1.Conundrum in the Management of a Rare Cause of Cushing Syndrome
Wee Mee Cheng ; Lit Sin Yong ; Poh Shean Wong ; Nor Afidah binti Karim ; Noor Lita Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):32-
Introduction:
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
(PBMAH), characterized by bilateral adrenal macronodules
>1 cm, is a rare genetic disease contributing to <2% of
Cushing syndrome.
Case:
A 56-year-old male with underlying diabetes mellitus
and hypertension presented with worsening proximal
muscle weakness. Detailed neurological assessment was
unremarkable. Re-assessment revealed more apparent
cushingoid features, prompting referral to endocrinology.
Basal cortisol was markedly elevated at 957 nmol/L (145.4–
619.4 nmol/L). Unsuppressed cortisol after 1 mg overnight
dexamethasone and low-dose dexamethasone test confirmed
Cushing Syndrome. Suppressed adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH <0.33 pmol/L) suggested autonomous
cortisol secretion from adrenal glands. Computed
tomography adrenal reported massively enlarged
hypodense multinodular adrenal glands of varying sizes.
Oral ketoconazole, an adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitor,
was initiated. Despite careful titration to keep serum
cortisol 400–500 nmol/L, he experienced glucocorticoid
withdrawal syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy was
planned but deferred as he continued to lose weight despite
persistent hypercortisolism. Extensive investigations
were conducted for possible opportunistic infections or
malignancy. His chest X-ray revealed a suspicious right
lung cavity. Positive serum galactomannan and bronchial
alveolar lavage galactomannan suggested pulmonary
aspergillosis. Voriconazole was introduced, with drug-drug
interaction judiciously addressed. He underwent bilateral
adrenalectomy and required lifelong glucocorticoid and
mineralocorticoid replacement. Histopathological report confirms bilateral macronodular adrenocortical disease. A
referral to a genetic clinic was made to explore the potential
hereditary basis.
Conclusion
PBMAH is a highly heterogeneous disease with variable
presentation and a wide spectrum of hypercortisolism.
Definitive management remained controversial and
individualized. Multidisciplinary discussion is crucial,
and genetic study is highly recommended for long-term
prognostication and familial screening.
2.Rare presentation of right Adrenal Mass: Extramedullary haematopoiesis in a patient with Thalassaemia Intermedia
Poh Shean Wong ; Lit Sin Yong ; Nor Afidah Binti Karim ; Ee Leng Gan ; See Guan Toh ; Noor Lita Binti Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2021;36(1):80-84
Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare cause of adrenal mass. We present a 44-year-old woman who has thalassaemia intermedia, referred to Endocrinology clinic for huge adrenal mass. Along with a paraspinal lesion discovered in this patient, the leading diagnosis was EMH. The patient was treated with hypertransfusion and hydroxyurea, which led to a reduction in the size of the right adrenal mass and paraspinal mass. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition. Although EMH is a rare cause of adrenal mass, the diagnosis must be considered in any patient with a history of a congenital hemolytic disorder, to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.
Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary


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