scholarly journals Fluconazole and acetazolamide in the treatment of ectopic Cushing's syndrome with severe metabolic alkalosis

Author(s):  
Verena Schwetz ◽  
Felix Aberer ◽  
Claudia Stiegler ◽  
Thomas R Pieber ◽  
Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch ◽  
...  

Summary Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to ectopic ACTH production accounts for about 10% of all types of CS and is frequently associated with metabolic alkalosis. Treatment of CS involves surgical resection and/or medical therapy to control hypercortisolism. We present the case of an 80-year-old woman affected by CS due to an unknown cause. The patient had severe metabolic alkalosis with refractory hypokalemia. To treat the underlying CS, fluconazole was initiated due to unavailability of ketoconazole. In spite of markedly decreasing cortisol levels, metabolic alkalosis persisted. Treatment of metabolic alkalosis with acetazolamide was thus initiated and pH levels successfully lowered. This case report shows that hypercortisolism can be effectively treated with fluconazole in cases where ketoconazole is unavailable or not tolerated and that persistent severe metabolic alkalosis caused by glucocorticoid excess can be safely and successfully treated with acetazolamide. Learning points Hypercortisolism can be effectively treated with fluconazole where ketoconazole is unavailable or not tolerated. Glucocorticoid excess can cause severe metabolic alkalosis. Persistent severe metabolic alkalosis can be safely and successfully treated with acetazolamide.

1996 ◽  
Vol 135 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keh-Chuan Loh ◽  
Rekha Gupta ◽  
Allan H Shlossberg

Loh K-C, Gupta R, Shlossberg AH. Spontaneous remission of ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to pheochromocytoma: a case report. Eur J Endocrinol 1996;135:440–3. ISSN 0804–4643 A young female adult with Cushing's syndrome arising from ectopic production of corticotropin (ACTH) from an adrenal pheochromocytoma showed spontaneous clinical and biochemical remission of hypercortisolism after a brief period of ketoconazole administration. Despite continued remission of the hypercortisolism over the next 18 months, there was progressive catecholamine hypersecretion with significant morbidity as a result of the pheochromocytoma. Surgical resection of the left adrenal gland revealed a pheochromocytoma showing focal cytoplasmic immunostaining for ACTH and marked diffuse compact cell hyperplasia in the adrenocortical tissue. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of spontaneous clinical and biochemical remission of ectopic ACTH production from a pheochromocytoma. The pathogenesis of the remission remains unknown. Keh-Chuan Loh, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dalhousie University, 5303 Morris Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1B6, Canada


Author(s):  
Ziadoon Faisal ◽  
Miguel Debono

Summary In this case report, we describe the management of a patient who was admitted with an ectopic ACTH syndrome during the COVID pandemic with new-onset type 2 diabetes, neutrophilia and unexplained hypokalaemia. These three findings when combined should alert physicians to the potential presence of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). On admission, a quick diagnosis of CS was made based on clinical and biochemical features and the patient was treated urgently using high dose oral metyrapone thus allowing delays in surgery and rapidly improving the patient’s clinical condition. This resulted in the treatment of hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia and hypertension reducing cardiovascular risk and likely risk for infection. Observing COVID-19 pandemic international guidelines to treat patients with CS has shown to be effective and offers endocrinologists an option to manage these patients adequately in difficult times. Learning points This case report highlights the importance of having a low threshold for suspicion and investigation for Cushing’s syndrome in a patient with neutrophilia and hypokalaemia, recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes especially in someone with catabolic features of the disease irrespective of losing weight. It also supports the use of alternative methods of approaching the diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome during a pandemic as indicated by international protocols designed specifically for managing this condition during Covid-19.


Author(s):  
F Serra ◽  
S Duarte ◽  
S Abreu ◽  
C Marques ◽  
J Cassis ◽  
...  

Summary Ectopic secretion of ACTH is an infrequent cause of Cushing's syndrome. We report a case of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by a nasal paraganglioma, a 68-year-old female with clinical features of Cushing's syndrome, serious hypokalaemia and a right paranasal sinus' lesion. Cranial magnetic resonance image showed a 46-mm mass on the right paranasal sinuses. Endocrinological investigation confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH production. Resection of the tumour normalised ACTH and cortisol secretion. The tumour was found to be a paraganglioma through microscopic analysis. On follow-up 3 months later, the patient showed nearly complete clinical recovery. Ectopic ACTH syndrome due to nasal paraganglioma is extremely uncommon, as only two other cases have been discussed in the literature. Learning points Ectopic Cushing's syndrome accounts for 10% of Cushing's syndrome etiologies. Most paraganglioma of the head and neck are not hormonally active. Nasal paraganglioma, especially ACTH producing, is a very rare tumour.


Author(s):  
Hashem Bseiso ◽  
Naama Lev-Cohain ◽  
David J Gross ◽  
Simona Grozinsky-Glasberg

Summary A 55-year-old woman diagnosed with sporadic MTC underwent total thyroidectomy 20 years ago. After the first surgery, elevated calcitonin levels in parallel with local disease persistence were noted and therefore she underwent repeated neck dissections. During follow-up, multiple foci of metastatic disease were noted in the neck and mediastinal lymph nodes, lungs and bones; however, the disease had an indolent course for a number of years, in parallel with a calcitonin doubling time of more than two years and without significant symptoms. During a routine follow-up visit 2 years ago, findings suggestive of Cushing’s syndrome were observed on physical examination. The biochemical evaluation demonstrated markedly elevated serum calcitonin level, in parallel with lack of cortisol suppression after an overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, lack of cortisol and ACTH suppression after high-dose IV dexamethasone 8 mg, elevated plasma ACTH up to 79 pg/mL (normal <46 pg/mL) and elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol up to 501 µg/24 h (normal 9–90 µg/24 h). After a negative pituitary MRI, she underwent IPSS, which was compatible with EAS. Whole-body CT demonstrated progressive disease at most of the tumor sites. Treatment with vandetanib at a dosage of 200 mg/day was commenced. The patient showed a significant, rapid and consistent clinical improvement already after two months of treatment, in parallel with biochemical improvement, whereas a decrease in tumor size was demonstrated on follow-up CT. Learning points: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) by MTC is an uncommon and a poor prognostic event, being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We demonstrate that vandetanib is effective in controlling the signs and symptoms related to the EAS in patients with advanced progressive MTC. We demonstrate that vandetanib is effective in decreasing tumor size and in inducing tumor control.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 325-327
Author(s):  
Neil Oronsky ◽  
Bennett Thilagar ◽  
Carolyn M. Ray ◽  
Scott Caroen ◽  
Michelle M.C. Lybeck ◽  
...  

Glucocorticoids are associated with immunosuppression and neuropsychiatric complications. We describe the case of a carcinoid patient with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) and neurocognitive impairment due to ectopic ACTH production who developed sepsis and died because of his family’s decision to withdraw antibiotic treatment. This report is presented to illustrate the importance of advanced-care planning in patients with CS.


Author(s):  
Regina Streuli ◽  
Ina Krull ◽  
Michael Brändle ◽  
Walter Kolb ◽  
Günter Stalla ◽  
...  

Summary Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are a very rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Differentiating between Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome may be particularly difficult if predominant ectopic CRH secretion leads to pituitary corticotroph hyperplasia that may mimic Cushing’s disease during dynamic testing with both dexamethasone and CRH as well as bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). We present the case of a 24-year-old man diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH/CRH co-secreting midgut NET. Both high-dose dexamethasone testing and BIPSS suggested Cushing’s disease. However, the clinical presentation with a rather rapid onset of cushingoid features, hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia led to the consideration of ectopic ACTH/CRH-secretion and prompted a further workup. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a cecal mass which was identified as a predominantly CRH-secreting neuroendocrine tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumor of the cecum presenting with biochemical features suggestive of Cushing’s disease. Learning points: The discrimination between a Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome is challenging and has many caveats. Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are very rare. Dynamic tests as well as BIPSS may be compatible with Cushing’s disease in ectopic CRH-secretion. High levels of CRH may induce hyperplasia of the corticotroph cells in the pituitary. This could be the cause of a preserved pituitary response to dexamethasone and CRH. Clinical features of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with rapid development of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperpigmentation, high circulating levels of cortisol with associated hypokalemia, peripheral edema and proximal myopathy should be a warning flag of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome and lead to further investigations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Pinheiro ◽  
Juliana Filipe ◽  
Pedro Meireles ◽  
Branco Sara Castelo ◽  
Miguel Rito ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68
Author(s):  
Zied Chaari ◽  
Hazem Zribi ◽  
Sonia Ouerghi ◽  
Mohamed-Sadok Boudaya ◽  
Tarek Kilani ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 959
Author(s):  
Siddharth Pugalendhi ◽  
Tarun Kumar Dutta ◽  
Dhivya . ◽  
Kiran Yadav

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.


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