A case of an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-releasing pulmonary carcinoid tumor presenting with Cushing's syndrome

Abstract

The patient was a 43 -year-old man who presented with a typical Cushingoid appearance and elevated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels, indicating ACTH-related Cushing's syndrome. Chest computed tomography revealed a 1.6×1.3-cm nodule in the inferior lobe of the right lung. The patient received surgery for a suspected ACTH-releasing lung tumor. Right lower lobectomy with lymph node dissection was performed on the basis of the pathological diagnosis during surgery of a pulmonary carcinoid tumor. The postoperative histological diagnosis indicated a typical carcinoid tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis with anti-ACTH antibody yielded positive results. The serum ACTH level decreased after resection.The patient showed favorable recovery after treatment, without any recurrence.