A case of adrenal cavernous hemangioma resected due to tumor growth accompanied by intratumoral hemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: We describe a case of an adrenal cavernous hemangioma that was surgically resected because of tumor growth and intratumoral hemorrhage.

Case presentation: A 73-year-old woman presented with an enlarged adrenal tumor and intratumoral hemorrhage during the follow-up of an incidental adrenal tumor. A computed tomography showed that the left adrenal tumor had grown from 23 to 44 mm over 1 year. Blood tests revealed a normal metabolic profile. Paragangliomas and metastatic tumors were suspected on imaging. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed to prevent tumor rupture due to further bleeding. No adhesions or bleeding were observed around the tumor during surgery. Pathological diagnosis was adrenal cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusion: Adrenal cavernous hemangioma is difficult to distinguish preoperatively from other adrenal tumors, including malignant tumors. The intraoperative findings of this case suggest that laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe treatment option for relatively small adrenal cavernous hemangioma.

Keywords: adrenal tumor; adrenalectomy; cavernous hemangioma; intratumoral hemorrhage; laparoscopic.