Adrenocortical carcinoma in a 10-month-old infant: A literature review and a rare case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) in children is a rare condition. The annual incidence of ACC is extremely low, with only 0.2–0.3 cases per million children. The clinical presentations of ACC are numerous, such as terminal hair appearance, pubertal progress, hypercortisolism, enlarged clitoris, acne, systemic arterial hypertension, weight gain, and voice change. Case presentation: A 10-month-old female infant presented by her parents to the Department of Endocrinology with a mass on the right adrenal gland and Cushing’s syndrome symptoms. Surgery was performed. The death occurred after two times resuscitation due to sudden cardiac arrest. Clinical discussion: The adrenal gland consists of two distinct parts. Different types of tumors arise from each part of the adrenal gland. The most common tumor in adrenomedullary tumors was neuroblastoma which accounted for 60.4% of adrenal tumors. ACC in children is a rare condition. The etiology of ACTs is unclear. Conclusion: This case emphasizes that early diagnosis has a considerable role in preventing major complications. Also to advise considering ACC as a differential diagnosis when similar symptoms are found in an infant.