[Value of hormonal markers in the detection and therapeutic surveillance of malignant adrenal cortical carcinoma].

The value of hormonal markers in the diagnosis and early and late surveillance of adrenocortical carcinoma was assessed in a series of 10 cases and from a review of the literature. Although hormonal investigation with measurement of precursors, performed whenever there is the least clinical suspicion of ACC, is of certain diagnostic value, the possibilities of postoperative controls have not yet been fully exploited: the results are difficult to interpret because of possible interference due to the secretion of the controlateral adrenal; plasma renin activity is rarely assessed in the late postoperative period. A general strategy of investigation and surveillance is proposed.