Work

The left adrenal mass is difficult to differentiate from a hemorrhagic gastric diverticula: a case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The complex periadrenal anatomy complicates differentiation between adrenal tumors and masses of extradrenal origin. Given the nonspecific clinical and radiological presentations, misdiagnosis occurs frequently. We report a case where a gastric diverticula (GD) was initially misdiagnosed as a left adrenal tumor on imaging. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male presented with epigastric pain and discomfort. Gastroscopy showed gastric retention. Non-contrast CT suggested a left adrenal tumor, while abdominal MRI indicated a left adrenal neoplasm, with possible adenoma or pheochromocytoma. Adrenal hormone levels were normal. Surgical exploration revealed a morphologically normal left adrenal gland. Further dissection identified a mass arising from the gastric posterior wall, densely adhered to the adrenal gland and masquerading as a left adrenal tumor. Macroscopic examination confirmed a hemorrhagic GD — accounting for the contrast enhancement seen on imaging and explaining the diagnostic challenge in distinguishing it from an adrenal neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this constitutes the first reported case of a hemorrhagic GD mimicking a left adrenal mass.

Source: BMC Surgery

DOI: 10.1186/s12893-026-03541-8

Authors: Jia Li, Yangcai Wang, Ji Zheng, Zhenqiang Fang, Yajun Song

Institution: Army Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090