[Suprarenal hemorrhage as the first manifestation of a small cell pulmonary carcinoma. Presentation of a case].

OBJECTIVE

To report on a case of small cell lung carcinoma presenting as adrenal hemorrhage.

METHODS

A case of small cell lung carcinoma presenting as adrenal hemorrhage in a 60-year-old male is presented. The most important features of this tumor type and the adrenal metastasis are described.

RESULTS

Treatment with carboplatin and VP-16 was unsuccessful. A brain CT scan showed several space occupying parenchymal lesions. Palliative radiotherapy was administered. The patient's condition has progressively become worse. He is currently receiving only palliative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The adrenal gland is a common site of metastasis. One of the tumor types that frequently metastasize to the adrenals is small cell lung carcinoma, which is characterized by early local and systemic dissemination, associated paraneoplastic syndromes and its sensitivity to cytostatic agents. Adrenal metastasis from lung carcinoma should be suspected in patients with a large, heterogeneous, bilateral lesion.