Adrenocortical adenoma producing 18-hydroxycorticosterone

A 30-year-old man presented at our hospital with microscopic hematuria. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scanning revealed a right adrenal mass measuring 20 × 20mm. The tumor was asymptomatic, but there was obvious accumulation on the right side when scintigraphy was performed with radioactive iodine (131I)-labeled adosterol. Endocrinology studies showed elevation of the plasma cortisol and renin concentrations, while the plasma aldosterone level was low. Right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done on July 4, 1994. Histologic examination showed an adrenocortical adenoma. Serum levels of adrenocortical hormones were measured before and after surgery, and the tissue content for the same hormones was determined in the resected tumor. The hormonal studies showed that the tumor produced 1 8-hydroxycorticosterone.