Severe Cushing's Syndrome Research Articles

Etomidate in the Treatment of Severe Cushing Syndrome: The Sri Lankan Experience

Etomidate in the Treatment of Severe Cushing Syndrome: The Sri Lankan Experience

Primary unilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia with concomitant glucocorticoid and androgen excess and KDM1A inactivation.

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. Individuals with PBMAH and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)-dependent Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic expression of the GIP receptor (GIPR) typically harbor inactivating KDM1A sequence variants. Primary unilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PUMAH) with concomitant glucocorticoid and androgen excess has never been encountered or studied. We investigated a woman with a large, heterogeneous adrenal mass and severe adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent glucocorticoid and androgen excess, a biochemical presentation typically suggestive of adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient presented during pregnancy (22nd week of gestation) and reported an 18-month history of oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, and weight gain. We undertook an exploratory study with detailed histopathological and genetic analysis of the resected adrenal mass and leukocyte DNA collected from the patient and her parents. Histopathology revealed benign macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Imaging showed a persistently normal contralateral adrenal gland. Whole-exome sequencing of 4 representative nodules detected KDM1A germline variants, benign NM_001009999.3:c.136G > A:p.G46S, and likely pathogenic NM_001009999.3:exon6:c.865_866del:p.R289Dfs*7. Copy number variation analysis demonstrated an additional somatic loss of the KDM1A wild-type allele on chromosome 1p36.12 in all nodules. RNA sequencing of a representative nodule showed low/absent KDM1A expression and increased GIPR expression compared with 52 unilateral sporadic adenomas and 4 normal adrenal glands. Luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor expression was normal. Sanger sequencing confirmed heterozygous KDM1A variants in both parents (father: p.R289Dfs*7 and mother: p.G46S) who showed no clinical features suggestive of glucocorticoid or androgen excess. We investigated the first PUMAH associated with severe Cushing's syndrome and concomitant androgen excess, suggesting pathogenic mechanisms involving KDM1A.

Bilateral Adrenocortical Nodular Disease and Cushing's Syndrome.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and bilateral macronodular adrenocortical disease (BMAD) are 2 forms of adrenocortical nodular diseases causing Cushing's syndrome but are 2 very distinct conditions. PPNAD, affecting mostly young patients with an almost constant severe Cushing's syndrome, is characterized by pigmented micronodules, usually less than 1 cm, not always visible on imaging. On the contrary, BMAD is predominantly diagnosed in the fifth and sixth decades, with highly variable degrees of cortisol excess, from mild autonomous cortisol secretion to overt Cushing's syndrome. BMAD presents as large bilateral adrenal macronodules, easily observed on imaging. Both diseases are often genetically determined: frequently PPNAD is observed in a multiple neoplasia syndrome, Carney complex, and a germline genetic defect is identified in around 80% of index cases, always affecting key actors of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway: mostly PRKAR1A, encoding the PKA 1-alpha regulatory subunit. On the other hand, BMAD appears mostly isolated, and 2 predisposing genes are known at present: ARMC5, accounting for around 20% of index cases, and the recently identified KDM1A, causing the rare presentation with food-dependent Cushing's syndrome, mediated by the ectopic expression of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) in adrenal nodules. GIPR was the first demonstrated receptor to illegitimately regulate cortisol secretion in nodular adrenocortical diseases, and a myriad of other receptors and paracrine signals were discovered afterward. The last 30 years were pivotal in the understanding of the genetics and pathophysiology of bilateral adrenocortical nodular diseases, leading to a personalized approach of these fascinating conditions.

P-57 A case of pituitary carcinoma treated with osilodrostat for severe Cushing's syndrome

Abstract Introduction Pituitary carcinoma is a rare disorder accounting for 0.1–0.2% of pituitary tumors. We present a case of a male subject with ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinoma with metastasis to the spine, achieving eucortisolism on osilodrostat treatment. Clinical Case A 31-year-old male presented with complaints of pain in the rear-left thigh, numbness in the left-hand fingers and shoulder. MRI revealed an invasive pituitary tumor which had spread to the left frontal and temporal lobes with infiltration of the dura mater and compression of the left part of the optic chiasm, multiple formations in the large hemispheres, hemispheres of the cerebellum, in the right internal auditory meatus and at the level of the C1 vertebra compatible with metastasis. Spinal MRI showed a mass at Th6, L1-S2 level compatible with metastasis (Fig.1). The patient was diagnosed with Cushing's disease (CD) at 23 (late-night serum cortisol 1450 nmol/L (64–327), late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) 66.4 nmol/L (0.5–9.65), 24hUFC 608 nmol/L (100–379), ACTH 107.3 pg/mL (7.2–63.3)) and underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for pituitary macroadenoma 26×18×29 mm with biochemical remission. Two years later his symptoms of CD relapsed and he had a second transsphenoidal surgery. Histological examination showed an atypical corticotroph tumor with Ki67 – 11.6%. Two months after surgery, Kiber knife surgery was performed. However, 2 years later he had gradual deterioration of vision due to loss of lateral margins. A third transcranial adenomectomy was performed with following panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus. The tumor was positively stained for ACTH and also contained some atypical features including nuclear pleomorphism. Postoperative chemotherapy adjuvant treatment with Temozolomide and Carboplatin was prescribed. After 6 cycles, proton radiotherapy was done. In order to control hypercortisolism the patient received ketoconazole 800 mg per day, cabergoline 1 mg twice weekly and pasireotide 1.8 mg per day. However, it was not possible to achieve remission of hypercortisolism. As an adverse event of pasireotide, diabetes mellitus developed, which required insulin therapy and finally lead to pasireotide cessation. Ketoconazole and cabergoline were discontinued and osilodrostat treatment was initiated with a final dose of 5 mg daily over 2 years. He also received another course of radiation therapy at the age of 31 years. Over the past 2 years of observation, his ACTH level ranged from 37 pg/mL to 325.1 pg/ml. In spite of tumor progression and raised ACTH, the patient remains in eucortisolism (late-night serum cortisol 163.3 nmol/L, LNSC 5.21 nmol/L, 24hUFC 70.14 nmol/L) on osilodrostat 10 mg daily. Conclusion In this case osilodrostat was effective at controlling hypercortisolism, but its effects on the tumor are unknown. As this patient is the first described case of corticotroph carcinoma tumor treated with Osilodrostat, the results should be taken with caution.Figure 1.Pituitary and spinal MRI of the patientT1-weighted MRI demonstrating (A) chiasmal-sellar region formation, (B) formation in the rigt internal auditory meatus, (C) a highly invasive sacral L1–S2 metastasis

Severe Cushing's syndrome from an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting neuroendocrine tumour treated by osilodrostat.

Severe Cushing's syndrome from an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing tumour is rare but often demands rapid diagnostics and treatment of hypercortisolism with its comorbidities. Pharmacotherapy of hypercortisolism by ketoconazole, metyrapone and osilodrostat is currently available. If unsuccessful or insufficient a bilateral adrenalectomy is an option. We present a 28-year-old female with severe Cushing's syndrome caused by a bronchial metastatic neuroendocrine tumour (NET). Hypercortisolism was efficiently treated by osilodrostat with block-replace and then titration regimen. A once-daily dose was finally used with normalised cortisol levels. Androgen levels measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were slightly elevated during the treatment but without any symptoms. A simple once-daily use of osilodrostat with titration regimen led to normalised cortisol levels in a severe Cushing's syndrome patient with an uncurable bronchial NET. Transient hypocortisolism during treatment appeared but was easily treated by hydrocortisone. Cushing's syndrome from an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing tumour is rare. Cortisol upregulation is often severe and rapid, though clinical signs are not always fully pronounced. Rapid treatment is a key for preventing and reducing complications such as fractures, thromboembolism, bleeding, hyperglycaemia, and arterial hypertension. The novel potent steroidogenesis inhibitor osilodrostat can be used as first-line treatment for reducing hypercortisolism.

High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined with PD-1 Blockade as a Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma - A Single Center Case Series.

The response rate of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to standard chemotherapy with mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (EDP-M) is unsatisfactory, and benefit is frequently short lived. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have been examined in patient's refractory to EDP-M, but objective response rates are only approximately 15%. High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is a catheter-based internal radiotherapy and expected to favorably combine with immunotherapies. Here we describe three cases of patients with advanced ACC who were treated with HDR-BT and the CPI pembrolizumab. None of the tumors were positive for established response markers to CPI. All patients were female, had progressed on EDP-M and received external beam radiation therapy for metastatic ACC. Pembrolizumab was initiated 7 or 23 months after brachytherapy in two cases and prior to brachytherapy in one case. Best response of lesions treated with brachytherapy was complete (n=2) or partial response (n=1) that was ongoing at last follow up after 23, 45 and 4 months, respectively. Considering all sites of tumor, response was complete and partial remission in the two patients with brachytherapy prior to pembrolizumab. The third patient developed progressive disease with severe Cushing's syndrome and died due to COVID-19. Immune-related adverse events of colitis (grade 3), gastroduodenitis (grade 3), pneumonitis (grade 2) and thyroiditis (grade 1) occurred in the two patients with systemic response. HDR-BT controlled metastases locally. Sequential combination with CPI therapy may enhance an abscopal antitumoral effect in non-irradiated metastases in ACC. Systematic studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience and to understand underlying mechanisms.

Severe Cushing's Syndrome in a 24 year old female

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat systemic lupus erythematosus: The first case in Vietnam

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation which affects multiple organs. There is no cure for SLE. Conventional treatment options include antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and immune suppressants, but a number of patients are resistant to treatment or suffer from severe side effects. Stem cell transplantation has been used to treat SLE for the past 2 decades. We describe the first Vietnamese patient with refractory SLE who received an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Case presentation: The patient is a woman who was diagnosed 12 years ago with systemic lupus erythematosus. She was administered corticosteroids and high-dose immunosuppressive medicines, but the condition was refractory, manifesting as severe headache, arthralgia, chronic anemia, severe Cushing's syndrome, and proteinuria. At admission, the SLEDAI score was 28 and proteinuria was 6.7g/l. She received cyclophosphamide and G-CSF for HSCT mobilization. Peripheral blood stem cells were collected and selected for CD34+ cells. Antithymocyte, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab were used in conditioning regimens. The patient was then administered a CD34+ autologous hematopoietic stem cell transfusion with a CD34+ dose of 7.93 x 106 cells/kg body weight, T and B lymphocyte purity of the graft exceeded 99.99%. Post-transplant course was favorable, the patient did not experience serious complications. Recovery of neutrophils on post-HSCT day +9 and platelet on day +12. Six months after stem cell transplantation, the patient's clinical symptoms significantly improved, the SLEDAI score dropped from 28 to 0, and the patient discontinued receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusion: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation promises to be a new, effective therapeutic method that can be implemented more broadly in Vietnam for SLE patients.

Cervical Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma With Ectopic ACTH Secretion and Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract Ectopic Cushing syndrome from a primary carcinoma of the cervix is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. The objective of this review is to describe our clinical case and summarize the clinical characteristics, investigations, and outcomes of all published cases. We describe a previously healthy 39-year-old woman presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding, leading to a diagnosis of stage IIIC1 small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix, human papillomavirus-associated. She was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical hysterectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and pelvic radiation. Unfortunately, she developed progressive disease with multifocal hepatic metastases and lesions in the para-aortic lymph nodes. Eighteen months after her initial diagnosis, she presented with severe Cushing syndrome and acute pancreatitis and died from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. A literature review identified 10 published cases of ectopic ACTH secretion in the setting of carcinoma of the cervix. The mean age of presentation was 40. The majority (70%) occurred in the small cell neuroendocrine variant. In 80% of patients, cushingoid features developed concomitantly or shortly after the discovery of metastatic disease; cushingoid features included new-onset hypertension (30% of patients), hyperglycemia (50%), and hypokalemia (50%). All 10 patients died of the disease with a median survival of 2.5 months (range, 1-10 months) from the time of presentation with Cushing syndrome. Carcinoma of the cervix is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing syndrome. Nevertheless, it should be considered as a source of ectopic ACTH secretion in all women, especially those presenting with gynecologic complaints. Despite surgical resection and systemic therapy, prognosis is poor.

PSAT044 Management of Severe Cushing's Syndrome in a Patient with Cyclical Ectopic ACTH Production Treated with Osilodrostat.

Abstract Introduction We are presenting a case of severe Cushing's syndrome with multiple complications treated medically with osilodrostat. Clinical Case A 71-year- old female with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was noted to have episodes of hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension lasting for several weeks. At the time of presentation to the clinic, she had normal vital signs and no physical exam findings suggestive of hypercortisolism except for mild proximal muscle weakness. Between 2019 and 2021, she had multiple episodes of the presenting symptoms along with elevated morning serum cortisol of 57 to 119 mcg/dl (normal 7-22 mcg/dl), 24-hour urine free cortisol 1343 to 2464 mcg/24 hours (normal 4.5-45 mcg/24 hours), midnight saliva cortisol 509 to 8870 ng/dl (normal <100 ng/dl), and ACTH 105 to 150 pg/ml (normal 5-52 pg/ml). Between episodes labs were normal. A diagnosis of cyclic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome was made. Pituitary MRI was normal, with no evidence of pituitary adenoma. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling was done while cortisol level was elevated, and it showed petrosal sinus to peripheral ACTH ratio of 1.2 following stimulation, a ratio <3.0 suggests ectopic ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. A Ga-65 DOTATATE scan did not localize the tumor. As she was considered a poor surgical candidate for bilateral adrenalectomy, she was started on osilodrostat 10 mg twice daily and hydrocortisone 10 mg twice daily for a block and replace strategy. She was admitted to the hospital 5 days later for increasing fatigue and severe hyperglycemia. Potassium level was 2.2 mmol/L (normal 3.5-5 mmol/L), blood glucose >500 mg/dl, Hemoglobin A1c 8.2%, and random cortisol level was 96 mcg/dl. She was hypertensive and had new acute rib fractures, right lower lobe pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. She was given potassium supplements, insulin, anticoagulation, and spironolactone 100 mg bid. The dose of Osilodrostat was increased to 20 mg twice daily. Over 12 days, her cortisol level decreased gradually to 6.3 mcg/dl on the day of discharge. Spironolactone, insulin, and potassium were discontinued and hydrocortisone was prescribed for physiologic replacement. As an outpatient, she continues both osilodrostat and hydrocortisone and is doing quite well. Conclusion Osilodrostat can rapidly and effectively decrease cortisol levels in patients with severe Cushing's syndrome. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Abstract #1180258: A study on the place of low dose Etomidate as the first line drug in treating Severe Cushing Syndrome

Abstract #1180258: A study on the place of low dose Etomidate as the first line drug in treating Severe Cushing Syndrome

Pharmacological management of severe Cushing's syndrome: the role of etomidate.

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disease characterized by excessive adrenocortical steroid production. One of the mainstay pharmacological treatments for CS are steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors, including the antifungal agent ketoconazole along with metyrapone, mitotane, and aminoglutethimide. Recently, osilodrostat was added to this drug class and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Cushing’s Disease. Steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors inhibit various enzymes along the cortisol biosynthetic pathway and may be used preoperatively to lower cortisol levels and reduce surgical risk associated with tumor resection or postoperatively when surgery and/or radiation therapies are not curative. Because their selectivities for steroidogenic enzymes vary, they may even be administered in combination to achieve relatively rapid control of severe hypercortisolemia. Unfortunately, all currently available inhibitors are accompanied by serious adverse side effects that limit dosing and often result in treatment failures. Although more commonly known as a general anesthetic induction agent, etomidate is another member of the steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitor drug class. It suppresses cortisol production primarily by inhibiting 11β-hydroxylase and is the only inhibitor that may be given parenterally. However, the sedative-hypnotic actions of etomidate limit its use as an acute management option for CS. Thus, some have recommended that it be used only in intensive care settings. In this review, we discuss the initial development of etomidate as an anesthetic agent, its subsequent development as a treatment for CS, and the recent advances in dosing and drug development that dissociate sedative-hypnotic and adrenostatic drug actions to facilitate CS treatment in non-critical care settings.

Severe Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from small cell lung carcinoma with adrenal metastases

Severe Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from small cell lung carcinoma with adrenal metastases

Severe Cushing Syndrome Due to Ectopic ACTH Secretion by Pheochromocytoma

Introduction: Ectopic ACTH production is a very unusual cause of Cushing Syndrome (CS). When it occurs, lung cancer is the main cause. Very rarely, this ectopic source of ACTH can arise from a Pheochromocytoma (Pheo). A recent literature review identified less than 100 cases described. We present a case of 28 years old woman who was referred for adrenalectomy for CS with notorious adrenal mass. However, during the investigation, ectopic ACTH due a Pheo was identified. Case Report: A 28-year-old woman required emergency care for ecchymosis and asymptomatic hypertension (BP: 230x130mmHg). Hyperpigmentation of the skin was evident on physical examination. Severe hypokalemia (K: 2.5mEq/liter) was detected. She denied taking any medication and was unaware of any previous illness. She always had normal BP measurements as well as laboratory tests. No family history of adrenal disease or secondary hypertension causes. During hospitalization, the hypothesis of CS was made and confirmed after: cortisol after 1mg dexamethasone: 44.5mcg/dl (<1.8mcg/dl) and 24h urinary free cortisol: 6228 mcg/dl (28-213mcg/dl). Concomitantly, a CT scan of the abdomen exhibited a left adrenal mass (3.1x2.8x3.5cm) of uncertain etiology and ACTH: 352pg/ml (<46pg/ml). Additionally, the patient presented hyperglycemia during hospitalization. After confirmation of the ACTH dependent CS, pituitary MRI was performed with normal results and a chest CT scan ruled out lung masses. As there was still no etiological confirmation and due to clinical deterioration, it was decided to start Ketoconazole 200mg/day, rising until 600mg and spironolactone with doses up to 250mg/day with a significant improvement in hypokalemia, decreased cortisol levels and optimal BP control. Due to the extremely high levels of ACTH and indeterminate adrenal mass, the hypothesis of ACTH ectopic due Pheo was postulated. Patient underwent abdomen MRI with left adrenal mass with hypersignal at T2 and urinary metanephrines levels: 6132mcg/24h (<289mcg/24h), urinary normetanephrines: 1808mcg/24h (<732mcg/24h). Once the diagnosis was elucidated, she received preoperative preparation with alpha blocker (Doxazosin) and underwent adrenalectomy without complications. After discharge, she received prednisone 10mg/day. The patient presented normalization of BP levels, as well as glycemic control with a slight improvement in skin hyperpigmentation. The pathology department confirmed Pheo and an ACTH expression was observed in immunohistochemistry. A genetic panel for Pheo is running with no results so far. Conclusion: Despite an extremely rare cause of CS, the ectopic production of ACTH by a Pheo has extremely high mortality rates, especially when not diagnosed or managed correctly. The clinicians must always remain alert and suspect this syndrome when the patient has a confirmed ACTH dependent CS associated with adrenal masses.

SUN-940 Carney Complex: A Case of a Rare Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Misdiagnosed as Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

Carney Complex (CNC) is an extremely rare multiple endocrine neoplasia caused by germline inactivating mutation in protein kinase A type I-alpha regulatory subunit (PRKAR1A gene). Mode of inheritance is mostly autosomal dominant; 25% of cases are due to de novo mutations. Only 750 world-wide cases have been reported. Most patients are diagnosed in the second or third decade. Clinical features include cutaneous myxomas, angiomyxoid nodules, lentiginous skin pigmentation, cardiac myxomas, and benign and rare malignant endocrine tumors. These endocrine tumors include and are not limited to prolactinomas, thyroid tumors, primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), and large cell-calcifying Sertoli cell tumors (LCCSCT). Diagnosis is often challenging as disease manifestations can occur sporadically over a large span of time, and patients may present with various conditions such as Cushing syndrome, like our case. We present a case that demonstrates the importance of early recognition of this rare disorder.A 28-year-old Caucasian male with PMH of HFrEF, HTN, Sertoli cell tumor status post orchiectomy, vertebral fractures, and surgical removal of lip angiomyxoma presented to clinic for hypogonadism. Physical examination revealed marked Cushingoid features and facial lentigines above his eyes and on his lips. His eclectic medical history and unique exam findings lead to finding of a unifying diagnosis. His labs revealed severe Cushing syndrome, and computed tomography (CT) of his abdomen was performed due to ACTH independent hypercortisolism, demonstrating a bilateral lobular appearance of the adrenal glands.Combination of labs and physical exam findings of lentigines, skin myxomas, cushingoid features, rare angiomyxoma, LCCSCT and hypercortisolism lead to diagnosis of Carney Complex. He was misdiagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers in his adolescence due to LCCSCT and mucosal lentigines; therefore, hormonal screening was not routinely performed. Untreated Cushings led to severe osteoporosis with vertebral fractures and heart failure. Treatment included bilateral adrenalectomy. Pathology report confirmed rare PPNAD. PPNAD and LCCSCT are extremely rare tumors almost exclusively linked to Carney Complex. Interestingly, family history did not reveal endocrine disorders, cancers, or severe illnesses. Genetic testing returned positive for the PRKAR1A gene mutation. Given the consequences of untreated hormonal aberrations seen in this disorder, an early and accurate diagnosis is imperative.

Low dose continuous IV etomidate for severe Cushing's syndrome in the non-critical care setting: a clinical study

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Postoperative expression of Cushing disease in a young male: metamorphosis of silent corticotroph adenoma?

SummarySilent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is an unusual type of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) that is silent both clinically and biochemically and can only be recognized by positive immunostaining for ACTH. Under rare circumstances, it can transform into hormonally active disease presenting with severe Cushing syndrome. It might often produce diagnostic dilemma with difficult management issue if not thoroughly investigated and subtyped accordingly following surgery. Here, we present a 21-year-old male who initially underwent pituitary adenomectomy for presumed NFA with compressive symptoms. However, he developed recurrent and invasive macroadenoma with severe clinical as well as biochemical hypercortisolism during post-surgical follow-up. Repeat pituitary surgery was carried out urgently as there was significant optic chiasmal compression. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor tissue obtained on repeat surgery proved it to be an aggressive corticotroph adenoma. Though not cured, he showed marked clinical and biochemical improvement in the immediate postoperative period. Anticipating recurrence from the residual tumor, we referred him for cyber knife radio surgery.Learning points:Pituitary NFA commonly present with compressive symptoms such as headache and blurred vision.Post-surgical development of Cushing syndrome in such a case could be either drug induced or endogenous.In the presence of recurrent pituitary tumor, ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome indicates CD.Rarely a SCA presenting initially as NFA can transform into an active corticotroph adenoma.Immunohistochemical marker for ACTH in the resected tumor confirms the diagnosis.

Etomidate in the management of severe Cushing's disease and MRSA bacteraemia in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom.

We report our experience on managing a case of florid Cushing's disease with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis using intravenous etomidate in the intensive care unit of a UK district general hospital. Severe Cushing's syndrome is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Etomidate is a safe and effective medical therapy to rapidly lower cortisol levels even in the context of severe sepsis and immunosuppression. Etomidate should ideally be administered in an intensive care unit but is still feasible in a district general hospital. During treatment with etomidate, accumulation of serum 11β-deoxycortisol (11DOC) levels can cross-react with laboratory cortisol measurement leading to falsely elevated serum cortisol levels. For this reason, serum cortisol measurement using a mass spectrometry assay should ideally be used to guide etomidate prescription.

Fluconazole treatment in severe ectopic Cushing syndrome

SummarySevere Cushing syndrome (SCS) is considered an emergency that requires immediate treatment to lower serum cortisol levels. Fluconazole may be considered an alternative treatment in Cushing syndrome when ketoconazole is not tolerated or unavailable. We report a 39-year-old woman with a history of partial pancreaticoduodenectomy due to a periampullary neuroendocrine tumor with locoregional extension. Three years after surgery, she developed liver metastases and was started on 120 mg of lanreotide/month, despite which, liver metastases progressed in the following 6 months. The patient showed extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, delirium, moon face, hirsutism and severe proximal weakness. Laboratory tests showed anemia, hyperglycemia and severe hypokalemia. 24-h urinary free cortisol: 2152 nmol/day (reference range (RR): <276), morning serum cortisol 4883.4 nmol/L (RR: 138–690), ACTH 127.3 pmol/L (RR: 2.2–10). She was diagnosed with ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). On admission, she presented with acute upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Intravenous fluconazole 400 mg/day was started. After 48 h, her mental state improved and morning cortisol decreased by 25%. The dose was titrated to 600 mg/day which resulted in a 55% decrease in cortisol levels in 1 week, but then had to be decreased to 400 mg/day because transaminase levels increased over 3 times the upper normal level. After 18 days of treatment, hemodynamic stability, lower cortisol levels and better overall clinical status enabled successful bilateral adrenalectomy. This case report shows that intravenous fluconazole effectively decreased cortisol levels in SCS due to EAS.Learning points:Severe Cushing syndrome can be effectively treated with fluconazole to achieve a significant improvement of hypercortisolism prior to bilateral adrenalectomy.Intravenous fluconazole is an alternative treatment when ketoconazole is not tolerated and etomidate is not available.Fluconazole is well tolerated with mild side effects. Hepatotoxicity is usually mild and resolves after drug discontinuation.

Pneumocystis pneumonia as a major complication of medical treatment for severe Cushing's syndrome linked either to ectopic ACTH secretion or to Cushing's disease

Pneumocystis pneumonia as a major complication of medical treatment for severe Cushing's syndrome linked either to ectopic ACTH secretion or to Cushing's disease