Localization and postoperative follow-up of a bronchial carcinoid tumor causing Cushing's syndrome by 111In-DTPA labelled octreotide scintigraphy

J Endocrinol Invest. 1997 Jun;20(6):327-30. doi: 10.1007/BF03350311.

Abstract

Bronchial carcinoid tumor is the most frequent occult source of ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, but its initial localization may be very difficult, as well as its postoperative follow-up. We here present the case of a 21-year-old man with Cushing's syndrome and biochemical findings suggesting an ectopic source of ACTH (lack of inhibition of cortisol after overnight 8-mg dexamethasone suppression test, and lack of response to h-CRH challenge). Chest CT-scan showed a node adjacent to the left lung hilium whose nature was confirmed by uptake of 111Indium-DTPA labelled octreotide scintigraphy. Surgical resection of the tumor consisted in an upper lobectomy of the left lung. Microscopic examination identified a typical carcinoid tumor. After surgery pituitary-adrenal function normalized and a second scintigraphy offered additional data on the absence of tumor remnants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adult
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / complications
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Bronchial Neoplasms / surgery
  • Carcinoid Tumor / complications
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Cushing Syndrome / etiology*
  • Dexamethasone
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Humans
  • Indium Radioisotopes*
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Octreotide*
  • Pentetic Acid*
  • Radionuclide Imaging

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Pentetic Acid
  • Dexamethasone
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Octreotide