scholarly journals Severe Cushing Syndrome Due to Ectopic ACTH Secretion by Pheochromocytoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A156-A156
Author(s):  
Rafael Buck Giorgi ◽  
Rayssa Fabiana Chamma ◽  
Rayssa F Chamma ◽  
Ituo Filho ◽  
Giane Cristina Garcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Adrenal Mass ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Secondary Hypertension ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Ectopic Acth Secretion ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Ectopic Acth Production ◽  
History Of

Abstract Introduction: Ectopic ACTH production is a very unusual cause of Cushing Syndrome (CS). When it occurs, lung cancer is the main cause. Very rarely, this ectopic source of ACTH can arise from a Pheochromocytoma (Pheo). A recent literature review identified less than 100 cases described. We present a case of 28 years old woman who was referred for adrenalectomy for CS with notorious adrenal mass. However, during the investigation, ectopic ACTH due a Pheo was identified. Case Report: A 28-year-old woman required emergency care for ecchymosis and asymptomatic hypertension (BP: 230x130mmHg). Hyperpigmentation of the skin was evident on physical examination. Severe hypokalemia (K: 2.5mEq/liter) was detected. She denied taking any medication and was unaware of any previous illness. She always had normal BP measurements as well as laboratory tests. No family history of adrenal disease or secondary hypertension causes. During hospitalization, the hypothesis of CS was made and confirmed after: cortisol after 1mg dexamethasone: 44.5mcg/dl (<1.8mcg/dl) and 24h urinary free cortisol: 6228 mcg/dl (28-213mcg/dl). Concomitantly, a CT scan of the abdomen exhibited a left adrenal mass (3.1x2.8x3.5cm) of uncertain etiology and ACTH: 352pg/ml (<46pg/ml). Additionally, the patient presented hyperglycemia during hospitalization. After confirmation of the ACTH dependent CS, pituitary MRI was performed with normal results and a chest CT scan ruled out lung masses. As there was still no etiological confirmation and due to clinical deterioration, it was decided to start Ketoconazole 200mg/day, rising until 600mg and spironolactone with doses up to 250mg/day with a significant improvement in hypokalemia, decreased cortisol levels and optimal BP control. Due to the extremely high levels of ACTH and indeterminate adrenal mass, the hypothesis of ACTH ectopic due Pheo was postulated. Patient underwent abdomen MRI with left adrenal mass with hypersignal at T2 and urinary metanephrines levels: 6132mcg/24h (<289mcg/24h), urinary normetanephrines: 1808mcg/24h (<732mcg/24h). Once the diagnosis was elucidated, she received preoperative preparation with alpha blocker (Doxazosin) and underwent adrenalectomy without complications. After discharge, she received prednisone 10mg/day. The patient presented normalization of BP levels, as well as glycemic control with a slight improvement in skin hyperpigmentation. The pathology department confirmed Pheo and an ACTH expression was observed in immunohistochemistry. A genetic panel for Pheo is running with no results so far. Conclusion: Despite an extremely rare cause of CS, the ectopic production of ACTH by a Pheo has extremely high mortality rates, especially when not diagnosed or managed correctly. The clinicians must always remain alert and suspect this syndrome when the patient has a confirmed ACTH dependent CS associated with adrenal masses.

scholarly journals Prolonged remission after long-term treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors in Cushing's syndrome caused by ectopic ACTH secretion

2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
S T Sharma ◽  
L K Nieman
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Sustained Remission ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Ectopic Acth Secretion ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
History Of

Spontaneous remission is rare in ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). We describe four patients with presumed EAS in whom long-term treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors was followed by prolonged remission of hypercortisolemia. Biochemical testing was consistent with EAS, but imaging failed to identify a tumor. Patients were treated with ketoconazole alone or with mitotane and/or metyrapone to control hypercortisolemia. Dexamethasone was added when a block and replace strategy was used. Treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors for 3–10 years in these patients was followed by a prolonged period of remission (15–60 months). During remission, the first patient had an elevated ACTH, low cortisol and 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), and adrenal atrophy on computerized tomography scan during remission, suggesting a direct toxic effect on the adrenal glands. Cases 2 and 3 had normal to low ACTH levels and low-normal UFC, consistent with an effect at the level of the ectopic tumor. They did not have a history of cyclicity and case 3 has been in remission for ∼5 years, making cyclic Cushing's syndrome less likely. Case 4, with a history of cyclic hypercortisolism, had normal to slightly elevated ACTH levels and low-normal UFC during remission. The most likely etiology of remission is cyclic production of ACTH by the ectopic tumor. Spontaneous and sustained remission of hypercortisolemia is possible in EAS after long-term treatment with steroidogenesis inhibitors; a drug holiday may be warranted during chronic therapy to evaluate this. The pathophysiology remains unclear but may involve several different mechanisms.

scholarly journals A Challenging Case of an Ectopic Cushing Syndrome

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Menezes Nunes ◽  
Elika Pinho ◽  
Isabel Camões ◽  
João Maciel ◽  
Pedro Cabral Bastos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Lung Resection ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Fdg Pet Scan

Bronchopulmonary carcinoids are rare pulmonary neoplasms although they account for most cases of ectopic ACTH syndromes. When feasible, the mainstay treatment is surgical resection of the tumor. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman with signs and symptoms suggestive of hypercortisolism for 12 months, admitted to our department because of community acquired pneumonia. Blood hormone analysis showed increased levels of ACTH and urinary free cortisol and nonsuppressibility to high- and low-dose dexamethasone tests. Pituitary MRI showed no lesion and no central-to-peripheral ACTH gradient was present in bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling. CRH stimulation test suggested an ectopic ACTH source. Thoracic CT scan revealed a nodular region measuring 12 mm located in the inferior lingular lobule of the left superior lung with negative uptake by18-FDG-PET scan and negative SRS. The patient was successfully treated with an atypical lung resection and histology revealed an atypical bronchial carcinoid tumor with positive ACTH immunoreactivity. This was an interesting case because the patient was admitted due to pneumonia that may have been associated with her untreated and chronic hypercortisolism and a challenging case of ectopic ACTH syndrome due to conflicting results on the diagnostic exams.

scholarly journals Ectopic ACTH-Producing Pheochromocytoma as a Rare Cause for Rapid Progressing Cushing Syndrome: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A128-A128
Author(s):  
Daniela Salazar ◽  
Cláudia Fernandes Costa ◽  
Joana Oliveira ◽  
Liliana Violante ◽  
Ana Luísa Cunha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Somatostatin Receptors ◽  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Hand Tremor ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
The Right

Abstract Background: Cushing syndrome due to ectopic CRH or ACTH secretion can be rarely caused by pheochromocytoma, commonly as part of genetic conditions. Case: A 21 year-old male, previously healthy, with no usual medication, went to the physician assistant for hematuria. The kidney US revealed, besides lithiasis, a highly vascularized mass in the right adrenal gland with 10 cm. In his first evaluation the patient had no complaints or pheochromocitoma/hypercortisolism stigmata, other than hand tremor and slight rounding of the face. Blood pressure was 149/88 mmHg, and heart rate 86 bpm. There was no family history of endocrine disease. He rapidly developed increased appetite, insomnia, and severe myalgias, with filling of supraclavicular fossae, facial plethora, and cervical and truncal acne. Laboratory analysis showed abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test (57.4 µg/dL, N < 1.8), elevated ACTH 378 pg/mL (N 9.0–52.0), 24h-urinary free cortisol (UFC) (5334.0 µg/24h, N 4.3–176.0), and late-night salivar cortisol (1.44 µg/dL, N < 0.32), hypokalemia (2.8 mEq/L, N 3.8–5.0), and leukocytosis (22.4*109/L, N 4.0–11.0); DHEA-S 962 µg/dL (N 80–560), 4-androstenedione 380 ng/dL (N 70–360), 17-OH progesterone 4.5 ng/mL (N 0.59–3.44), cromogranine A 6063 ng/mL (N 0–100), and markedly elevated urinary amines (adrenaline 173 nmol/24h, N 0–109; noradrenaline 5033 nmol/24h, N 89–473; normetanephrine 334605 nmol/24h, N 480–2424; metanephrine 15998 nmol/24h, N 264–1729; dopamine 4808 nmol/24h, N 424–2612). Hypercalcemia with hypophosphatemia and supressed PTH level was also detected. 68Ga-DOTANOC PET revealed a mass of the right adrenal gland with overexpression of somatostatin receptors (likely pheochromocytoma), without evidence of other tumor lesions of neuroendocrine origin. Pituitary MRI showed normal pituitary gland. Potassium supplementation, alpha-blockade with phenoxybenzamine, and metyrapone were initiated. Due to severe back pain, a CT scan of the spine was performed detecting compressive osteoporotic fractures in the mid dorsal and low dorsal segments. The patient was submitted to right adrenalectomy. Histology revealed pheochromocytoma with 11.2*9mm, with capsular and vascular invasion, extra-adrenal extension, necrosis, and atypical mitosis, with Ki67 of 9.5% and PASS score of 16. Postoperative analysis showed ACTH 45.6 pg/mL (N 7.2-63,3), late-night salivar cortisol < 0,0544 µg/dL (N < 0,32) and free urinary cortisol 41.4 µg/24h (N 4.3–176.0). Discussion: Ectopic cushing syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma is a rarely described entity. In this young patient, it caused rapid clinical progression of hypercortisolism with important hydroelectrolytic disturbances and compressive vertebral fractures, requiring prompt surgical intervention for clinical remission and improvement.

scholarly journals Intestinal Perforation in ACTH-Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mariam Shahidi ◽  
Richard A. Phillips ◽  
Constance L. Chik
Keyword(s):  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Cushing’S Disease ◽  
Intestinal Perforation ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Cushing's Disease ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Ectopic Acth Production

Previous studies have linked systemic glucocorticoid use with intestinal perforation. However, the association between intestinal perforation and endogenous hypercortisolism has not been well described, with only 14 previously published case reports. In this study, we investigated if intestinal perforation occurred more frequently in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and in those with a greater than 10-fold elevation of 24-hour urinary free cortisol level. Of 110 patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome followed in two clinics in Canada, six cases with intestinal perforation were identified over 15 years. Age of patients ranged from 52 to 72, five females and one male, four with Cushing’s disease and two with ectopic ACTH production, one from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and one from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Five had diverticular perforation and one had intestinal perforation from a stercoral ulcer. All cases had their lower intestinal perforation when the cortisol production was high, and one patient had diverticular perforation 15 months prior to the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. As in previously reported cases, most had hypokalemia and abdominal pain with minimal or no peritoneal symptoms and this occurred during the active phase of Cushing’s syndrome. Whereas all previously reported cases occurred in patients with 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels greater than 10-fold the upper limit of normal when measured and 11 of 14 patients had ectopic ACTH production, only one of our patients had this degree of hypercortisolism and four of our six patients had Cushing’s disease. Similar to exogenous steroid use, patients with endogenous hypercortisolism also have a higher risk of intestinal, in particular diverticular, perforation and should be monitored closely for its occurrence with a low threshold for investigation and surgical intervention. Elective colonoscopy probably should be deferred until Cushing’s syndrome is under control.

scholarly journals Clozapine Use Presenting with Pseudopheochromocytoma in a Schizophrenic Patient: A Case Report

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaskanwal Sara ◽  
Matt Jenkins ◽  
Tanveer Chohan ◽  
Karan Jolly ◽  
Lisa Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
History Of ◽  
Caucasian Female ◽  
Abnormal Uptake ◽  
Noradrenaline Levels

Introduction. There have been six previous cases that reported pseudopheochromocytoma in patients taking clozapine. Our case showed the direct link of clozapine to serum levels of certain markers.Case. This is a case of a 49-year-old obese Caucasian female who was referred to endocrinology for investigation of Cushing’s syndrome, based on raised blood pressure and Cushingoid facies. The patient had underlying schizophrenia and was stable on clozapine. Her blood pressure was 150/99 mmHg on bendroflumethiazide and candesartan. We measured her 24-hour urinary-free cortisol, which was normal but 24-hour urinary-free noradrenaline was elevated at 835 nmol (76–561) with normal adrenaline 36 nmol (7–82) and dopamine 2679 nmol (366–2879), as the patient had history of palpitations and sweating. Two sets of 24-hour urinary-free cortisol measurements were normal and serum cortisol suppressed to <50 nmol/l after a 1 mg overnight dexamethasone. Two further 24-hour urinary-free catecholamines showed a raised level of noradrenaline. MRI demonstrated normal adrenals and MIBG scan did not show any abnormal uptake at adrenal glands.Conclusion. Pseudopheochromocytoma has been reported in patients taking clozapine. A number of different mechanisms for raised plasma noradrenaline levels with clozapine have been postulated. The above case highlights an unusual but known side effect of clozapine.

scholarly journals A rare case of Cushing syndrome by cyclic ectopic-ACTH

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 324-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Farage ◽  
Mario Alberto da Dantas Loures Costa ◽  
Amélio Fernando Godoy-Matos
Keyword(s):  
Primary Tumor ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Glomus Tumor ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Severe Hypertension ◽  
Abdominal Fat ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Mood Changes ◽  
Ectopic Acth Production

ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS) due to ectopic ACTH production is most times difficult to manage. The identification of the source of ACTH may take many years. Surgery or chemotherapy for the primary tumor is not always possible. Control of Cushing symptoms is many times achieved using medication, or bilateral adrenalectomy in refractory cases. This case presents a Brazilian male who showed severe hypertension, mood changes, muscle weakness, darkening of skin, and increased abdominal fat. An investigation for Cushing syndrome was carried out and, after a four-year follow-up, a carotid glomus tumor (chemodectoma) was confirmed, a rare ectopic ACTH-producing tumor. Besides, the patient presented cyclic Cushing syndrome that was exacerbated by diverticulitis episodes. This case presents interesting pitfalls on diagnosis and management of ACTH-dependent CS. This is the only report of a chemodectoma that produced ACTH in the literature.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes in Endogenous Cushing’s Syndrome: A 15-Year Experience from Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Wasita Warachit Parksook ◽  
Nitchakarn Laichuthai ◽  
Sarat Sunthornyothin
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Cushing’S Syndrome ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Remission Rate ◽  
Urinary Free Cortisol ◽  
Cushing's Syndrome ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
Normal Body Mass Index ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol

The most common subtype of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is Cushing’s disease (CD), with higher proportions of adrenal CS reported from Asia, compared to other continents. However, little was known about CS in this territory. This study was to investigate the distribution, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of CS in a single tertiary hospital in Thailand. We performed a retrospective evaluation of 82 patients with endogenous CS during 2001–2015. The most common subtype was CD, followed by adrenal CS and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS), respectively. Weight gain was the most common presentation. Normal body mass index (BMI), Asian cutoff, was observed in 33% of patients. Specific features of CS (plethora, muscle weakness, bruising, and/or wide purplish striae) were documented in less than half of patients. The median age, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and urinary free cortisol (UFC) concentrations were significantly different among 3 subtypes of CS and were highest among patients with EAS. An initial remission rate after transsphenoidal surgeries in CD was 62%, with higher rates in pituitary microadenomas compared to macroadenomas. All patients with unilateral adrenal disease achieved CS remission after adrenal surgeries. Patients with EAS achieved CS remission mostly from bilateral adrenalectomy. The highest mortality rate was observed in the EAS group. These findings were consistent with previous studies in Asia, with more proportions ACTH-independent CS.

scholarly journals Fluconazole treatment in severe ectopic Cushing syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa M Canteros ◽  
Valeria De Miguel ◽  
Patricia Fainstein-Day
Keyword(s):  
Liver Metastases ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Cushing Syndrome ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Bilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Ectopic Acth Syndrome ◽  
List Type ◽  
Ectopic Acth ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Summary Severe Cushing syndrome (SCS) is considered an emergency that requires immediate treatment to lower serum cortisol levels. Fluconazole may be considered an alternative treatment in Cushing syndrome when ketoconazole is not tolerated or unavailable. We report a 39-year-old woman with a history of partial pancreaticoduodenectomy due to a periampullary neuroendocrine tumor with locoregional extension. Three years after surgery, she developed liver metastases and was started on 120 mg of lanreotide/month, despite which, liver metastases progressed in the following 6 months. The patient showed extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, delirium, moon face, hirsutism and severe proximal weakness. Laboratory tests showed anemia, hyperglycemia and severe hypokalemia. 24-h urinary free cortisol: 2152 nmol/day (reference range (RR): <276), morning serum cortisol 4883.4 nmol/L (RR: 138–690), ACTH 127.3 pmol/L (RR: 2.2–10). She was diagnosed with ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). On admission, she presented with acute upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Intravenous fluconazole 400 mg/day was started. After 48 h, her mental state improved and morning cortisol decreased by 25%. The dose was titrated to 600 mg/day which resulted in a 55% decrease in cortisol levels in 1 week, but then had to be decreased to 400 mg/day because transaminase levels increased over 3 times the upper normal level. After 18 days of treatment, hemodynamic stability, lower cortisol levels and better overall clinical status enabled successful bilateral adrenalectomy. This case report shows that intravenous fluconazole effectively decreased cortisol levels in SCS due to EAS. Learning points: Severe Cushing syndrome can be effectively treated with fluconazole to achieve a significant improvement of hypercortisolism prior to bilateral adrenalectomy. Intravenous fluconazole is an alternative treatment when ketoconazole is not tolerated and etomidate is not available. Fluconazole is well tolerated with mild side effects. Hepatotoxicity is usually mild and resolves after drug discontinuation.

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 &gt;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 &gt;60 ug/dL(range 6.7-22), high-dose DST Cortisol &gt;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.

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