[A case of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) with a mutation in the RET gene]

A 44-year-old woman complained of headache and palpitation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral adrenal tumors 10 x 9 cm in size on the left side and 8 x 4 cm in size on the right side. CT scan revealed a 0.7 x 0.7 cm mass in the thyroid. Hormonal examinations showed high values of urinary cathecholamines and serum calcitonin. DNA sequence analysis of peripheral white blood cells revealed that codon 634 in exon 11 of the RET gene was mutated from TGC (Cys) to TAC (Tyr). From these findings, a diagnosis was made of MEN2A with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas and medullary thyroid carcinoma. Bilateral adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy were performed. The same mutation of the RET gene was detected in all her 3 children, in two of whom, early stage medullary thyroid carcinoma was detected and thyroidectomy was performed. DNA analysis of the RET gene was useful for the diagnosis of carriers of MEN2A and the early detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma.