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Song L, Miao H, Zhu Z, Zhu H, Wang J, Xing X, Zhu Z, Jiang Y, Feng R, Xiao Y, Duan L, Sui X, Liu Q, Wang L, Chen S, Song W, Jin Z, Lu L. Differentiating lung neuroendocrine neoplasms from tumor-like infection using CT in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:187. [PMID: 39090485 PMCID: PMC11294316 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01775-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are the most frequent cause of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS); lung infection is common in EAS. An imaging finding of infection in EAS patients can mimic NENs. This retrospective study investigated EAS-associated pulmonary imaging indicators. METHODS Forty-five pulmonary NENs and 27 tumor-like infections from 59 EAS patients (45 NEN and 14 infection patients) were included. Clinical manifestations, CT features, 18F-FDG, or 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET/CT images and pathological results were collected. RESULTS High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and expectoration occurrence (p = 0.04) were higher, and finger oxygen saturation (p = 0.01) was lower in the infection group than the NENs group. Higher-grade NENs were underrepresented in our cohort. Pulmonary NENs were solitary primary tumors, 80% of which were peripheral tumors. Overlying vessel sign and airway involvement were more frequent in the NENs group (p < 0.001). Multifocal (p = 0.001) and peripheral (p = 0.02) lesions, cavity (p < 0.001), spiculation (p = 0.01), pleural retraction (p < 0.001), connection to pulmonary veins (p = 0.02), and distal atelectasis or inflammatory exudation (p = 0.001) were more frequent in the infection group. The median CT value increment between the non-contrast and arterial phases was significantly higher in NENs lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a moderate predictive ability at 48.3 HU of delta CT value (sensitivity, 95.0%; specificity, 54.1%). CONCLUSION Chest CT scans are valuable for localizing and characterizing pulmonary lesions in rare EAS, thereby enabling prompt differential diagnosis and treatment. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Thin-slice CT images are valuable for the localization and identification of pulmonary ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome lesions, leading to prompt differential diagnosis and effective treatment. KEY POINTS Lung tumor-like infections can mimic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) patients. NENs are solitary lesions, whereas infections are multiple peripheral pseudotumors each with identifying imaging findings. Typical CT signs aid in localization and creating an appropriate differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Song
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hui Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhenchen Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- 4+4 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiaoping Xing
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ruie Feng
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lian Duan
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xin Sui
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qingxing Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Linjie Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Bostan H, Duger H, Akhanli P, Calapkulu M, Turkmenoglu TT, Erdol AK, Duru SA, Sencar ME, Kizilgul M, Ucan B, Ozbek M, Cakal E. Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting metastatic neuroendocrine tumor of unknown primary origin: a case report and literature review. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:147-154. [PMID: 34478059 PMCID: PMC8414022 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this article, we present a case of neuroendocrine neoplasm of unknown primary origin (UPO NEN), which is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) presenting numerous challenges, together with a literature review. CASE REPORT A 43-year-old male patient presented with clinical features consistent with Cushing's syndrome (CS) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent hypercortisolemia. Despite a suspicious lesion on pituitary MRI, the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling results were not compatible with Cushing's disease. Bilateral non-homogeneous opacities were observed in the thorax CT of the patient, who also had a history of COVID-19 infection, but no tumoral lesion was detected. When 68Ga-SSTR PET/CT and 18FDG-PET/CT were performed, multiple metastatic foci were detected in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and the axial skeleton. Paratracheal-subcarinal lymph nodes were excised mediastinoscopically, and the diagnosis of NEN was made. Histopathological findings indicated that the possible origin was an atypical pulmonary carcinoid with a low Ki-67 labeling index. After controlling hypercortisolemia, a regimen of somatostatin analogs and capecitabine plus temozolomide was decided upon as treatment by a multidisciplinary council. CONCLUSION This is a challenging case of UPO NEN presenting with ECS and confounding factors, such as previous infection and incidental lesions, during the diagnosis process. The case in question highlighted the fact that atypical pulmonary carcinoid with a low proliferation index may cause visible metastases even when radiologically undetectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayri Bostan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Duger
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Akhanli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murat Calapkulu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugba Taskin Turkmenoglu
- Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Kevser Erdol
- Department of Chest Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serap Akcali Duru
- Department of Chest Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Erkam Sencar
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Kizilgul
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bekir Ucan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ozbek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erman Cakal
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ziraat Mahallesi, Şht. Ömer Halisdemir Blv. No. 1, 6110, Ankara, Turkey
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Machado MC, Fragoso MCBV, Moreira AC, Boguszewski CL, Vieira L, Naves LA, Vilar L, de Araújo LA, Czepielewski MA, Gadelha MR, Musolino NRC, Miranda PAC, Bronstein MD, Ribeiro-Oliveira A. Recommendations of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism for the diagnosis of Cushing's disease in Brazil. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2016; 60:267-86. [PMID: 27355856 PMCID: PMC10522300 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although it is a rare condition, the accurate diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's disease is important due to its higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population, which is attributed to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and infections. Screening for hypercortisolism is recommended for patients who present multiple and progressive clinical signs and symptoms, especially those who are considered to be more specific to Cushing's syndrome, abnormal findings relative to age (e.g., spinal osteoporosis and high blood pressure in young patients), weight gain associated with reduced growth rate in the pediatric population and for those with adrenal incidentalomas. Routine screening is not recommended for other groups of patients, such as those with obesity or diabetes mellitus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary, the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test and the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test are the main tests for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Bilateral and simultaneous petrosal sinus sampling is the gold standard method and is performed when the triad of initial tests is inconclusive, doubtful or conflicting. The aim of this article is to provide information on the early detection and establishment of a proper diagnosis of Cushing's disease, recommending follow-up of these patients at experienced referral centers. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60(3):267-86.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Carlos Machado
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Maria Candida Barisson Vilares Fragoso
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Ayrton Custódio Moreira
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão PretoUniversidade de São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrasilDivisão de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil;
| | - César Luiz Boguszewski
- Serviço de Endocrinologia e MetabologiaHospital de ClínicasUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaPRBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SEMPR), Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil;
| | - Leonardo Vieira
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário Clementino Fraga FilhoUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (HUCFF/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;
| | - Luciana A. Naves
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário de BrasíliaUniversidade de BrasíliaBrasíliaDFBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brasil;
| | - Lucio Vilar
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital de ClínicasUniversidade Federal de PernambucoRecifePEBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brasil;
| | | | - Mauro A. Czepielewski
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegreFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil;
| | - Monica R. Gadelha
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário Clementino Fraga FilhoUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (HUCFF/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;
| | - Nina Rosa Castro Musolino
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Divisão de Neurocirurgia Funcional, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP;Brasil
| | - Paulo Augusto C Miranda
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaSanta Casa de Belo HorizonteBelo HorizonteMGBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil;
| | - Marcello Delano Bronstein
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Antônio Ribeiro-Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisServiço de EndocrinologiaHospital de ClínicasBelo HorizonteMGBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Vaduganathan M, Nagarur A, Kerr DA, Lauter KB, Padmanabhan A, Raghavan S, Pallais JC, Fenves AZ. Metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2015; 28:46-9. [PMID: 25552797 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2015.11929184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a 71-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, lower-extremity edema, recent unintentional weight loss, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Serum cortisol levels remained elevated after overnight high-dose dexamethasone suppression. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a small mass in the head of the pancreas with scattered liver metastases. Both endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic biopsy and liver biopsy revealed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. These lesions did not show significant uptake on octreotide scan. Medical management and hepatic artery chemoembolization were attempted. Ultimately, the patient underwent bilateral adrenalectomy, but died within 4 months of symptom onset secondary to postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthiah Vaduganathan
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amulya Nagarur
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Darcy A Kerr
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly B Lauter
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arun Padmanabhan
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Juan C Pallais
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Z Fenves
- Department of Medicine (Vaduganathan, Nagarur, Lauter, Padmanabhan, Raghavan, Pallais, Fenves) and the Department of Pathology (Kerr), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
Ectopic hormone production is a rare complication in neuroendocrine tumors. Tumors producing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are most commonly observed, leading to the classical symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome. Additionally, a very low percentage of neuroendocrine tumors can produce growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) leading to classical features of acromegaly. Moreover, ectopic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion has been described in neuroendocrine tumors presenting as hyponatremia due to the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion. Other ectopic hormone secretions, such as paraneoplastic gonadotropin release are rarely observed. Ectopic hormone secretion is not usually associated with a detectable pituitary mass and diagnosis is based on the measurement of circulating peptides. This is frequently assisted by imaging techniques, such as somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Therapeutically a curative approach is the primary goal but in advanced tumors palliative treatment aims to control symptoms with the help of specific antihormonal compounds, such as somatostatin analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hubold
- Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck.
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Sugiyama M, Sugiyama T, Yamaguchi M, Izumiyama H, Yoshimoto T, Kishino M, Akashi T, Hirata Y. Successful localization of ectopic ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid by selective pulmonary arterial sampling. Endocr J 2010; 57:959-64. [PMID: 20890054 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k10e-192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among patient with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, about 10-20% of those with ectopic ACTH syndromes (EAS) have occult or unknown tumors. Despite the intensive search for the culprit tumors by dynamic endocrine tests and imaging tests, it is often difficult to localize and confirm the source of occult ectopic ACTH secretion. We report a patient with EAS caused by a small bronchial carcinoid tumor, which was successfully localized by a selective pulmonary arterial sampling for the first time. A 69-year-old woman presented with typical Cushingoid features and elevated plasma ACTH and cortisol levels, which showed lack of circadian rhythm, no suppression by high-dose dexamethasone, and no response to CRH stimulation. No mass lesion was detected by pituitary MRI, and inferior petrosal sinus sampling showed no central to peripheral ACTH gradient. Although CT scan of the chest revealed a very small nodule in the right lung, it could not be confirmed by either somatostatin receptor scintigraphy or fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Selective pulmonary arterial sampling of the wedged blood from a pulmonary artery branch affecting the nodule showed a marked ACTH gradient, and the lobectomy of the right middle lung resulted in dramatic decreases in plasma ACTH and cortisol levels. The resected tumor was diagnosed as a bronchial carcinoid tumor with positive immunostaining for ACTH. Thus, selective pulmonary arterial sampling, because of its more site-selective measurement of hormonal secretion, could be one of the useful tools to localize and confirm the ectopic ACTH production by a small pulmonary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Sugiyama
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Abstract
Clinical decision making for patients with suspect hypercortisolism involves a complex diagnostic assessment. Cushing's syndrome remains one of the most challenging endocrine pathologies. Most clinical features overlap with those of common diseases found in the general population, and some patients have an atypical clinical presentation with only isolated symptoms. Recently, several studies have suggested that the prevalence of Cushing's syndrome is higher than previously thought. Therefore, efficient screening tests are needed to identify the few uncovered patients also among unselected high-risk ambulatory patients with disorders potentially related to cortisol excess. The recommended diagnostic tests are 24-h urinary free cortisol, 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test, and late-night salivary cortisol. Once the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome is established, the next step is the measurement of plasma ACTH. Then, dynamic test and appropriate imaging procedures are the most useful noninvasive investigations for the differential diagnosis. Patients with Cushing's disease are generally responsive to the CRH test and to high-dose glucocorticoid feedback. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling is considered the gold standard for establishing the origin of ACTH secretion, and it is recommended in patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome whose clinical, biochemical, or radiological studies are discordant or equivocal. The present clinical case shows that even if rare, the ectopic ACTH secretion should be considered also in those cases where the pretest probability is low. The management of Cushing's syndrome depends on the exact knowledge of its various causes, paying attention to the many potential diagnostic pitfalls. The choice of test, the modality of specimen collection (blood, urine, and saliva), the quality of measurement (assay methodology and standardization), and close dialogue among endocrinologists, chemical pathologists, and neuroradiologists are key factors for optimal care of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Boscaro
- Division of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
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