Adrenal cortical carcinoma with non‑islet cell tumor hypoglycemia: A case report

Li,Yunpeng; Yang,Rui; Zhang,Liang; Wang,Jian; Yang,Faying; Tu,Song; Qian,Jun; Yao,Jiaxi

doi:10.3892/ol.2025.14971

Adrenal cortical carcinoma with non‑islet cell tumor hypoglycemia: A case report

Authors:
- Yunpeng Li
- Rui Yang
- Liang Zhang
- Jian Wang
- Faying Yang
- Song Tu
- Jun Qian
- Jiaxi Yao
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Affiliations: Department of Urology, Hexi University Affiliated Zhangye People's Hospital, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, P.R. China, Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China, Department of Surgery, Shandan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, P.R. China, Department of Pathology, Hexi University Affiliated Zhangye People's Hospital, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, P.R. China, Department of Urology, Hexi University Affiliated Zhangye People's Hospital, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, P.R. China, Institute of Urology, Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, P.R. China
Published online on: March 7, 2025 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.14971
Article Number: 225
Copyright: © Li et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare invasive cancer with a poor prognosis. ACC often manifests with hyperglycemia and Cushing syndrome. Hypoglycemia is an unusual manifestation of this malignant tumor; therefore, the diagnosis and management of patients with ACC and hypoglycemia is extremely challenging. The current study presents the case of a 53‑year‑old woman who experienced recurrent, uncontrolled hypoglycemia and episodes of hypoglycemic coma. The patient was diagnosed with right‑sided ACC and successfully treated with surgery. Hypoglycemic episodes associated with ACC are extremely rare. Moreover, the clinical diagnosis is often challenging owing to its similarity to multiple other diseases. Recurrent severe hypoglycemic comas, if not addressed promptly, can lead to patient death. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor patients with such rare diseases in clinical practice and make an accurate diagnosis promptly to ensure timely and effective treatment. This report of an ACC case with non‑islet cell tumor hypoglycemia aims to raise awareness among clinical physicians.

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