BACKGROUND: The majority of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors are localized in the chest or abdomen. Occasionally, these tumors are found in the paranasal sinuses. METHODS: We present 2 unusual cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome whose ACTH-secreting tumors were localized in the paranasal sinuses and describe their biochemical and radiological presentation. RESULTS: The first patient had an ACTH-secreting olphactory neuroblastoma originating in the ethmoid sinuses. The second patient had a clinical course and biochemical findings indistinguishable from pituitary ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, except for negative petrosal sinus sampling. Head imaging showed a "polyp" in the left maxillary sinus-secreting ACTH. Both patients went into remission following surgical resection and recovered normal pituitary-adrenal axis function. CONCLUSION: Ectopic ACTH secretion may originate from lesions in the paranasal sinuses. This accessible location allows for direct immunohistochemical diagnosis with ACTH staining. Surgical resection/radiation therapy can result in complete remission of the disease and restoration of normal pituitary-adrenal function.
BACKGROUND: The majority of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors are localized in the chest or abdomen. Occasionally, these tumors are found in the paranasal sinuses. METHODS: We present 2 unusual cases of ectopic ACTH syndrome whose ACTH-secreting tumors were localized in the paranasal sinuses and describe their biochemical and radiological presentation. RESULTS: The first patient had an ACTH-secreting olphactory neuroblastoma originating in the ethmoid sinuses. The second patient had a clinical course and biochemical findings indistinguishable from pituitary ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, except for negative petrosal sinus sampling. Head imaging showed a "polyp" in the left maxillary sinus-secreting ACTH. Both patients went into remission following surgical resection and recovered normal pituitary-adrenal axis function. CONCLUSION: Ectopic ACTH secretion may originate from lesions in the paranasal sinuses. This accessible location allows for direct immunohistochemical diagnosis with ACTH staining. Surgical resection/radiation therapy can result in complete remission of the disease and restoration of normal pituitary-adrenal function.
Authors: Leslee N Matheny; Sudipa Sarkar; Hanyuan Shi; Jiun-Ruey Hu; Hannah Harmsen; Ty W Abel; Shubhada M Jagasia; Shichun Bao Journal: Case Rep Endocrinol Date: 2018-02-04