Hypercortisolism and hyperandrogenism as manifestations of adrenal adenoma. Report on a Mexican girl and review of the literature

Resumen

Background: Adrenal cortex tumors (ACT) are extremely rare in children and adolescents. Only 0.2% of all the new cases of cancer diagnosed in the United Stated and Europe are adrenal cortex tumors. The international incidence is not well defined, since it differs demographically. Due to the rarity of these tumors in children, little is known about their natural history.

Case report: 11 months old female patient who developed, at the age of nine months,acne in forehead and thorax, also, weight gain, facial hair, apocrine activity, appearance of pubic hair, and hirsutism, increase of appetite, altered sleep-vigil cycle, increased height with accelerated growth velocity. From a biochemical standpoint, alterations in cortisol, showed an increase in morning and evening cortisol levels, as well as androgens. CT scan showed an adrenal mass on the right side not dependent of the kidney, which was completely resected. The  histopathology report was of adenoma of the adrenal cortex. Currently, the patient is asymptomatic and is followed at the Endocrinology Service with dose reduction of steroid.

Conclusion: Because adrenal cortex tumors are extremely rare in children, a small percentage appears with virilization data and Cushing’s syndrome. For this reason, we should be aware of their existence in order to make the diagnosis and treat them as soon as possible.