Primary spinal intramedullary adrenal cortical adenoma associated with spinal dysraphism: case report.

OBJECTIVE

The authors report a primary spinal intramedullary adrenal cortical adenoma in a patient with spinal dysraphism presenting with bilateral leg pain and urinary frequency.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging, L2 laminectomy with resection of mass, and pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of resected mass revealed the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Microscopic and immunohistochemical findings confirmed the diagnosis as a primary intramedullary tumor of adrenal cortical origin.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of a primary adrenal tumor in the spinal cord is rare and difficult to explain based on our understanding of embryology. A review of the relevant literature and discussion of the pathophysiology and clinical implications is provided.