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Adrenal oncocytoma: an unusual etiology of Cushing’s syndrome in an adolescent female

  • Saba Samad Memon , Manjunath Havalappa Dodamani ORCID logo , Sanjay Chaudhari ORCID logo , Zalak Parmar ORCID logo , Kaushal Patel , Suresh Bhoi and Ravikumar Shah ORCID logo EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: October 1, 2025

Abstract

Objectives

This report presents a rare pediatric functional AO causing CS and androgen excess. It aims to discuss the diagnostic challenges of cortisol and DHEAS co-secretion, which may mimic adenomas or carcinomas. It also emphasizes the role of clinical, biochemical, and imaging assessments, as well as histological classification using LWB criteria, and the need for long-term follow-up.

Case Presentation

A 17-year-old female presented with weight gain, moon facies, cushingoid striae, oligomenorrhea, and acne over six months. Examination showed hypertension, grade I obesity, cushingoid stigmata without virilization. Endocrine evaluation was confirmed ACTH independent CS due to right AO.

Conclusions

This case illustrates functional AO as a rare cause of adolescent CS with androgen excess. Co-secretion patterns complicate diagnosis, imaging may not be definitive, and long-term follow-up is vital due to uncertain prognosis.


Corresponding author: Dr. Ravikumar Shah, Department of Endocrinology, Currently Consultant Endocrinologist, Harikrushna Hormone Clinic, Anand, Gujarat, 388001, India; and Harikrushna Hormone Clinic , Anand , Gujarat , India, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

Ms. Palak Raj-helped in retrieving the case details and prepare the manuscript.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from their legal guardians.

  3. Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Not applicable.

  5. Conflict of interest: Not applicable.

  6. Research funding: Not applicable.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

References

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Received: 2025-06-30
Accepted: 2025-09-05
Published Online: 2025-10-01

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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