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Difficulty with differential diagnosis on adrenal lesions in congenital adrenal cortex dysfunction: a series of clinical cases

https://doi.org/10.14341/probl13564

Abstract

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) encompasses a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by defects in enzymes critical for steroidogenesis, with 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in the CYP21A2 gene being the most prevalent form.

Since the introduction of replacement therapy and neonatal screening programs in the 1950s, there has been a significant increase in survival rates among newborns diagnosed with CAH. However, despite these advancements, mortality associated with this condition remains disproportionately high. Achieving optimal therapeutic compensation through medication remains a complex challenge, contributing to a range of long-term complications. These complications stem from both the underlying disease and its treatment, impacting key physiological functions, including metabolism, growth and development, cardiovascular health, and fertility. These multifaceted outcomes underscore the need for ongoing research and the refinement of therapeutic approaches to better manage this intricate condition. This article presents a series of four clinical cases of CAH characterized by the absence of sustained compensation for glucoand mineralocorticoid deficiencies. These cases were further complicated by the development of large adrenal masses and ectopic testicular adrenal rest tissue (TART), emphasizing the challenges in achieving long-term disease management.

About the Authors

A. Chevais
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Anastassia Chevais, MD, PhD 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



N. V. Tarbaeva
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Natalya V. Tarbaeva, MD, PhD 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



Y. Y. Golubkina
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Yulia Y. Golubkina, MD 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



M. M. Gadzhimuradova
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Mansurat M. Gadzhimuradova, MD

Moscow  


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



K. V. Ivashchenko
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Kseniya V. Ivashchenko, MD 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



D. O. Ladygina
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
Russian Federation

Daria O. Ladygina, MD, PhD 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



M. V. Vorontsova
Endocrine Research Centre; Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation

Maria V. Vorontsova 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



O. B. Bezlepkina
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Olga B. Bezlepkina, MD, PhD, Professor

Moscow  


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



G. A. Melnichenko
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Galina A. Melnichenko, MD, PhD, Prof, acad.

Moscow  


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



N. G. Mokrysheva
Endocrine Research Centre
Russian Federation

Natalia G. Mokrysheva, MD, PhD, Prof, acad. 

Moscow 


Competing Interests:

Авторы декларируют отсутствие явных и потенциальных конфликтов интересов, связанных с содержанием настоящей статьи 



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Supplementary files

1. Figure 1. MSCT of the adrenal glands with contrast.
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2. Figure 2. Gross specimen of giant myelolipoma of the left adrenal gland in CAH.
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3. Figure 3. MSCT of the adrenal glands with contrast.
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4. Figure 4. MSCT of the adrenal glands with contrast.
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5. Figure 5. MSCT of the adrenal glands, native phase.
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6. Figure 6. MSCT of the adrenal glands, native phase.
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7. Figure 7. Gross specimen: totally necrotic tumor of the right adrenal gland of a patient with CAH.
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8. Figure 8. Potential pathogenetic mechanism of development of myelolipomas of the adrenal glands in CAH.
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Review

For citations:


Chevais A., Tarbaeva N.V., Golubkina Y.Y., Gadzhimuradova M.M., Ivashchenko K.V., Ladygina D.O., Vorontsova M.V., Bezlepkina O.B., Melnichenko G.A., Mokrysheva N.G. Difficulty with differential diagnosis on adrenal lesions in congenital adrenal cortex dysfunction: a series of clinical cases. Problems of Endocrinology. 2025;71(2):22-34. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14341/probl13564

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ISSN 0375-9660 (Print)
ISSN 2308-1430 (Online)