International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Decade of Insights into Bilateral Adrenal Masses: Epidemiology, Clinical Profiles, and Therapeutic Approaches

Author(s) HAYAT AYNAOU, HOUDA SALHI
Country Maroc
Abstract Bilateral adrenal masses (BAMs) are rare, accounting for 10-15% of adrenal masses. Their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches differ from those of unilateral masses. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic profiles of BAMs. It is based on a retrospective analysis of 30 patient records from the Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition Department at CHU Hassan II in Fez, over a 12-year period.
The average age of the patients was 53 years, with a male predominance (53.3%). BAMs were symptomatically revealed in 46.7% of cases, incidentally discovered in 23.3%, identified during tumor staging in 20%, and associated with a genetic syndrome in 10% of cases. Clinical examination revealed hypertension in 23.3% of patients, an abdominal mass in 10%, signs of adrenal insufficiency in 10%, hypercortisolism in 6.67%, and hyperandrogenism in 16% of cases.
Biological assessment showed elevated urinary or plasma metanephrine derivatives in 9 patients, hypercortisolism in 3 patients, adrenal insufficiency in 3 patients, 11-β-hydroxylase enzyme block in 3 patients, and primary hyperaldosteronism in 1 patient. Adrenal computed tomography (CT) was performed in 29 patients. A staging workup, including PET scan, was requested in 20% of cases. MIBG scintigraphy was performed in 23.3% of patients.
The investigations revealed 53% of BAMs were secreting and 47% non-secreting. There were 9 cases of pheochromocytomas, including 5 associated with a syndrome (3 MEN2a, 1 MEN2b, 1 VHL), 8 cases of non-secreting adenomas, 3 cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-β-hydroxylase enzyme block, 2 cases of adrenal metastases, 2 cases of adrenocortical carcinoma, 2 cases of adrenal cysts, 1 case of Conn’s adenoma, 1 case of cortisol-secreting adenoma, 1 case of primary adrenal lymphoma, and 1 case of adrenal hematoma.
Treatment included the management of emergencies and preoperative preparation for patients eligible for surgery. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 33.3% of patients, and unilateral adenectomy in 1 case of cortisol-secreting adenoma. Medical treatment was initiated in 16.6% of cases, and palliative treatment in 13.33% of cases. Surveillance alone was implemented in the remaining 33.3%. Prognosis depends on the type of adrenal mass, with outcomes marked by the death of one case of malignant adrenocortical carcinoma and one case of primary adrenal lymphoma.
Our study, involving 30 cases of BAMs, highlights their clinical, biological, radiological, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics. Data in the literature are limited compared to unilateral adrenal masses. Future larger studies are desirable for optimal management.
Keywords Bilateral Adrenal Incidentalomas, Adrenal Insufficiency, Hormonal Assessment, Adrenal CT Scan, Genetic Study
Field Médical / Pharmacie
Published In Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024
Published On 2024-10-08
Cite This A Decade of Insights into Bilateral Adrenal Masses: Epidemiology, Clinical Profiles, and Therapeutic Approaches - HAYAT AYNAOU, HOUDA SALHI - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28135
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28135
Short DOI https://doi.org/g795gm

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