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Six cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by thymic carcinoid

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Abstract

The ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) caused by thymic carcinoid is rare and its diagnosis remains a challenge to the endocrinologist. Here are six cases of EAS with a typical Cushing habitus accompanied by hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia. For all six patients, the high dose (8 mg) dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) showed lack of suppression, computed tomography (CT) scanning documented anterior mediastinal masses, and the mediastenal tumors removed were confirmed as ACTH secreting thymic carcinoids by positive ACTH and NSE staining. Our data indicate that HDDST chest radiologic imaging and other laboratory examinations will greatly assist in diagnosing the thymic carcinoid-induced EAS at an earlier stage, which will significantly improve the long-term survival of the patient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin Er Lu, Shanghai, 20025, PR China

    W. Q. Wang, L. Ye, Y. F. Bi, H. Y. Zhao, S. Y. Sun, Z. Y. Tang, Y. J. Zhao & G. Ning MD, PhD

  2. Department of Radiology, PR China

    W. Q. Fang, Z. Y. Chen & K. M. Chen

  3. Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China

    X. L. Jin

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  1. W. Q. Wang
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  2. L. Ye
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  3. Y. F. Bi
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  5. S. Y. Sun
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  7. Y. J. Zhao
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  12. G. Ning MD, PhD
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Correspondence to G. Ning MD, PhD.

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Wang, W.Q., Ye, L., Bi, Y.F. et al. Six cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by thymic carcinoid. J Endocrinol Invest 29, 293–297 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03344098

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03344098

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