Persistent fever and weight loss due to an interleukin-6-producing adrenocortical oncocytoma in a girl--review of the literature

Abstract

Adrenocortical oncocytomas are rarely reported, occur almost exclusively in adults, and are mostly nonfunctional. Here, we report an interleukin-6 (IL-6)-producing adrenocortical oncocytoma in an 11-year-old girl presenting with fever, body weight loss, and increased levels of inflammatory markers and serum IL-6. Imaging studies revealed a 4-cm mass in the left adrenal gland. After complete resection, laboratory findings returned to normal. Histology was consistent with adrenocortical oncocytoma, and the tumor cells stained positive for IL-6.

Conclusion: IL-6-producing adrenocortical oncocytoma should be included in the differential diagnosis and imaging studies should be performed in patients presenting with persistent fever of unknown origin and high levels of inflammatory markers.