Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Corticomedullary mixed adrenal tumor: case report and literature review
Krystallenia I Alexandraki1, Othon P Michail, Afrodite Nonni
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athen, Greece. krisalex@med.uoa.gr
Abstract:
We report a 66-year-old woman with a mixed corticomedullary tumor of the left adrenal gland. The patient was found to harbor an adrenal incidentaloma while investigated for a spigelian hernia. Due to the atypical radiological features and the relatively large size of the adrenal lesion she underwent a left adrenalectomy following endocrine testing to exclude a functional lesion. Subclinical Cushing's syndrome was suggested by the failure to obtain adequate cortisol suppression (less than 1.8 microg/dL) following dexamethasone administration pre-operatively; cortisol suppression was restored postoperatively following the excision of the tumor. Histology was consistent with a corticomedullary mixed adenoma, a lesion for which, there is paucity of published data regarding its natural history and long term outcome. The finding of this case highlights the importance of this extremely rare entity which should be included in the long list of causes of adrenal incidentaloma since cases with intra-operative complications have been described. The previously reported reappearance of this tumor in the contralateral adrenal gland emphasizes the need for prolonged follow-up.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...