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adrenal medullary hyperplasia
Enlargement of chromaffin tissue in the adrenal medulla, often associated with hereditary pheochromocytoma syndromes.
Full Definition
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia refers to the pathological enlargement of chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla. This condition is frequently observed in patients with hereditary pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndromes, particularly those with von Hippel-Lindau disease or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. The hyperplasia may be diffuse or nodular and can progress to frank neoplasia. Accurate diagnosis requires careful histopathological examination and correlation with clinical and biochemical findings.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'medullary' rather than 'medulla' when describing the hyperplastic process.
In Context
- "The pathology report documented bilateral adrenal medullary hyperplasia in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease." — pathology report
- "Distinguishing between adrenal medullary hyperplasia and small pheochromocytomas requires expert histopathological assessment." — clinical guideline
Also known as
medullary hyperplasia
chromaffin hyperplasia
Contrasted with
adrenal medullary atrophy
Don't confuse with
adrenal cortical hyperplasia
pheochromocytoma