Protocol Number: 95-CH-0059

Title:

Definition of the Genotype and Clinical Phenotype of Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease (PPNAD) and its Associated Conditions (Carney Complex)

Number:

95-CH-0059

Summary:

Lentiginosis refers to groups of diseases marked by the presence of pigmented spots on the skin. These conditions are most commonly associated with multiple tumors and changes in hormone producing glands. The cause of these diseases is unknown, but researchers suggest there may be a level of inheritance involved in their development. Meaning to say that some of these diseases may "run in the family" and be passed down form generation to generation.

Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a pituitary-independent, primary adrenal form of hypercortisolism characterized by;

1. Resistance to suppression by the drug dexamethasone

2. The body is unable to secrete cortisol in a normal rhythm

3. Distinct microscopic changes of both adrenal glands

PPNAD can be associated with tumors (myxomas) of the skin, heart, breast, tumors (swannomas) of the nerve sheaths, pigmented spots (nevi and lentigines) of the skin, growth hormone (GH) producing tumors of the pituitary gland, and tumors of the testicles, ovaries, and thyroid gland. In the presence of these associations the condition is referred to as the Carney Complex. Presently there are no tests for screening of PPNAD and the Carney Complex. In addition, it is unknown how these conditions are genetically transferred from generation to generation.

This study proposes to use standard methods of clinical testing for endocrine and nonendocrine diseases and genetic testing in order to;

1. Define the genetic basis for PPNAD and/or the Carney Complex.

2. Determine the molecular changes associated with the development of the tumors.

3. Identify carriers of the disease.

4. Determine the prognosis for carriers and affected individuals.

5. Provide sufficient data for genetic counseling of families with PPNAD and/or Carney Complex.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

1. All patients with PPNAD and/or Carney Complex by history and their siblings, children and parents. Additional relatives and their families, that are suspected to have the same disorder on clinical grounds will be recruited:

(a) PPNAD patients will be included if their diagnosis is fully documented. First-degree relatives of patients with the disease will be accepted also for evaluation, or if already conclusively evaluated elsewhere, for DNA linkage analysis only.

(b) Patients with suspected Carney complex will be accepted for evaluation and/or DNA analysis for linkage, if they have at least two of the following:

1. cardiac myxoma

2. cutaneous myxoma

3. breast myxoma

4. oral myxoma

5. myxoma of the external ear

6. spotty mucocutaneous pigmentation (lentigines)

7. testicular tumor

8. pituitary growth hormone secreting adenoma

9. nerve tumor, such as psammomatous melanotic schwannoma

10. first-, second-, or third-degree relatives with Carney complex

(c) Patients with one of the familial lentiginosis syndromes: Peutz-Jeghers and LEOPARD syndrome, other forms of familial lentiginosis.

2. Informed consent, and for children and/ or mentally impaired, parental or legal custodian's consent and subject assent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

(a) For DNA analysis and linkage study:

1. Unwillingness to participate.

(b) For clinical evaluation and DNA analysis/linkage study:

1. Patients with major illnesses, such as severe renal failure, restrictive or obstructive lung disease, cardiac disease, anemia and/or terminal cancer, that will not be able to undergo appropriate testing or the stress of hospitalization. Also, patients with Carney complex and a known heart tumor (heart myxoma) will not be able to enter the clinical part of the study until after surgical treatment of their tumor.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

Cushing Syndrome

Gene Mapping

Linkage

Oncogene

Linkage Analysis

Gene Identification

Tumors

Familial Neoplasia

Adrenal Gland

Lentigines

Recruitment Keywords:

Carney Complex

Conditions:

Cushing's Syndrome

Hereditary Neoplastic Syndrome

Lentigo

Neoplasm

Testicular Neoplasm

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Cushing syndrome due to primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease: findings at CT and MR imaging

The complex of myxomas, spotty pigmentation, and endocrine overactivity

Familial Cushing's syndrome due to primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease: reinvestigation 50 years later

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

Search The Studies | Help | Questions |
Clinical Center Home | NIH Home

Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center (CC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/23/2004