Korean J Endocr Surg.  2002 Dec;2(2):116-119. 10.16956/kjes.2002.2.2.116.

Ectopic ACTH Syndrome Due to Pheochromocytoma: A case report

• Hong SJ
• Kim WB

• KMID: 2376174
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16956/kjes.2002.2.2.116

Abstract

A 28-year old female was diagnosed preoperatively to have a pheochromocytoma producing ACTH at other hospital. However the operation was delayed due to poor general condition and abnormal liver function. She revealed severe hypercortisolism, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, glucose intolerance and showed rapid downhill course. She was transferred to our hospital for operation but septic complications were strarted already. She was not recovered in spite of desperate operation and died just after moribund discharge. ACTH producing pheochromocytoma is uncommon and literature review indicated high mortality rates due to improper preoperative diagnosis. Proper preoperative recognition and early surgical management is mandatory for better results.

Keyword

Pheochromocytoma; Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

MeSH Terms

ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic*
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Alkalosis
Cushing Syndrome
Diagnosis
Female
Glucose Intolerance
Humans
Liver
Mortality
Pheochromocytoma*
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone