Large idiopathic unilateral adrenal hematoma in a young woman

This is a case report on a young woman with a large idiopathic unilateral adrenal hematoma (AH). Only few cases of AH which were not associated with any trauma, previous surgery, coagulative or any other systemic disorders have been described. The mass was discovered by abdominal ultrasound which was performed for a recent flank pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a 13-cm sized lesion in the right hemi-abdomen; T1 and T2 weighed imaging was compatible with subacute-to-chronic adrenal hematoma. The lesion dislocated the liver and right kidney. Positron emission tomography (PET) did not show any significant radiotracer uptake by the mass. Serum cortisol, aldosterone, renin activity and DHEA-S were normal. Urinary catecholamines and free cortisol excretion were within the normal range too. The lesion was removed by transabdominal laparoscopic adrenalectomy without any complication. The histological exam confirmed a large subacute- to-chronic organized AH. In conclusion, in the absence of known risk factors, differential diagnosis of a large AH may not be easy. The possibility of an underlying pheochromocytoma, malignant adrenal or metastatic tumor must always be considered. In our patient, computed tomography (CT) scan and MRI suggested the presence of a large subacute-to-chronic AH, and PET excluded metabolic activity of the mass. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy can be the surgical treatment of choice in organized symptomatic AH. The correct diagnosis, early recognition and treatment of complications including adrenal insufficiency may decrease patient morbidity and mortality.