Unusual cause of chronic abdominal pain in a 17-year-old female: a case report of an epithelial adrenal cyst

Abstract

Adrenal cysts are rare lesions that make up 4% of all adrenal masses. They are often found incidentally during imaging or surgery and can vary in symptoms depending on their size and location; with cysts < 10 cm often being asymptomatic. These cysts are more common in adults in their 30s or 60s and can be divided into four histological subtypes, with epithelial cysts being less common. We present a case of a 17-year-old female who experienced recurrent right flank pain for a year. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass on the right kidney, and computerized tomography showed a well-defined suprarenal cyst measuring ~8 cm misdiagnosed as mesenteric cyst. However, during laparoscopy, an adrenal cyst was discovered, which was excised along with the right adrenal gland. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an epithelial adrenal cyst. This case highlights the occurrence of adrenal cysts in younger individuals and the uncertainty of preoperative diagnosis.