Incidental ectopic adrenal cortical tissue: Retrospective analysis of 16 patients

To evaluate ectopic adrenal cortical tissue (EACT) and identify clinical, pathological and radiological aspects.

Retrospective review of pathology reports in a single tertiary institution between 2010 and 2020 was conducted. Patients diagnosed with EACT were included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, accompanying pathologies and clinicopathological and radiological findings of these patients were analyzed.

There was a total of 17 patients in the cohort. Fifteen were boys and 2 were adults (1 male). The mean diameter of the EACT nodule was 0.25 cm (range 0.2-0.5 cm). All EACTs were incidentally diagnosed. Seven EACTs were diagnosed during an inguinal hernia repair, 6 during orchidopexy, 1 during partial orchiectomy, 2 during orchiectomy and 1 during hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy due to uterine prolapse.

EACT is a rare entity that is mostly found incidentally during inguinoscrotal interventions. Radiological discrimination of EACT may not be easy and thus, not detected prior to surgery. Clinical significance of EACT is not very well understood, however it tends to be a benign pathology. Although it is more commonly found in children, adults may present with EACT, as well.

A tiny yellowish nodule detected in the inguinoscrotal region should be suspected for EACT by pediatric urologists, surgeons, and pathologists.