Ectopic ACTH-syndrome due to ovarian carcinoma.
The case of a 60-year-old female with severe and rapidly progressing Cushing's syndrome with fatal consequences is described. Both the clinical and the biochemical findings were consistent with ectopic ACTH production. A computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed intact pituitary and enlarged adrenal glands. Liver metastases were seen but the primary neoplasm was not found. Treatment with aminoglutethimide and other therapeutic measures were unsuccessful. A carcinoma of the right ovary was discovered on autopsy. The tumour cells showed immunoreactivity for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), ACTH and beta-endorphin with differing degree of intensity.
Orbetzova
M
M
Clinic of Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal and Adrenal Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Andreeva
M
M
Zacharieva
S
S
Ivanova
R
R
Dashev
G
G
D000182:ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / Q000209:etiology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000032:analysis; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000032:analysis; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis
D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase