberculosis is more prevalent in immunocompromised hosts; however, it can affect people with intact immune systems. Here, we present a case of an immunocompetent young woman who presented with headache, vomiting, and dizziness for the past two months. There was a history of significant weight loss during this period. Examination revealed postural hypotension and positive cerebellar signs. Imaging of the brain revealed a conglomerate mass in the cerebellar vermis suggestive of tuberculoma. Tubercle bacilli were detected in gastric lavage specimens. Laboratory investigations revealed hyponatremia with low serum osmolality. Further investigations showed low serum cortisol and high adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels. CT of the abdomen revealed atrophy of both adrenal glands. Our patient was diagnosed with cerebellar dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency secondary to disseminated tuberculosis. We started the patient on antituberculous drugs, along with mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement. Subsequent follow-up showed significant improvement in symptoms. Hence, timely diagnosis of the disease is essential to prevent lethal outcomes.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of Organic Delusional Disorder due to Tuberculous Adrenalitis

Primary adrenal insufficiency rarely occurs due to infections, which consequently involves destruction or dysfunction of both adrenal cortices. Tuberculous adrenalitis is still a frequent cause of adrenal insufficiency in developing countries. We present the case of origin of multiple delusions along with recurrent spells of vomiting and giddiness in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A thorough medical history combined with a panel of biochemical and endocrine investigations revealed disseminated TB with choroid tubercles and adrenal infiltration leading to primary adrenal insufficiency. A diagnosis of organic delusional disorder secondary to disseminated TB-associated adrenal insufficiency was considered. The patient was managed with risperidone and antitubercular drugs. The psychosis improved and the patient was stable during the follow-up. The present case report adds to the literature on diagnostic challenges associated with psychosis due to adrenal insufficiency secondary to disseminated TB.

VZV Infection of Primary Human Adrenal Cortical Cells Produces a Proinflammatory Environment without Cell Death

Virus infection of adrenal glands can disrupt secretion of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex hormones from the cortex and catecholamines from the medulla, leading to a constellation of symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, nausea, and muscle and joint pain. Specifically, varicella zoster virus (VZV) can produce bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency during primary infection or following reactivation. However, the mechanisms by which VZV affects the adrenal glands are not well-characterized. Herein, we determined if primary human adrenal cortical cells (HAdCCs) infected with VZV support viral replication and produce a proinflammatory environment. Quantitative PCR showed VZV DNA increasing over time in HAdCCs, yet no cell death was seen at 3 days post-infection by TUNEL staining or Western Blot analysis with PARP and caspase 9 antibodies. Compared to conditioned supernatant from mock-infected cells, supernatant from VZV-infected cells contained significantly elevated IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-4, and TNF-α. Overall, VZV can productively infect adrenal cortical cells in the absence of cell death, suggesting that these cells may be a potential reservoir for ongoing viral replication and proinflammatory cytokine production, leading to chronic adrenalitis and dysfunction.

Systemic Manifestation of Miliary Tuberculosis in Patient With Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy Presenting With Electrolyte Imbalance, Seizures, and Adrenal Insufficiency

Extra-pulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis can have diverse presentations depending on the affected organs. In this case report, we describe a case of a 50-year-old man of South Asian origin who presented with acute adrenal crisis on a background of undiagnosed miliary tuberculosis. Imaging after repeated episodes of adrenal crisis and seizures revealed bilaterally enlarged adrenals and cerebral tuberculomas, suggesting adrenal and central nervous system involvement. CT chest, abdomen and pelvis showed apical lung nodules and tree-in-bud appearance suggestive of tuberculosis. Due to high endogenous levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and a flat response after a short synacthen test, a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency secondary to tuberculosis infection was made. He remains well on anti-tuberculous chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and anti-epileptic medication. This case report exemplifies the unusual but life-threatening presentations of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis that may become increasingly common with immunosuppression because of the human immunodeficiency virus global epidemic and immunosuppressant therapies; therefore, a low index of suspicion is needed in these cases.

Bilateral adrenal masses due to tuberculosis: how to diagnose without extra-adrenal tuberculosis

SUMMARY

Primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare disease and can masquerade as other conditions; therefore, it is sometimes incorrectly diagnosed. Herein, we reported the case of a 39-year-old Vietnamese male with primary adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral adrenal tuberculosis. The patient presented to the emergency room with acute adrenal crisis and a 3-day history of nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and diarrhoea with a background of 6 months of fatigue, weight loss, and anorexia. Abdominal CT revealed bilateral adrenal masses. Biochemically, unequivocal low morning plasma cortisol (<83 nmol/L) and high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were consistent with primary adrenal insufficiency. There was no evidence of malignancy or lymphoma. As the patient was from a tuberculosis-endemic area, extra-adrenal tuberculosis was excluded during the work up. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed, and tuberculous adrenalitis was confirmed by the histopathological results. The patient was started on antituberculous therapy, in addition to glucocorticoid replacement. In conclusion, even without evidence of extra-adrenal tuberculosis, a diagnosis of bilateral adrenal tuberculosis is required. A histopathological examination has a significant role along with clinical judgement and hormonal workup in establishing a definitive diagnosis of adrenal tuberculosis without evidence of active extra-adrenal involvement.

LEARNING POINTS

Primary adrenal insufficiency can be misdiagnosed as other mimicking diseases, such as gastrointestinal illness, leading to diagnostic pitfalls. Adrenal insufficiency can be confirmed with significantly low morning plasma cortisol levels of <83 nmol/L without a dynamic short cosyntropin stimulation test. Tuberculous adrenalitis is an uncommon treatable condition; however, it remains an important cause of primary adrenal insufficiency, especially in developing countries. In the absence of extra-adrenal involvement, adrenal biopsy plays a key role in the diagnostic process. Alternatively, adrenalectomy for histopathological purposes should be considered if CT scan-guided fine needle aspiration is infeasible in cases of small adrenal masses.

Primary adrenal tuberculosis infection in patients with Behcet's disease presenting as isolated adrenal metastasis by 18F-FDG PET/CT: a rare case report and literature review

Primary adrenal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). A pathological biopsy is usually required to make a definite diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms. Antituberculous chemotherapy is the main treatment regimen, and cortisol replacement therapy should be added when adrenal insufficiency is involved. Here, we present a 59-year-old man who had recurrence of oral and genital aphthosis for 3 years and was diagnosed with Behcet's disease (BD), which was cured by thalidomide. After 10 days of admission, the patient had sudden abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant with high fever and was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis attack, which was treated by percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). Further contrast-enhanced CT showed a right adrenal mass with a diameter of 2.0 cm, and PET-CT indicated intense ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) uptake in the right adrenal mass with a maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) of 15.2. As a metastatic adrenal mass was suspected, the patient underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed primary adrenal TB. After routine anti-tuberculosis treatment with isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for six months, the patient was cured and discharged. In summary, primary unilateral adrenal TB without adrenal insufficiency is difficult to diagnose only on the basis of clinical manifestations and examinations. Further studies are needed to develop an easier and more accurate diagnostic examination.

Cross-sectional imaging features of unusual adrenal lesions: a radiopathological correlation

The detection rates of adrenal masses are increasing with the common and widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. Adrenal adenomas, myelolipomas, metastases, pheochromocytomas, and adrenocortical tumors are well-known and relatively common adrenal tumors. However, there are many less-known neoplastic and nonneoplastic adrenal diseases that might affect the adrenal glands in addition to these common lesions. These rare entities include, but are not limited to, hydatid cysts, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Wolman disease, adrenal tuberculosis, primary adrenal lymphoma. This article aims to present imaging findings of these unusual lesions in accordance with their pathologic characteristics. We think that the simultaneous presentation of the pathological findings with the imaging features may facilitate the learning process and may potentially enhance the recognition of these entities.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluation of adrenal lesions with CT/MRI correlation

Most of the adrenal masses are incidentally detected. Multiphasic CT forms the mainstay for diagnosis and characterization of adrenal masses. MRI can further be used if the masses are indeterminate on CT scan. But as these investigations are expensive with risk of radiation exposure, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is currently under evaluation to assess its utility to act as a screening modality to differentiate benign vs malignant adrenal masses This investigative modality is relatively safe and can be used in patients having renal dysfunction or allergy to CT contrast. We, hereby, present a pictorial review of imaging appearance of various adrenal lesions on CEUS with CT and MRI correlation.

Pitfalls and differential diagnosis on adrenal lesions: current concepts in CT/MR imaging: a narrative review

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the imaging findings of adrenal lesions. Adrenal lesions could be divided into functioning or non-functioning masses, primary or metastatic, and benign or malignant. Imaging techniques have undergone significant advances in recent years. The most significant objective of adrenal imaging is represented by the detection and, when possible, characterization of adrenal lesions in order to direct patient management correctly. The detection and management of adrenal lesions is based on cross-sectional imaging obtained with non-contrast CT (tumour density), contrast-enhanced CT including delayed washout (either absolute percentage washout or relative percentage one) and finally with MR chemical shift analysis (loss of signal intensity between in-phase and out-of-phase images including both qualitative and quantitative estimates of signal loss). The small incidental adrenal nodules are benign, in most of cases; some tumors such as lipid-rich adenoma and myelolipoma have characteristic features that can be diagnosed accurately in CT. On contrary, if the presenting contrast-enhanced CT shows an adrenal mass with uncertain or malignant morphologic features, particularly in patients with a known history of malignancy, further evaluations should be considered. The most significative implications for radiologists are represented by how to assess risk of malignancy on imaging and what follow-up to indicate if an adrenal incidentaloma is not surgically removed.

Challenges of Diagnosing Hyponatremic Syndromes in Pulmonary and Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Introduction Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the rare pulmonary infections causing hyponatremia (serum sodium ˂135 mmol/L) and severe hyponatremia (serum sodium ˂125 mmol/L). Although the major cause of hyponatremia in TB patients is syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion, cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS) can occur and requires evidence of inappropriate urinary salt losses and reduced arterial blood volume. Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is rare in TB with scanty literature describing it. The two reported cases highlight three possible causes of severe symptomatic hyponatremia in TB pleural effusion and disseminated TB, their treatment modalities, and the need to increase the index of suspicion to diagnose TB hyponatremia in children.

Case Report Case 1: a 10-year-old girl with TB pleural effusion who developed recurrent hyponatremia in the first few weeks of anti-TB treatment which was responsive to sodium correction. Case 2: an 8-year-old girl presenting to our facility with presumptive TB. She deteriorated over several months and progressed to disseminated TB with AI.

Discussion Early diagnosis and prompt and correct treatment of TB hyponatremia cannot be overemphasized, as AI, SIADH secretion, and CSWS, each require different therapeutic regimens, most especially AI on its own poses a huge clinical challenge.

Conclusion A high index of suspicion, with intensified case finding at all levels of care, is necessary to identify and manage children with TB hyponatremia because early diagnosis and prompt treatment is lifesaving.

Adrenocortical tumors in children

Adrenocortical neoplasms are rare in childhood. Unlike their adult counterparts, they are often hormonally active and malignant. Despite being uncommon, adrenocortical neoplasms in children have significant associated morbidity and require complete surgical resection for effective management. Furthermore, the clinical overlap between adrenocortical neoplasms, adrenal medullary neoplasms, and functional disorders of the adrenal cortex requires that the practicing pediatric surgeon have a solid working knowledge of the presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of these anatomically related yet disparate pathologies.

Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis presenting as adrenal insufficiency in an immunocompetent host in the Philippines

Disseminated histoplasmosis, with the adrenal glands as being the only site of demonstrable disease in an immunocompetent adult, is a rare infection leading to adrenal insufficiency. This disease carries high mortality when unrecognised. We describe the first reported case of adrenal histoplasmosis in the Philippines in a 72-year-old immunocompetent, Filipino man who presented with a 3-month history of intermittent flank pain, weight loss and generalised weakness. His imaging demonstrated bilateral adrenal masses on ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT scan. The initial impression was adrenal cancer, however, fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed the presence of yeast cells and blood culture grew Histoplasma capsulatum The diagnosis of the case represents a diagnostic challenge in immunocompetent individuals because they manifest with non-specific symptoms. A heightened suspicion is therefore needed to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.

Mycolicibacterium brumae Is a Safe and Non-Toxic Immunomodulatory Agent for Cancer Treatment

Intravesical Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy remains the gold-standard treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, even though half of the patients develop adverse events to this therapy. On exploring BCG-alternative therapies, Mycolicibacterium brumae, a nontuberculous mycobacterium, has shown outstanding anti-tumor and immunomodulatory capabilities. As no infections due to M. brumae in humans, animals, or plants have been described, the safety and/or toxicity of this mycobacterium have not been previously addressed. In the present study, an analysis was made of M. brumae- and BCG-intravenously-infected severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, M. brumae-intravesically-treated BALB/c mice, and intrahemacoelic-infected-Galleria mellonella larvae. Organs from infected mice and the hemolymph from larvae were processed to count bacterial burden. Blood samples from mice were also taken, and a wide range of hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Finally, histopathological alterations in mouse tissues were evaluated. Our results demonstrate the safety and non-toxic profile of M. brumae. Differences were observed in the biochemical, hematological and histopathological analysis between M. brumae and BCG-infected mice, as well as survival curves rates and colony forming units (CFU) counts in both animal models. M. brumae constitutes a safe therapeutic biological agent, overcoming the safety and toxicity disadvantages presented by BCG in both mice and G. mellonella animal models.

A rare case of adrenal gland abscess due to anaerobes detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing

A 50-year-old woman presented with right back pain, low fever, leukocytosis, a high level of C-reactive protein and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hypodense lesion in the right suprarenal region, while PET/CT showed mildly increased metabolic activity. A CT-guided percutaneous puncture was performed, and foul-smelling thick pus was removed, which indicated an anaerobic infection. A smear of the pus showed both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Traditional culture only detected Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Actinomyces turicensis. While surprisingly, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of both the pus and blood showed high reads of multiple pathogens, including anaerobes and the three culture-positive pathogens. Thus, adrenal gland abscess was confirmed, and a combination therapy of catheter drainage and effective antimicrobial treatment was started. Six days later, the patient had clinically improved and mNGS showed dramatically decreased reads of all pathogens. A follow-up lab examination of inflammatory biomarkers was normal, and the adrenal mass was reduced radiographically.

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of Addison's disease in adults

BACKGROUND

Addison's disease (AD) is a rare disorder and among adult population in developed countries is most commonly caused by autoimmunity. In contrast, in children genetic causes are responsible for AD in the majority of patients.

PURPOSE

This review describes epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics, natural history, clinical manifestations, immunological markers and diagnostic strategies in patients with AD. Standard care treatments including the management of patients during pregnancy and adrenal crises consistent with the recent consensus statement of the European Consortium and the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline are described. In addition, emerging therapies designed to improve the quality of life and new strategies to modify the natural history of autoimmune AD are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Progress in optimizing replacement therapy for patients with AD has allowed the patients to lead a normal life. However, continuous education of patients and health care professionals of ever-present danger of adrenal crisis is essential to save lives of patients with AD.

Tuberculosis as a differential for bilateral adrenal masses in the UK

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a potentially fatal disease. Adrenal tuberculosis(TB) causing PAI is rare in the developed world. We present a seemingly well, 78-year-old Caucasianwoman in the UK who developed adrenal crisis following elective hip surgery. Biochemical tests confirmed PAI and steroid replacement was initiated. Imaging of the abdomen demonstrated bilateral adrenal masses and a fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan showed increased uptake in both adrenals suggestive of malignancy. Following a retroperitoneoscopic left adrenalectomy, histology showed caseating necrosis with xanthogranulomatous inflammation favouring a diagnosis of TB. She was commenced on anti-TB treatment. Diagnosing adrenal TB in the west can be challenging especially in the absence of extra-adrenal TB. FDG-PET scans can be falsely positive in presence of chronic active inflammatory conditions, such as TB, and a tissue diagnosis is required. It is important that clinicians remain vigilant of this important disease, which can masquerade as malignancy.

[Adrenalitis]

Inflammation of the adrenal glands is caused by autoimmunopathies or infections and can induce adrenal insufficiency. Autoimmune lymphocytic adrenalitis is often combined with other autoimmune diseases and the most frequent cause of Addison's disease; however, it only becomes clinically apparent when more than 90 % of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed. Histological features are characterized by lymphoplasmacytic inflammation leading to an increased destruction of adrenocortical tissue but less severe courses can also occur. The second most frequent form of adrenalitis is adrenal tuberculosis, showing typical granulomatous findings that are nearly always caused by spreading from a tuberculous pulmonary focus. Other bacterial as well as viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and others, generally affect the adrenal glands only in patients with immunodeficiency disorders. In these infections, the adrenal cortex and medulla are frequently involved to roughly the same extent. Although surgical specimens from inflammatory adrenal lesions are extremely rare, the various forms of adrenalitis play an important role in the post-mortem examination of the adrenal glands for clarification of unclear causes of death (e.g. death during an Addisonian crisis).

The Importance of Computed Tomography Findings in Detecting Tuberculous Addison's Disease

Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency due to various causes. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was a major cause in the past but is rare nowadays. We describe a patient admitted to our hospital who was diagnosed with tuberculous Addison’s disease.

Chronic Paracoccidioidomycosis with adrenal involvement mimicking tuberculosis - A case report from Austria

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and endemic in certain areas of Central and South America. We report a case of a 62-year-old-man with a complex history of tuberculosis and imaging findings of a cerebral lesion and bilateral adrenal enlargement. Biopsy of adrenal gland revealed Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. This case highlights the importance of travel history for diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis in non-endemic areas and emphasizes the clinical and histopathological similarities with tuberculosis.

Bilateral adrenal masses: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Bilateral adrenal masses may have aetiologies like hyperplasia and infiltrative lesions, besides tumours. Hyperplastic and infiltrative lesions may have coexisting hypocortisolism. Bilateral tumours are likely to have hereditary/syndromic associations. The data on clinical profile of bilateral adrenal masses are limited.

AIMS

To analyse clinical, biochemical and radiological features, and management outcomes in patients with bilateral adrenal masses.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 70 patients with bilateral adrenal masses presenting to a single tertiary care endocrine centre from western India (2002-2015).

RESULTS

The most common aetiology was pheochromocytoma (40%), followed by tuberculosis (27.1%), primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) (10%), metastases (5.7%), non-functioning adenomas (4.3%), primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (4.3%), and others (8.6%). Age at presentation was less in patients with pheochromocytoma (33 years) and tuberculosis (41 years) compared with PAL (48 years) and metastases (61 years) (P<0.001). The presenting symptoms for pheochromocytoma were hyperadrenergic spells (54%) and abdominal pain (29%), whereas tuberculosis presented with adrenal insufficiency (AI) (95%). The presenting symptoms for PAL were AI (57%) and abdominal pain (43%), whereas all cases of metastasis had abdominal pain. Mean size of adrenal masses was the largest in lymphoma (5.5cm) followed by pheochromocytoma (4.8cm), metastasis (4cm) and tuberculosis (2.1cm) (P<0.001). Biochemically, most patients with pheochromocytoma (92.8%) had catecholamine excess. Hypocortisolism was common in tuberculosis (100%) and PAL (71.4%) and absent with metastases (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In evaluation of bilateral adrenal masses, age at presentation, presenting symptoms, lesion size, and biochemical features are helpful in delineating varied underlying aetiologies.

Traumatic and non-traumatic adrenal emergencies

Multiple traumatic and non-traumatic adrenal emergencies are occasionally encountered during the cross-sectional imaging of emergency department patients. Traumatic adrenal hematomas are markers of severe polytrauma, and can be easily overlooked due to multiple concomitant injuries. Patients with non-traumatic adrenal emergencies usually present to an emergency department with a non-specific clinical picture. The detection and management of adrenal emergencies is based on cross-sectional imaging. Adrenal hemorrhage, adrenal infection, or rupture of adrenal neoplasm require immediate detection to avoid dire consequences. More often however, adrenal emergencies are detected incidentally in patients being investigated for non-specific acute abdominal pain. A high index of suspicion is required for the establishment of timely diagnosis and to avert potentially life-threatening complications. We describe cross-sectional imaging findings in patients with traumatic and non-traumatic adrenal hemorrhage, adrenal infarctions, adrenal infections, and complications of adrenal masses.