ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma: clinical considerations and concise review of the literature

Pheochromocytoma With High Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Production Capacity Without Pigmentation and Cushingoid Symptoms: A Case Report With a Literature Review

Pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) originating from chromaffin cells can produce diverse hormones in addition to catecholamines, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In pheochromocytoma, high levels of ACTH might not result in pigmentation as typically observed in Addison's disease, and patients might not exhibit the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, despite ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. A 63-year-old male patient with hypertension was admitted to our facility, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a large right adrenal tumor. Despite high plasma ACTH (700-1300 pg/mL) and serum cortisol (90-100 µg/dL) levels, no physical pigmentation or Cushingoid symptoms were observed. Urinary metanephrine and normetanephrine levels reached as high as 16.0 mg and 3.2 mg, respectively. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy was negative. Low-dose dexamethasone paradoxically increased ACTH and cortisol levels, indicating the potential positive feedback regulation of both hormones by glucocorticoids. The patient was diagnosed with an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma and underwent successful laparoscopic surgery to remove the adrenal tumor under the intravenous administration of a high-dose α-blocker and hydrocortisone. The levels of ACTH, cortisol, and urinary metanephrine/normetanephrine returned close to normal after tumor removal. We report a rare case of pheochromocytoma with extremely high ACTH/cortisol production but without pigmentation or Cushingoid symptoms. We also reviewed previous reports of ACTH-producing PPGL regarding the paradoxical regulation of ACTH/cortisol by glucocorticoids, pigmentation, Cushingoid symptoms, and negativity of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy.

Preoperative management of patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome caused by ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma: a case series and review of the literature

PURPOSE

ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome, posing a clinical challenge for the severity of its clinical presentation, the difficulty in the prevention and the management of surgical complications. Sparse data are currently available about the optimal preoperative management of the severe symptoms due to both hypercortisolism and catecholamine excess, especially regarding the role and timing of medical therapies.

METHODS

We present a series of three patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. A brief review of the available literature evidence on the preoperative management of this rare clinical condition is also conducted.

DISCUSSION

Patients with ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma show peculiarities as compared to other forms of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, in terms of clinical presentation, preoperative management, and peri- and post-surgical short-term outcome. Pheochromocytoma should be ruled out in patient with ectopic CS of unknown origin because of the high anesthesiologic risk of proceeding to surgery with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. Proper preoperative recognition of complications of both hypercortisolism and catecholamines excess is the key to prevent the morbidity and mortality of an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. In these patients the absolute priority is to control excessive cortisol secretion since the rapid correction of the hypercortisolism is the most effective treatment of all the related comorbidities and it is mandatory to prevent severe complications during surgery, opting if necessary for a "block-and-replace" regimen.

CONCLUSION

Our additional cases and this literature review could provide a better understanding of the complications to be evaluated at diagnosis and some suggestions on their management during the preoperative period.

Adrenal adenoma associated with raised metanephrine level: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Adrenal adenomas are benign neoplasms of the adrenal cortex which can be functional or non-functional. The functional tumors manifest as Cushing syndrome. Rarely, they are associated with high levels of metanephrine due to pheochromocytoma. Here, we report an extremely rare case of adrenal adenoma associated with raised metanephrine, but no histopathological evidence of medullary changes.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year female with diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypertension was admitted for resistant hypertension, severe refractory hypokalemia, decreased sleep, fearfulness, anxiety, and palpitation. Facial puffiness, ecchymoses on upper and lower limbs, and bilateral pedal edema were present. Laboratory investigation revealed raised 24-hour-urine cortisol (52.5 μmol/dL) and metanephrine (56.00 μmol/24 h), very low ACTH (<5.0 pg/mL), and negative dexamethasone suppression test. MRI brain findings were normal. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a well-defined soft tissue lesion in the right adrenal gland and diffuse osteopenia vertebrae. Hence, diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome secondary to adrenal adenoma, and pheochromocytoma was made, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy was done under pheochromocytoma protocol. The patient improved dramatically, thereafter. Histopathological findings showed adrenocortical adenoma only; no evidence of pheochromocytoma was found.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

We came across many articles reporting adrenal adenoma associated with high levels of metanephrine due to co-existing pheochromocytomas either in the ipsilateral or contralateral adrenal gland. But, in our case, the adrenal adenoma was associated with high metanephrine levels with no histopathologic features of pheochromocytoma.

CONCLUSION

Cushing syndrome due to Cortisol secreting Adrenal adenoma can be associated with biochemical and clinical features suggestive of Pheochromocytoma which could resolve after adrenalectomy.

Quantitative analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites in 491 patients with adrenal tumors: a retrospective single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

Adrenal tumors, including benign cortical adenoma (BCA) and pheochromocytoma (PCC) or paraganglioma (PGL), have been more frequently detected during imaging examinations in recent years. However, the associated clinical or laboratory characteristics, especially on the Chinese population, still need to be investigated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 491 patients pathologically diagnosed with adrenal tumors, from Jan 19, 2018 to Dec 17, 2019, at a tertiary referral hospital in Wuhan of China. Our findings including 247 (50.3%) BCA cases, and 92 (18.7) PCC/PGL cases and other cases. Both the clinical and laboratory parameters were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with other adrenal tumors, PCC/PGL showed larger tumor diameters and more frequently located on the right side, and were with higher levels of urinary catecholoamines and plasma metanephrines, especially for the 24 h urinary vanilmandelic acid (VMA) and plasma normetanephrine (NMN). The optimal diagnostic thresholds were 29.40 ug/24 h for VMA (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 91%) and 0.63 nmol/L for NMN (sensitivity, 91%; specificity, 92%). The 24 h urinary VMA and plasma NMN also shared abilities to differentiate between different tumor laterality and different tumor size in PCC/PGL cases. In addition, compared with the other benign tumors, BCA were smaller in diameters (20 vs 35 mm, p < 0.001), and seemed to be lower in levels of plasma epinephrine, dopamine and serum ACTH.

CONCLUSION

24 h Urinary catecholoamines and plasma metanephrines, especially for the 24 h urinary VMA and plasma MNM, showed higher diagnostic efficacies for PCC/PGL, and were tightly associated with the tumor laterality and tumor size.

Back to Biochemistry: Evaluation for and Prognostic Significance of SDH Mutations in Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytomas

There is increasing recognition of the high prevalence of hereditary predisposition syndromes in patients diagnosed with paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma. It is widely acknowledged that germline pathogenic alterations of the succinate dehydrogenase complex genes (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHAF2) contribute to the pathogenesis of most of these tumors. Herein, we have provided an update on the biology and diagnosis of succinate dehydrogenase-deficient paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma, including the molecular biology of the succinate dehydrogenase complex, mechanisms and consequences of inactivation of this complex, the prevalence of pathogenic alterations, and patterns of inheritance.

Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secreting pheochromocytoma

In this case report, we present a case of a woman in her late 30s who presented with bilateral motor weakness, headache, hyperglycaemia and hypertension. Investigations revealed very high 24-hour urine cortisol of 90 524, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pheochromocytoma, normal metanephrine levels and empty sella, which has never been reported. CT chest and abdomen revealed enlarged left adrenal gland with large necrotic mass 4.7×4.0 cm most likely neoplastic lesion. The patient was cured after surgical removal of the left adrenal mass. Histological examination revealed 3.5×2.5×2 cm mass consistent with pheochromocytoma. After surgery and a short stay in the intensive care unit, the patient started improving and both antihypertensive treatment and insulin injections were withdrawn.

Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome

PURPOSE

Fluorine-18 (¹⁸F)-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga)-somatostatin analog (SSA) PET/CT imaging have been increasingly used in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS); however, the diagnostic efficacies of these two methods in patients with EAS remain unclear. Our study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacies of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in EAS.

METHODS

The clinical and imaging data of 68 patients with EAS who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT examinations from December 2016 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, and the diagnostic efficacies of these methods were compared.

RESULTS

In 37 cases, imaging was performed to locate the primary tumor lesion (localization group), and in 31 to evaluate tumor load or metastasis (staging group). Primary tumors were detected in 48.65% (18/37) of the localization group patients. According to scan-based analysis, the tumor lesion detection rates and false positive rates of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging were 18.92% vs. 45.95% (p < 0.05) and 21.62% vs. 2.70% (p < 0.05) respectively. For lesion-based analysis, the tumor lesion detection rates and false positive rates were 24.13% vs. 58.62% (p >0.05) and 31.04% vs. 3.45% (p < 0.05). In 90.32% (28/31) of the staging group patients, 286 of 292 lesions were confirmed as tumor lesions. Based on scan analysis, the detection rates and false positive rates of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging were 83.87% vs. 67.74% (p > 0.05) and 12.90% vs. 9.68% (p > 0.05) respectively. Based on lesion analysis, the detection rate and false positive rates were 93.84% vs. 54.80% (p < 0.05) and 1.37% vs. 1.03%(p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging may be more suitable than ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for identifying the primary tumor in patients with EAS, while ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT may be more advantageous than ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for patients with suspected metastasis.

Adrenal medulla development and medullary-cortical interactions

The mammalian adrenal gland is composed of two distinct tissue types in a bidirectional connection, the catecholamine-producing medulla derived from the neural crest and the mesoderm-derived cortex producing steroids. The medulla mainly consists of chromaffin cells derived from multipotent nerve-associated descendants of Schwann cell precursors. Already during adrenal organogenesis, close interactions between cortex and medulla are necessary for proper differentiation and morphogenesis of the gland. Moreover, communication between the cortex and the medulla ensures a regular function of the adult adrenal. In tumor development, interfaces between the two parts are also common. Here, we summarize the development of the mammalian adrenal medulla and the current understanding of the cortical-medullary interactions under development and in health and disease.

Ectopic ACTH- and/or CRH-Producing Pheochromocytomas

CONTEXT

The characteristics of catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytomas have been well studied. However, less is known about the characteristics, management and outcome in patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and/or corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-secreting pheochromocytomas.

OBJECTIVE

To review the characteristics and outcomes of ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas.

DATA SOURCE

A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, identifying relevant reports published up to 10 February 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Original articles, including case reports and case series, reporting individual patient data from patients with ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas.

DATA EXTRACTION

Information on sex, age, symptoms at presentation, comorbidities, biochemistry, imaging, histopathology, and outcomes was extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We identified 91 articles reporting on 99 cases of ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas (CRH-secreting n = 4). Median age at diagnosis was 49 years (interquartile range 38-59.5) with a 2:1 female to male ratio. Most patients presented with clinical Cushing syndrome (n = 79; 81%), hypertension (n = 87; 93%), and/or diabetes (n = 50; 54%). Blood pressure, glucose control, and biochemical parameters improved in the vast majority of patients postoperatively. Infections were the most common complication. Most cases (n = 70, 88%) with reported long-term outcome survived to publication (median follow-up 6 months).

CONCLUSION

Ectopic ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytoma should be considered in patients presenting with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome and adrenal mass. Despite the challenge in diagnosis, patient outcomes appear favorable.

Glucocorticoid Excess in Patients with Pheochromocytoma Compared with Paraganglioma and Other Forms of Hypertension

CONTEXT

Catecholamines and adrenocortical steroids are important regulators of blood pressure. Bidirectional relationships between adrenal steroids and catecholamines have been established but whether this is relevant to patients with pheochromocytoma is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study addresses the hypothesis that patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) have altered steroid production compared with patients with primary hypertension.

DESIGN

Multicenter cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Twelve European referral centers.

PATIENTS

Subjects included 182 patients with pheochromocytoma, 36 with paraganglioma and 270 patients with primary hypertension. Patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 461) and Cushing syndrome (n = 124) were included for additional comparisons.

INTERVENTION

In patients with PPGLs, surgical resection of tumors.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Differences in mass spectrometry-based profiles of 15 adrenal steroids between groups and after surgical resection of PPGLs. Relationships of steroids to plasma and urinary metanephrines and urinary catecholamines.

RESULTS

Patients with pheochromocytoma had higher (P < .05) circulating concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone than patients with primary hypertension. Concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and corticosterone were also higher (P < .05) in patients with pheochromocytoma than with paraganglioma. These steroids correlated positively with plasma and urinary metanephrines and catecholamines in patients with pheochromocytoma, but not paraganglioma. After adrenalectomy, there were significant decreases in cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone, and 18-oxocortisol.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large study in patients with PPGLs that supports in a clinical setting the concept of adrenal cortical-medullary interactions involving an influence of catecholamines on adrenal steroids. These findings could have implications for the cardiovascular complications of PPGLs and the clinical management of patients with the tumors.

Adrenal Adenoma Anarchy: A Case of an ACTH-Secreting Pheochromocytoma

Introduction. Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from sympathetic adrenomedullary chromaffin tissue. Depending on the amount of catecholamines they secrete, they have variable presentations. There have been reported cases of adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) secreting pheochromocytomas that present with severe Cushing syndrome. Here, we present a pheochromocytoma with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) cosecretion, which due to its rarity and variable presentation, may be a diagnostic challenge. Presentation. A 64-year-old woman with history of colon cancer presented with new-onset diabetes, worsening hot flashes, and hypertension. On CT imaging she had an enlarging right adrenal nodule (1.7 cm) with 60 Hounsfield units of attenuation and no PET avidity. Biochemical evaluation showed elevated urinary and plasma metanephrines, elevated plasma cortisol levels despite dexamethasone suppression, elevated late-night salivary cortisol, and high-normal adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The patient underwent laproscopic right adrenalectomy, and pathology confirmed pheochromocytoma. Her lab abnormalities and symptoms of hot flashes and hypertension improved postoperatively. Conclusion. This case demonstrates an unusual ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma with subtle presentation and highlights the importance of obtaining a complete biochemical evaluation of incidental adrenal adenomas.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pheochromocytoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Cases of ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone are considerably rare, but persistent in clinical practice. Extremely rare cases of ectopic production, such as via pheochromocytoma secretion, require special clinical attention and prior knowledge. It is important to understand the diagnostic algorithm for identifying ectopic sources of adrenocorticotropic hormone production.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this clinical vignette we report a patient with a complex variety of clinical symptoms and no discernable cause for hypercriticism. Our clinical case outlines the diagnostic struggles, treatment challenges and surgical tactic for management of a rare ectopic ACTH producing pheochromocytoma.

DISCUSSION

Highly variable clinical manifestations of ectopic ACTH producing pheochromocytoma, with typical signs of Cushing's syndrome and pheochromocytoma account for significant diagnostic difficulties and low incidence of verification of this pathology. Correction of symptoms and patient stabilization are of utmost importance throughout treatment.

CONCLUSION

ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, caused by a pheochromocytoma is extremely rare, but should be considered as a possible source for ACTH production. The diagnostic challenges of this condition can be met with confidence when a strict search protocol is conducted for detection of ACTH source.

A Guide to Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas

Pheochromocytomas and extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms with characteristic histologic and immunohistochemical features. These tumors can arise in several anatomic locations, necessitating that their diagnostic recognition extends beyond the realm of endocrine disorders. A practical and reproducible risk stratification system for these tumors is still in development. In this rapidly evolving era of molecular medicine, it is essential for pathologists to equip themselves with a framework for understanding the classification of paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas and be informed of how they might advise their colleagues with regard to prognostication and appropriate follow-up.

Malignant Pheochromocytomas/Paragangliomas and Ectopic Hormonal Secretion: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Malignant pheochromocytomas (PCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms defined by the presence of distant metastases. There is currently a relatively paucity of data regarding the natural history of PCs/PGLs and the optimal approach to their treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, biochemical, imaging, genetic and histopathological characteristics of fourteen patients with metastatic PCs/PGLs diagnosed over 15 years, along with their response to treatment. Patients were followed-up for a median of six years (range: 1-14 years). Six patients had synchronous metastases and the remaining developed metastases after a median of four years (range 2-10 years). Genetic analysis of seven patients revealed that three harbored succinate dehydrogenase subunit B/D gene (SDHB/D) mutations. Hormonal hypersecretion occurred in 70% of patients; normetanephrine, either alone or with other concomitant hormones, was the most frequent secretory component. Patients were administered multiple first and subsequent treatments including surgery (n = 12), chemotherapy (n = 7), radionuclide therapy (n = 2) and radiopeptides (n = 5). Seven patients had stable disease, four had progressive disease and three died. Ectopic hormonal secretion is rare and commonly encountered in benign PCs. Ectopic secretion of interleukin-6 in one of our patients, prompted a literature review of ectopic hormonal secretion, particularly from metastatic PCs/PGLs. Only four cases of metastatic PC/PGLs with confirmed ectopic secretion of hormones or peptides have been described so far.

AZD8055 inhibits ACTH secretion in a case of bilateral ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome is usually caused by pulmonary and bronchial tumors and rarely by pheochromocytoma. To date, the majority of ACTH-secreting pheochromocytomas have been unilateral, with the exception of two cases. A 54-year-old male presented with hypertension and bilateral adrenal tumors. The patient did not report having classic cushingoid features or experience of paroxysmal headaches or sweating, but presented with a slight abdominal obesity. The patient was clinically and pathologically diagnosed with bilateral ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytomas. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that the 19 pheochromocytoma-related genes were unmutated. The pheochromocytomas on the two sides exhibited negative ACTH staining, but the ACTH concentration was markedly higher in the tumor tissue homogenates than in those tumors of another 3 patients with non-ACTH secretion pheochromocytoma. Electron microscopy identified two types of neuroendocrine cells in the tumor tissues. Primary culture of the pheochromocytoma cells revealed that ACTH secretion was inhibited by a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor, AZD8055.

Pathology and genetics of phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PHEO/PGL) are rare tumours with an estimated annual incidence of 3 per million. Advances in molecular understanding have led to the recognition that at least 30-40% arise in the setting of hereditary disease. Germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase genes SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD and SDHAF2 are the most prevalent of the more than 19 hereditary genetic abnormalities which have been reported. It is therefore recommended that, depending on local resources and availability, at least some degree of genetic testing should be offered to all PHEO/PGL patients, including those with clinically sporadic disease. It is now accepted that that all PHEO/PGL have some metastatic potential; therefore, concepts of benign and malignant PHEO/PGL have no meaning and have been replaced by a risk stratification approach. Although there is broad acceptance that certain features, including high proliferative activity, invasive growth, increased cellularity, large tumour nests and comedonecrosis, are associated with an increased risk of metastasis, it remains difficult to predict the clinical behaviour of individual tumours and no single risk stratification scheme is endorsed or in widespread use. In this review, we provide an update on advances in the pathology and genetics of PHEO/PGL with an emphasis on the changes introduced in the WHO 2017 classification of endocrine neoplasia relevant to practising surgical pathologists.

Metyrapone-responsive ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma with a vicious cycle via a glucocorticoid-driven positive-feedback mechanism

In ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma, combined ACTH-driven hypercortisolemia and hypercatecholaminemia are serious conditions, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed appropriately, especially when glucocorticoid-driven positive feedback is suggested with a high ACTH/cortisol ratio. A 46-year-old man presented with headache, rapid weight loss, hyperhidrosis, severe hypertension and hyperglycemia without typical Cushingoid appearance. Endocrinological examinations demonstrated elevated plasma and urine catecholamines, serum cortisol and plasma ACTH. Moreover, his ACTH/cortisol ratio and catecholamine levels were extremely high, suggesting catecholamine-dominant ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. Computed tomography revealed a large right adrenal tumor. ¹⁸F-FDG positron emission tomography showed uptake in the area of the adrenal tumor, while ¹²³I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy showed no accumulation. His plasma ACTH level paradoxically became elevated after a dexamethasone suppression test. After metyrapone administration, not only serum cortisol but also plasma ACTH levels were exponentially decreased almost in parallel, suggesting a glucocorticoid-driven positive-feedback regulation in this rapidly exacerbated ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. Interestingly enough, plasma catecholamine levels were also decreased by metyrapone, although they remained extremely high. He became severely dehydrated due to hypoadrenalism requiring hydrocortisone supplementation. His clinical signs and symptoms were improved, and right adrenalectomy was performed uneventfully, resulting in complete remission of pheochromocytoma and Cushing's syndrome. A glucocorticoid-driven positive-feedback regulation in this ectopic ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma created a vicious cycle with rapid exacerbation of both hypercortisolemia and hypercatecholaminemia with extremely elevated plasma ACTH level. Metyrapone was clinically effective to stop this vicious cycle; nonetheless, great care must be taken to avoid hypoadrenalism especially when hypercatecholaminemia remained.

Severe Cushing Syndrome Due to an ACTH-Producing Pheochromocytoma: A Case Presentation and Review of the Literature

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing syndrome is rarely caused by a pheochromocytoma. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman who developed severe hypertension, hypokalemia, and typical Cushingoid features. Investigations revealed extremely high metanephrine, cortisol, and ACTH levels. Imaging showed a 3.8-cm left adrenal mass. Preoperative control of hypertension and hypokalemia was very challenging. The patient was cured after surgical removal of the adrenal mass. We followed this by a review of the literature using the databases Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 58 cases have been reported to date. In summary, ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma is a rare condition that poses a clinical challenge in the perioperative period. It is important that physicians be aware of such a condition because early recognition and treatment are crucial to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Hypertensive crisis in pregnancy due to a metamorphosing pheochromocytoma with postdelivery Cushing's syndrome

Pheochromocytomas in pregnancy are rare but potentially lethal. Even rarer is the combination of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy with subsequent development of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. We report a 36-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with essential hypertension, who developed severe hypertension in pregnancy complicated by insulin-dependent gestational diabetes. A cesarean section was performed at 32 weeks following a hypertensive crisis after routine administration of betamethasone. Postnatal persistence of signs and symptoms of catecholamine excess led to the diagnosis of a left adrenal pheochromocytoma. Between diagnosis and planned tumor removal, the patient developed signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (facial edema and hirsutism, myopathy and fatigue). Biochemical testing confirmed hypercortisolism with extremely elevated levels of plasma adrenocorticotropin, urinary cortisol and multiple steroids of a plasma panel that were all normal at previous testing. The previously noradrenergic tumor also started producing epinephrine. Histopathological examination confirmed the pheochromocytoma, which was also immunohistochemically positive for adrenocorticotropin. Full post-surgical recovery was sustained with normal blood pressure and biochemical findings after one year. This report not only underlines the chameleon behavior of pheochromocytoma but also illustrates its potential for a metamorphosing presentation. Corticosteroid administration in pregnancy requires a cautious approach in patients with hypertension.

Primary hypercortisolism and phaeochromocytoma next to, but not related to, each other

This is the first report of unilateral hypercortisolism and phaeochromocytoma that cannot be explained by medullary tumourigenic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) excretion. The patient was referred for an adrenal incidentaloma with hypertension but no Cushingoid features, disturbed glucose tolerance and osteopaenia. Additional testing revealed hypercortisolism with suppressed ACTH, and a right-sided phaeochromocytoma with typical radiographic appearance. Resection of the right adrenal completely normalised the clinical symptoms and biochemistry, and increased ACTH concentrations, implicating initial suppression. Histology revealed a tumour consisting of chromaffin cells, with only pre-existing cortical tissue containing groups of ACTH-positive cells. Recent human studies in primary Cushing's syndrome demonstrated that a paracrine effect of these aberrant cells, assumed to be Leydig cells in origin, results in hypercortisolism by stimulation of surrounding steroidogenic cells, leading to systemic ACTH suppression. We propose that 2 diagnoses within 1 adrenal, being phaeochromocytoma and autonomous cortisol overproduction due to adjoining aberrant ACTH-producing cells, explain the clinical picture.

Adrenal insufficiency in a child following unilateral excision of a dual-hormone secreting phaeochromocytoma

Phaeochromocytomas are a rare clinical entity, with dual hormone-secreting lesions particularly uncommon, seen in <1%. ACTH is the most common hormone co-produced, and is potentially lethal if not diagnosed. We present the case of a previously well 10-year-old boy, who presented acutely with a hypertensive crisis and was found to have a unilateral, non-syndromic phaeochromocytoma. Medical stabilization of his hypertension was challenging, and took 3 weeks to achieve, before proceeding to unilateral adrenalectomy. Post-operatively the child experienced severe fatigue and was subsequently confirmed to have adrenal insufficiency. He improved markedly with hydrocortisone replacement therapy, which is ongoing 6 months post-operatively. In retrospect this likely represents unrecognized, sub-clinical ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome secondary to an ACTH/or precursor dual-hormone secreting phaeochromocytoma. At follow-up, his hypertension had resolved, there was no biochemical evidence of recurrence of the phaeochromocytoma, and genetic analysis was indicative of a sporadic lesion.

Learning points

Mixed corticomedullary carcinoma of the adrenal gland: a case report

OBJECTIVE

To report the case of a 78-year-old woman with mixed corticomedullary carcinoma of the adrenal gland, and to review other reported lesions that exhibit clinical and/or histopathologic features of both adrenal cortical and medullary differentiation.

METHODS

We describe the patient's clinical findings and laboratory test results, as well as the gross and histopathologic features of her tumor. We also review the literature pertaining to mixed corticomedullary adenomas and cortical tumors with clinical features of pheochromocytoma, and vice versa.

RESULTS

A 78-year-old woman with a 10-cm left adrenal mass was hospitalized for management of hypertensive urgency. Laboratory workup revealed elevated urinary metanephrine excretion and elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. She underwent left adrenalectomy. Pathologic examination of the lesion showed mixed cortical and medullary histologic characteristics, as well as gross and microscopic evidence of malignancy. Including the present case, we identified 17 cases of neoplasms that exhibit features of mixed corticomedullary differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

This report represents the first documented case of mixed corticomedullary carcinoma. Several benign lesions combine clinical, biochemical, and/or histopathologic evidence of both adrenal cortical and medullary differentiation, including mixed corticomedullary adenomas and corticotropin-secreting pheochromocytomas. The differential diagnosis of a lesion with mixed cortical and medullary features should also include a malignant neoplasm.

Mini-review: pheochromocytomas causing the ectopic ACTH syndrome

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a condition associated with high cortisol levels and affects around 0.7-2.4 cases per million population per year [1-3]. Approximately 80 % of cases of CS are secondary to excess adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) secretion, while in around 20 % the primary abnormality lies in the adrenal, most often an adrenal adenoma or carcinoma. Of the ACTH-dependent causes, some 80-90 % are due to a pituitary adenoma-Cushing's disease-but in a significant proportion the cause is ectopic secretion from a non-pituitary source, the ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) [4]. The commonest source of ACTH secretion in these patients is a bronchial carcinoid. However, many other tumors are capable of secreting ACTH, and in most series a small but significant number are secondary to an ACTH-secreting pheochromocytoma. Amalgamating the data from 6 large series of patients with ectopic ACTH, pheochromocytoma was the source of ACTH secretion in 19 out of 363 patients (5.2 %) [5-11]. In this mini-review, we present a patient presenting to our department with a pheochromocytoma as well as Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion by the pheochromocytoma, and we discuss published cases in the world literature to assess its significance. We emphasize the problems in the simultaneous management of these two serious endocrine conditions.

Hypertension in pheochromocytoma: characteristics and treatment

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic paraganglia, which synthesizes and secretes catecholamines. Norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine all act on their target receptors, which causes a physiologic change in the body. High circulating levels of catecholamines can lead to severe hypertension and can have devastating effects on multiple body systems (eg, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular), and can lead to death if untreated. Although surgical treatment represents the only modality of ultimate cure, pharmacologic preoperative treatment remains the mainstay of successful outcome.