Co-secretion of aldosterone and cortisol by an adrenocortical carcinoma

Abstract

We report a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma. A 26-year-old woman presented with hypokalemia and hypertension due to hyperaldosteronism. She had no signs of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinological data showed excess of aldosterone production and nonsupressible cortisol production on 2 mg of dexamethasone. Magnetic resonance imaging showed left adrenal tumor. Transabdominal left adrenalectomy was performed and histopathological diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma. Her blood pressure and hypokalemia returned to normal after adrenalectomy. There is no recurrence after 36 months. We want to emphasis the importance of adrenal tests before the operation even if there are no signs of excess cortisol production. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.