Clinical Report: Characteristics of Adrenal Tumors in the Elderly: A Cohort Analysis

Overview

This study analyzes the characteristics of adrenal tumors in patients aged 60 and older, revealing a prevalence of malignant tumors, particularly adrenal metastases. A risk model was developed to predict malignancy based on specific clinical and imaging features.

Background

Adrenal tumors are increasingly detected in older adults due to advancements in imaging technology. The clinical presentation of these tumors in older patients often differs from that in younger individuals, necessitating tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 21.2% of adrenal tumor patients were aged 60 years or older.
• 58.7% of older patients were diagnosed incidentally.
• 19.0% of adrenal tumors in older patients were malignant.
• Adrenal metastases accounted for 59.4% of all malignant adrenal tumors.
• Predictors of malignancy included incidental discovery, male sex, bilateral tumors, older age, higher CT attenuation, and lower weight.
• The optimal cutoff values for predicting malignancy were age ≥67.5 years, tumor size ≥42.5 mm, and CT attenuation ≥20.5 HU.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the higher prevalence of malignant tumors and utilize the identified predictors to guide diagnostic and management decisions.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of adrenal tumors in older adults.

Related Resources & Content

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10. Adrenocortical Carcinoma: The Management of Metastatic Disease - PMC