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Dong GF, Hou YK, Ma Q, Ma SY, Wang YJ, Rexiati M, Wang WG. Cushing's syndrome caused by giant Ewing's sarcoma of the kidney: A case report and review of literature. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:5431-5440. [PMID: 39156087 PMCID: PMC11238686 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i23.5431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary renal Ewing's sarcoma (ES) is extremely rare, and only two cases causing Cushing's syndrome (CS) have been reported to date. We report that the case of an 18-year-old patient is diagnosed primary renal ES with typical CS characterized by purple stripes, weight gain, and hypertension. CASE SUMMARY CS was first diagnosed by laboratory testing. A huge tumor was revealed in the kidney following an imaging examination. Moreover, brain and bone metastases were observed. After comprehensive treatment, primarily based on surgery, primary renal ES was pathologically diagnosed with a typical EWSR1-FLI1 genetic mutation through genetic testing. Furthermore, the glucocorticoid level returned to normal. By the ninth postoperative month of follow-up, the patient was recovering well. Cushing-related symptoms had improved, and a satisfactory curative effect was achieved. CONCLUSION Primary renal ES, a rare adult malignant tumor, can cause CS and a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Fan Dong
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ya-Kun Hou
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qi Ma
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shuang-Yu Ma
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Jie Wang
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Mulati Rexiati
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wen-Guang Wang
- Department of Urologic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830000, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
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2
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Simonds WF. Expressions of Cushing's syndrome in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1183297. [PMID: 37409236 PMCID: PMC10319112 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1183297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) resulting from endogenous hypercortisolism can be sporadic or can occur in the context of familial disease because of pituitary or extra-pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is unique among familial endocrine tumor syndromes because hypercortisolism in this context can result from pituitary, adrenal, or thymic neuroendocrine tumors and can therefore reflect either ACTH-dependent or ACTH-independent pathophysiologies. The prominent expressions of MEN1 include primary hyperparathyroidism, tumors of the anterior pituitary, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and bronchial carcinoid tumors along with several common non-endocrine manifestations such as cutaneous angiofibromas and leiomyomas. Pituitary tumors are present in about 40% of MEN1 patients, and up to 10% of such tumors secrete ACTH that can result in Cushing's disease. Adrenocortical neoplasms occur frequently in MEN1. Although such adrenal tumors are mostly clinically silent, this category can include benign or malignant tumors causing hypercortisolism and CS. Ectopic tumoral ACTH secretion has also been observed in MEN1, almost exclusively originating from thymic neuroendocrine tumors. The range of clinical presentations, etiologies, and diagnostic challenges of CS in MEN1 are reviewed herein with an emphasis on the medical literature since 1997, when the MEN1 gene was identified.
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3
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Corsello A, Ramunno V, Locantore P, Pacini G, Rossi ED, Torino F, Pontecorvi A, De Crea C, Paragliola RM, Raffaelli M, Corsello SM. Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Detailed Cases from the Literature. Thyroid 2022; 32:1281-1298. [PMID: 35833793 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor arising from parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid gland that, in rare cases, can cause a paraneoplastic ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS). The development of Cushing's syndrome (CS) in MTC patients is generally associated with advanced disease and poor prognosis. Summary: We described a case of severe CS due to MTC in a young male. We performed a systematic review to identify cases of ECS due to MTC. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for publications between database inception and February 2022 and we collected the patient characteristics, disease presentation, employed treatment strategies, and disease outcomes. In addition to our patient, we identified 96 cases of ECS due to MTC reported in literature. Mean age at diagnosis was 44.4 years (range 10-84), and there was a male predominance (male:female [M:F] = 1.8:1). Most patients (51%) presented with metastatic disease at diagnosis and showed severe hypercortisolism. Seventeen patients developed distant metastasis and hypercortisolism during follow-up. Interestingly, in 48% of patients, the diagnosis of CS followed the diagnosis of MTC with a median time of 48 months but, among patients in whom the diagnosis was concomitant (38%), symptoms due to hypercortisolism were frequently the reason for seeking medical advice. Pathology results showed evidence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) positive cells in 76% of patients in whom they were tested. The management of hypercortisolism was challenging in most patients with 48% requiring, eventually, definitive treatment with bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA). Recently, some limited evidence has emerged regarding tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment for hypercortisolism in patients with ECS due to MTC. Despite limited information on survival, prognosis was generally poor and the main causes of death were either complications of CS or disease progression. Conclusions: Despite its rarity, MTC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ECS. Management of hypercortisolism is a key factor to improve the patient's symptoms but it is often challenging and BLA is frequently required. Further studies are needed for investigating the role of TKIs in patients with MTC with ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corsello
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Ramunno
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Locantore
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pacini
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Esther Diana Rossi
- Division of Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Medical Oncology, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela De Crea
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Raffaelli
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors are commonly small, yet they often lead to fulminant forms of Cushing syndrome. High-resolution functional imaging modalities, such as [Ga]-DOTATATE, have been recently introduced in clinical practice for the identification of neuroendocrine tumors. In this review, we focus on the performance of [Ga]-DOTATATE as a tool for localizing primary and metastatic sources of ectopic Cushing syndrome (ECS). RECENT FINDINGS Prompt surgical removal of ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors is the mainstay of therapy in patients with ECS. Detecting such tumors with conventional cross-sectional imaging is often unsuccessful, owing to their small size. [Ga]-DOTATATE has been approved in 2016 by the Federal Drug Administration for imaging well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. Data regarding the performance of [Ga]-DOTATATE for detecting ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors remain limited, in part owing to the recent introduction of this imaging modality in clinical practice, and in part because of the low prevalence of ECS. Nevertheless, [Ga]-DOTATATE has been reported to be useful in identifying primary and metastatic ectopic ACTH-secreting lesions that were not apparent on other imaging studies, impacting the clinical care of many patients with ECS. SUMMARY [Ga]-DOTATATE-based imaging, which targets the somatostatin receptors abundantly expressed in neuroendocrine tumors, has generally high, although variable resolution in detecting the source(s) of ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Grigoryan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing
| | | | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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5
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Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma with Paraneoplastic Cushing Syndrome. Case Rep Endocrinol 2019; 2019:6414921. [PMID: 31885947 PMCID: PMC6925804 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6414921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare form of neoplasm affecting the thyroid gland. This neuroendocrine tumor is capable of releasing active substances causing systemic manifestation in the form of flushing, diarrhea, and uncommonly, Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS). MTC can be hereditary as a part of multiple endocrine neoplasm type 2 syndrome (MEN2) or arise sporadically. We report a case of a 74-year-old female presenting with chronic diarrhea, in whom diagnosis of sporadic MTC was delayed due to previous history of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. The patient developed liver metastases yielding ACTH dependent Cushing’s Syndrome leading to abnormal clinical presentation and laboratory values driven by elevated cortisol level. Metastatic MTC should be considered in patients presenting with chronic diarrhea and weakness unexplained by other GI related causes.
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6
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Nakhjavani M, Amirbaigloo A, Rabizadeh S, Rotondo F, Kovacs K, Ghazi AA. Ectopic cushing's syndrome due to corticotropin releasing hormone. Pituitary 2019; 22:561-568. [PMID: 31041631 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-019-00965-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) secondary to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) producing tumors is rare. In this paper we present an Iranian patient who was admitted to our hospital with classic signs and symptoms of CS. Laboratory evaluation revealed high serum and urine cortisol which could not be suppressed with dexamethasone. Abdominal CT scan revealed a mass in abdominal cavity. A percutaneous needle biopsy was performed and histopathologic evaluation revealed that the mass was a neuroendocrine tumor. A multi-disciplinary approach including resection of the mass, bilateral adrenalectomy somatostatin analogue and chemotherapy was applied for management of the disease. Extensive review of English literature focusing on the topic from 1971 to 2018 revealed that there have been only 75 similar cases. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, histopathologic characteristics and managements of these patients will also be discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manouchehr Nakhjavani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Soghra Rabizadeh
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fabio Rotondo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Toronto, Canada
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kalman Kovacs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Toronto, Canada
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ali A Ghazi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 19395-4763, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Guilmette J, Nosé V. Paraneoplastic syndromes and other systemic disorders associated with neuroendocrine neoplasms. Semin Diagn Pathol 2019; 36:229-239. [PMID: 30910348 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) consist of metabolic disorders that accompany benign and malignant neoplasms but remain unrelated to mass effects or invasion by the primary tumor or its metastases. The underlying pathogenesis responsible for PNS usual clinical presentation relies on aberrant production of protein hormones, proteins and other substances by the tumor. Prompt recognition of characteristic signs and symptoms combined with serological identification of key substances may result in early diagnosis of PNS and its underlying malignancy. For these reasons, healthcare professionals should familiarize themselves with tumor-induced hypercalcemia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, carcinoid syndrome, virilisation syndrome, gynecomastia, acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, osteogenic osteomalacia, tumor-induced hypoglycemia, necrolytic migratory erythema, and watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorydria syndrome. Medical awareness for PNS can improve patient outcomes through earlier administration of cancer therapy and treatment, better symptomatic relief and prolong overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Guilmette
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114-2696, United States; Department of Pathology, Charles-Lemoyne Hospital, Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vânia Nosé
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114-2696, United States.
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8
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Guilmette J, Nosé V. Hereditary and familial thyroid tumours. Histopathology 2017; 72:70-81. [DOI: 10.1111/his.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vania Nosé
- Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston MA USA
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9
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Dimitriadis GK, Angelousi A, Weickert MO, Randeva HS, Kaltsas G, Grossman A. Paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes. Endocr Relat Cancer 2017; 24:R173-R190. [PMID: 28341725 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The majority of neoplasms are responsible for symptoms caused by mass effects to surrounding tissues and/or through the development of metastases. However, occasionally neoplasms, with or without endocrine differentiation, acquire the ability to secrete a variety of bioactive substances or induce immune cross-reactivity with the normal tissues that can lead to the development of characteristic clinical syndromes. These syndromes are named endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes when the specific secretory components (hormones, peptides or cytokines) are unrelated to the anticipated tissue or organ of origin. Endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes can complicate the patient's clinical course, response to treatment, impact prognosis and even be confused as metastatic spread. These syndromes can precede, occur concomitantly or present at a later stage of tumour development, and along with the secreted substances constitute the biological 'fingerprint' of the tumour. Their detection can facilitate early diagnosis of the underlying neoplasia, monitor response to treatment and/or detect early recurrences following successful initial management. Although when associated with tumours of low malignant potential they usually do not affect long-term outcome, in cases of highly malignant tumours, endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes are usually associated with poorer survival outcomes. Recent medical advances have not only improved our understanding of paraneoplastic syndrome pathogenesis in general but also enhanced their diagnosis and treatment. Yet, given the rarity of endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes, there is a paucity of prospective clinical trials to guide management. The development of well-designed prospective multicentre trials remains a priority in the field in order to fully characterise these syndromes and provide evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios K Dimitriadis
- The Arden NET CoEWarwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Anna Angelousi
- Division of PathophysiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Martin O Weickert
- The Arden NET CoEWarwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Harpal S Randeva
- The Arden NET CoEWarwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- The Arden NET CoEWarwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
- Division of PathophysiologyNational and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
- Oxford Centre for DiabetesEndocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ashley Grossman
- Oxford Centre for DiabetesEndocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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10
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Matheny LN, Wilson JR, Baum HBA. Ectopic ACTH Production Leading to Diagnosis of Underlying Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2016; 4:2324709616643989. [PMID: 27141514 PMCID: PMC4837669 DOI: 10.1177/2324709616643989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been described as a source of ectopic ACTH secretion in patients with Cushing's syndrome. This is an infrequent association, occurring in less than 1% of MTC cases. Among these, it is even more unusual for an initial diagnosis of hypercortisolism to lead to the discovery of underlying MTC. Here we present a case of a patient with weakness, diarrhea, and hypokalemia who was found first to have Cushing's syndrome and later diagnosed with metastatic MTC. The patient was treated initially with oral agents to control his hypercortisolism, then with an etomidate infusion after experiencing intestinal perforation. He also received vandetanib therapy targeting his underlying malignancy, as this has been shown to reverse clinical signs of Cushing's syndrome in patients with MTC and subsequent ectopic ACTH secretion. Bilateral adrenalectomy was ultimately required. Medullary thyroid carcinoma should be considered in patients presenting with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion, and a multimodality treatment approach is often required.
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11
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Lois KB, Santhakumar A, Vaikkakara S, Mathew S, Long A, Johnson SJ, Peaston R, Neely RDG, Richardson DL, Graham J, Lennard TWJ, Bliss R, Miller M, Ball SG, Pearce SHS, Woods DR, Quinton R. Phaeochromocytoma and ACTH-dependent cushing's syndrome: tumour crf secretion can mimic pituitary cushing's disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 84:177-184. [PMID: 26433209 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 10% of corticotrophin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome arises from secretion by extrapituitary tumours, with phaeochromocytoma implicated in a few cases. Ectopic secretion by phaeochromocytoma of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF), with secondary corticotroph hyperplasia, is even rarer, with only five cases in the literature hitherto. However, such cases may be classified as 'ectopic ACTH' due to incomplete verification. CLINICAL CASES We describe three patients with phaeochromocytoma and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome in whom biochemical cure was achieved following unilateral adrenalectomy. Although unable to access a validated CRF assay within the timeframe for sample storage, we nevertheless inferred CRF secretion in 2 of 3 cases by tumour immunostaining (positive for CRF; negative for ACTH), supported in one case by pre-operative inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) indicative of pituitary ACTH source. Both cases were characterized by rapid postoperative wean off glucocorticoids, presumed to reflect the pituitary stimulatory-effect of CRF outweighing central negative feedback inhibition by hypercortisolaemia. By contrast, the tumour excised in a third case exhibited positive immunostaining for ACTH - negative for CRF - and postoperative recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis took significantly longer. DISCUSSION Ectopic CRF production is biochemically indistinguishable from ectopic ACTH secretion, except that IPSS mimics pituitary Cushing's disease and cortisol dynamics may normalize rapidly postadrenalectomy. CRF secretion can be inferred through tumour immunohistochemistry, even if no CRF assay is available. Unrecognized phaeochromocytoma ACTH secretion may underpin some cases of cardiovascular collapse postadrenalectomy through acute hypocortisolaemia. Despite advances in phaeochromocytoma genetics since previous reports, we were unable to identify somatic DNA defects associated with either ACTH or CRF secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos B Lois
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Anjali Santhakumar
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Suresh Vaikkakara
- Department of Endocrinology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati (MP), India
| | - Sajjan Mathew
- Department of Surgery, Oman Health Services, Sohar Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Anna Long
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah J Johnson
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Rovert Peaston
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - R Dermot G Neely
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - David L Richardson
- Department of Radiology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - James Graham
- Department of Radiology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas W J Lennard
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Bioscience, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Bliss
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Margaret Miller
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen G Ball
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Bioscience, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon H S Pearce
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Bioscience, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - David R Woods
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Northumbria NHS Trust, UK
- Carnegie Research Institute, Leeds Beckett University, UK
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Bioscience, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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12
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Sacerdote A, Inoue T, Thomas N, Bahtiyar G. Possible ACTH-independent, cortisol-secreting and DHEA-secreting metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma causing Cushing's syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr2015211520. [PMID: 26698199 PMCID: PMC4691856 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-211520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol production by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been previously reported and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion by HCC is rare. We report a case of a 53-year-old woman admitted with dyspnoea and headache. Serum cortisol by immunoassay (IA) was 42.3 μg/dL, urine free cortisol (UFC) by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was 106.1 μg/24 h, serum DHEA by LC/MS/MS was 4886 ng/mL, serum DHEA-S by LC/MS/MS was 4477 ng/mL and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) by IA was 10 pg/mL. CT showed likely HCC metastatic to the left adrenal gland, brain and lungs. Liver and adrenal gland biopsies confirmed HCC. ACTH tumour staining was negative. High serum and UFC levels and high serum DHEA and DHEA-S with low-normal plasma ACTH and negative tumour ACTH staining suggested ACTH-independent ectopic Cushing's syndrome (CS); cortisol and DHEA being likely secreted by the HCC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HCC associated with CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Sacerdote
- Department of Medicine, Woodhull Medical Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Taiga Inoue
- Department of Medicine, Woodhull Medical Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Nithin Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Gul Bahtiyar
- Department of Medicine, Woodhull Medical Mental Health Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Isidori AM, Sbardella E, Zatelli MC, Boschetti M, Vitale G, Colao A, Pivonello R. Conventional and Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome: A Systematic Review. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:3231-44. [PMID: 26158607 PMCID: PMC4570166 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome (ECS) can be a diagnostic challenge with the hormonal source difficult to find. This study analyzes the accuracy of imaging studies in ECS localization. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Systematic review of medical literature for ECS case series providing individual patient data on at least one conventional imaging technique (computed tomography [CT]/magnetic resonance imaging) and one of the following: 111In-pentetreotide (OCT), 131I/123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine, 18Ffluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), 18F-fluorodopa-PET (F-DOPA-PET), 68Ga- DOTATATE-PET/CT or 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET/CT scan (68Gallium-SSTR-PET/CT). EVIDENCE SUMMARY The analysis comprised 231 patients (females, 50.2%; age, 42.617 y). Overall, 52.4%(121/231) had "overt" ECS,18.6% had "occult" ECS, and 29% had "covert" ECS. Tumors were located in the lung (55.3%), mediastinum-thymus (7.9%), pancreas (8.5%), adrenal glands (6.4%), gastrointestinal tract (5.4%), thyroid (3.7%), and other sites (12.8%), and primary tumors were mostly bronchial neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) (54.8%), pancreatic NETs (8%), mediastinum-thymus NETs (6.9%), gastrointestinal NETs (5.3%), pheochromocytoma (6.4%), neuroblastoma (3.2%), and medullary thyroid carcinoma (3.2%). Tumors were localized byCTin66.2%(137/207), magnetic resonance imaging in 51.5% (53/103), OCT in 48.9% (84/172), FDG-PET in 51.7% (46/89), F-DOPAPET in 57.1% (12/21), 131/123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in 30.8% (4/13), and 68Gallium-SSTRPET/CT in 81.8% (18/22) of cases. Molecular imaging discovered 79.1% (53/67) of tumors unidentified by conventional radiology, with OCT the most commonly used, revealing the tumor in 64%, followed by FDG-PET in 59.4%. F-DOPA-PET was used in only seven covert cases (sensitivity, 85.7%). Notably, 68Gallium-SSTR-PET/CT had 100% sensitivity among covert cases. CONCLUSIONS Nuclear medicine improves the sensitivity of conventional radiology when tumor site identification is problematic. OCT offers a good availability/reliability ratio, and FDG-PET was proven useful. 68Gallium-SSTR-PET/CT use was infrequent, despite offering the highest sensitivity.
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Pitoia F, Bueno F, Schmidt A, Lucas S, Cross G. Rapid response of hypercortisolism to vandetanib treatment in a patient with advanced medullary thyroid cancer and ectopic Cushing syndrome. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2015; 59:343-6. [PMID: 26331322 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Choi HS, Kim MJ, Moon CH, Yoon JH, Ku HR, Kang GW, Na II, Lee SS, Lee BC, Park YJ, Kim HI, Ku YH. Medullary thyroid carcinoma with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2014; 29:96-100. [PMID: 24741461 PMCID: PMC3970275 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2014.29.1.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is caused most frequently by a bronchial carcinoid tumor or by small cell lung cancer. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare etiology of ectopic ACTH syndrome. We describe a case of Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH production from MTC in a 48-year-old male. He was diagnosed with MTC 14 years ago and underwent total thyroidectomy, cervical lymph node dissection and a series of metastasectomies. MTC was confirmed by the pathological examination of the thyroid and metastatic mediastinal lymph node tissues. Two years after his last surgery, he developed Cushingoid features, such as moon face and central obesity, accompanied by uncontrolled hypertension and new-onset diabetes. The laboratory results were compatible with ectopic ACTH syndrome. A bilateral adrenalectomy improved the clinical and laboratory findings that were associated with Cushing syndrome. This is the first confirmed case of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by MTC in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Seok Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae Ho Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Ho Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Ra Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geon Wook Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Im Il Na
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Sook Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Il Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Hyi Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Shahani S, Nudelman RJ, Nalini R, Kim HS, Samson SL. Ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) syndrome from metastatic small cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature. Diagn Pathol 2010; 5:56. [PMID: 20807418 PMCID: PMC2942804 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-5-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cushing's Syndrome (CS) which is caused by isolated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) production, rather than adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production, is extremely rare. METHODS We describe the clinical presentation, course, laboratory values and pathologic findings of a patient with isolated ectopic CRH causing CS. We review the literature of the types of tumors associated with this unusual syndrome and the behavior of these tumors by endocrine testing. RESULTS A 56 year old woman presented with clinical and laboratory features consistent with ACTH-dependent CS. Pituitary imaging was normal and cortisol did not suppress with a high dose dexamethasone test, consistent with a diagnosis of ectopic ACTH. CT imaging did not reveal any discrete lung lesions but there were mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy and multiple liver lesions suspicious for metastatic disease. Laboratory testing was positive for elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen and the neuroendocrine marker chromogranin A. Serum markers of carcinoid, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma were in the normal range. Because the primary tumor could not be identified by imaging, biopsy of the presumed metastatic liver lesions was performed. Immunohistochemistry was consistent with a neuroendocrine tumor, specifically small cell carcinoma. Immunostaining for ACTH was negative but was strongly positive for CRH and laboratory testing revealed a plasma CRH of 10 pg/ml (normal 0 to 10 pg/ml) which should have been suppressed in the presence of high cortisol. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates the importance of considering the ectopic production of CRH in the differential diagnosis for presentations of ACTH-dependent Cushing's Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadeka Shahani
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome usually relates to the ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) and represents ∼20% of ACTH-dependent and ∼10% of all types of Cushing's syndrome (CS). Nearly any neuroendocrine or non-endocrine tumours may be associated with EAS, but the more prevalent tumours are bronchial carcinoids, small cell lung carcinomas, pancreatic carcinoids, thymic carcinoids, medullary carcinomas of the thyroid, and phaeochromocytomas. Occult tumours are highly represented in all the series (12-38%) and constitute the more challenging cases of EAS, requiring long term follow-up. The lack of any completely reliable diagnostic test procedure and imaging to clearly reveal the source of EAS suggests that we should adopt a step-by-step multidisciplinary approach for their diagnosis and therapeutic management. Clinical features are often similar in ACTH-dependent CS, but the rapid onset and progress may suggest an ectopic source. A combination of biochemical tests and imaging studies seems the most appropriate approach for the prompt identification of EAS, even if there are several pitfalls to be avoided along the way. The most appropriate management for cure of EAS, when its source is identified, is surgical excision after controlling the hypercortisolaemia by inhibitors of cortisol secretion and other newer modalities alone or in combination; bilateral adrenalectomy remains an alternative option. Tumour histology, the presence of metastases and the effective control of hypercortisolaemia affect mortality and morbidity. If a source repeatedly fails to be found, the prognosis is often favourable but the identification of a malignant tumour should still be sought during life-long follow-up to avoid the calamity of misdiagnosis.
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Kaprara A, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K, Kortsaris A, Chatzaki E. The corticotropin releasing factor system in cancer: expression and pathophysiological implications. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:1293-306. [PMID: 20143250 PMCID: PMC11115652 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malignant tumors express multiple factors that have some role in the regulating networks supporting their ectopic growth. Recently, increased interest has been developing in the expression and biological role of the neuropeptides and receptors of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system, the principal neuroendocrine mediator of the stress response, especially in the light of several R&D programs for small molecule antagonists that could present some anticancer therapeutic benefit. In the present article, we review the literature suggesting that the CRF system could be involved in the regulation of human cancer development. Potential implication in growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, or immune parameters via activation of locally expressed receptors could be clinically exploited by presenting targets of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandros Kortsaris
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - Ekaterini Chatzaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 681 00 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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