CASE REPORT
A 32-year-old lady was evaluated for right flank pain, weight loss, and generalized weakness and diagnosed as a case of right-sided large adrenal tumor, with tumor thrombus extending to right atrium via right adrenal vein and IVC by means of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen (Figs 1A and B) and thorax and magnetic resonance angiography. An echocardiographic evaluation confirmed the presence of the tumor thrombus in the right atrium. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy with nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and removal of its intravascular extension with the assistance of cardiopulmonary bypass (Figs 1C and D) and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (Fig. 1E). Specimen was checked to confirm complete removal of thrombus with convex upper edge (Fig. 1F). Postoperative recovery was uneventful and she was discharged on postoperative day 8. Histopathology confirmed adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Follow-up at 3 and 6 months with ultrasonography (USG) of whole abdomen and Doppler and CECT scan was normal.
Figs 1A and B
A CECT scan showing right ACC with IVC thrombus extending to right atrium. (A) White solid arrow, IVC thrombus; red arrow, right adrenal mass; dashed black arrow, interaortocaval lymph nodes; (B) White arrow showing thrombus extending to right atrium
Figs 1C to F
(C) Red, solid aortic cannulation; white arrow, SVC cannulation; (D) White arrow, IVC cannulation; (E) Intraoperative transesophageal USG showing thrombus in right atrium; and (F) Red solid arrow, Specimen showing right kidney; white solid arrow, adrenal mass; white dashed arrow, thrombus; and red dashed arrow, retroperitoneal lymph nodes
Conclusion
The ACC with tumor thrombus extending into the IVC or even up to the right atrium does not represent a contraindication to surgery, and curative resection is feasible. Preoperative optimal surgical planning and execution of each and every step carefully in a multidisciplinary setting is the key.