Identification of ACTH-producing intrathoracic tumors by measuring ACTH levels in aspirated specimens

Radiology. 1987 May;163(2):501-3. doi: 10.1148/radiology.163.2.3031729.

Abstract

Three patients with Cushing syndrome secondary to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production underwent direct 22-gauge needle aspiration of bronchial (two cases) and mediastinal (one case) carcinoid tumors. High levels of ACTH were measured in all three tumors. This technique permits absolute identification of an ectopic source of ACTH before surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / metabolism*
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoid Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes / metabolism*
  • Punctures

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone