ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas: a case report and literature review.
Tumors that arise from the endocrine pancreas, or the islets of pancreas, are called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Pancreatic NET have an incidence of <0.1 per one million persons, and can lead to secretion of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Herein, we presented a case of patient with Cushing's syndrome as a result of ACTH-producing pancreatic NET, who underwent successful laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy. A 40-year-old Korean female patient with ophthalmologic discomfort, osteoporosis, and unexplained hypokalemia was admitted to our hospital. Under the suspicion of ACTH producing pancreatic NET after the diagnostic workup, we decided to perform surgical resection. Laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy was performed; and the pathological examination revealed a 1.5 cm-sized grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, which was encapsulated within the pancreatic parenchyma. After the operation, the patient no longer displayed cushingoid features. ACTH-producing pancreatic NET is rare, but can be one of the causes of Cushing's syndrome. Surgical resection is a feasible option in treating ACTH-producing pancreatic NET.
Medical Course, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Justin
J
Byun
Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.; Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Clinic, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Sung Hyun
SH
Kim
Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Hyang Sook
HS
Jeong
Department of Endocrinology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yumie
Y
Rhee
Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.; Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Clinic, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Woo Jung
WJ
Lee
Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.; Pancreaticobiliary Cancer Clinic, Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Chang Moo
CM
Kang
ACTH; Neuroendocrine tumor; Pancreas; Surgery