Cyclic ACTH-secreting thymic carcinoid: a case report and review of the literature.

Elisa B Lamback,Mônica R Gadelha,Sérgio Altino De Almeida,Vera Luiza Capelozzi,Carlos Gil Ferreira,Ricardo Terra,Rui Haddad

doi:10.20945/2359-3997000000346

Abstract

Cyclic Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to thymic carcinoid is a rare disorder. We report a case of cyclic CS due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting atypical thymic carcinoid tumor and reviewed similar cases published in the literature. Our patient had hypercortisolemia lasting approximately one month, followed by normal cortisol secretion, with relapse one year later. Histopathology revealed an atypical ACTH-positive thymic carcinoid. Ectopic CS can be derived from atypical thymic carcinoids, which can be aggressive tumors with early relapse, suggesting that this type of tumor probably needs aggressive treatment.

Highlights

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare disorder characterized by inappropriately elevated secretion of cortisol [1]
10% of CS cases result from the ectopic secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and are mainly derived from the foregut [3,4]
We report a case of cyclic CS caused by a thymic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and review similar cases published in the literature

Summary

SUMMARY

Cyclic Cushing’s syndrome (CS) due to thymic carcinoid is a rare disorder. We report a case of cyclic CS due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting atypical thymic carcinoid tumor and reviewed similar cases published in the literature. Our patient had hypercortisolemia lasting approximately one month, followed by normal cortisol secretion, with relapse one year later. Histopathology revealed an atypical ACTH-positive thymic carcinoid. Ectopic CS can be derived from atypical thymic carcinoids, which can be aggressive tumors with early relapse, suggesting that this type of tumor probably needs aggressive treatment.

INTRODUCTION

Findings

CASE REPORT

DISCUSSION