Adrenal myelolipoma: A case report

Abstract

Diagnosis of adrenal tumor by inspection of images such as CT and MRI is sometimes difficult, with the additional challenge of differentiating between benign and malignant tumors. However, diagnostic imaging of adrenal myelolipoma is perhaps easier if the tumor has an apparent fatty component. We herein report a case of adrenal myelolipoma that was diagnosed by contrast-enhanced CT, where a severely obese patient was required to lose weight before surgery could be carried out. The patient was a 43-year-old man with a right adrenal mass pointed out by abdominal ultrasonography. CT scan revealed a right adrenal tumor measuring 56 mm in diameter, which was suggestive of adrenal myelolipoma. There were no signs of endocrinological activity. After the patient lost weight over a period of six months, laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was carried out. Pathological diagnosis was adrenal myelolipoma.