Ultrastructural Study of Virilizing Adrenocortical Adenoma

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Abstract
Electron microscopic study of an adrenocortical adenoma from a 32-year-old woman with biochemical and clinical manifestations of virilization disclosed its component cells to exhibit mitochondrial and other features of reticularis cells. This identification allows for its ultrastructural distinction from lesions encountered in Cushing’s syndrome and primary aldosteronism. In addition, nonspecific changes indicative of augmented steroidogenesis were prominent in the clear as well as predominant compact or granular cells of the virilizing adenoma, suggesting that the fasciculata and reticularis may represent a single functioning unit. Cells of adjacent non-neoplastic adrenal cortex, although generally smaller than those of the adenoma, were ultrastructurally similar. Clinical, morphologic, and biochemical studies indicate the benignity of this virilizing adenoma despite focal areas of cellular atypia.

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