scholarly journals SAT-118 Rapid Decompensation from Complications of Severe Hypercortisolism in an Unusual Presentation of an Ectopic ACTH-Secreting Neuroendocrine Tumor

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Kartar Singh Sumal ◽  
Charles Liao ◽  
Julie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Neuroendocrine Tumor ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Pulseless Electrical Activity ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Bilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Unknown Primary ◽  
Who Grade ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Acth Secreting

Abstract Background: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome from an ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine tumor (NET) is a rare condition whose onset and disease progression is often more aggressive than other forms of Cushing’s syndrome due to complications from severe hypercortisolism. Clinical Case: A 75-year old woman presented with profound proximal muscle weakness, severe hypokalemia, Cushingoid features, and biopsy-proven Candida esophagitis. Initial testing was consistent with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome: elevated 24 hour urinary cortisol excretion (1,310.54 mcg/24h; n <50 mcg/24h), abnormal 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (68.3 ug/dL), and elevated ACTH level (200 pg/mL; n: 7.2–63.3 pg/mL). MRI was negative for a pituitary lesion but abdominal CT revealed an 8.8 cm liver mass with biopsy consistent with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, WHO Grade 2. Subsequent 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT noted DOTATATE uptake in the liver lesion, a 0.9 cm right pulmonary nodule, and the pancreatic tail without CT correlate. Initially, the patient was prescribed mifepristone and spironolactone for hypokalemia. Given her NET of unknown primary, metastatic disease, and immunocompromised state due to hypercortisolism, the patient was not a candidate for surgical resection of her NET but was instead referred for bilateral adrenalectomy. However, she rapidly decompensated from complications of her hypercortisolism prior to surgery. Her weakness progressed to immobility, and she developed acute psychosis manifested as agitation and mutism. The patient was immediately admitted to the hospital where she developed new-onset atrial flutter and myelosuppression requiring multiple transfusions. She underwent urgent bilateral adrenalectomy, but despite surgery, her post-operative course was complicated by hypoxemic respiratory failure and shock. The patient shortly thereafter expired from pulseless electrical activity arrest. Conclusion: This atypical case of an ectopic ACTH-secreting NET highlights the life-threatening complications associated with severe hypercortisolism, including: opportunistic infection, severe metabolic abnormalities, psychosis, myopathy, and critical illness that can incite myelosuppression and unstable arrhythmias. These patients can quickly deteriorate and are at high risk for mortality. Early diagnosis and swift reversal of their hypercortisolism with bilateral adrenalectomy are oftentimes needed to prevent these potentially fatal complications.

scholarly journals The role of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 1329-1338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Utz ◽  
Beverly M.K. Biller
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Inferior Petrosal Sinus ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling ◽  
Neoplastic Lesion ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Acth Secreting

Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome is most often due to a pituitary corticotroph adenoma, with ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors representing approximately 15% of cases. Biochemical and radiological techniques have been established to help distinguish between these two entities, and thus aid in the localization of the neoplastic lesion for surgical resection. The test that offers the highest sensitivity and specificity is bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). BIPSS is an interventional radiology procedure in which ACTH levels obtained from venous drainage very near the pituitary gland are compared to peripheral blood levels before and after corticotropin hormone (CRH) stimulation. A gradient between these two locations indicates pituitary Cushing's, whereas the absence of a gradient suggests ectopic Cushing's. Accurate BIPSS results require hypercortisolemia to suppress normal corticotroph ACTH production and hypercortisolemia at the time of the BIPSS to assure excessive ACTH secretion. In some cases, intrapituitary gradients from side-to-side can be helpful to localize small corticotroph adenomas within the sella. BIPSS has rare complications and is considered safe when performed at centers with experience in this specialized technique.

scholarly journals SUN-938 Rare Case of Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Caused by ACTH Secreting Thymic Neuroendocrine Tumor in a Patient with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yamuna Gorantla ◽  
Jorge Soria Moncada ◽  
Juan Sarmiento ◽  
Ambika Amblee ◽  
Malini Ganesh
Keyword(s):  
Neuroendocrine Tumor ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Acth Secretion ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Ectopic Acth Secretion ◽  
Multiple Tumors ◽  
Men 1 ◽  
Acth Secreting

Abstract Introduction Cushing syndrome (CS) represents an uncommon manifestation of MEN1 and can be caused by both ACTH dependent or independent etiologies. Among them, ectopic ACTH secretion from a Thymic neuroendocrine tumor (TNET) in MEN1 is rare, with very few cases reported so far in literature. We report a case of Ectopic Cushing syndrome (ECS) in a MEN1 patient (pt) with multiple tumors, secondary to ACTH-secreting TNET. Case description: A 44 year old male presented to our institution for nausea, vomiting, dizziness. He had initial workup which revealed multiple tumors (papillary thyroid cancer, thymic mass, parathyroid adenomas, bilateral adrenal nodules, macroprolactinoma, peripancreatic nodules). Given concern for MEN 1, genetic testing was performed which was confirmative. Hormonal workup at this time for adrenal nodules was negative including low dose dexamethasone suppression test(DST). The immobile thymic mass was found to be poorly differentiated NET on biopsy with Ki-67 >50% with vascular invasion and adhesions to lung/chest wall on VATS, not amenable to surgery. The pt declined chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to poor social support. Six months later, he presented with complaints of shortness of breath, proximal muscle weakness, anasarca. Evaluation revealed AM cortisol >60 ug/dL(range 6.7-22), high-dose DST Cortisol >60 ug/dL, 24hr urine free cortisol: 8511mcg (range 4-50) and ACTH level: 278pg/mL(range 6-50) confirming ACTH-dependent CS. Special stains from the previous TNET biopsy demonstrated positive staining for ACTH confirming ectopic ACTH secretion. Ketoconazole and chemotherapy with Etoposide and Carboplatin was started, however he clinically deteriorated and expired a few weeks after diagnosed of ECS. Discussion: TNET in MEN 1 is rare, with a prevalence of 3-8%. TNET are unusual neoplasms that account for 2% to 7% of all mediastinal tumors. TNET in MEN1 rarely secrete functional hormones with very few reported Ectopic ACTH secretion. MEN1 associated ECS from TNET is an aggressive disease with local invasion of adjacent mediastinal structures or metastasis being common, resulting in poor prognosis as demonstrated in few case reports including our case. Radical surgery of involved adjacent structures and adjuvant local RT can provide local disease control. Conclusion: Our pt is a rare case of ECS from TNET in MEN1 with poor prognosis. A special feature of this case is that the patient had initial negative evaluation for hypercortisolemia, however 6 months later he presented with signs and symptoms of severe hypercortisolism, with evaluation confirming transformation into ACTH producing TNET. This conversion is very rarely found in literature and adds to the unique presentation of the case.

Ectopic ACTH-secreting tumor of the thymus revealed by a Cushing’s syndrome: case report and review of literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Zied Chaari ◽  
Hazem Zribi ◽  
Sonia Ouerghi ◽  
Mohamed-Sadok Boudaya ◽  
Tarek Kilani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Acth Secreting

scholarly journals New developments in the medical treatment of Cushing's syndrome

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. R205-R223 ◽  
Author(s):  
R van der Pas ◽  
W W de Herder ◽  
L J Hofland ◽  
R A Feelders
Keyword(s):  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Medical Therapy ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Primary Therapy ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Considerable Morbidity ◽  
Acth Secreting

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a severe endocrine disorder characterized by chronic cortisol excess due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, ectopic ACTH production, or a cortisol-producing adrenal neoplasia. Regardless of the underlying cause, untreated CS is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Surgery is the primary therapy for all causes of CS, but surgical failure and ineligibility of the patient to undergo surgery necessitate alternative treatment modalities. The role of medical therapy in CS has been limited because of lack of efficacy or intolerability. In recent years, however, new targets for medical therapy have been identified, both at the level of the pituitary gland (e.g. somatostatin, dopamine, and epidermal growth factor receptors) and the adrenal gland (ectopically expressed receptors in ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia). In this review, results of preclinical and clinical studies with drugs that exert their action through these molecular targets, as well as already established medical treatment options, will be discussed.

scholarly journals A rare case of duodenal carcinoid presenting as ectopic Cushing’s syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 959
Author(s):  
Siddharth Pugalendhi ◽  
Tarun Kumar Dutta ◽  
Dhivya . ◽  
Kiran Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Somatostatin Analogues ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
High Dose Dexamethasone ◽  
Ectopic Acth Production ◽  
Duodenal Carcinoid

ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS) due to an ectopic source is responsible for approximately 10-15% cases of Cushing’s syndrome. It is associated with various tumors such as small cell lung cancer and well-differentiated bronchial or gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Many a times ectopic ACTH production is difficult to manage, and identification of the source may take many years.  Hormonal diagnostics include assessments in basic conditions as well as dynamic tests, such as the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test. Treatment selection depends on the type of tumor and its extent. In the case of neuroendocrine tumors, the main treatments are surgery and administration of somatostatin analogues or bilateral adrenalectomy in refractory cases and if the source remains unidentified. Here, we report a case who presented with features of Cushing’s syndrome which eventually through workup led us to a diagnosis of duodenal carcinoid producing ectopic ACTH which is extremely rare and was successfully treated.

scholarly journals A case of severe ectopic ACTH syndrome from an occult primary – diagnostic and management dilemmas

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harish Venugopal ◽  
Katherine Griffin ◽  
Saima Amer
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Bilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
High Dose ◽  
List Type ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Alcohol Ablation ◽  
Life Threatening

Summary Resection of primary tumour is the management of choice in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome. However, tumours may remain unidentified or occult in spite of extensive efforts at trying to locate them. This can, therefore, pose a major management issue as uncontrolled hypercortisolaemia can lead to life-threatening infections. We present the case of a 66-year-old gentleman with ectopic ACTH syndrome from an occult primary tumour with multiple significant complications from hypercortisolaemia. Ectopic nature of his ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome was confirmed by non-suppression with high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling. The primary ectopic source remained unidentified in spite of extensive anatomical and functional imaging studies, including CT scans and Dotatate-PET scan. Medical adrenolytic treatment at maximum tolerated doses failed to control his hypercortisolaemia, which led to recurrent intra-abdominal and pelvic abscesses, requiring multiple surgical interventions. Laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy was considered but decided against given concerns of technical difficulties due to recurrent intra-abdominal infections and his moribund state. Eventually, alcohol ablation of adrenal glands by retrograde adrenal vein approach was attempted, which resulted in biochemical remission of Cushing's syndrome. Our case emphasizes the importance of aggressive management of hypercortisolaemia in order to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality and also demonstrates that techniques like percutaneous adrenal ablation using a retrograde venous approach may be extremely helpful in patients who are otherwise unable to undergo bilateral adrenalectomy. Learning points Evaluation and management of patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome from an unidentified primary tumour can be very challenging. Persisting hypercortisolaemia in this setting can lead to debilitating and even life-threatening complications and hence needs to be managed aggressively. Bilateral adrenalectomy should be considered when medical treatment is ineffective or poorly tolerated. Percutaneous adrenal ablation may be considered in patients who are otherwise unable to undergo bilateral adrenalectomy.

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