Aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical adenoma with oncocytic change and cytoplasmic eosinophilic globular inclusions.

Abstract

We report an interesting morphological alteration in the adrenal of a 72-year-old woman suffering from severe hypertension due to primary hyperaldosteronism. The laparoscopic left adrenalectomy specimen revealed an adrenal cortical adenoma composed of varying proportions of oncocytic and clear cells, predominantly showing central oncocytic change. Oncocytes also exhibited numerous eosinophilic intracytoplasmic globular inclusions, which are not commonly observed in aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical adenomas. Ultrastructural study revealed that the inclusions originated in degenerating mitochondria, explaining their association with the oncocytic phenotype of the tumor.

• Authors: Ozgur Mete, Sylvia L Asa
• Journal: Endocrine pathology (Endocr Pathol) Vol. 20 Issue 3 Pg. 182-5 ( 2009) ISSN: 1559-0097 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19462261 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents
• Aldosterone

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms (complications, pathology, surgery)
• Adrenocortical Adenoma (complications, pathology, surgery)
• Aged
• Aldosterone (metabolism)
• Antihypertensive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperaldosteronism (etiology)
• Hypertension (drug therapy, etiology)
• Inclusion Bodies (pathology)
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission