Endocrine Journal
Online ISSN : 1348-4540
Print ISSN : 0918-8959
ISSN-L : 0918-8959
ORIGINALS
Reduction of a Pancreatic Tumor after Total Removal of an ACTH Secreting Pituitary Tumor: Differential Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome
Tetsuo HASHIBAYouichi SAITOHNobuyuki ASANUMAHaruhiko KOUHARATomoyuki MARUOToshiyuki FUJINAKASoji KASAYAMAToshiki YOSHIMINE
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2006 Volume 53 Issue 2 Pages 203-208

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Abstract

Endocrinologic tests sometimes fail to distinguish adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma from ectopic ACTH-secreting tumor. The authors experienced a case of Cushing's disease associated with a pancreatic tumor. Venous sampling contributed to the final diagnosis of Cushing's disease in this complex case, while endocrinologic tests showed paradoxical results. A 54-year-old woman presented with Cushing's syndrome and pancreatic tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) failed to reveal a pituitary tumor, but a gadolinium-enhanced tumor with cystic components was seen in the pancreatic tail. Results of conventional endocrinologic tests suggested ectopic ACTH syndrome, but venous sampling including cavernous sinus sampling indicated an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Transsphenoidal surgery revealed a pituitary microadenoma, and total removal of the tumor was achieved. Postoperative abdominal MRI revealed that the pancreatic tumor diminished gradually without treatment. Selective cavernous sinus sampling was useful for distinguishing ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma from ectopic ACTH syndrome in this complex case. This was a rare case in which the pancreatic tumor diminished after total removal of the ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma.

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© The Japan Endocrine Society
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