Adrenal adenoma mimicking a submucosal tumor of the stomach

Abstract

The widespread use of diagnostic imaging modalities has increased the incidental detection of adrenal masses. We experienced a case of adrenal adenoma that was detected incidentally on mass X‐ray examination of the stomach, with findings that were initially suggestive of a gastric submucosal tumor. Only a few cases of adrenal adenoma that resembles a gastric submucosal tumor on diagnostic imaging have been reported. In addition, only a few papers have described the endoscopic ultrasonography findings of adrenal tumors. As the preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography findings of the tumor in our patient correspond with the features of the cut surface of the resected tumor, endoscopic ultrasonography appears to be useful as a new imaging technique in the diagnosis of adrenal adenoma. As endoscopic ultrasonography is minimally invasive, it can be performed in an outpatient setting to collect useful information. As adrenal tumors can be visualized relatively easily, the presence of adrenal lesions should also be searched for when endoscopic ultrasonography is performed for biliary or pancreatic disorders.