Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma mimicking pheochromocytoma: a diagnostic
Kirshima Kumari1, Nena Kumari1, Sira Jaffri1
1Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Abstract:
Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy is a paraneoplastic syndrome mediated by parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP). Adrenal masses may present a diagnostic challenge when clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings overlap with endocrine tumors such as pheochromocytoma. We report an 80-year-old man presenting with severe hypercalcemia, normal phosphate levels, elevated PTHrP, and suppressed intact parathyroid hormone. Imaging revealed an 8.8 cm heterogeneous left adrenal mass with hepatic and osseous lesions along with enlarged preauricular lymph nodes, suggestive of metastatic disease. Discordant catecholamine testing raised concern for pheochromocytoma; however, biopsy confirmed adrenocortical carcinoma. This case highlights the importance of integrating biochemical, radiological, and histopathological data in evaluating adrenal masses with atypical presentations.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

