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Angiotropic large cell lymphoma presenting as primary adrenal insufficiency
1Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8070, USA.
Human Pathology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Angiotropic large cell lymphoma can cause primary adrenal insufficiency. This rare lymphoma infiltrates adrenal glands, leading to hormone deficiency and potentially fatal metabolic complications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Angiotropic large cell lymphoma is a rare malignancy.
- Primary adrenal insufficiency results from adrenal gland dysfunction.
Observation:
- Two patients with angiotropic large cell lymphoma presented with metabolic acidosis and hypotension.
- Autopsy revealed symmetrically enlarged adrenal glands with engorged cortical vessels filled with neoplastic lymphoid cells.
- Adrenal parenchymal cells were compressed and atrophic.
Findings:
- The adrenal glands showed infiltration by neoplastic lymphoid cells of B-cell lineage.
- This pattern suggests angiotropic large cell lymphoma as a cause of adrenal damage.
Implications:
- Angiotropic large cell lymphoma is a newly recognized cause of primary adrenal insufficiency.
- This diagnosis should be considered in patients with unexplained adrenal hormone deficiency.