Familial Cushing's syndrome with idiopathic ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia successfully treated by laparoscopic adrenalectomy

ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome secondary to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (AIBMAH) is an uncommon disorder, and in most cases the precise etiology has not been determined. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome who was determined to have AIBMAH. The patient was successfully treated by bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Curiously, the patient's brother appeared to have the same disease. Although food induced Cushing's syndrome was excluded, the mechanism leading to this patient's syndrome was not determined. This case, in addition to two other reported cases, shows that Cushing's syndrome associated with AIMBAH may occur on a familial basis. This case also shows that laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be used in lieu of the traditional surgical approach in these patients.