Bilateral cystic adrenal masses in the neonate associated with the incomplete form of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Management of adrenal masses in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic overgrowth and cancer predisposition syndrome, associated with both benign and malignant adrenal findings. Literature review and an institutional case series elucidate the wide spectrum of adrenal findings in BWS patients. The altered expression of the 11p15 region is likely related to adrenal gland hyperplasia and growth dysregulation. Given the absence of guidelines for managing adrenal findings in BWS, we propose a systematic approach to adrenal findings in BWS patients, to allow for maximum detection of potentially malignant pathology without posing additional risk to patients.

Adrenal cytomegaly is a frequent pathologic finding in hemoglobin bart hydrops fetalis

Adrenocortical cytomegaly (AC) is a relatively uncommon phenomenon but tends to occur in certain situations, including specific congenital anomalies and hydrops due to maternal-fetal Rhesus incompatibility. Because the pathology in the latter condition does not differ greatly from hemoglobin (Hb) Bart hydrops fetalis, we performed a retrospective review of fetal and perinatal autopsy cases with Hb Bart to determine the prevalence of AC in that condition. Over a 10-year period (2001-2010) at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, there were 16 hydropic cases confirmed to have Hb Bart. Adrenocortical cytomegaly was found in 13 cases (81%). For comparison, we determined the occurrence of AC in cases of hydrops fetalis not due to Hb Bart (n  =  33) and a heterogeneous group of congenital anomalies (n  =  34). Adrenocortical cytomegaly was identified in only 1 case of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and 2 cases of anencephaly. Thus, AC is a common finding in cases of Hb Bart, a finding not previously documented. Moreover, our study suggests that Hb Bart is one of the conditions most commonly associated with AC. The reasons for this are not known. The mean Hb levels for the hydrops cases with Hb Bart and those with other forms of anemia showed no significant difference (P  =  0.63), nor was there any significant difference in Hb levels between cases of Hb Bart with and without AC. Nonetheless, the consistency of AC in cases of Hb Bart suggests that further study of this particular group of patients might shed light on the pathogenesis of this poorly understood pathologic finding.

Bilateral hemorrhagic adrenal cysts in an incomplete form of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: MRI and prenatal US findings

Benign hemorrhagic adrenal cysts are a cause of subdiaphragmatic mass in the fetus and neonate with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Characteristic imaging features on ultrasonography, color Doppler, and magnetic resonance imaging help differentiate adrenal hemorrhage from neonatal neuroblastoma and help avoid unnecessary surgery in these patients. Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is self-limiting, and spontaneous resolution is the usual outcome. This report presents this rare condition with prenatal ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings and reviews the differential diagnosis of neonatal adrenal masses.

Risk of tumorigenesis in overgrowth syndromes: a comprehensive review

Overgrowth syndromes (OGS) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders in which the main characteristic is that either weight, height, or head circumference is 2-3 standard deviations (SD) above the mean for sex and age. A striking feature of OGS is the risk of neoplasms. Here, the relative frequency of specific tumors in each OGS, topographic location, and age of appearance is determined by reviewing published cases. In some OGS (Perlman, Beckwith-Wiedemann, and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndromes and hemihyperplasia) more than 94% of tumors appeared in the abdomen usually before 10 years of age, mainly embryonal in type. In Perlman syndrome, only Wilms tumor has been recorded, whereas in Sotos syndrome, lympho-hematologic tumors are most frequent. Based on literature review, a specific schedule protocol for tumor screening is suggested for each OGS. A schedule with different intervals and specific tests is proposed for a more rational cost/benefit program for these disorders.

Hemorrhagic adrenal pseudocyst: laparoscopic treatment

BACKGROUND

The incidence of adrenal hemorrhagic pseudocyst is very low. A total of 613 adrenal cysts and 85 hemorrhagic pseudocysts have been reported. A laparoscopically diagnosed and resolved case is presented here, together with the current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

METHODS

A 40-year-old woman was admitted because of an asymptomatic nonfunctional right adrenal tumor. Right laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, 8-cm cyst which found an with thick walls and organized hematic content. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up was 14 months. The pathology was an adrenal hemorrhagic pseudocyst.

DISCUSSION

A total of 56% of adrenal cysts are pseudocysts. One third of them have hematic content. They may present as an asymptomatic finding with nonspecific symptoms or as a hormone secreting or complicated tumor. Their vascular etiology is not yet totally accepted. There is a tendency for intracystic bleeding. it is advisable to evaluate the hormonal profile and morphologic characteristics in all cases. Treatment options include needle aspiration, percutaneous drainage, and cyst or gland resection. Laparoscopic excision should be evaluated.

Bilateral adrenal cysts and ectopic pancreatic tissue in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: is a conservative approach acceptable?

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a common overgrowth syndrome associated with an increased risk of neoplasias which might be explained by the nature and localization of the genetic defect. While malignant tumors are often associated with hemihypertrophy, benign tumors are also found. We report a patient with the typical features of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with two histologically different abdominal tumors, bilateral cystic adrenals and ectopic pancreatic tissue present at birth. In both tumors no malignancy could be detected. Ectopic pancreatic tissue is rarely seen and has been described in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome only once. After extirpation of the ectopic pancreatic tissue the cystic adrenals were left in situ since macroscopically no normal adrenal tissue could be identified and separated. Regular ultrasound examinations revealed complete resolution of the cystic adrenals within 24 months. Thus it seems that a conservative approach in selected tumors associated with the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome might be acceptable.

Ectopic spleen and left-sided vena cava in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a congenital overgrowth syndrome characterized by anterior abdominal wall defects, macroglossia, and gigantism. A variety of other abnormalities have been described, however association with ectopic spleen and left-sided vena cava has not been reported previously. We report ectopic spleen, left-sided vena cava and the other abdominal imaging findings of an adult BWS case who came up to date without any follow-up from the early childhood.

Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome: further prenatal characterization of the condition

We describe three unrelated cases of Wiedemann-Beckwith syndrome (WBS). Two of them were diagnosed postnatally while the third was detected during pregnancy that resulted in elective termination. Amniotic karyotypes were normal in all. PCR amplification of polymorphic loci mapping to 11p15.5 region documented partial trisomy of 11p15.5 due to paternal translocation in one, and segmental and mosaic segmental unipaternal disomy (UPD) in the second and third cases, respectively. Based on findings documented in these cases and the literature, we tabulated the anomalies that might be detected prenatally by ultrasound and that may suggest the syndrome. Constant findings included fetal overgrowth, polyhydramios, enlarged placenta, and specifically a distended abdomen. As most described signs developed after 22 weeks of gestation, a careful follow-up should be carried on until late stages of pregnancy. An amniotic karyotype might not detect subtle chromosomal rearrangements. We therefore recommend utilizing PCR of polymorphic loci on 11p15.5, in addition to conventional cytogenetic analysis of the fetus and both parents to detect possible maternal deletions or inversions, paternal duplications, and UPD that may account for the largest subset of sporadic WBS reaching 25% of cases. An early diagnosis of WBS is important for counseling the parents concerning potential risk for developing embryonic tumors, selection of the mode of delivery due to potential adrenal cysts that might bleed during labor, and prevention of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Management of Adrenal Cysts

Adrenal cysts have been traditionally managed by excision to rule out malignancy. We reviewed the 613 cases of adrenal cysts (including 6 new cases of our own) to evaluate whether this is still appropriate. Descriptive statistics and distribution of each pathologic type have been updated, based on 515 cases, and have changed from statistics compiled on 155 cases by G. A. Absehouse et al. Only seven per cent of all adrenal cysts are malignant or potentially malignant. There is only one reported case of a malignancy found in a nonfunctioning adrenal cyst that was initially thought to be benign. In this case, no CT or aspiration was performed. There have been 19 cases of adrenal cysts managed with aspiration. All were nonfunctioning and benign. One had a bloody aspirate. Reaccumulation occurred in 32 per cent of the cases (six cases); six per cent were symptomatic, four per cent were excised. Follow up was available in 15 cases from 4 months to 3.5 years. Management of the patient with a suspected adrenal cyst should include a careful history and physical and biochemical screening to rule out a functioning lesion. A CT scan, and aspiration of the cyst with a cystogram should be performed to confirm a simple cyst of the adrenal. If the suspicion of malignancy is low, and the lesion is nonfunctional, the adrenal cyst may be managed by aspiration alone. If the cyst recurs and is asymptomatic, it may be observed. If a symptomatic cyst recurs, it may be reaspirated or excised.