engleski

ECTOPIC ADRENAL TISSUE IN THE SPERMATIC CORD OF A PATIENT WITH SEMINOMA

Ectopic adrenal tissue is not an uncommon clinical finding. Papers have been published locating ectopic adrenal tissue at various sites, most frequently in relation to the kidney, but the existence of ectopic adrenal tissue in structures around the spermatic cord is rather rare. We present a patient with adrenal tissue inside the spermatic cord. A 26-year-old man underwent orchidectomy due to testicular tumor. Epididymis with the testis measuring 7x5x2.5 cm and funicular structures 8x2.5 cm were sent for histopathologic analysis. On the cut surface inside testicular parenchyma, a tumor measuring up to 2 cm, histologically pure seminoma, was found. Inside the resected edge of the spermatic cord, an organoid structure was noticed. Microscopically, cortical layers of the adrenal gland were visible and calcifications were seen in medullar area. Ectopic adrenocortical nodule along the spermatic cord is a far more common finding than has previously been reported ; it is found in 2% of pediatric patients having surgery in inguinal or testicular area, its origin being attributed to an embryologic defect. The clinical significance of ectopic adrenal tissue is usually minimal but in certain situations, it may be of importance. It can become functional and result in Conn's syndrome, extreme virilization or Cushing's syndrome. It may also cause relapse of disease in patients having undergone adrenalectomy because of Cushing's syndrome. Also, abnormality in the ectopic tissue may mimic lymphadenopathy or tumors in other abdominal organs. We describe ectopic adrenal tissue as a secondary finding in a patient with testicular seminoma. To our knowledge, it is the second such case reported in English literature.

spermatic cord; adrenal tissue

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