A Rare Case of Collision Tumor: Coexistence of Adrenocortical Adenoma and Pheochromocytoma in the Same Adrenal Gland

Abstract

Simultaneous occurrence of both adrenocortical adenoma and pheochromocytoma in the same adrenal gland is extremely rare in the literature. We report a 38-year-old female who presented with palpitation, chest pain and tremor with a right adrenal mass consistent with adrenocortical adenoma on computed tomography. Both metanephrine and normetanephrine levels were high in the urine. The biochemical tests strongly suggested the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Pathological examination of the adrenalectomy specimen revealed a collision tumor composed of an adrenocortical adenoma and a pheochromocytoma. Although rare, the present case is noteworthy in highlighting the importance of conducting biochemical tests to rule out pheochromocytoma for any adrenal mass prior to surgery.




J Med Cases. 2012;3(1):63-67
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc451w