An uncommon cause of Cushing's syndrome in a 70-year-old man

Hong Kong Med J. 2014 Aug;20(4):335-8. doi: 10.12809/hkmj134158.

Abstract

Cushing's syndrome due to exogenous steroids is common, as about 1% of the general populations use exogenous steroids for various indications. Although endogenous Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour is rare, a correct and early diagnosis is important. The diagnosis and management require high clinical acumen and collaboration between different specialists. We report a case of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone Cushing's syndrome due to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with liver metastasis. Early recognition by endocrinologists with timely surgical resection followed by referral to oncologists led to a favourable outcome for the patient up to 12 months after initial presentation.

Keywords: Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Cushing syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / etiology*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / biosynthesis
  • Aged
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / complications*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone