Objective: To study the pathology, diagnostic and therapeutic method of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD).
Methods: The data of 5 cases of PPNAD were analyzed retrospectively. Among the 5 cases, 2 were male and 3 were female. The range of age was from 12 to 53 years. All the 5 cases had symptoms of Cushing syndrome. The diagnose depended on the results of endocrine exams, ultrasound, CT, MR and pathological reports. All patients received operation of unilateral adrenalectomy. The therapeutic effects were determined by post-operative results, which concluded clinical symptoms and endocrine exams.
Results: The follow-up time was from 4 months to 3 years. All patients' symptoms of Cushing syndrome were relieved in 6 months after operation. The endocrine exam was normal in one case and obvious improved in the other four cases. Up to now, one patient drop out of the follow-up, the other 4 cases had no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion: PPNAD is a rare type of Cushing syndrome. Diagnose depends on endocrine exams and pathological results. Operation is the effective method for the disease.