Computerized-tomography-guided percutaneous tumor ablation using acetic acid injection in an aldosterone-producing tumor--a novel therapy.

We report the first case of an adrenocortical tumor that was successfully ablated using computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous acetic acid injection. A 57-year-old woman presented with recurrent sudden onset of general weakness, polyuria, hypokalemia and low plasma renin activity with a high aldosterone level. The computerized tomogram and sonogram of the abdomen demonstrated a well-defined low-density tumor in the right adrenal gland. Under CT guidance, we successfully ablated the tumor using percutaneous acetic acid injection. This procedure took only 40 minutes and required only local anesthesia. The patient was up and walking the following day. During the next 2 years of clinical follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor recurrence.