Somatostatin analogs in ectopic corticotropin production.
Eutopic corticotroph pituitary adenomas and adrenal cortisol-producing adenomas do not usually express somatostatin receptors. However, ectopic corticotropin (ACTH)-producing tumors often express somatostatin receptors. Thus, the octreoscan can detect and localize tumors in 80% of patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome, and so it can be used to differentiate between eutopic and ectopic ACTH-dependent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Octreotide therapy can produce a rapid and sustained reduction of ACTH and cortisol levels in patients with ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome and, in some, may be the only long-term therapy possible. Although no large series have been reported, a review of the literature reveals a large number of case reports that have demonstrated the effectiveness of octreotide.
von Werder
K
K
Schlosspark-Klinik, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Muller
O A
OA
Stalla
G K
GK
D000182:ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015282:Octreotide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*
D013004:Somatostatin; D015282:Octreotide