Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pheochromocytoma

Intern Med. 1998 Apr;37(4):403-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.37.403.

Abstract

A 41-year-old female had pheochromocytoma which secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). She was admitted to our hospital because of weight loss and excessive sweating. Not only urinary metanephrine but also plasma ACTH was extremely high. An abdominal echogram showed a cystic tumor in the left adrenal gland. An abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a hyperintense T2-weighted abnormality inside the tumor. Left adrenalectomy was done. The tumor consisted of benign pheochromocytoma cells diffusely stained with anti-ACTH antibody. The present case did not show any typical Cushingoid symptoms which are common in ACTH-secreting pheochromocytomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adrenalectomy
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism*
  • Pheochromocytoma / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone