Cushing's syndrome due to phaeochromocytoma secreting the precursors of adrenocorticotropin

• Published in: The journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism Vol. 85; no. 12; pp. 4771 - 4775
• Main Authors: WHITE, A, RAY, D. W, TALBOT, A, ABRAHAM, P, THODY, A. J, BEVAN, J. S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda, MD Endocrine Society 01.12.2000
• Subjects: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - complications; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - metabolism; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - surgery; Adrenalectomy; Adrenals. Adrenal axis. Renin-angiotensin system (diseases); Adrenocorticotropic Hormone - metabolism; Adult; alpha-MSH - metabolism; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; Biological and medical sciences; Cushing Syndrome - etiology; Cushing Syndrome - surgery; Dexamethasone - pharmacology; Endocrinopathies; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone - metabolism; Medical sciences; Metyrapone - pharmacology; Non tumoral diseases. Target tissue resistance. Benign neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma - complications; Pheochromocytoma - metabolism; Pheochromocytoma - surgery; Tumor Cells, Cultured - metabolism; Endocrinopathy; Human; Corticosteroid; Dexamethasone; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal cortex diseases; Adrenal glands; Treatment efficiency; Cushing syndrome; Metyrapone; Hyperadrenocorticism; Ectopic secretion; Prohormone; Secretory tumor; Case study; Chemotherapy; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adenohypophyseal hormone; Etiology; Surgery; Adrenal gland diseases; Adult; Female

Adrenal phaeochromocytoma rarely causes ectopic ACTH syndrome. We describe a 44-yr-old hypertensive woman who was Cushingoid and markedly pigmented. Laboratory studies indicated severe hypokalaemia, abnormal liver function tests, and random serum cortisols greater than 1660 nmol/L. Urinary catechola...