JCEM Case Reports Journal Article

Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Secondary to Diffuse Idiopathic Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia

October 08, 2024

A Report of 2 Cases

 

Raul Lopez Fanas, Travis Goettemoeller, Keerthi Cedeno, Anjali D Manavalan
JCEM Case Reports, Volume 2, Issue 8, August 2024, luae128
https://doi.org/10.1210/jcemcr/luae128

Abstract

Ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS) accounts for 10% to 20% of all Cushing syndrome cases. Diffuse intrapulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH), a poorly understood lung disease, is characterized by abnormal proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the bronchial mucosa. It is thought to be a precursor of pulmonary carcinoid and has been associated with EAS in a handful of cases. We present 2 patients with clinical, radiological, and pathological features of DIPNECH who presented with florid Cushing syndrome secondary to EAS evidenced by rapid onset of symptoms, elevated plasma ACTH, and cortisol levels, and failed high-dose dexamethasone suppression testing. Treatment of hypercortisolism included excision of the involved lung and medical therapy with steroidogenesis inhibitors. Despite the aggressive initial management, hypercortisolism persisted. This case series highlights the importance of considering DIPNECH as a cause for Cushing syndrome in the appropriate clinical scenario and underscores the likelihood that surgery may not be curative because of the diffuse nature of this disease. Given the high mortality associated with EAS, prompt medical therapy, appropriate prophylaxis, and bilateral adrenalectomy can be lifesaving measures when initial surgery fails.

Read the article

 

You may also like...

Publishing Benefits

Author Resource Center

We provide our journal authors with a variety of resources for increasing the discoverability and citation of their published work. Use these tools and tips to broaden the impact of your article.
Publishing Benefits

Author Resource Center

We provide our journal authors with a variety of resources for increasing the discoverability and citation of their published work. Use these tools and tips to broaden the impact of your article.

Thematic Issue

Latest Thematic Issue

immuno-endocrinology
Read our special collections of Endocrine Society journal articles, curated by topic, Altmetric Attention Scores, and Featured Article designations.

Read our special collections of Endocrine Society journal articles, curated by topic, Altmetric Attention Scores, and Featured Article designations.

Back to top

Who We Are

For 100 years, the Endocrine Society has been at the forefront of hormone science and public health. Read about our history and how we continue to serve the endocrine community.