PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 63-year-old lady with incidental findings of adrenal tumour on computed tomography (CT) scan during a routine medical check-up. She underwent tumour resection in view of a large tumour of 7 cm in size.
DISCUSSION: CT scan is sensitive to diagnose adrenal myelolipoma in view of its fat-laden property and useful to monitor the tumour progress. Even previously she opted for conservative management; the decision for surgery was made in view of enlarging tumour and risk of surrounding tissue compression.
CONCLUSION: With increased awareness, the detection rate of this tumour is improving, hence able to prevent the complications of a large tumour such as compression, bleeding and tumour necrosis.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 41-year-old man with previous bilateral pheochromocytoma presented with chest pain. He was suffering from cardiac failure and persistent hypotension requiring an inotrope. Cardiac markers, an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram confirmed acute myocardial infarct with poor ejection fraction and global hypokinesia. An (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scan showed progressive left suprarenal and organ of Zuckerkandl pheochromocytomas. Blood pressure stabilisation proved challenging but was achieved by titrating an incremental dose of α-blocker against a tapering inotropic dose.
CONCLUSION: This case showed the efficacy of an α-blocker despite persistent hypotension in a patient with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathy.
Learning points: Cushing's syndrome can present in many ways, a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis, as often patients present with only few of the pathognomonic symptoms and signs of the syndrome.Proximal lower-limb girdle myopathy is common in Cushing's syndrome. Less often long-term exposure of excess glucocorticoid production can also affect other muscles including respiratory muscle and the diaphragm leading to progressive shortness of breath and even acute respiratory failure.Treatment of Cushing's myopathy involves treating the underlying cause that is hypercortisolism. Various medications have been suggested to hinder the development of GC-induced myopathy, but their effects are poorly analysed.