Adrenal metastasis with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus through adrenal vein

Urology. 2009 Aug;74(2):290-1. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2009.02.055. Epub 2009 Jun 7.

Abstract

A 69-year-old woman was evaluated for anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large right renal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 12-cm renal mass and a separate 7.5-cm ipsilateral adrenal mass, with a tumor thrombus extending through the adrenal vein and into the inferior vena cava. Right radical nephrectomy/adrenalectomy with caval tumor thrombectomy was performed, and both lesions were diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma. We report on an unusual case of a large renal cell carcinoma with metastasis to the adrenal gland and vena caval extension by way of the adrenal venous system, without renal vein thrombus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Adrenal Glands / blood supply*
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / pathology*