Endogenous Hypercortisolism in a Patient With Addison’s Disease: An Unusual Case of Adrenal Cortical Adenoma
March 2026
in “
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
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TLDR Adrenal tumors should be considered in Addison's disease if unusual results appear, with surgery as a solution.
This case report details a rare instance of ACTH-independent endogenous hypercortisolism in a 64-year-old woman with long-standing Addison’s disease. Despite discontinuing glucocorticoid therapy, the patient exhibited symptoms of hypercortisolism, leading to the discovery of a left adrenal mass. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed an adrenal cortical adenoma. The patient resumed hydrocortisone therapy post-surgery and was discharged in stable condition. The study concludes that functional adrenal tumors should be considered in Addison’s disease when biochemical results are atypical, and adrenalectomy provides definitive management for ACTH-independent hypercortisolism.
