Difficulties in the Diagnosis of ACTH-ectopic Tumors. Case Report

Abstract

At the present time topical diagnosis of ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumors of different localization is the most challenging problem for endocrinologists around the world. Despite the significant improvement of existing diagnostic techniques, in 9-19% localization of the source of ectopic secretion ACTH re-mains undetected throughout life. Thus even regular using of routine laboratory tests and visual methods of diag- nosis do not allow to reveal the primary tumor. This article describes a case report, that is particular by a long period of ectopic ACTH syndrome detection. However, this demonstrates the importance of inten-sive and prolonged diagnosis of primary tumor, that can significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality of these patients and improve their prognosis.