Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Non-functional adrenocortical adenoma: a unique case of combination with myelolipoma and endothelial cysts
Sohsuke Yamada1, Akihide Tanimoto, Ke-Yong Wang
1Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan. sousuke@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
A case of non-functioning adrenocortical adenoma combined with myelolipoma and endothelial cysts is reported. A 72-year-old Japanese female was noticed to have right renal and left adrenal tumors by an abdominal CT scan. At surgery, the mildly enlarged left adrenal gland contained a well-demarcated tumor. Macroscopically, it was yellowish to dark red or grayish in color, and was characterized by geographic appearance on the cut surface. Histopathological examination revealed a solid proliferation of clear or compact cells and a normal rim of adrenal gland, coexisting with vascular multiple cysts and myelolipomas. The cysts were filled with clotted blood, fibrinous material, or thrombi, and were partially lined with flattened endothelial cells with focal papillary hyperplasia, which were immunohistochemically positive for CD31 and CD34. These cystic walls were often thickened with hyalinized fibrosis and calcification, and were connected to myelolipomatous elements. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of adrenocortical adenoma associated with myelolipoma and endothelial cysts. It is probable that the extensive degeneration in adenoma might induce myelolipomatous metaplasia and cystic vascular formation.
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...
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
The ER provides optimal conditions for synthesizing steroid hormones and lipids, such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Traditionally, lipid metabolism was considered to be a smooth ER function. However, there is no direct evidence to prove that rough ER is completely excluded from lipid...
