Ectopic Cushing and other paraneoplastic syndromes in thoracic neuroendocrine tumors.

Abstract

Overproduction of corticotropin by the pituitary gland or extrapituitary tumors leads to hypercortisolism or Cushing syndrome. Diagnosis of suspected Cushing syndrome involves 3 major steps: confirmation of hypercortisolism, differentiation between corticotropin-independent and corticotropin-dependent causes of Cushing syndrome, and distinction between pituitary and ectopic corticotropin production. A definitive diagnosis of ectopic corticotropin secretion requires stringent criteria, including reversal of the clinical picture after resection of the tumor and/or demonstration of corticotropin immunohistochemical staining within the tumor tissue.

• Authors: Diego Ferone, Manuela Albertelli
• Journal: Thoracic surgery clinics (Thorac Surg Clin) Vol. 24 Issue 3 Pg. 277-83 (Aug 2014) ISSN: 1558-5069 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25065928 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Topics

• ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic (etiology)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (metabolism)
• Cushing Syndrome (etiology)
• Humans
• Neuroendocrine Tumors (complications, surgery)
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes
• Thoracic Neoplasms (complications, surgery)