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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
I G Hermsen1, M P J Polak, H R Haak
1Department of Internal Medicine, Máxima Medical Centre, P.O. Box 90052, 5600 PD, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. I.Hermsen@mmc.nl
This report describes a rare case of a 66-year-old man who presented with bilateral adrenal enlargement that spontaneously resolved over three months. Although clinicians initially suspected metastatic cancer, the patient showed no signs of hormonal imbalance or malignancy, and the adrenal glands returned to their normal size without specific intervention.
Area of Science:
Background:
No prior work has fully resolved the underlying etiology of transient, non-malignant adrenal gland expansion. It was already known that widespread utilization of diagnostic imaging frequently detects asymptomatic adrenal masses. Prior research has shown that most of these lesions remain stable or irreversible over time. That uncertainty drove the need to document rare cases of spontaneous resolution. Clinicians often struggle to distinguish between benign processes and metastatic disease in these patients. This gap motivated a closer look at atypical clinical presentations. Previous literature rarely addresses instances where such enlargements disappear without medical treatment. The current clinical framework remains limited when faced with these unusual radiological observations.
Purpose Of The Study:
The study aims to document a rare case of reversible bilateral adrenal enlargement in an asymptomatic patient. This report addresses the clinical challenge posed by adrenal masses discovered during routine imaging. The authors seek to highlight the limitations of current diagnostic frameworks when encountering transient adrenal findings. By presenting this case, the researchers intend to broaden the understanding of non-malignant adrenal mass behavior. The motivation stems from the scarcity of literature regarding adrenal enlargements that disappear without treatment. Clinicians often face uncertainty when distinguishing between benign and metastatic lesions in patients with a history of cancer. This work provides evidence that spontaneous normalization is a possible outcome for some adrenal masses. The authors hope to encourage more cautious management strategies for patients presenting with similar incidental findings.
Main Methods:
The review approach involved a detailed analysis of a single clinical case report. Investigators performed longitudinal monitoring of a 66-year-old male patient over a three-month duration. Medical staff utilized serial Computed Tomography scans to evaluate anatomical changes in the adrenal glands. The team conducted comprehensive laboratory testing to assess hormonal function and systemic health. Clinicians compared the patient’s radiological findings against established causes of gland expansion, such as hematomas or infections. Researchers reviewed the patient's medical history, specifically focusing on previous treatments for rectal carcinoma. The study design prioritized observational data collection to track the natural history of the masses. This methodology allowed the authors to document the spontaneous resolution of the observed lesions.
Main Results:
The strongest finding indicates that bilateral adrenal enlargement can spontaneously resolve to a normal state within three months. Initial imaging revealed significant mass presence, yet follow-up scans demonstrated a progressive decrease in size. Laboratory evaluations, including hormonal assessments, remained within normal ranges throughout the entire observation period. The patient’s Carcinoembryonic Antigen levels were normal, effectively ruling out metastatic recurrence from his prior rectal carcinoma. No clinical or radiological evidence of hematomas, cystic lesions, or infections appeared during the assessment. The patient remained asymptomatic regarding his adrenal status throughout the duration of the study. These results contrast with the typical progression of malignant or persistent adrenal masses. The data confirms that the observed enlargement was entirely reversible without any medical or surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that the current diagnostic framework for bilateral adrenal enlargement remains incomplete. This case highlights a rare instance where significant adrenal mass reduction occurred without therapeutic intervention. Clinicians should consider that some adrenal lesions might resolve spontaneously rather than progressing. The researchers suggest that existing differential diagnoses fail to account for all observed clinical scenarios. Future clinical practice may benefit from recognizing the possibility of reversible adrenal changes. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring patients before assuming malignancy in asymptomatic cases. This report serves as a reminder that not all incidental findings require aggressive diagnostic or surgical management. The evidence provided suggests that spontaneous normalization is a documented, albeit uncommon, clinical phenomenon.
The researchers propose that the adrenal glands underwent spontaneous resolution, as the patient exhibited no hormonal overproduction or clinical signs of infection, hematoma, or cystic lesions. Unlike typical metastatic cases, the mass size decreased over three months without any targeted medical or surgical intervention.
The authors utilized Computed Tomography (CT) scans to monitor the anatomical changes in the adrenal glands. This imaging tool allowed for the longitudinal assessment of the masses, confirming their initial enlargement and subsequent normalization over a three-month period.
The researchers suggest that a follow-up period is necessary because the patient's initial presentation mimicked metastatic disease. By reviewing the patient after one month, they were able to observe the beginning of the size reduction, which prevented unnecessary invasive procedures.
The authors relied on Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels to assess the likelihood of metastatic rectal carcinoma. While the patient had a history of cancer, the normal CEA results helped the team rule out active malignancy as the cause of the adrenal findings.
The researchers measured the physical dimensions of the adrenal glands via serial CT imaging. This phenomenon of spontaneous normalization is distinct from common causes like hemorrhage or infection, which typically present with specific radiological or laboratory markers absent in this patient.
The authors imply that clinicians should exercise caution before diagnosing malignancy in asymptomatic patients. They propose that the current differential diagnosis is insufficient, suggesting that some adrenal enlargements may be transient and benign, requiring observation rather than immediate intervention.