Adrenal haemangioma

Abstract

Adrenal haemangioma is a rare, benign, non-functioning neoplasm. Haemangiomas are tumours mainly affecting the liver. In 1955, Johnson and Jeppesen described the fi rst adrenal cavernous haemangioma. Here the authors report a large adrenal haemangioma presenting in a 75-year-old woman who had experienced left fl ank pain for 5 months. Laboratory examinations and the plasma levels of tumour markers in the patient were within normal limits. Imaging with ultrasound and CT showed a heterogeneous 15x14x18 cm mass located in the left adrenal gland. The tumour showed irregular peripheral enhancement after bolus intravenous injection of contrast medium. The mass was removed surgically and histopathology revealed infracted cavernous haemangioma. No signs of malignancy were detected. Although rare, haemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of adrenal neoplasms. Copyright 2011 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.