Haemorrhagic Shock from the Spontaneous Rupture of an Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma. A Case Report

Abstract

Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare endocrine neoplasm which can be either functioning or non-functioning. Usually, patients refer to the doctor because of abdominal pain or symptoms associated with the mass effect. We present an unusual case of a patient with adrenal cortical carcinoma who was immediately operated due to massive retroperitoneal haemorrhage following the spontaneous rupture of the tumour. Adrenal cortical carcinoma should enter in differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal haemorrhage. Surgeons should be familiar with this clinical entity and attempt complete resection if possible.

Key Words:

• Adrenal gland
• adrenal cortical carcinoma
• retroperitoneal haemorrhage

Additional information

Notes on contributors

J. S. Stamoulis

J. S. Stamoulis sd Department of Propedeutic surgery Laiko Hospital Ag. Thoma, 17 GR-11527 Athens, Greece Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]