J Korean Geriatr Soc.  2013 Dec;17(4):228-233. 10.4235/jkgs.2013.17.4.228.

Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Syndrome Associated With Thymic Carcinoma in Old Age

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. leejam25@eulji.ac.kr

Abstract

A 70-year-old woman who developed a moon face was hospitalized. At admission, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serum cortisol levels were elevated. A high-dose dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated that cortisol secretion was uninhibited. Furthermore, chest computed tomography revealed an anterior mediastinal mass. On the basis of these results, ectopic ACTH syndrome was diagnosed and complete resection of the thymic tumor was performed. Histological examination revealed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus and positive immunoreactivity for ACTH. However, despite complete excision of the thymic tumor, ACTH and serum cortisol levels were high. Therefore, we investigated whether the lesion had recurred or metastasized; however, the results were inconclusive. Finally, laparoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy was performed to control the hypercortisolemia. After the surgery, the serum cortisol level was well-controlled and the general condition of the patient was good.

Keyword

Ectopic ACTH syndrome; Thymic carcinoma; Neuroendocrine carcinoma

MeSH Terms

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic
Adrenalectomy
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone*
Aged
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
Dexamethasone
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Thorax
Thymoma*
Thymus Gland
Thymus Neoplasms
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Dexamethasone
Hydrocortisone
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