July - September 2022, Volume 18, Issue 3

Gezer E, Canturk Z, Cetinarslan B, Selek A, Sozen M, Vural C, Canturk NZ, Okay IE

Cushing’s Syndrome Due to Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia and Metachronous Pheochromocytoma

Acta Endo (Buc) 2022, 18 (3): 361-367
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2022.361

Introduction. Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is one of the uncommon causes of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is another adrenal tumor which is derived from neural crest arising in the adrenal medulla. Here we are reporting a case with recurrent overt CS due to PBMAH, 2 years after unilateral adrenalectomy, concomitant with recently developed PCC. Case Presentation. A 43-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with a 30 kg weight gain, proximal muscle weakness, menstrual irregularity, easy bruising and excessive hair growth on face and body.The lab results were compatible with a diagnosis of solely ACTH-independent CS. Screening showed bilateral macronodular lesions and she underwent right adrenalectomy. Postoperatively, she had lost weight and her well-being had improved; 2 years later, she developed CS and paroxysmal hypertension. The left adrenal gland was laparoscopically removed. Histopatologically, the lesion was reported as a typical PCC and macronodularmicronodular hyperplasia of the adrenal tissue surrounding that lesion. Conclusions. Pheochromocytoma with synchronous ACTH-independent CS originating from the same adrenal gland is very rare. To the best of our knowledge,our case is the first one describing the coexistence of overt ACTHindependent CS due to PBMAH and metachronous PCC. The importance of detailed re-evaluation of patients with recurrent ACTH-independent CS is highlighted here.

Keywords: Cushing’s syndrome, Primary bilateral macronodular hyperplasia, Pheochromocytoma

Correspondence: Emre Gezer MD, Kocaeli University, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kabaoglu Mah. Umuttepe, Izmit, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey, E-mail: gezer_emre@hotmail.com