Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy in a patient with Carney syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Carney complex (CNC) is an extremely infrequent multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome characterized by distinctive pigmented skin and mucosal lesions, cardiac and noncardiac myxomatous tumors, and multiple endocrine tumors. We herein report a case of CNC and surgical and history of laparoscopic left adrenalectomy complicated with a primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD).

Presentation of case: We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of CNC and history of laparoscopic left adrenalectomy who consulted for severe depression refractory to medical treatment. In the laboratory tests performed, altered ACTH, prolactin, Somatomedin C-IGF-1 and estradiol. An abdomen and pelvis C/T scan was requested, where an 8 mm lesion was found at the level of the right adrenal gland. Laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. Histopathology of the surgical resection specimen revealed PPNAD.

Discussion: CNC is an infrequent syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance and genetically heterogeneous. PPNAD is a consistent feature in CNC patients, however, reports of Cushing's syndrome in the literature indicate that only 25-45 % of CNC patients have PPNAD.

Conclusion: PPNAD can be present in patients with Carney complex, with surgical adrenalectomy history. With an adequate selection of patients, laparoscopic adrenalectomy with subsequent hormone replacement therapy should be performed.

Keywords: Carney complex; Case report; Laparoscopic surgery; Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease; Unilateral adrenalectomy.