Adrenocortical tumours in children: our experience with nine cases

Nine cases of adrenocortical tumor are presented, six were males. Four were less than three years and five were between 5 and 10 years of age. Clinical virilization was found in 8 children, one had only signs of hypercortisolism and another showed signs of virilization and hypercortisolism simultaneously. Urinary 17-KS and 17-OHCS were high in all patients. Plasma levels of testosterone and of the other adrenal androgens were high in all the cases tested. Plasma level of cortisol was elevated only in few cases. In two out of five cases steroids were only partially suppressed by dexamethasone. Computed tomography and abdominal sonography have been useful tools for the localization of the tumour. The resection of the tumour, independent of histopathological diagnosis, led to a complete normalization of the clinical and hormonal picture in eight cases evaluated at a distance of 2 months 10 years after surgery. In one case a hepatic metastasis was observed and removed three years after surgery.