ADRENOCORTICAL ADENOMA WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME: Scanning Electron Microscopic Observations

Adrenocortical adenomas with Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's adenoma) consisted of two different features, which intermingled in various proportions and were related with each other. The first feature showed long-columnar or trabecular arrangement and a vacuolar appearance which correspond to lipid droplets of clear-type cells. In the second feature, the sinusoid was well developed and meandering, and the perisinusoidal space was prominent and contained collagen fibrils, bleb-like structures, and granules. The collagen fibrils were entangled with the parenchymal cells. The sinusoid was lined by a sinusoidal wall with fenestrations or pores. Bleb-like structures and granules traversed them. Two different features were speculated to be consistent with areas of clear-type cells and compact-type cells, respectively, observed light and transmission electron microscopies.