Corticosteroid-induced glaucoma attributable to an adrenocorticotropin-secreting malignant carcinoid tumor of the thymus

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and histopathologic findings in a patient with corticosteroid-induced open-angle glaucoma attributable to an adrenocorticotropin-secreting malignant carcinoid of the thymus.METHODS: Case report. In a 33-year-old man, the clinical course, laboratory findings, and imaging results as well as the histopathologic findings are described.RESULTS: Increased intraocular pressure in this patient represented a manifestation of severe hypercortisolism attributable to a malignant adrenocorticotropin-secreting carcinoid tumor. Surgical removal resulted in return of the intraocular pressure values to normal levels.CONCLUSION: Thymic carcinoid is a rare cause of Cushing syndrome, which can lead to increased intraocular pressure.