[Successful conservative treatment of bronchial carcinoid with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH production]

Abstract

In a 53-year-old female patient with typical clinical Cushing's syndrome increased blood sugar levels, hypokalaemia, increased non-dexamethasone suppressable plasma cortisol levels and increased ACTH values in serum were observed. CAT scanning revealed bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. The endocrine anterior pituitary function was normal. Radiographically and bronchoscopically a rightsided parahilar tumour was found. Histology showed an atypical metastatic bronchial carcinoid with ectopic ACTH production. Conservative treatment with metyrapone suppressed the Cushing syndrome. The ACTH producing tumour responded to combined chemo- and radiotherapy. The patient is symptom free two years after onset of treatment.