ACTH-producing thymic neuroendocrine tumor initially presenting as psychosis: A case report and literature review

Reversal of Basal Ganglia Hypermetabolism Following Surgical Removal of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone-Producing Lung Carcinoid in a Patient of Cushing Syndrome With Unusual Presentation of Acute Psychosis: Proof of Concept

ABSTRACT

A 34-year-old woman who presented with severe psychosis and clinical features of Cushing syndrome underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT that revealed hypermetabolic lung lesion along with predominantly increased metabolism of bilateral basal ganglia, a scintigraphic correlate of acute psychosis. The lesion was surgically excised and histopathologically proven to be adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing lung carcinoid. Posttreatment 18 F-FDG PET scan showed restoration of normal brain metabolism with complete reversal of psychosis. Even though rare, one should be aware of psychosis as an initial presentation of Cushing syndrome and use of 18 F-FDG PET/CT for mapping brain metabolism as shown in this case.

The Mount Sinai Clinical Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Hypercortisolism due to Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Neoplasms that secrete ectopic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) may cause severe, life-threatening hypercortisolism. These tumors are often difficult to localize and treat, requiring a comprehensive and systematic management plan orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team. The Mount Sinai Adrenal Center hosted an interdisciplinary retreat of experts in adrenal disorders and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with the aim of developing a clinical pathway for the management of Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH production. The result was institutional recommendations for the diagnosis, localization, surgical approaches to intrathoracic tumors and bilateral adrenalectomy, and perioperative and postoperative medical management of hypercortisolism and its sequelae. Specific recommendations were made regarding the timing and selection of therapies based on the considerations of our team as well as a review of the current literature. Our clinical pathway can be applied by other institutions directly or serve as a guide for institution-specific management.

A rare presentation of an ACTH-producing high-grade large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with Cushing's syndrome

High-grade neuroendocrine tumors (HGNET) are rare neoplasms composed of neural and hormonal with only around 42 cases reported in the last 20 years1. Herein, we describe a rare case of pancreatic HGNET, large cell type, associated with a Cushing's syndrome presentation.

Primary Intracranial Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Skull Base Complicated with Tension Pneumocephalus after Radiotherapy

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are neoplasms that originate from cells of the endocrine and nervous systems, and are commonly found in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Primary intracranial NETs are extremely rare and have been the focus of only a few studies thus far. Herein, we report the case of a primary intracranial NET of the skull base complicated with tension pneumocephalus after radiotherapy. An 84-year-old woman visited a local hospital for a head injury, and CT revealed a skull base tumor. MRI showed that the tumor was located mainly on the clivus and extended into the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity. We biopsied the tumor via the nasal cavity, and the pathological diagnosis was NET, WHO grade 2. We subsequently administered focal intensity-modulated radiation therapy, but the patient developed tension pneumocephalus 1 year after radiotherapy. We therefore performed endoscopic transnasal cerebrospinal fluid leak closure with a nasoseptal flap. The postoperative course was successful, and the patient returned home but died of an unknown cause 2 years after discharge. The optimal postoperative management of primary intracranial NETs remains controversial. Tension pneumocephalus related to radiotherapy is a rare complication. Assessing skull bone erosion before radiotherapy and performing regular radiological follow-up examinations are essential to prevent this rare complication.