Ectopic ACTH syndrome due to pheochromocytoma: case report and review of the literature.
A 51-year-old female was diagnosed preoperatively to have a pheochromocytoma producing ACTH. This diagnosis was based upon her paroxysmal hypertension, hyperpigmentation, and hypokalemia. Elevated levels of serum and urine corticosteroids, plasma ACTH, urinary VMA, and catecholamines fell after a right adrenal pheochromocytoma was removed. Subsequently this tumor was found to have a high content of ACTH. Review of the literature indicates a mortality rate of 57% for this syndrome. Proper preoperative recognition and management can result in total cure.
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006729:Hormones, Ectopic / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D002395:Catecholamines; D006729:Hormones, Ectopic; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone