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Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy in an infant with an adrenocortical tumor
Jakob Hauser1, Stefan Riedl, Ina Michel-Behnke
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and cDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. jakob.hauser@meduniwien.ac.at
Insights
A rare adrenal tumor caused Cushing's syndrome in an infant, leading to heart problems. Surgical removal resolved the condition, normalizing weight and heart function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nonfamilial cardiomyopathies in children are rarely linked to endocrine disorders.
- Adrenocortical tumors can secrete hormones, causing systemic effects.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old infant presented with Cushing's syndrome, virilization, and severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a large adrenal tumor with elevated androgen and cortisol levels.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the adrenocortical tumor was successful.
- Postoperative management included careful glucocorticoid substitution and tapering.
- Histopathology confirmed an intermediate-grade adrenocortical tumor without metastasis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for adrenocortical tumors to cause severe cardiomyopathy in infants.
- Successful surgical and endocrine management can lead to complete recovery.
- Provides valuable insights into postoperative glucocorticoid management in pediatric cases.
Abstract:
Nonfamilial cardiomyopathies in childhood have been only sporadically ascribed to endocrine disorders. We report on a 4-month-old male infant presenting with Cushing's syndrome associated with excessive body weight (8.9 kg; >97th percentile) and features of virilization (Tanner stage 2 for pubic hair development). Abdominal sonography showed a large adrenal tumor. Echocardiography revealed myocardial hypertrophy with severe subaortic obstruction. Blood tests showed excessive androgen and cortisol serum levels with absent circadian rhythm as well as suppressed corticotropin. Urine catecholamine levels were within the normal range. Tumor resection with general anesthesia was performed after preparation with antihypertensive and anticongestive drug therapy. Continuous intravenous hydrocortisone substitution was started intraoperatively and subsequently tapered and switched to oral administration after 12 days. A gradual reduction in glucocorticoid substitution and its discontinuation after a total duration of 9 months were well tolerated. Histopathologic workup revealed an adrenocortical tumor of intermediate dignity. Postoperative tumor staging excluded both residual primary tumor and metastases. Both a normalization of body weight and myocardial mass were observed. The present article is, to our knowledge, the first to describe severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy caused by an adrenocortical tumor and provides novel detailed data on postoperative glucocorticoid management.
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