Meningioma presenting with Cushing's syndrome: an unusual clinical presentation

Ann Neurol. 2003 Jan;53(1):138-42. doi: 10.1002/ana.10454.

Abstract

We report a patient with a meningioma presenting with Cushing's syndrome, an unprecedented paraneoplastic presentation. Molecular studies, bioassay, and high-performance liquid chromatography of tumor specimens demonstrated the synthesis and secretion of bioactive corticotropin-releasing hormone. To our knowledge, this appears to be the first report of a hormone-secreting meningioma and, further, the first clearly proven case of Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion without concomitant corticotropin production.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Meningioma / complications*
  • Meningioma / metabolism
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / complications
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / pathology
  • Secretory Vesicles / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone