Cushing syndrome in a child due to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) secretion from a yolk sac tumor.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Pituitary microadenomas and adrenal tumours are the most common causes for endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) in children.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

We describe a two-year old girl with Cushing syndrome due to ectopic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) production from an abdominal yolk sac tumor. Cortisol concentrations were elevated but adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations were equivocal. The use of antibodies specifically detecting ACTH precursors revealed that plasma ACTH precursors were elevated. Additionally, an ACTH assay with a low cross-reactivity for precursors showed low concentrations of ACTH. Immunohistochemistry suggested POMC but not ACTH production by the tumour.

CONCLUSION:

We describe a yolk sac tumour as a novel source of ectopic POMC production leading to CS in a young girl.

• Authors: Evelien F Gevers, Suzanne Meredith, Pratik Shah, John Torpiano, Catherine Peters, Neil J Sebire, Olga Slater, Anne White, Mehul T Dattani
• Journal: European journal of endocrinology (Eur J Endocrinol) Vol. 176 Issue 2 Pg. K1-K7 (Feb 2017) ISSN: 1479-683X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27879325 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2017 European Society of Endocrinology.

Chemical References

• Pro-Opiomelanocortin
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Topics

• Abdominal Neoplasms (blood, complications, metabolism)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (blood)
• Child, Preschool
• Cushing Syndrome (blood, etiology)
• Endodermal Sinus Tumor (blood, complications, metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Pro-Opiomelanocortin (metabolism)