Severe Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome Due to ACTH-Secreting Pheochromocytoma

Aurelio Negro, Enrica Manicardi, Chiara Grasselli, Massimiliano Babini, Rosaria Santi, Valeria Pugni, Lucia Spaggiari, Elena Tagliavini

Diabetologic Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Pathology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Radiology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Second Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/ijcm.2013.44040                

Abstract

We report a new case of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. A 55-year-old woman presented with a history of severe proximal muscle weakness, polyuria, progressive virilization, anxiety, dyspnea on exercise, difficult to treat hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus since 4 months. The laboratory data demonstrated ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 30 mm well-defined mass in the left adrenal gland suggestive for pheochromocytoma. The adrenal veins were sampled, with intraprocedural cortisol measurement, to dosing selective ACTH and cathecolamines. The results established clearly the left adrenal gland as the source of ACTH overproduction. A left sided adrenalectomy was performed with subsequent resolution of Cushing’s syndrome. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition.

Keywords

Cushing’s Syndrome; Pheochromocytoma; Apparent Excess of Mineralocorticoid Syndrome

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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