Endocrinology and Metabolism

2 Cases of Ectopic ACTH Syndrome due to Thymic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Associated with Different Clinical Manifestations.: Yu Jeong Park, Moon Kyu Lee, Jong Ryeal Hahm, Jung Ho Do, Sang Taek Heo, Ju Sung Kim, Yong Ki Min, Myung Shik Lee, Kwang Won Kim, Joung Ho Han; J Korean Endocr Soc. 2001;16(1):115-122. Published online February 1, 2001

Abstract PDF: Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus (formerly known as thymic carcinoids) are unusual tumors that account for 5% of all anterior mediastinal neoplasms. Thymic neuroendocrine carcinomas exhibit a much more aggressive behavior than those originating from other foregut locations and are associated with the ectopic ACTH syndrome in 38% of cases. Patients having a thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma usually present with symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, a palpable neck mass and sometimes a weight gain. We report on 2 patients with thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma who showed different clinical manifestations each other. One presented with a typical. Cushingoid appearance and the other had symptoms of fatigue and weight loss which is a common symptom of malignant tumors.

A Case of Ectopic ACTH Syndrome Caused by Thymic Carcinoid Tumor and Localized by PET.: Jong Chul Won, Sung Kwan Hong, Hyun Ju Lee, Sang Ook Kim, Yun Hee Jeong, Dae Hyuk Moon, Dong Kwan Kim, Kyung Yub Kong, Jae Sung Lee, Ki Soo Kim; J Korean Endocr Soc. 1999;14(4):771-778. Published online January 1, 2001

Abstract PDF: Ectopic ACTH syndrome is frequently caused by lung cancer and uncommonly by other tumors such as thymic carcinoid. For its treatment, early diagnosis and complete resection is irresponsible, but some cases are remained unlocalized in spite of all diagnostic modalities. Here we report a case of ectopic ACTH syndrome which was localized by PET but could not be localized by conventional technique. A tumor at thymic area was ACTH secreting thymic carcinoid which was operated but couldnt resect completly. Glucocorticoid hypersecretion was persisted with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and ketoconazole treatment. Patient died of sepsis after 12 months of diagnosis.

A Case of Thymic Carcinoid Tumor Associated with Ectopic ACTH Syndrome.: Kwan Woo Lee, Young Goo Shin, Sung Keun Lee, Sung Kyu Lee, Yun Suk Chung, Hyun Man Kim, Yo Han Cho, Kwang Hyun Ko, Jung Sun Kim, Chul Shim; J Korean Endocr Soc. 1997;12(4):647-654. Published online January 1, 2001

Abstract PDF: The syndrome of ectopic production of ACTH by non-pituitary neoplasm occurs with various types of tumors. ACTH-producing thymic carcinoid tumor is rare and has not been reported in Korea. We have experienced a 36-year-old male patient with ACTH-producing thymic carcinoid tumor, presenting symptoms of generalized weakness and weight gain. Clinical presentation, radiologic and hormonal evaluation, and pathologic examination were compatible with ACTH-producing thymic carcinoid tumor. The immunohistochemical staining of the thymic carcinoid tumor showed positivity for ACTH. Primary and metastatic tumor and both adrenal glands were resected. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy were performed. The prognosis of this patient is thought to be poor.

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