Ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to an ACTH and CRH producing mediastinal paraganglioma

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas can rarely secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thereby inducing Cushing's syndrome. We report the case of a 25 year old woman presenting with a short history of weight gain, dermatological problems and altered mental status. The diagnosis of an ectopic Cushing's syndrome was established, the cause of which turned out to be excess ACTH and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) secretion by a mediastinal paraganglioma.