Unilateral nodular adrenal hyperplasia: Case series

Abstract

Introduction: Nodular adrenal hyperplasia is one of rare causes of adrenocortical hyperplasia. The disease usually presents bilaterally. Few publications discussed the possibility of unilateral disease, in association with hyperaldosteronism or Cushing syndrome.
Case series: We are reporting 3 cases of radiologically evident unilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Two cases were diagnosed as having hyperaldosteronism and one case as having Cushing syndrome. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done for all the cases. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia. Excellent outcomes were achieved post-surgery.
Conclusion: Unilateral nodular hyperplasia is an existent pathology affecting our patients with hyperaldosteronism and Cushing syndrome. The disease may not be rare but actually overlooked as the nodular hyperplasia may be <1 cm.

Keywords: Adrenal hyperplasia; Cushing syndrome; Hyperaldosteronism;  Adrenalectomy; Hypertension