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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
A case of non-functioning huge adrenocortical carcinoma extending into inferior vena cava and right atrium
Kye Hun Kim1, Jong Chun Park, Sang Yup Lim
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Gwangju, Korea.
Abstract:
Primary adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor and its usual sites of metastasis are the lung (71%), lymph node (68%), liver (42%), and bone (26%). However, intracaval invasion extending into the right atrium is very rare and spontaneous regression of tumor burden in adrenal carcinoma is also rare. We report a case of ACC with direct invasion of the inferior vena cava and right atrium. A 34-yr-old male patient presented with progressive dyspnea, weight loss, and poor oral intake over 3 months. Non-functioning ACC with direct invasion of the inferior vena cava and right atrium was confirmed by imaging, pathologic, and hormonal study. Chemo-radiotherapy was attempted. However, tumor burden was not changed, but rather toxic hepatitis and thrombocytopenia were developed. His subjective symptoms and general conditions were improved after 1 month of conservative management and the patient was discharged. During clinical follow-up, this tumor showed spontaneous regression.
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