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Alternative names Return to top
Cushing's syndrome - ectopicDefinition Return to top
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumor outside the pituitary or adrenal glands.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Cushing's syndrome is due to excess glucocorticoid hormones being secreted over a long period of time. About 15% of cases of Cushing's syndrome are due to ectopic Cushing's syndrome.
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome is caused by tumors that secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Other causes of Cushing's syndrome are oversecretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland, a tumor of the adrenal gland, or long-term administration of corticosteroid drugs commonly used to treat conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
Small cell tumors of the lung, tumors of the thymus gland, islet cell tumors of the pancreas, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and pheochromocytoma are tumors that can secrete ACTH, although this occurs rarely.
Symptoms Return to top
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome tends to present with less dramatic classic Cushing's syndrome features, but more dramatic high blood pressure and low potassium. There may be weight loss due to the underlying cancer.
Classic features of Cushing's syndrome:
Signs and tests Return to top
Tests are done to confirm hypercortisolism, then further tests are done to determine the cause.Treatment Return to top
The best treatment for ectopic Cushing's syndrome is surgical removal of the tumor. This is usually possible when the tumor is benign (noncancerous).
Many tumors are malignant (growing worse and resisting treatment), however, and have metastasized (spread to other areas) before cortisol excess has been diagnosed, and surgical removal is not possible. In these situations, drugs to suppress cortisol secretion may be given. They include: ketoconazole, aminoglutethimide, and metyrapone.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Surgical removal of the tumor may lead to full recovery, but there is a chance of the tumor coming back. Survival for people with ectopic tumors depends upon the outcome associated with the particular tumor type.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Cushing's syndrome appear.Prevention Return to top
Prompt treatment of tumors may reduce the risk in some cases. Many cases are not preventable. Update Date: 1/27/2004 Updated by: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |