Ectopic Cushing's syndrome secondary to olfactory neuroblastoma

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2018 May;160(5):1023-1026. doi: 10.1007/s00701-017-3447-y. Epub 2018 Jan 17.

Abstract

We present the case of a patient with Cushing's syndrome secondary to ectopic ACTH secretion. A MR of the head showed a left-sided nasal mass extending down from the cribriform plate. The patient underwent endoscopic resection with nearly complete removal of the mass. Histological examination showed an ACTH-secreting olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). The patient's cortisol levels returned to normal range after surgery and have remained normal for over a year. ONB is a rare cause for ectopic ACTH secretion. This case highlights the diagnostic and management difficulties in patients with ectopic ACTH secretion, and provides a brief review of ONB.

Keywords: ACTH; Cushing’s; Ectopic; Olfactory neuroblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Cushing Syndrome / pathology
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory / complications*
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nose Neoplasms / complications*
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology