Malignant hypertension secondary to cortisol-secreting adrenal tumour

Abstract

Adrenal cortical tumour-induced malignant hypertension is rare, except for some documented aldosterone-producing adenomas. Hypertension is a common feature of Cushing's syndrome, whereas malignant hypertension is rarely seen. This case in Taiwan is only the second reported case with malignant hypertension secondary to a cortisol-secreting adrenal tumour. The immunohistochemical study of the excised tumour showed strong positive staining of interleukin (IL)-6. IL-6 can trigger inflammatory vascular damage, which is typical in the malignant phase of hypertension. We hypothesise that IL-6 may have played an important role in this case.