Primary Bilateral Adrenal Lymphoma

Abstract

We report a case of primary bilateral adrenal non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), with hypercalcemia at the time of presentation. Medical literature review showed that this is an extremely rare site for lymphoma, but presents a distinct clinical entity with many features that differ from NHL overall, extranodal NHL, and NHL in other endocrine organs. The diagnosis is frequently not suspected antemortem, and long delays between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis are frequent. Adrenal insufficiency is also common, and may be a lethal complication of these tumors. Response to therapy and survival are extremely poor.

Key Words:

• Adrenal non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL)
• hypercalcemia
• adrenal insufficiency