GIANT MYELOLIPOMA OF THE ADRENAL GLAND

Abstract

Myelolipoma, a rare benign non-functioning neoplasm, is composed of mature adipose tissue and bone marrow elements. Its most common location is adrenal gland; however, extra-adrenal cases have been also reported. It is found in only 0.2% of all autopsies; 96% of the reported cases were detected on postmortem examination. The surgical symptomatic cases having been reported so far are few. In this paper, one case of myelolipoma with clinical presentation will be described and its clinicopathological features, pathogenesis, associated diseases, and diagnostic techniques will be discussed. It must be emphasised that correct diagnosis largely depends on the clinicians and surgeons' awareness of this rare and unique entity. In short, the diagnostic features of myelolipoma include: negative biochemical findings; radioluccency on routine x-ray film; a solid mass in ultrasonography; and, typical patterns on CAT magnifying resonance imaging (MRI).