RESUMO
Purpose: To report our experience in diagnosis and treatment of adrenal cysts in 10 cases. Patients and Over 7 years period adrenal cysts have been diagnosed in 10 patients [7 males and 3 females]. Their ages ranged between 25 n 68 years. Eight cases were between 50 and 68 years. Six cysts were detected incidentally during imaging work-up performed for extra-adrenal complaints. Three cases presented by flank pain and only one had severe hypertension. Diagnosis was made by ultrasound [US] in all cases and confirmed by computed tomography [CT] in six cases. The longest diameter of the cysts ranged from 3 to 12 centimeters. The right side was affected in 8 cases and the left side in 2 cases. All cases had unilateral cysts. Biochemical work up included determinations of serum electrolytes, lipids and hormonal study. Adrenal ultrasound-guided FNAB was performed in all cases. Six cases had simple non-functioning adrenal cysts, two had infected adrenal cysts one had cystic pheochromocytoma and one had adrenal carcinoma. Surgical adrenalectomy was performed in three patients [30%]. The indications for operation were pheochromocytoma in one patient, symptomatic adrenal cyst with diameter greater than 5 cm in another one, and adrenal carcinoma in a third patient. Imaging characteristics suggestive of malignancy were found in only one proved to have adrenal carcinoma. Cysts recurred in five cases after FNAB. Small, asymptomatic, non-functional cysts with benign characteristics may be treated conservatively with regular follow-up by US or CT. Symptomatic benign nonfunctioning adrenal cyst may be managed by aspiration alone. If the cyst recurs and is asymptomatic, it may observed. If a symptomatic cyst recurs, it may be reaspirated or excised. Malignant adrenal cysts should be treated by adrenalectomy