Peritoneal carcinomatosis following laparoscopic resection of an adrenocortical tumor causing primary hyperaldosteronism

A clinical syndrome combining hypertension and hypokalemic alkalosis led to the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism, caused by a right-sided, 2 cm large, apparently benign aldosterone-producing adenoma. The adrenal tumor was completely resected by laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Six months after sur gery, the patient exhibited a severe relapse of hyperaldosteronism. Extensi ve peritoneal metastases of a mixed aldosterone- and cortisol-secreting adr enocortical carcinoma were found at abdominal laparotomy. In the light of t his case report, we discuss the possibility that laparoscopic resection of adrenocortical tumors might contribute to their subsequent peritoneal disse mination. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.