title: Unusual Cushing's Syndrome and Hypercalcitoninaemia due to a Small Cell Prostate Carcinoma.
abstract: A 75-year-old man was hospitalized because of severe hypokalaemia due to ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome. Total body computed tomography (TBCT) and 68 Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT localized a voluminous prostate tumour. A subsequent transurethral prostate biopsy documented a small cell carcinoma positive for ACTH and calcitonin and negative for prostatic specific antigen (PSA) at immunocytochemical study; serum prostatic specific antigen (PSA) was normal. Despite medical treatments, Cushing's syndrome was not controlled and the patient's clinical condition progressively worsened. Surgical resection was excluded; the patient underwent a cycle of chemotherapy followed by febrile neutropenia and fatal intestinal perforation. This case report describes a rare case of Cushing's syndrome and hypercalcitoninaemia due to a small cell carcinoma of the prostate, a rare tumour with very few therapeutic options and negative prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology and Diabetology Unit, "M. Bufalini" Hospital, ASL of Romagna, Cesena, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8620-1900
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balestrieri
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, "M. Bufalini" Hospital, ASL of Romagna, Cesena, Italy.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Magnani
authors.affiliation: Pathology Unit, "M. Bufalini" Hospital, ASL of Romagna, Cesena, Italy.
authors.forename: Fiorella
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nuzzo