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Valizadeh M, Abiri B, Hosseinpanah F, Grossman A. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: A reappraisal. J Intern Med 2024. [PMID: 38606956 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disorder, once exogenous causes have been excluded. However, when diagnosed, the majority of cases are adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent, of which a substantial minority are due to a source outside of the pituitary, ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). Differentiating among pituitary-dependent CS, Cushing's disease (CD) and an ectopic source can be problematic. Because non-invasive tests in the evaluation of CS patients often lack adequate sensitivity and specificity, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS), a minimally invasive procedure performed during the investigation of ACTH-dependent CS, can be extremely helpful. BIPSS is considered to be the gold standard for differentiating CD from the EAS. Furthermore, although such differentiation may indeed be challenging, BIPSS is itself a complex investigation, especially in recent times due to the widespread withdrawal of corticotrophin-releasing hormone and its replacement by desmopressin. We review current published data on this investigation and, in the light of this and our own experience, discuss its appropriate use in diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Valizadeh
- Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Abiri
- Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Hosseinpanah
- Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashley Grossman
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, QMUL, London, UK
- ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Ragnarsson O, Juhlin CC, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H. A clinical perspective on ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:347-360. [PMID: 38143211 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) refers to the clinical features of prolonged pathological glucocorticoid excess. About 10-20% of individuals with CS have ectopic CS (ECS), that is, an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing tumour outside the pituitary gland. ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasia (NENs) can arise from many organs, although bronchial NEN, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), pancreatic NEN, thymic NEN, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and pheochromocytoma are the most common. Patients with ECS frequently present with severe hypercortisolism. The risk of life-threatening complications is high in severe cases, unless the hypercortisolism is effectively treated. A good outcome in ECS requires a methodical approach, incorporating prompt diagnosis, tumour localization, control of cortisol excess, and resection of the primary tumour when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Matson BC, Evron JM, Johnson SM, Zeitler EM, Klein KR. Delayed Diagnosis of Ectopic Cushing Syndrome. JCEM Case Rep 2024; 2:luae034. [PMID: 38440127 PMCID: PMC10911400 DOI: 10.1210/jcemcr/luae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Here, we present the case of a 40-year-old man in whom the diagnosis of ectopic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) syndrome went unrecognized despite evaluation by multiple providers until it was ultimately suspected by a nephrologist evaluating the patient for edema and weight gain. On urgent referral to endocrinology, screening for hypercortisolism was positive by both low-dose overnight dexamethasone suppression testing and 24-hour urinary free cortisol measurement. Plasma ACTH values confirmed ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. High-dose dexamethasone suppression testing was suggestive of ectopic ACTH syndrome. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling demonstrated no central-to-peripheral gradient, and 68Ga-DOTATATE scanning revealed an avid 1.2-cm left lung lesion. The suspected source of ectopic ACTH was resected and confirmed by histopathology, resulting in surgical cure. While many patients with Cushing syndrome have a delayed diagnosis, this case highlights the critical need to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism and to improve the understanding of appropriate screening tests among nonendocrine providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke C Matson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7170, USA
| | - Joshua M Evron
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7170, USA
| | - Steven M Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA
| | - Evan M Zeitler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of MedicineChapel Hill, NC 27599-7155, USA
| | - Klara R Klein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7170, USA
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Carlaw KR, Hameed A, Shakeshaft A. A Case of Cushing's Syndrome from Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Small Bowel and Its Mesentery. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:4110-4116. [PMID: 37185425 PMCID: PMC10136574 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30040312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)-producing neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rarely found in the small bowel, and primary mesenteric NETs have only been reported in a few cases globally. We report the case of a 68-year-old female with ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to excessive ACTH secretion from small bowel primary lesions and mesenteric metastasis. Initially, only the mesenteric mass was detected on imaging and endoscopy/colonoscopy, and it was only with surgical exploration that the small bowel lesions were found. This highlights the importance of high clinical suspicion and robust investigation when locating NETs. Surgical resection of the affected small bowel and mesentery was the definitive treatment for this patient. Initial hydrocortisone replacement therapy was needed, and subsequent biochemical tests and clinical reviews demonstrated no recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Rose Carlaw
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
| | - Ahmer Hameed
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
| | - Anthony Shakeshaft
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
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Larose S, Rioux D, Albadine R, Lacroix A. Ectopic ACTH Cushing's syndrome caused by a large-cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma responding to desmopressin. Endocr Oncol 2023; 3:e230002. [PMID: 37434650 PMCID: PMC10305561 DOI: 10.1530/eo-23-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion (EAS) is a rare cause of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS), most often caused by a thoracic neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) with EAS are rare and usually present a more severe ACTH secretion and hypercortisolism. We report a 44-year-old non-smoker man, who presented clinical and biochemical evidence of ACTH-dependent CS. Desmopressin 10 μg i.v. produced a 157% increase in ACTH and a 25% increase in cortisol from baseline; there was no stimulation of ACTH or cortisol during the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test and no suppression with high dose dexamethasone. Pituitary MRI identified a 5 mm lesion, but inferior petrosal venous sinus sampling under desmopressin did not identify a central ACTH source. Thorax and abdominal imaging identified a left lung micronodule. Surgery confirmed a lung LCNEC with strongly positive ACTH immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the primary and lymph node metastasis. The patient was in CS remission after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy but developed a recurrence 9.5 years later, with LCNEC pulmonary left hilar metastases, ectopic CS, and positive ACTH IHC. This is the first report of LCNEC, with morphologic feature of carcinoid tumor of the lung with ectopic ACTH stimulated by desmopressin. Long delay prior to metastatic recurrence indicates relatively indolent NET. This case report indicates that response to desmopressin, which usually occurs in Cushing's disease or benign NETs, can occur in malignant LCNEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Larose
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Dany Rioux
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier universitaire régional, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Roula Albadine
- Department of Pathology, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Balomenaki M, Margaritopoulos D, Vassiliadi DA, Tsagarakis S. Diagnostic workup of Cushing's syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13111. [PMID: 35979805 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare but detrimental endocrine disorder. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential since the duration of hypercortisolism has an adverse impact on the extent of comorbidities and overall survival. The diagnostic approach involves a stepwise process that includes (1) screening and confirming the diagnosis and (2) establishing the aetiology of CS. The tests currently used to confirm the diagnosis of CS include urinary free cortisol measurements, the dexamethasone suppression test and late- night salivary cortisol or midnight serum cortisol measurements. None of these tests are ideal; all have pitfalls and require careful interpretation. Following confirmation of CS, measurement of ACTH discriminates between ACTH-dependent and non-ACTH dependent causes of CS. Adrenal imaging provides clues for the aetiology of non-ACTH dependent forms. Differentiation between the ACTH-dependent forms that involve pituitary corticotroph adenomas and ectopic ACTH sources is more complex and include pituitary MRI imaging, the high dose dexamethasone suppression test, the CRH test, bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling and, when required imaging modalities to detect ectopic ACTH secreting lesions. This review, which is part of a special issue on "Update of Cushing's syndrome: 100 years after Minnie G" will provide an update on our current diagnostic workup for the confirmation and differential diagnosis of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Balomenaki
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Kimura N, Motoyama T, Saito J, Nishikawa T. Mixed corticomedullary tumor of the adrenal gland. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1026918. [PMID: 36187098 PMCID: PMC9524188 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1026918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed corticomedullary tumor (MCMT) of the adrenal gland is an extremely rare tumor characterized by an admixture of steroidogenic cells and chromaffin cells in a single tumor mass simultaneously producing adrenocortical hormones and catecholamines; it is associated with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in some cases. We reviewed and summarized clinicopathological data of 28 MCMTs, including four metastatic tumors in 26 previous reports. These reports included 21 females and 7 males, and the average tumor sizes were 4.8 ± 2.5 cm and 12.6 ± 6.4 cm in the non-metastatic and metastatic groups, respectively (P<0.001). The clinical manifestations and laboratory data were as follows: Cushing or subclinical Cushing syndrome, 58% (14/24); hypertension, 71% (17/24); elevated adrenocortical hormones, 75% (18/24); elevated catecholamines, 75% (18/24); and ectopic ACTH, 71% (10/14). All four patients with metastatic MCMTs had poor prognoses and elevated adrenocortical hormone levels; however, only two patients had elevated catecholamine levels. Immunohistochemistry was essential for the pathologic diagnosis of MCMTs. In this study, using an improved technique, we detected ectopic ACTH-producing cells in the same paraffin-embedded sections reported to be negative in our previous reports. As MCMT is composed of cells with embryologically different origins, its pathogenesis has been explained by various hypotheses. We compared MCMT to the adrenal gland of birds and the early stage of human fetuses, in which nests of chromaffin cells and steroidogenic cells admix without the formation of cortex and medulla. MCMT is characterized by the immaturity of organogenesis and might be classified as an adrenal embryonal tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Kimura
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Hakodate Hospital, Hakodate, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Hospital Organization Hakodate Hospital, Hakodate, Japan
- *Correspondence: Noriko Kimura,
| | - Teiich Motoyama
- Department of Pathology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Jun Saito
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nishikawa
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
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Zhang X, Lian P, Su M, Ji Z, Deng J, Zheng G, Wang W, Ren X, Jiang T, Zhang P, Li H. Single-cell transcriptome analysis identifies a unique tumor cell type producing multiple hormones in ectopic ACTH and CRH secreting pheochromocytoma. eLife 2021; 10:68436. [PMID: 34905486 PMCID: PMC8719890 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome due to ectopic ACTH&CRH-secreting by pheochromocytoma is extremely rare and can be fatal if not properly diagnosed. It remains unclear whether a unique cell type is responsible for multiple hormones secreting. In this work, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing to three different anatomic tumor tissues and one peritumoral tissue based on a rare case with ectopic ACTH&CRH-secreting pheochromocytoma. And in addition to that, three adrenal tumor specimens from common pheochromocytoma and adrenocortical adenomas were also involved in the comparison of tumor cellular heterogeneity. A total of 16 cell types in the tumor microenvironment were identified by unbiased cell clustering of single-cell transcriptomic profiles from all specimens. Notably, we identified a novel multi-functionally chromaffin-like cell type with high expression of both POMC (the precursor of ACTH) and CRH, called ACTH+&CRH + pheochromocyte. We hypothesized that the molecular mechanism of the rare case harbor Cushing’s syndrome is due to the identified novel tumor cell type, that is, the secretion of ACTH had a direct effect on the adrenal gland to produce cortisol, while the secretion of CRH can indirectly stimulate the secretion of ACTH from the anterior pituitary. Besides, a new potential marker (GAL) co-expressed with ACTH and CRH might be involved in the regulation of ACTH secretion. The immunohistochemistry results confirmed its multi-functionally chromaffin-like properties with positive staining for CRH, POMC, ACTH, GAL, TH, and CgA. Our findings also proved to some extent the heterogeneity of endothelial and immune microenvironment in different adrenal tumor subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Penghu Lian
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Su
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Ji
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Deng
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guoyang Zheng
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenda Wang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Ren
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taijiao Jiang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetics of Birth Defects, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hanzhong Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Soler Arias EA, Castillo VA, Louiset E, Lefebvre H. Cushing's syndrome caused by intra-adrenocortical adrenocorticotropic hormone in a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:264-271. [PMID: 34859494 PMCID: PMC8783325 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 13‐year‐old Labrador retriever was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome (CS) caused by primary bilateral nodular adrenocortical hyperplasia with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) expression. The pituitary origin of CS was ruled out by suppression of plasma ACTH concentration and absence of a proliferative lesion on histological evaluation of the pituitary gland using periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining, reticulin staining, and immunostaining for ACTH. A pheochromocytoma also was found at necropsy examination. On histological evaluation of both adrenal glands, at the junction of the fascicular and glomerular zones, multiple cell clusters distributed in both hyperplastic adrenal cortices expressed ACTH, whereas the pheochromocytoma cells did not. These results indicate that a disease similar to primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia in humans also occurs in dogs, with intra‐adrenocortical expression of ACTH, glucocorticoids excess, and clinical signs of CS. Therefore, the term ACTH‐independent could be inappropriate in some cases of bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia and suppressed plasma ACTH concentration in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elber A Soler Arias
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Clínica Médica de Pequeños Animales, Hospital Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria-U. Endocrinología, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor A Castillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Clínica Médica de Pequeños Animales, Hospital Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria-U. Endocrinología, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Herve Lefebvre
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, Rouen, France.,Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital of Rouen, Rouen, France
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10
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Abstract
Objective To present a case of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) hypersecretion caused by a metastatic acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) of the parotid. Only 6 cases have been reported prior to October 2019. We believe that this condition is under-reported and hope that improved recognition will improve its reporting. Methods Diagnosis in this case was done using surgical pathology of the primary tumor, involving lymph nodes, and a metastatic lesion. Following an initial misdiagnosis, a final diagnosis of AcCC was made using immunohistochemical staining. ACTH hypersecretion was diagnosed by testing for random ACTH, cortisol, and 24-hour urine aldosterone and cortisol levels. Results A 57-year-old man presented with hypokalemia, lower-extremity edema, and left-side rib pain 7 months following excision of a 4-cm left-parotid tumor. Immunostaining positive for DOG-1, CK7, pan-cytokeratin (including CAM5.2), and SOX10 led to the diagnosis of AcCC. ACTH hypersecretion was diagnosed based on a random ACTH level of 307 pg/mL (normal morning value, 7.2-63 pg/mL), a cortisol level of 33 μg/dL (normal morning value, 4.3-19.8 μg/dL; normal PM value, 3.1-15.0 μg/dL), a 24-hour urine aldosterone level of <0.7 U (normal, 2.0-20 U), and a 24-hour urine cortisol level of 4564 U (normal, 3.5-45 U). The patient’s ACTH hypersecretion and hypokalemia were treated with potassium replacement, amiloride, and ketoconazole. His metastatic recurrence was treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The patient died after being diagnosed with sepsis secondary to multifocal postobstructive pneumonia 4 months after the diagnosis of his metastatic recurrence. Conclusion Ectopic ACTH production caused by metastatic AcCC is a rare phenomenon but has been increasingly described over the last 15 years. We believe that this condition likely has a greater prevalence than what is reported and that improved recognition will lead to improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M Burch
- Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State Internal Medicine Residency, Swartz Creek, Michigan
| | - James S Choi
- Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State Internal Medicine Residency, Swartz Creek, Michigan
| | - Osama Mosalem
- Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State Internal Medicine Residency, Swartz Creek, Michigan
| | - Lawrenshey Charles
- Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State Internal Medicine Residency, Swartz Creek, Michigan
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Kannankeril J, Carroll T, Findling JW, Javorsky B, Gunsolus IL, Phillips J, Raff H. Prospective Evaluation of Late-Night Salivary Cortisol and Cortisone by EIA and LC-MS/MS in Suspected Cushing Syndrome. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa107. [PMID: 32935666 PMCID: PMC7480956 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA-F) is a first-line screening test for Cushing syndrome (CS) with a reported sensitivity and specificity of >90%. However, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, validated to measure salivary cortisol (LCMS-F) and cortisone (LCMS-E), has been proposed to be superior diagnostically. Objective, Setting, and Main Outcome Measures Prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of EIA-F, LCMS-F, and LCMS-E in 1453 consecutive late-night saliva samples from 705 patients with suspected CS. Design Patients grouped by the presence or absence of at least one elevated salivary steroid result and then subdivided by diagnosis. Results We identified 283 patients with at least one elevated salivary result; 45 had an established diagnosis of neoplastic hypercortisolism (CS) for which EIA-F had a very high sensitivity (97.5%). LCMS-F and LCMS-E had lower sensitivity but higher specificity than EIA-F. EIA-F had poor sensitivity (31.3%) for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent CS (5 patients with at least 1 and 11 without any elevated salivary result). In patients with Cushing disease (CD), most nonelevated LCMS-F results were in patients with persistent/recurrent CD; their EIA-F levels were lower than in patients with newly diagnosed CD. Conclusions Since the majority of patients with ≥1 elevated late-night salivary cortisol or cortisone result did not have CS, a single elevated level has poor specificity and positive predictive value. LNSC measured by EIA is a sensitive test for ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome but not for ACTH-independent CS. We suggest that neither LCMS-F nor LCMS-E improves the sensitivity of late-night EIA-F for CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kannankeril
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ty Carroll
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - James W Findling
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Bradley Javorsky
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ian L Gunsolus
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan Phillips
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Hershel Raff
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Endocrine Research Laboratory, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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12
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Wannachalee T, Turcu AF, Auchus RJ. Mifepristone in the treatment of the ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 89:570-576. [PMID: 30019523 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can be used to manage hypercortisolism in patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) when surgical cure is not feasible. Outcomes of EAS patients treated with mifepristone have been limited to reports of isolated cases. We aimed to determine the efficacy and limitations of mifepristone in the treatment of EAS and to compare outcomes with those of patients who underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. METHOD A retrospective cohort study of EAS patients from the University of Michigan between 1997 and 2017 was conducted. RESULTS Of the 55 patients with EAS, 16 were treated with mifepristone: eight neuroendocrine tumours, two carcinomas and six occult tumours. Treatment with mifepristone was most commonly prompted by psychosis, uncontrolled glucose and/or hypertension. The median maintenance dose was 600 mg/d. Amelioration of psychosis was observed within 48 hours in 3/3 patients, and the glycaemic control was improved in 14/16 patients. The median duration of treatment was 9 months, and three patients were treated for more than 24 months. The overall survival at 24 months was equivalent between patients with EAS treated with mifepristone vs bilateral adrenalectomy (N = 12) (P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS Mifepristone is effective in treating EAS for over 2 years, and survival was not different from that of patients treated with bilateral adrenalectomy. Aggressive concomitant therapy for hypokalaemia and hypertension is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taweesak Wannachalee
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Abstract
We present a case of an eight-year-old female presenting with four months history of progressive weight gain, short stature, obesity, mild acanthosis, moon facies and buffalo hump. Biochemically, low-dose and high-dose Dexamethasone tests were not suppressible, ACTH was raised and 24h urinary metanephrines were normal. The CECT scan showed a 3cm paraganglioma. Tumor was excised via 11th rib transcostal approach and the mass was found arising from the sympathetic chain. Histopathology was suggestive of ganglioneuroma positive for ACTH immunostaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Ram Reddy S
- Department of Urology, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad, India
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