Abstract
Adrenal tumors are considered malignant neoplasias and few studies distinguish between affected children from adults. We compared clinical, hormonal and pathological aspects and outcome in a group of children and adults with adrenal tumors secreting glycocorticoids and/or androgens. Pathologic classification was according to Weiss: Grades I and II-benign. Grade III-suspected malignancy and Grade IV-malignant. 15 caucasian children with chronological age 0.6 to 14.58 years (X=+3.22 wirh virilization(V) 14 cases, Cushing's syndrome (C) 1 case and V + C - 2 rases. Only one out of 9 children with V had normal Cortisol suppression after dexamethasene. Duration of disease was from 0.25 to 5.51 y.(X= l,45y.). All children had unilateral adrenelectomy (associated to nephrectomy in 2) and metastasis were not observed at surgery. The children were followed for 0.5-1 y. (4 cases), 1-4 y. (5 cases) and> 5 y, (6 cases) and all are clinically and biochemically cured.
20 adults (Caucasian except 1 black) ages 18 to 57 y. (X=35y.)had V (7 cases), C-S (12 cases) and V+C (1 case). Only one adult out of 6 with V had normal Cortisol suppression after dexamethasone. Duration of disease was from 0.25 to 5 y.(X=2y.). All adults had unilateral adrenalectomy (associated to ipsilateral nephrectomy in 5 cases, 3 with hepatic, pulmonary or lymph node metastasis).
We concluded that: 1) The female sex, is more affected in both age groups; 2) Virilization is more common in children and Cushing's syndrome in adults; 3) lack of Cortisol suppression after dexamethasone administration suggests glycocorticoid secretion by virilizing tumors in children and adults; 4) Weiss classification did not predict outcome accurately and 5) The outcome in children was more benign than in adults.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Menezes, C., Camargo, M., Sarno, F. et al. COMPARISON OF ADRENAL TUMORS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Pediatr Res 28, 423 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199010000-00048
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199010000-00048