Laparoscopic Bilateral Adrenalectomy Should Be an Early Consideration in Ectopic Adrenocorticopic Hormone Secretion

Abstract

Introduction: Ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) causes myriad metabolic derangements which may be effectively managed with laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy (LBA) in fit-for-surgery candidates. Clinical Case: A 67-year old woman with a remote 12-pack year smoking history presented with unintentional weight loss, cough, fever and chest pain. Imaging revealed a right-sided lung mass with liver lesions. Liver biopsy confirmed a well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Attempt at palliative lung resection was aborted due to disease extent. She was treated with multiple courses of chemotherapy but her disease progressed. Two years later, she presented with hypokalemia of 2.8 mmol/L (3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L) and uncontrolled hypertension. She was treated with spironolactone and oral potassium. She was notably hyperglycaemic with clinical features of cortisol excess. A random cortisol of 2742 nmol/L (<500 nmol/L), corresponding ACTH of 201 ng/L (5 - 50 ng/L) and lack of diurnal variation in cortisol day curve were in keeping with EAS. Metyrapone and spironolactone normalised blood pressure and biochemical derangement. With her initially high cortisol levels and its associated immunocompromised state, she developed pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), and was briefly admitted to the intensive care unit. In hospital, monitoring her response to EAS management necessitated multiple blood investigations, which proved burdensome for the patient. To effect definitive management of EAS and reduce invasive monitoring, she wished to have LBA and underwent an uneventful procedure. She was discharged on fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone along with lanreotide for primary disease management. Metyrapone and spironolactone were stopped. At initial outpatient follow up, she had normal blood pressure and electrolytes. By her report, her quality of life had improved tremendously, given the reduced need for multiple clinic visits and blood investigations. Unfortunately, her primary disease progressed with gradual deterioration of physical function. She died six months after LBA but, as per her desire, spent her final months with loved ones. Clinical Lesson: In patients with EAS who have unresectable primary disease but otherwise good performance status, LBA is a viable alternative to medical management and should be discussed with patients early after diagnosis.