Two unusual cases of adrenal masses referable to extramedullary hematopoiesis observed in the last 7 years in patients with β-thalassemia are reported. An ultrasonography pointed hypoehoic dyshomogeneous adrenal mass, with a maximum diameter respectively of 8 and 7 cm. TC and RMN didn't reach a precise diagnosis of nature. Percutaneous fine-needle biopsy was not diagnostic in the first case, while it has not been performed for refusal of the patient in the second case. The surgical intervention was enucleation in the first case, while in the second case only an incisional biopsy has been performed. Both patients are alive and in good health at 79 and 12 months. It is suggested that, in presence of an adrenal incidentaloma, even though diagnostic elements suspicious for malignancy are present, the anamnestic element of chronic anemia, in any case, should lead to a preoperative cytologic or histological diagnosis so as to avoid an otherwise unnecessary exploratory laparotomy.

Adrenal extramedullary hematopoiesis in patients with β-thalassemia

Calo P. G.;Nicolosi A.;
1999-01-01

Abstract

Two unusual cases of adrenal masses referable to extramedullary hematopoiesis observed in the last 7 years in patients with β-thalassemia are reported. An ultrasonography pointed hypoehoic dyshomogeneous adrenal mass, with a maximum diameter respectively of 8 and 7 cm. TC and RMN didn't reach a precise diagnosis of nature. Percutaneous fine-needle biopsy was not diagnostic in the first case, while it has not been performed for refusal of the patient in the second case. The surgical intervention was enucleation in the first case, while in the second case only an incisional biopsy has been performed. Both patients are alive and in good health at 79 and 12 months. It is suggested that, in presence of an adrenal incidentaloma, even though diagnostic elements suspicious for malignancy are present, the anamnestic element of chronic anemia, in any case, should lead to a preoperative cytologic or histological diagnosis so as to avoid an otherwise unnecessary exploratory laparotomy.
1999
Hematopoiesis extramedullary
Thalassaemia
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11584/292769
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