A pheochromocytoma with high adrenocorticotropic hormone and a silent lung nodule

Am J Med Sci. 2011 Nov;342(5):429-32. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e3182260551.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a challenging and life-threatening neoplasm. Herein, the authors report an interesting and unexpected solution for a clinical case concerning a patient with a PCC, who developed delayed ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone Cushing syndrome originating from the PCC. In addition, after a misleading I-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, an F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, executed to confirm the diagnosis of PCC, showed a silent pulmonary nodule that unexpectedly turned out to be a lung nocardiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / complications*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Cushing Syndrome / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pheochromocytoma / complications*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Pheochromocytoma / pathology*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone