Ectopic Cushing and other paraneoplastic syndromes in thoracic neuroendocrine tumors

Diego Ferone; Manuela Albertelli

doi:10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.05.002

Ectopic Cushing and other paraneoplastic syndromes in thoracic neuroendocrine tumors

Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 Aug;24(3):277-83. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.05.002.

Authors

Diego Ferone¹, Manuela Albertelli²

Affiliations

¹ Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV, Genoa 16132, Italy. Electronic address: ferone@unige.it.
² Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, University of Genoa, viale Benedetto XV, Genoa 16132, Italy.

PMID: 25065928
DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2014.05.002

Abstract

Overproduction of corticotropin by the pituitary gland or extrapituitary tumors leads to hypercortisolism or Cushing syndrome. Diagnosis of suspected Cushing syndrome involves 3 major steps: confirmation of hypercortisolism, differentiation between corticotropin-independent and corticotropin-dependent causes of Cushing syndrome, and distinction between pituitary and ectopic corticotropin production. A definitive diagnosis of ectopic corticotropin secretion requires stringent criteria, including reversal of the clinical picture after resection of the tumor and/or demonstration of corticotropin immunohistochemical staining within the tumor tissue.

Keywords: Corticotropin; Cortisol; Cushing; Neuroendocrine tumors; Paraneoplastic syndrome.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / etiology*
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism
Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
Humans
Neuroendocrine Tumors / complications*
Neuroendocrine Tumors / surgery
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Thoracic Neoplasms / complications*
Thoracic Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone