Cortisol‐Producing Oncocytic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Harboring a <i>GNAS</i> Mutation: An Integrated Histologic, Ultrastructural, and Genomic Analysis

Oncocytic adrenal neoplasms are rare adrenocortical tumors characterized by abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm due to massive mitochondrial accumulation. Their biological behavior is often difficult to predict, and various diagnostic systems-including the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system, the Helsinki score, and the reticulin algorithm-are used to assess their malignant potential. We report a case of an oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma associated with Cushing's syndrome and hyperandrogenemia in a 34-year-old woman. Histologically, the tumor showed diffuse growth of eosinophilic cells with marked pleomorphism and focal capsular invasion. Immunohistochemistry confirmed adrenocortical origin and cortisol production, with a Ki-67 labeling index of 25%. Ultrastructural examination revealed densely packed mitochondria with lamellar and tubulovesicular cristae, accompanied by numerous whorled smooth endoplasmic reticulum formations, suggesting active remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum. Whole-exome sequencing identified a pathogenic GNAS R201S mutation, together with copy number losses of ARID1A, CDKN2A, and ZNRF3 with widespread copy number alteration. Despite multiple adverse prognostic indicators, the patient has remained disease-free for over 5 years following adrenalectomy and adjuvant low-dose mitotane therapy. These findings suggest that GNAS activation may drive steroidogenesis while attenuating malignant progression, as demonstrated by integrated morphologic and genomic assessment in this case.

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Journal
Pathology International
Published
2026-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/pin.70112
Primary Topic
Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors
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article
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article

Cortisol‐Producing Oncocytic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Harboring a GNAS Mutation: An Integrated Histologic, Ultrastructural, and Genomic Analysis

Yoshikiyo Ono, Taito Itoh, Masaaki Kitada, Yuko Omori et al.
Pathology International
Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors
article

Cortisol‐Producing Oncocytic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Harboring a GNAS Mutation: An Integrated Histologic, Ultrastructural, and Genomic Analysis

Yoshikiyo Ono, Taito Itoh, Masaaki Kitada, Yuko Omori, Yuto Yamazaki, Yuta Tezuka, Masaki Ogata, Taro Koike, Toru Furukawa, Masaki Satou, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Takashi Suzuki
article en

Abstract

Oncocytic adrenal neoplasms are rare adrenocortical tumors characterized by abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm due to massive mitochondrial accumulation. Their biological behavior is often difficult to predict, and various diagnostic systems-including the Lin-Weiss-Bisceglia system, the Helsinki score, and the reticulin algorithm-are used to assess their malignant potential. We report a case of an oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma associated with Cushing's syndrome and hyperandrogenemia in a 34-year-old woman. Histologically, the tumor showed diffuse growth of eosinophilic cells with marked pleomorphism and focal capsular invasion. Immunohistochemistry confirmed adrenocortical origin and cortisol production, with a Ki-67 labeling index of 25%. Ultrastructural examination revealed densely packed mitochondria with lamellar and tubulovesicular cristae, accompanied by numerous whorled smooth endoplasmic reticulum formations, suggesting active remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum. Whole-exome sequencing identified a pathogenic GNAS R201S mutation, together with copy number losses of ARID1A, CDKN2A, and ZNRF3 with widespread copy number alteration. Despite multiple adverse prognostic indicators, the patient has remained disease-free for over 5 years following adrenalectomy and adjuvant low-dose mitotane therapy. These findings suggest that GNAS activation may drive steroidogenesis while attenuating malignant progression, as demonstrated by integrated morphologic and genomic assessment in this case.

Pathology InternationalVol. 76(4)
Kansai Medical University (JP), Tohoku University (JP), National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (JP), Tohoku University Hospital (JP), Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital (JP), Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University (JP)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 22%
Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors
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