Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome Research Articles

Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome: About A Defying Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Ectopic secretion of Adrno-Cortico-Tropic-Hormone (ACTH) is a rare cause of endogenous hypercorticism. Locating the tumour responsible remains the main and most difficult stage in its management. Case report: We report the case of a 33-year-old male patient admitted with rapidly progressive flare hypercorticism related to ectopic ACTH secretion. Given the rapid worsening of the clinicobiological picture and the impossibility of locating the causative tumour, a bilateral salvage adrenalectomy was performed. Discussion and Conclusion: The small size of the tumours responsible for ectopic ACTH secretion sometimes makes them very difficult to localise, necessitating the use of symptomatic rescue treatments.

7385 Prevalence of Central Hypothyroidism in Cushing Syndrome and Thyroid Function Tests After Cushing Treatment

Abstract Disclosure: T. Kunavisarut: None. A. Sriwijitkamol: None. Cushing syndrome can be associated with thyroid dysfunction. We investigated the association between Cushing syndrome and thyroid dysfunction. We conducted a retrospective study at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand and analyzed thyroid function tests in 80 Cushing's patients. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with Cushing syndrome with thyroid function tests recorded at diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Patients who had an abnormal thyroid function test at diagnosis of Cushing syndrome must have a thyroid function test after treatment of Cushing syndrome. Of the 80 patients, sixty-five patients (81.2%) had normal thyroid function at diagnosis, 12 patients (15%) had central hypothyroidism and three patients (3.8%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism.Interestingly, among 12 patients who had central hypothyroidism, eight patients (66.7%) were diagnosed with Cushing disease. Three patients (25%) were diagnosed with adrenal Cushing syndrome and one patient (8.3%) was diagnosed with ectopic Cushing syndrome. This finding suggested that central hypothyroidism may not be exclusively due to the mass effect of the pituitary tumor on the normal pituitary because adrenal Cushing syndrome and ectopic Cushing syndrome can also cause central hypothyroidism. Among 12 patients with central hypothyroidism at diagnosis of Cushing syndrome, nine patients (75%) normalized their thyroid function after remission of Cushing syndrome without Levothyroxine replacement. Moreover, patients with central hypothyroidism had significantly higher median 24-hour urine-free cortisol levels than euthyroid patients (1030.5 ug/day vs. 404.5 ug/day, p=0.017), indicating a potential correlation between cortisol excess and low FT4 levels. These findings suggest that hypercortisolism in Cushing syndrome can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, but this suppression is often reversible with successful Cushing's treatment. This study highlights the importance of central hypothyroidism, which can occur in all types of Cushing syndrome. If the patients did not have hypothyroid symptoms, Levothyroxine replacement may not be necessary. For patients who already received Levothyroxine and had normal thyroid function tests, Levothyroxine can be carefully tapered and potentially discontinued because successful Cushing syndrome treatment can ultimately normalize thyroid function tests. Presentation: 6/1/2024

7040 Embolization Of Hepatic Metastases Is Effective For Palliative Management Of Severe Cushing Syndrome

Abstract Disclosure: S. Zhang: None. C. Musonza: None. A. Pillai: None. M. Ramos-Roman: None. J. Abramowitz: None. S. Mirfakhraee: None. P. Polanco: None. A.P. Dackiw: None. S. Al Mutar: None. A. Mallik: None. L. Jia: None. O. Hamidi: None. Background: Cushing syndrome (CS) due to metastatic endocrine neoplasms poses substantial treatment challenges. Arterial embolization and Yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization for hepatic metastases are effective in the management of metastases due to neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, data are scarce on the role of embolization of liver metastases in patients with CS. Here, we report two cases of severe CS due to bulky hepatic metastases treated with embolization techniques. Case 1 A 49-year-old woman presented with severe ectopic CS and a 15-cm hepatic metastatic conglomerate. Liver biopsy showed NET of unknown primary. Treatment with subcutaneous octreotide and metyrapone (total daily dose 3000mg) resulted in modest improvement of serum cortisol from 89.8 to 45.8 mcg/dL. She was not a candidate for bilateral adrenalectomy or hepatectomy due to bulky hepatic metastases and subsequently underwent bland embolization to the hepatic conglomerate. Cortisol decreased from 63.9 mcg/dL to 13.8 mcg/dL after the initial procedure, but then rebounded to 35.8 mcg/dL. Serum cortisol decreased to 19.4 mcg/dL following additional embolization, and she was discharged on metyrapone 500mg three times daily. CS remained controlled 12 weeks after the procedure. Interval imaging showed a decrease in size of the dominant hepatic mass (9.7 cm). The patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide. Case 2: A 40-year-old man presented to an outside institution with CS due to a 6.9 cm right adrenal mass and underwent adrenalectomy. Pathology showed oncocytic neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential. A year later, he presented to our hospital with recurrent CS and was found to have a 10.2 cm liver lesion, confirming stage IV adrenocortical carcinoma. FDG PET/CT did not show additional lesions. He was treated with osilodrostat and mitotane but his hypercortisolism remained uncontrolled. Mitotane was discontinued after a few doses due to side effects. Metastasectomy was attempted but halted due to extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis noted in the operating room. He was subsequently treated with Y-90 radioembolization to the liver metastasis. Afterwards, osilodrostat was held and serum cortisol decreased from 49.6 to 6.9 mcg/dL on day 14 post-procedure. Hydrocortisone was initiated for treatment of adrenal insufficiency. He received cisplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide, but stopped after the first cycle due to side effects. Recent imaging showed a decrease in the hepatic lesion to 6.5 cm. Presently, the patient continues to have persistent adrenal insufficiency confirming remission of CS. Conclusion: These cases illustrate the potential efficacy of bland embolization and Y-90 radioembolization for palliative treatment of severe CS in patients with hepatic metastases. Presentation: 6/2/2024

9388 Unusual Case Of Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Syndrome Secondary To Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Disclosure: A. TakallooBakhtiari: None. G.L. Nunlee-Bland: None. V. Ganta: None. A. Zenebe: None. H. Abdalla: None. A. Elobeid: None. W.A. Odonkor: None. Introduction: Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) is a rare condition due to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from non-pituitary tumors. It increases the mortality of affected patients thus finding and removal of the ACTH-producing source allows for curing or reduction of symptoms and serum cortisol levels. The most common cause of EAS is lung cancer. Cushing syndrome (CS) due to EAS is an uncommon paraneoplastic phenomenon in non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical case: The patient is an 80-year-old man with a past medical history of hypertension, dementia, stroke, schizophrenia, and recently diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma. He presented with a few weeks history of dysuria and generalized fatigue. There was no family history for any endocrine disorders. He has a 40 pack-year history of tobacco use. He denied alcohol or illicit drug use. Upon initial evaluation, VS: BP 155/95 mmHg, HR 82 beats/min, Ht 77 inches, Wt 125 lb with a BMI 14.7 Kg/m2. He had no typical symptoms of CS. A physical exam showed a cachectic man with no other remarkable findings. Laboratory tests on admission showed severe hypokalemia of 1.8 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L) with hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. (bicarbonate 45 mEq/L (22-28 mEq/L) and chloride 79 mEq/L (96-106 mEq/L)). Patient was normoglycemic with HbA1c of 5.0%. Random morning cortisol was 55 μg/dL (13-24 μg/dL). Supine renin and aldosterone levels were 0.45 ng/ml/h (0.25-5.8 ng/ml/h) and 1.0 ng/dL (3-16 ng/dL), respectively, excluding hyperaldosteronism. Beside urinary tract infection, other biochemical workup revealed elevated 24-h urinary free cortisol level 5233 mcg/24h (4.0-50.0 mcg/24h) with creatinine 0.7 g/24h (0.5-2.15 g/24h). Failure to suppress cortisol with low dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) was evident: morning cortisol >60.0 g/dL , with concurrent serum dexamethasone 299 ng/dL (180-550 ng/dL). Plasma ACTH level was elevated 327 pg/ml (6-50 pg/ml), favoring ACTH-dependent CS. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen did not show pituitary or adrenal masses. Therefore, a diagnosis of ectopic CS due to lung cancer was established. Pathology of the lung mass showed tumor cells were negative for synaptophysin, chromogranin, and CD52. The immunohistochemically findings support primary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Patient refused surgical or medical treatment and was discharged to a hospice facility. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of EAS ranges from the abrupt onset of the signs and symptoms of severe hypercortisolism, including hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis as in our patient to the gradual and slow onset of the classical signs and symptoms of CS. Though EAS with adenocarcinoma of the lung is rare, it is important to consider it within the differential diagnosis of any adenocarcinoma of the lung presenting with the relevant symptoms. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Ectopic Cushing Syndrome: A Diagnostic Anomaly of Malignancy

Ectopic Cushing Syndrome: A Diagnostic Anomaly of Malignancy

8598 Heterogeneous course of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (EAS) - does the location of the primary tumor affect the clinical picture and the outcome?

8598 Heterogeneous course of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (EAS) - does the location of the primary tumor affect the clinical picture and the outcome?

7713 Remission of Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Due to Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Selpercatinib

7713 Remission of Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Due to Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Selpercatinib

Frequency of clinical signs in patients with Cushing's syndrome and mild autonomous cortisol secretion: overlap is common.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) can be difficult to diagnose. A timely diagnosis, however, is the cornerstone for targeted treatment, to reduce morbidity and mortality. One reason for the difficulties to identify early on patients with CS might be the presence of a mild phenotype. The aim of the study was to classify the phenotypic landscape of CS. We studied patients with overt CS and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). The study was part of the German Cushing's registry. Patients were prospectively included at time of diagnosis and the number of comorbidities and clinical signs and symptoms were assessed in a standardized fashion. One hundred twenty-nine patients with CS (pituitary CS, n = 85, adrenal CS, n = 32, ectopic CS, n = 12, respectively) and 48 patients with MACS were included. Patients with clinical signs and/or comorbidities typical for CS and at least 2 pathological screening tests were classified as having CS. Patients with a 1 mg low-dose-dexamethasone-suppression test above 1.8 µg/dL without being clinically overt CS were classified as having MACS. On average, patients with CS had 2 comorbidities (range 1-3) at time of diagnosis (pituitary CS: 2 [1-3], adrenal CS: 3 [2-4], ectopic CS: 3 [2-4]). Patients with MACS, however, had 3 comorbidities (range 2-3). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in all subtypes of CS (78%-92%) and in patients with MACS (87%). Of a total of 11 clinical signs, patients with CS had on average 5 with 28% of patients having between 0 and 3 clinical signs, 50% 4-7 signs, and 22% more than 7 clinical signs. Patients with MACS had on average 2 clinical signs (range 1-3) at time of diagnosis. The phenotypic landscape of CS is quite variable. The frequency of comorbidities is similar between patients with CS and MACS. A relevant number of patients with overt CS have just a few clinical signs. There is also an overlap in frequency of symptoms and clinical signs between patients with CS and MACS. According to the current guidelines, 96% of our patients with MACS fall into the category "consideration of adrenalectomy". This should be kept in mind when making treatment decisions in the latter group of patients.

Cushing syndrome in paediatric population: who and how to screen.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is characterised by signs and symptoms resulting from excessive and prolonged exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids or endogenous hypercortisolism. In childhood, exogenous CS represents the main cause of CS due to the widespread therapeutic use of glucocorticoids, while endogenous CS is very rare and accounts for about 10% of CS cases. According to the origin of the hypercortisolism, the ACTH-dependent form due to pituitary ACTH-secreting tumours is the most common form of endogenous CS in paediatric age (about 75-80% of cases), following by adrenal causes (about 15-20% of cases) including adenoma, carcinoma (which has a peak of incidence in the first decade), bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or Carney complex, with a different distribution by age. Ectopic ACTH-secreting CS, genetic forms of pituitary adenomas are more uncommon. The insidious onset of hypercortisolism and the absence of salient early signs make the diagnosis of endogenous CS difficult. Facial changes, weight gain with simultaneous growth failure, prepubertal virilisation, or hypogonadism in adolescence represent some of the key features of CS. The diagnostic workup is essentially aimed at confirming hypercortisolism through screening tests whose diagnostic accuracy is not 100% and therefore the combination of more than two tests is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of CS.

Comparison of clinical, hormonal, pathological and treatment outcomes of ectopic Cushing's syndrome by sex: results of a multicenter study.

To compare clinical and hormonal data, neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) localization, treatment, and survival outcomes in ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) by sex. Eleven experienced centers from our country participated in this retrospective study. The clinical and hormonal features, tumor imaging, pathological results, treatment modalities, and disease courses of the patients were evaluated. 28 female and 26 male patients with ECS were compared. The mean age at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and hormonal evaluation results were similar. However, insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus (p = 0.04) and osteoporosis with fractures were more common in males (p = 0.03). While more patients with increased DHEA-S levels than the upper limit of normal were found to be higher in females, central hypothyroidism were higher in males (p = 0.02). At the diagnosis, 36 NENs (68% of females and 69% of males) were localized. Small cell lung carcinoma was higher in males (p = 0.02), and the frequency of other NENs was not different. Curative surgery was performed on 61% of females and 46% of males. Tumor size, Ki-67 labeling index, positive ACTH immunostaining, local lymph node and distant metastasis rates were similar in both sexes. In the follow-up, the tumor became visible in 7 of 10 females and 4 of 8 males after medical treatment and/or bilateral adrenalectomy. The remission rates (65% of females, 62% of males) and NEN-related death rates (14% of females, 30% of males) were similar. While ECS has a similar disease course in many aspects in males and females, hyperglycemia and osteoporosis are more severe in males.

Cushing syndrome from an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma: structured review of 94 cases.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that co-secrete excess catecholamines and adrenocorticotropic hormone, resulting in Cushing syndrome (CS). This review aims to summarize important patient characteristics, investigations, and outcomes in all cases reported in the English literature. A literature search was conducted to identify all English-language case reports and case series describing adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas. Relevant characteristics were systematically recorded. Cases that did not provide definitive evidence of an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma were excluded. Our search strategy identified 93 published cases that met the inclusion criteria. We additionally reported one patient for a total of 94 cases. Details related to patient characteristics, laboratory data, and outcomes were commonly underreported. The median age was 47 years, and females accounted for 72% of cases. A cushingoid appearance was reported in 82% of patients, and hypertension in 86%. Infections were reported in 23% of patients. Urinary metanephrines were elevated at least three-fold above normal in 74% of cases. ACTH levels were high in 88% of patients and inappropriately normal in 12%. The median 24-hour urinary cortisol was 21-fold the upper limit of normal. Adrenalectomy was performed in nearly all patients, with 88% achieving a cure for both catecholamine and glucocorticoid excess. A total of 11 patients died. Metastases were uncommon (6%). Adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. It should be considered in the diagnostic workup of all patients with ectopic CS. Surgical cure is achieved in most patients, and infections are the leading cause of peri-operative mortality.

Prevalence and outcome of secondary hypogonadism in male patients with Cushing's syndrome and mild autonomous cortisol secretion.

Secondary hypogonadism (SH) is common in men with Cushing's syndrome (CS), but its impact on comorbidities is largely unknown and longitudinal data are scarce. If SH also affects men with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is unknown. We included 30 treatment-naïve adult men with CS and 17 men with MACS diagnosed since 2012. Hypogonadism was diagnosed based on total testosterone (TT) concentrations < 10.4 nmol/L and age-specific cut-offs. Outcomes were compared to age- and BMI-matched controls. In 20 men in remission of CS, a longitudinal analysis was conducted at 6, 12, and 24 months. Men with CS had significantly lower concentrations of TT, bioavailable T, and free T compared to controls (P < .0001) with lowest concentrations in ectopic CS. Likewise, TT was lower in men with MACS compared to controls. At baseline, 93% of men with CS and 59% of men with MACS had SH. Testosterone correlated negatively with late night salivary cortisol and serum cortisol pre- and post-1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. Following successful surgery, TT increased significantly (P = .001), normalising within 6 months. Despite normalisation, several RBC parameters remained lower in men with CS even 2 years after successful surgery. Secondary hypogonadism is common in men with CS and MACS but usually reversible after successful surgery. The persisting changes observed in RBC parameters need to be further investigated in larger cohorts and longer follow-up durations.

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome and cancer risk.

Cancer incidence in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) has never been established. Here, we aimed to assess the cancer risk in patients with CS as compared with individually matched controls. A nationwide retrospective matched cohort study of patients with endogenous CS diagnosed between 2000 and 2023 using the database of Clalit Health Services in Israel. Patients with adrenal carcinoma or ectopic CS were excluded. Patients with CS were matched in a 1:5 ratio, with controls individually matched for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. The primary outcome was defined as the first diagnosis of any malignancy following a CS diagnosis. Risk of malignancy was calculated using the Cox proportional hazard model, with death as a competing event. A total of 609 patients with CS and 3018 controls were included [mean age at diagnosis, 48.0 ± 17.2 years; 2371 (65.4%) women]. The median follow-up was 14.7 years (IQR, 9.9-20.2 years). Patients with CS had an increased cancer risk, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.78 (95% CI 1.44-2.20) compared with their matched controls. The risk of malignancy was elevated in patients with Cushing's disease (251 cases and 1246 controls; HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.15-2.36) and in patients with adrenal CS (200 cases and 991 controls; HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.70-3.29). The increased cancer risk in patients with CS persists after exclusion of thyroid malignancies. Endogenous CS is associated with increased malignancy risk. These findings underscore the need for further research to establish recommendations for cancer screening in this population.

Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome in Pediatric Age

Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion is a rare clinical condition resulting from a dysregulated ACTH secretion by neuroendocrine tumors. The overall incidence of endogenous Cushing's syndrome is 0.7-2.4 per million people annually, with children accounting for only 10% of new cases each year. When the patient first presented clinically, she was a 17-year-old girl who displayed psychiatric symptoms. Blood tests showed diabetes mellitus and hypokalemia. She had hypertension and vertebral collapses. The hormone assay showed hypercortisolism, and because of this, she began taking metyrapone. The results of the 68Ga-PET/DOTATOC and 18FDG-PET scans were negative. The clinical course was intermittent. After one year, a 68Ga-PET/DOTATOC showed a nodule in the thymic lodge. Despite the thymectomy, the hypercortisolism persisted. A subsequent 68Ga-PET/DOTATOC repeated three months after surgery revealed an uptake corresponding to the thymic lodge. She underwent another surgery, which is finally being resolved. ACTH levels were monitored before, during, and post-surgery. The laboratory provided the ACTH results promptly, and thoracic surgeons waited for hormonal results before concluding the procedure. The adopted strategy permitted us to monitor the surgery outcome. The heterogeneity of ectopic Cushing's syndrome makes diagnosis difficult. 68Ga-PET/DOTATOC proves to be a tracer with good sensitivity and specificity for the identification of ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine lesions. The short half-life of ACTH is found to be a strategy to monitor the complete surgical resection of the neuroendocrine lesion.

Ectopic cushing's syndrome: delayed recognition of a rare but sinister cause of hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis

Ectopic cushing's syndrome: delayed recognition of a rare but sinister cause of hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis

Biochemical Control in Cushing's syndrome: Outcomes of the treatment in a large single center cohort.

Normalization of hypercortisolism is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). The aim of this analysis was to assess biochemical control rates in patients with Cushing's disease (CD), ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) and adrenal Cushing's syndrome (ACS). Patients with confirmed CS (n= 296) treated in a single tertiary care center were retrospectively analysed (185 CD, 27 ECS, 84 uni- and bilateral ACS). Firstline treatment led to biochemical control in 82% of the patients. Time to biochemical control (median, IQR) was longer in CD (11.0 weeks, 5.6-29.8; p< 0.05) than in ACS (7.7 weeks, 4.1-17.1) and ECS (5.6 weeks, 4.1-23.3). Disease persistence or recurrence after first-line therapy was observed more often in CD (24% and 18%; p< 0.05) than in ECS (15% and 15%) and ACS (6% and 4%). Total time in hypercortisolism since diagnosis was significantly shorter in patients with CD diagnosed since 2013, after specialized patient care was implemented, compared to patients diagnosed before 2013 (13.5 weeks, vs. 26.1 weeks; p< 0.0070). Control of hypercortisolism at last follow up (76 months, 38-163) was achieved in 94% of patients with ACS, 100% of patients with ECS and 92% of patients with CD. Biochemical control can be achieved in most patients with different subtypes of CS within a reasonable time frame. Control of hypercortisolism has improved over time.

Increased calcitonin level in cases with multinodular goitre and ectopic Cushing syndrome - diagnostic challenges

Increased calcitonin level in cases with multinodular goitre and ectopic Cushing syndrome - diagnostic challenges

Heterogeneity of responses of dynamic tests in patients with ectopic cushing's syndrome (ECS). the half of patients with ECS have an increase in ACTH in the CRH/desmopressin test, nearly 1/3 have complete or some inhibition of cortisol in HDDST

Heterogeneity of responses of dynamic tests in patients with ectopic cushing's syndrome (ECS). the half of patients with ECS have an increase in ACTH in the CRH/desmopressin test, nearly 1/3 have complete or some inhibition of cortisol in HDDST

2-[18F]FDG PET imaging biomarkers for clinical and metabolic assessment in ectopic cushing syndrome. increased spleen FDG uptake as a helpful parameter to predict the presence of metastases - a pilot study

2-[18F]FDG PET imaging biomarkers for clinical and metabolic assessment in ectopic cushing syndrome. increased spleen FDG uptake as a helpful parameter to predict the presence of metastases - a pilot study

The impact of primary tumor site on clinical manifestation and prognosis of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS). Do pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors stand out?

The impact of primary tumor site on clinical manifestation and prognosis of ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS). Do pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors stand out?