ODP061 When cortisol and catecholamines combine in a severe endocrine condition

Abstract

Abstract Introduction While the majority of ACTH dependent Cushing's Syndrome cases are the result of over secretion of ACTH from the pituitary gland, ectopic ACTH production can occur. Pheochromocytoma, a tumor originating from the adrenal chromaffin cells and classically associated with catecholamine excess, has also been very rarely shown to secrete ACTH. A 54 year old male with a history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and resistant HTN presented to ED with a tonic clonic seizure, hypoxia and altered mental status. Labs were notable for thrombocytopenia and hypokalemia. His thrombocytopenia was treated with IVIG and solumedrol. Renin activity and renal doppler were normal. He was discharged on additional blood pressure medication, antipsychotics and Keppra. After 2 weeks he was readmitted with hypertensive urgency, anemia and worsening thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy did not elucidate the etiology of thrombocytopenia. CT abdomen showed a 5.4 cm, 54 Hounsfield unit, right adrenal mass. MRI brain showed no intracranial pathology. MRI abdomen/pelvis showed bilateral adrenal thickening. The right adrenal mass had characteristics of hematoma as well. Additional labs showed urine metanephrines 1412mcg/24Hr and normetanephrines 978mcg/24Hr, Urine free cortisol was 4494 mcg/24h, random serum cortisol was 207mg/dl, and ACTH was 1091 pg/ml. Dexamethasone suppression test cortisol was 151 ug/dL. Interesting the patient lacked cushingoid phenotypical characteristicsexcept for truncal obesity. The patient was placed on doxazosin for alpha blockadeand etomidate drip to control cortisol. The diagnosis of ACTH secreting pheochromocytoma was reaffirmed after both octreoscan and dotatate PET CT showed the presence of somatostatin receptors in the rightadrenal mass. After 14 days with controlling treatment, the patient underwent successful right adrenalectomy. Pathology was notable for a well circumscribed dark brown mass that had replaced the adrenal medulla that stained patchy positive for ACTH and was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin. Post surgical labs demonstrated cortisol of 26.3ug/dLand ACTH of 7pg/ml. The patient was discharged 14 days after surgery. Discussion and conclusion Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors for which classical features are often absent. Symptoms of palpitations, headache and sweating are only present in 17% of patients. ACTH secreting pheochromocytomas represent 5% of ectopic ACTH syndrome with less than 100 documented cases worldwide. While obesity, hypertension and diabetes are common in our society, this patient's rapid clinical deterioration was the key clue to this rare diagnosis. This case highlights how the decisive actions of a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team can result in a good outcome for a very challenging and critically ill patient. Presentation: No date and time listed