Bilateral adrenalectomy in the context of primary adrenal insufficiency due to colorectal cancer metastasis

INTRODUCTION: Adrenal glands are a common site of metastasis for several types of malignancies. Nevertheless, bilateral metastasis leading to adrenal insufficiency is a very rare presentation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a 62-year-old woman with previous history of colorectal cancer and bilateral adrenal metastasis associated with primary adrenal insufficiency. The patient underwent bilateral open adrenalectomy after a multidisciplinary tumour board evaluation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of adrenal insufficiency may be underestimated in patients with a history of cancer. Adrenal function must be evaluated in those patients presenting with bilateral adrenal masses and hormonal replacement therapy should be considered, if appropriate. In selected cases, bilateral adrenalectomy can give a possible therapeutic option for patients with confined disease to the adrenal glands.