OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adrenal lesions in Chinese multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) patients.

METHODS:

Adrenal CT scan and clinical manifestations were retrospectively reviewed in 32 consecutive MEN-1 patients who were evaluated at our hospital during January 1986 to December 2009.

RESULTS:

Adrenal lesions were identified in 16 of 32 (50%) MEN-1 patients. Five (31.3%) patents with adrenal involvement showed bilateral lesions, including bilateral adenoma (n=1), bilateral hyperplasia (n=2) and adenoma and hyperplasia on each side (n=2). Unilateral adrenal lesion was presented in 11 (68.7%) patients. Among which, 63.6% had adenomas with a mean diameter of 2.3 cm (0.8-4.0 cm) and the remainder was of hyperplasia or enlargement. In two patients, functioning adrenal abnormalities were detected including Cushing adenoma (n=1) and aldosterone-secreting adenoma (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of adrenal lesion in MEN-1 patient is similar between China and western countries. These tumors are mostly benign, small and nonfunctioning. Taking into account a high incidence of adrenal carcinoma in previous foreign studies, routine screening and close surveillance are still recommended for adrenal lesions in MEN-1 patients.