An unusual case of adrenal failure due to isolated metastases of breast cancer

Organ-specific adaptive signaling pathway activation in metastatic breast cancer cells

Breast cancer metastasizes to bone, visceral organs, and/or brain depending on the subtype, which may involve activation of a host organ-specific signaling network in metastatic cells. To test this possibility, we determined gene expression patterns in MDA-MB-231 cells and its mammary fat pad tumor (TMD-231), lung-metastasis (LMD-231), bone-metastasis (BMD-231), adrenal-metastasis (ADMD-231) and brain-metastasis (231-BR) variants. When gene expression between metastases was compared, 231-BR cells showed the highest gene expression difference followed by ADMD-231, LMD-231, and BMD-231 cells. Neuronal transmembrane proteins SLITRK2, TMEM47, and LYPD1 were specifically overexpressed in 231-BR cells. Pathway-analyses revealed activation of signaling networks that would enable cancer cells to adapt to organs of metastasis such as drug detoxification/oxidative stress response/semaphorin neuronal pathway in 231-BR, Notch/orphan nuclear receptor signals involved in steroidogenesis in ADMD-231, acute phase response in LMD-231, and cytokine/hematopoietic stem cell signaling in BMD-231 cells. Only NF-κB signaling pathway activation was common to all except BMD-231 cells. We confirmed NF-κB activation in 231-BR and in a brain metastatic variant of 4T1 cells (4T1-BR). Dimethylaminoparthenolide inhibited NF-κB activity, LYPD1 expression, and proliferation of 231-BR and 4T1-BR cells. Thus, transcriptome change enabling adaptation to host organs is likely one of the mechanisms associated with organ-specific metastasis and could potentially be targeted therapeutically.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the adrenal gland: a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency

Although it is a rare entity, primary lymphoma of the adrenal gland should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bilateral nodular adrenal lesions, particularly when there is evidence of associated adrenal insufficiency. We describe the case of an 83-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department due to a month's history of asthenia, weight loss, anorexia and nausea. Abdominopelvic CT showed bilateral nodular lesions of adrenal glands and a stimulation test with tetracosactide was compatible with primary adrenal insufficiency. CT-guided biopsy of the left adrenal gland was performed, and histopathological results were consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Positron emission tomography (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose detected two intensely hypermetabolic lesions limited to both adrenal glands. Replacement therapy with hydrocortisone 15 mg/day and fludrocortisone 0.1 mg/day was promptly started and chemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone was initiated after haematology-oncology consultation.

Metastatic carcinoma of the breast: the appearances of metastatic spread to the abdomen and pelvis as demonstrated by CT

This review illustrates some CT appearances of metastatic breast cancer in the subdiaphragmatic abdomen and pelvis. Such manifestations are not uncommon in advanced disease and familiarity will enable confident diagnosis in patients at risk for metastatic disease.

An unusual cause of syncope

We present an unusual cause for syncope that was initially thought to be due to drug therapy. Further investigations revealed the cause to be secondary to hypoadrenalism from a primary breast tumour. This case highlights the importance of arriving at the right diagnosis as signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can mimic other conditions. Appropriate treatment also improves quality of life.

Adrenal Insufficiency Caused by Bilateral Adrenal Metastases – a Rare Treatable Cause for Recurrent Nausea and Vomiting in Metastatic Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in patients with malignant disease. Several, sometimes rare causes have to be considered to decide the right treatment.

CASE REPORT

We report of a patient suffering from advanced breast cancer and complaining of severe nausea and vomiting over several weeks without any successful treatment. Later on, she developed marked hyperpigmentation of the skin and hypo-osmolar dehydration. Adrenal enlargement was noted in an abdominal scan. The suspected diagnosis of primary adrenocortical insufficiency due to metastases was confirmed by laboratory tests. After replacement therapy with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, the general condition of the patient improved dramatically and the symptoms of nausea and vomiting disappeared completely.

CONCLUSION

If a patient with advanced cancer presents with unexplained and protracted nausea, vomiting and weakness, particularly if accompanied by hyponatremia and normal potassium levels, adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal metastases should be considered.

Metastatic tumours of the adrenal glands: a 30-year experience in a teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE

Adrenal metastases are frequently encountered during autopsy but uncommonly present clinically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological impact of adrenal metastases in a large series of patients.

PATIENTS

Four hundred and sixty-four patients (288 men, 176 women) with metastatic disease in the adrenal glands over a 30-year period were included in the study.

MEASUREMENTS

The clinical records and pathological features were reviewed.

RESULTS

The frequencies of adrenal metastases at autopsies, adrenalectomies and fine-needle aspiration biopsies were 3.1%, 7.5% and 33%, respectively. The lesions were often seen in elderly patients (mean age, 62, SD = 13 years). Many of the metastatic lesions in the adrenal gland occurred shortly after the detection of a primary tumour (mean latent period = 7 months). Four per cent of the adrenal lesions (n = 20) were symptomatic. The symptomatic adrenal lesions, as compared with asymptomatic ones, were bigger and seen in younger patients. Five patients presented with adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and one had massive peritoneal haemorrhage because of metastatic carcinoma. Ninety per cent (n = 421) of the metastatic adrenal tumours were carcinomas and 56% of these were adenocarcinoma. Lung was the most common primary tumour site (35%), followed by the stomach (14%), the oesophagus (12%) and the liver/bile ducts (10%). The adrenal metastases were bilateral in approximately half of the patients (49%, n = 229). The mean diameter of the adrenal metastases was 2 cm (SD = 1.9 cm). The mean weight of the right adrenal gland harbouring the metastasis was 19 g, while that of the left 20 g. The median survival of the 20 patients with symptomatic adrenal lesions was 3 months (range, 0-75 months) after the detection of adrenal metastases. Patients with surgically removed adrenal metastases had slightly better survival rates than those without surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of tumours may give rise to adrenal metastases. They are often asymptomatic and detected as part of multiorgan metastases. Symptomatic cases, albeit rare, may occur. Long-term survival may be achieved in selected patients in whom an aggressive surgical approach may be adopted.