Approach to the Patient With Bilateral Adrenal Masses.

Dimitra Argyro Vassiliadi, Olga Papalou, Stylianos Tsagarakis, Danae Anastasia Delivanis

Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism 2024;109(8):2136-2148

PMID: 38478374

Abstract

Bilateral adrenal masses, increasingly encountered in clinical practice, manifest across diverse contexts, including incidental discovery, malignancy staging, and targeted imaging after hormonal diagnosis of adrenal disorders. The spectrum encompasses various pathologies, such as cortical adenomas, macronodular adrenal disease, pheochromocytomas, myelolipomas, infiltrative disorders, and primary and secondary malignancies. Notably, not all masses in both adrenal glands necessarily share the same etiology, often exhibiting diverse causes. Recently, the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors updated guidelines, introduced a 4-option schema based on imaging, aiding in targeted hormonal testing and management. This "Approach to the Patient" review delves into the latest advancements in imaging, biochemical, and genetic approaches for the diagnostic and management nuances of bilateral adrenal masses. It provides insights and a contemporary framework for navigating the complexities associated with this clinical entity.

© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact [email protected] for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact [email protected].

Address: Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (ENDO-ERN), Evangelismos Hospital, 10676, Athens, Greece.; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (ENDO-ERN), Evangelismos Hospital, 10676, Athens, Greece.; Private Practice, 10675, Athens, Greece.
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