학술논문
Severe hypertension and hypokalemia as first clinical manifestations in ectopic Cushing's syndrome
Document Type
report
Author
Source
Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia. August 2008 52(6)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0004-2730
Abstract
Ectopic ACTH production occurs in about 10% of all cases of Cushing's syndrome, and about 25% of cases of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Diverse tumor types are able to produce ACTH ectopically, including small cell lung carcinoma. Ectopic ACTH secretion by malignant neoplasm has been reported to have earlier and more aggressive metabolic effects. We report a 59-year-old male patient with severe hypertension, metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia as the first clinical manifestations of an ACTH-secreting small cell lung carcinoma, although the typical phenotypic features of Cushing's syndrome were not present. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome should always be ruled out in patients with severe hypertension and hypokalemia.