Six cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by thymic carcinoid.
The ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) caused by thymic carcinoid is rare and its diagnosis remains a challenge to the endocrinologist. Here are six cases of EAS with a typical Cushing habitus accompanied by hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia. For all six patients, the high dose (8 mg) dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) showed lack of suppression, computed tomography (CT) scanning documented anterior mediastinal masses, and the mediastenal tumors removed were confirmed as ACTH secreting thymic carcinoids by positive ACTH and NSE staining. Our data indicate that HDDST chest radiologic imaging and other laboratory examinations will greatly assist in diagnosing the thymic carcinoid-induced EAS at an earlier stage, which will significantly improve the long-term survival of the patient.
Wang
W Q
WQ
Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai, 20025 PR China.
Ye
L
L
Bi
Y F
YF
Zhao
H Y
HY
Sun
S Y
SY
Tang
Z Y
ZY
Zhao
Y J
YJ
Fang
W Q
WQ
Chen
Z Y
ZY
Chen
K M
KM
Jin
X L
XL
Ning
G
G
D000182:ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000150:complications*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003907:Dexamethasone