Non-α-fetoprotein-producing adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale: Adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma typically secretes alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Here, we report a case of non-AFP-producing adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted to identify gene mutations.

Patient concerns: A 64-year-old man presented with mild back pain and unexplained weight loss for 3 months.

Diagnoses: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass (9.9 × 9.7 × 9.1 mm) above the upper pole of the left kidney. The left renal artery and vein were compressed. The tumor was positive for CK8/18, CK19, CK7, hepatocyte marker (Hepatocyte), and Hep Par 1, but negative for AFP. Plasma AFP was 2.75 ng/mL (normal range: 0-7 ng/mL). NGS revealed mutations of the following genes: ATM, CDKN2A, EGFR, STK11, TP53, BIM, and MLH1. A diagnosis of adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma was established.

Interventions: The treatment included 4 cycles of the mFOLFOX6 regimen (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and apatinib.

Outcomes: The patient died 9 months after the diagnosis.

Lessons: This case highlights the importance of thorough clinical, radiological, and immunohistochemical investigation for suspected adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Metastasis from other primary tumors should be ruled out. Furthermore, AFP is not necessarily elevated in adrenal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. NGS could be helpful in establishing the diagnosis and selecting treatments.

Figure 1

Histologic examination of the suprarenal mass shows atypical cells, arranged in acinar and cord-like patterns, with mucus secretion. H&E staining; magnification: ×100.

Figure 2

¹⁸F-FDG imaging of the suprarenal mass. The tumor size is 9.8 × 9.3 × 10.8 cm³. SUV max value is between 2.4 and 7.8, with an average between 2.1 and 6.9.

Figure 3

Immunostaining of the lesion. Left: Hep Par1 (+); right: vimentin (−). Magnification: ×100.