ARMC5 mutations in primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: a family case report

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of overt Cushing's syndrome (CS), which usually manifests as bilateral macronodular adrenal nodules and varying levels of cortisol secretion. Previous studies have shown that ARMC5 play a huge role in the occurrence of PBMAH, which may be inherited to family members and lead to more severe clinical symptoms. ARMC5 variants may be associated with meningiomas, which is also illustrated by our report.

This is a 41-year-old male patient with high blood pressure for 10 years and multiple adrenal nodules on both sides. In addition, the patient also suffered from pituitary microadenoma and meningioma. According to the patient's clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and the results of whole exon gene testing, we diagnosed the patient with PBMAH. The patient underwent a posterior laparoscopic nephrectomy of the left adrenal gland. Pathology reported a left macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, multifocal, 2 cm to 3 cm in diameter. Molecular analysis of DNA extracted from the patient's peripheral blood revealed an ARMC5 heterozygous mutation, which was classified as likely pathogenic.

Screening of family members of PBMAH patients with ARMC5 germline mutations and active monitoring of family members carrying ARMC5 variants are recommended.