Adrenocortical Carcinoma in a Dog with Incomplete Excision Managed Long-term with Metastasectomy Alone

Abstract

A 10 yr old bichon frise presented with a 3 mo history of polyuria, polydipsia, and hind limb weakness. Serum biochemistry revealed persistent hypokalemia. A left adrenal gland mass with right adrenal atrophy was detected ultrasonographically. Basal serum cortisol concentration was at the low end of normal (30 nmol/L; reference range, 30–140 nmol/L) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated cortisol concentration was low (199 nmol/L; reference range, 220–470 nmol/L). Basal serum 17-α-OH progesterone concentration was also low (0.03 ng/mL; reference range, 0.06–0.30 ng/mL), but the aldosterone concentration 2 hr after the ACTH stimulation was elevated (> 3,000 pmol/L; reference range, 197–2,103 pmol/L). A left adrenalectomy and nephrectomy were performed. Histopathology revealed an adrenocortical zona glomerulosa carcinoma. Surgical excision was considered incomplete; however, clinical signs resolved. Two years later, basal and ACTH-stimulated aldosterone concentrations were elevated. Computed tomography demonstrated a mass effect in the liver. The left lateral and left medial hepatic lobes were removed. Histopathology confirmed metastatic endocrine carcinoma. The patient was stable 1,353 days postsurgically (when this report was prepared). This is the first case report of a metastatic adrenal carcinoma that was successfully managed surgically for > 3 yr.