Atypical Cushing's syndrome caused by ectopic ACTH secretion of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

We present an atypical case of Cushing's syndrome caused by ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion in a patient with a metastasised adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. After chemotherapy and surgery the patient developed generalised oedema, hyperpigmentation and dysphagia. Laboratory tests showed hypokalaemia, normal urinary potassium, increased 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion and serum ACTH within the normal reference range. The diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome was made, most probably caused by ectopic production of ACTH. In addition to combined chemotherapy, treatment with ketoconazole sufficiently reduced urinary cortisol excretion and relieved the symptoms.

Citation

J M Baas, E Kapiteijn, A M Pereira, J W R Nortier. Atypical Cushing's syndrome caused by ectopic ACTH secretion of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The Netherlands journal of medicine. 2010 Jun;68(6):265-7

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PMID: 20558857

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