ACTH producing pulmonary carcinoid and pituitary macroadenoma: a fortuitous association?
Wong, M.; Isa, S.H.Md.; Kamaruddin, N.A.; Khalid, B.A.K.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 62(2): 168-170
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 18705457 Document Number: 614919
We report a case of a 45 year-old man who presented initially with a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma. A routine chest radiography done preoperatively revealed a right lung nodule which was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) of the thorax. Transfrontal hypophysectomy was performed while a conservative approach was taken for the lung nodule. Four years later, he presented acutely with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) dependent Cushing's syndrome which resolved following a right lobectomy. Histological examination revealed an atypical carcinoid. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ectopic ACTH secreting pulmonary carcinoid found in association with a non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma.