Primary spinal intramedullary adrenal cortical adenoma associated with spinal dysraphism: case report

Neurosurgery. 2006 Nov;59(5):E1144; discussion E1144. doi: 10.1227/01.NEU.0000245588.31334.83.

Abstract

Objective: The authors report a primary spinal intramedullary adrenal cortical adenoma in a patient with spinal dysraphism presenting with bilateral leg pain and urinary frequency.

Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging, L2 laminectomy with resection of mass, and pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of resected mass revealed the diagnosis.

Results: Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis as a primary intramedullary tumor of adrenal cortical origin.

Conclusion: The occurrence of a primary adrenal tumor in the spinal cord is rare and difficult to explain based on our understanding of embryology. A review of the relevant literature and discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical implications is provided.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / complications
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / complications
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adrenocortical Adenoma / surgery*
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Spinal Dysraphism / complications*
  • Spinal Dysraphism / diagnosis
  • Spinal Dysraphism / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome