Autotransplantation of Hyperplastic Human Adrenal Tissue

Abstract

IN ORDER to avoid complete loss of adrenocortical function following total adrenalectomy for Cushing's disease (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia), autotransplantation of excised tissue to a readily accessible site has been done on several occasions. Franksson et al 1 described five cases of Cushing's disease in which large fragments of adrenal tissue were implanted into the sartorius muscle. Evidence was obtained in one patient that the autotransplant was histologically normal and also functional. In two other patients, adequate function of transplanted adrenal tissue under basal conditions seemed likely. Hardy and Langford 2 reported four patients with Cushing's disease in whom adrenal autotransplantation to the thigh was carried out. Viability of adrenocortical tissue was proved in two of the patients, but adrenocortical function was insufficient to allow withdrawal of replacement therapy. Ibbertson and O'Brien 3 reported two patients in whom adrenal autotransplantation was attempted. In one it was possible to withdraw cortisone therapy