Adrenocortical neoplasms with myelolipomatous and lipomatous metaplasia: report of 3 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To present pathologic and radiographic features of 3 patients with adrenocortical neoplasms-2 with uncertain malignant potential and 1 adenoma with areas of myelolipomatous and lipomatous metaplasia.

METHODS

We describe 3 patients who had adrenocortical neoplasms with foci of myelolipomatous and lipomatous metaplasia. For each patient, the clinical and pathologic data are reviewed.

RESULTS

All 3 patients were women, with a mean age at presentation of 58 years. The lesion size averaged 6.8 cm (range, 3.9 to 11.0), and the mean gland weight was 128.8 g (range, 32.5 to 249). Two patients showed imaging findings compatible with adrenal myelolipoma. Pathologically, 2 of the lesions were classified as adrenocortical neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential, and 1 lesion was classified as an adrenocortical adenoma. All 3 lesions contained myelolipomatous foci throughout the neoplasm, and 2 of the tumors contained several pure lipomatous foci.

CONCLUSION

Adrenocortical neoplasms, including those associated with an uncertain malignant potential, may be associated with areas of myelolipomatous and lipomatous metaplasia. Imaging studies may result in a false diagnosis of a benign adrenal myelolipoma and potential undertreatment in such patients.