Introduction: Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma, accounting for less than 1% of cases. It often presents with non-specific constitutional symptoms and features of adrenal insufficiency. The absence of pathognomonic findings frequently leads to delayed diagnosis, by which time the disease is often advanced, contributing to poor prognosis. Case: A 59-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis presented with 1 month of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and abdominal pain. He was cachectic but hemodynamically stable (BP 120/81 mmHg; glucose 5.1 mmol/L), with otherwise unremarkable systemic examination. Laboratory evaluation revealed hyponatremia (120 mmol/L), hyperkalemia (6.0 mmol/L), and severe hypercalcemia (4.4 mmol/L). A short Synacthen test confirmed adrenal insufficiency. Computed tomography demonstrated marked bilateral adrenal enlargement with bulky masses (8.9 × 8.7 × 8.7 cm right; 9.9 × 7.6 × 10.2 cm left), suggestive of malignant infiltration. Adrenal protocol imaging revealed indeterminate lesions with attenuation >40 Hounsfield Unit and relative washout <40%. Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the right adrenal gland was performed. The patient was discharged on hydrocortisone replacement with plans for early follow-up. One week later, he presented again in adrenal crisis with severe hypoglycemia (1.1 mmol/L) and cardiovascular collapse. Despite resuscitative efforts, he succumbed. Histopathology subsequently confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, activated B-cell subtype, consistent with PAL. Conclusion This case highlights the diagnostic pitfalls of PAL, particularly when constitutional symptoms mimic chronic infections such as tuberculosis. It underscores the need for high clinical suspicion in patients with bilateral adrenal masses and adrenal insufficiency. Early recognition, adequate steroid replacement including mineralocorticoid therapy, and prompt tissue diagnosis are critical to prevent rapid deterioration and improve outcomes.
Lymphoma