[ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome, a diagnostic challenge]

Endocrinol Nutr. 2009 Apr;56(4):205-8. doi: 10.1016/S1575-0922(09)70986-6. Epub 2009 Jun 11.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

ACTH dependent Cushing syndrome accounts for approximately 80% of all Cushing syndrome. Distinguishing the pituitary origin from ectopic one is still a diagnosis problem in some cases, especially in bronchial carcinoids, because approximately 50% show cortisol suppresion after dexametasone and may be small and, therefore, difficult to detect in chest radiography. We present a case of a patient with ACTH dependent Cushing syndrome of difficult localization with usual diagnosis tests.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / blood
  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / complications
  • ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / diagnosis*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / analysis
  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Carcinoid Tumor / chemistry
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoid Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypophysectomy
  • Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonectomy
  • Radiography
  • Unnecessary Procedures

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone