Macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia in a postmenopausal woman
Mijnhout, G.S.; Danner, S.A.; van de Goot, F.R.W.; van Dam, E.W.C.M.
Netherlands Journal of Medicine 62(11): 454-455
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-2977 PMID: 15685897 Document Number: 571622
This case report describes the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome due to macronodular adrenal hyperplasia in an elderly woman who presented with fatigue, muscle weakness and oedema, and recent excessive bruising. Long-standing disease and comorbidity precluded adrenalectomy. Despite treatment with metyrapone and diuretics, the patient died after two months hospitalisation. Postmortal examination revealed overexpression of luteinising hormone (LH) receptors in the adrenal glands, suggesting that the postmenopausal rise in LH may have a role in adrenal hyperplasia and hypercortisolism.