Corticosterone- and aldosterone-secreting adrenocortical tumor in a dog

Abstract

A dog was evaluated for clinical signs suggestive of hypercortisolemia. Serum biochemical testing revealed hypernatremia and hypokalemia. Serum cortisol concentration after injection of ACTH was less than the lower reference limit. An adrenal gland tumor was visualized via ultrasonography and computed tomography. Histologic examination confirmed that the mass was an adrenocortical carcinoma. Excess adrenal secretion of corticosterone was hypothesized to be the cause of the signs of glucocorticoid excess. Serum corticosterone secretion was high before and after ACTH injection, compared with clinically normal dogs and dogs with hypercortisolemia and classic hyperadrenocorticism. Hyperaldosteronemia was detected as well. Treatment with mitotane was instituted and successful for a period of 4-months until the dog was euthanatized for neurologic problems that were most likely unrelated to endocrine disease.

Aldosterone-, Corticosterone- and Cortisol-Secreting Adrenocortical Carcinoma in a Dog: Case Report

“…In the healthy dogs, the concentrations of these hormones were the same as in other reports [1,2,5,6,8]. Cortisol concentrations peaked at 60 min after ACTH-ST, and this was in agreement with previous reports.…”

“…It has been reported that aldosterone tends to be decreased, while cortisol is increased, in pituitary or adrenal tumor HAC [1,2,8]. Moreover, increased corticosterone is not reportedly present with HAC [1,2]. Adrenocortical carcinoma secreting cortisol, aldosterone and corticosterone has not been reported in dogs, and thus the present case was very unusual.…”

“…After ACTH-ST was performed, it was confirmed that secretion of cortisol, aldosterone and corticosterone were elevated. It has been reported that aldosterone tends to be decreased, while cortisol is increased, in pituitary or adrenal tumor HAC [1,2,8]. Moreover, increased corticosterone is not reportedly present with HAC [1,2].…”

“…In most cases, the hormone secreted by tumors in the adrenal cortex is cortisol, which is a glucocorticoid. However, functional adrenal cortex tumors secreting aldosterone and corticosterone are very rare [1,2]. This report describes a dog diagnosed as having aldosterone-, corticosterone-and cortisol-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma, which was treated with trilostane.…”

Adrenal gland tumours. Different clinical presentations in three dogs: a case report

“…Adrenocortical tumours traditionally have been assumed to secrete a single hormone. However, different reports have found adrenal gland tumours secreting more than one hormone (Behrend et al 2005;Machida et al 2008;Frankot et al 2012).…”