A rare case of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting midgut neuroendocrine tumor mimicking Cushing's disease

in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports
Authors:
Regina Streuli Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine

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Ina Krull Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine

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Michael Brändle Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine

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Walter Kolb Department of Surgery, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland

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Günter Stalla Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany

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Marily Theodoropoulou Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany

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Annette Enzler-Tschudy Institute of Pathology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland

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Stefan Bilz Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine

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Summary

Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are a very rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Differentiating between Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome may be particularly difficult if predominant ectopic CRH secretion leads to pituitary corticotroph hyperplasia that may mimic Cushing’s disease during dynamic testing with both dexamethasone and CRH as well as bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). We present the case of a 24-year-old man diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH/CRH co-secreting midgut NET. Both high-dose dexamethasone testing and BIPSS suggested Cushing’s disease. However, the clinical presentation with a rather rapid onset of cushingoid features, hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia led to the consideration of ectopic ACTH/CRH-secretion and prompted a further workup. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a cecal mass which was identified as a predominantly CRH-secreting neuroendocrine tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumor of the cecum presenting with biochemical features suggestive of Cushing’s disease.

Learning points:

  • The discrimination between a Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome is challenging and has many caveats.

  • Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are very rare.

  • Dynamic tests as well as BIPSS may be compatible with Cushing’s disease in ectopic CRH-secretion.

  • High levels of CRH may induce hyperplasia of the corticotroph cells in the pituitary. This could be the cause of a preserved pituitary response to dexamethasone and CRH.

  • Clinical features of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with rapid development of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperpigmentation, high circulating levels of cortisol with associated hypokalemia, peripheral edema and proximal myopathy should be a warning flag of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome and lead to further investigations.

Summary

Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are a very rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Differentiating between Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome may be particularly difficult if predominant ectopic CRH secretion leads to pituitary corticotroph hyperplasia that may mimic Cushing’s disease during dynamic testing with both dexamethasone and CRH as well as bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). We present the case of a 24-year-old man diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH/CRH co-secreting midgut NET. Both high-dose dexamethasone testing and BIPSS suggested Cushing’s disease. However, the clinical presentation with a rather rapid onset of cushingoid features, hyperpigmentation and hypokalemia led to the consideration of ectopic ACTH/CRH-secretion and prompted a further workup. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed a cecal mass which was identified as a predominantly CRH-secreting neuroendocrine tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumor of the cecum presenting with biochemical features suggestive of Cushing’s disease.

Learning points:

  • The discrimination between a Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome is challenging and has many caveats.

  • Ectopic ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are very rare.

  • Dynamic tests as well as BIPSS may be compatible with Cushing’s disease in ectopic CRH-secretion.

  • High levels of CRH may induce hyperplasia of the corticotroph cells in the pituitary. This could be the cause of a preserved pituitary response to dexamethasone and CRH.

  • Clinical features of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism with rapid development of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperpigmentation, high circulating levels of cortisol with associated hypokalemia, peripheral edema and proximal myopathy should be a warning flag of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome and lead to further investigations.

Background

Pituitary corticotroph adenomas (Cushing’s disease) account for the vast majority of cases diagnosed with ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism and only 5–10% result from ectopic sources of ACTH and very rarely CRH. Since up to 50% of corticotroph adenomas may not be visualized by pituitary MRI it is of utmost importance to rule out ectopic ACTH/CRH-secretion to prevent unnecessary pituitary exploratory surgery and employ the correct imaging procedures to identify the ACTH source. Ectopic CRH or ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumors are a very rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome and only few cases have been reported in the literature (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). Bronchial and thymic carcinoids, islet cell carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, medullary thyroid cancers, pancreatic tumors, gastrinomas, liver tumors and small-cell lung cancers have been identified as sources of ACTH/CRH co-secretion. Importantly, pituitary corticotroph hyperplasia secondary to tumor-derived CRH-stimulation may significantly impact dynamic tests employed during the workup of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. We report a case of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting neuroendocrine tumor of the cecum/appendix mimicking Cushing’s disease.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old construction worker was referred to our endocrine outpatient clinic because of suspected Cushing’s syndrome. He presented with a four month’s history of weight gain, obesity with predominantly central fat distribution (BMI 30 kg/m2), moon facies, buffalo hump, peripheral edema, new onset of hypertension (blood pressure 156/99 mmHg), wide purple striae on the abdomen and the inner side of the arms and thighs (Fig. 1A, B and C). He complained of disrupted sleep, fatigue, proximal muscle weakness and acne.

Figure 1
Figure 1

The patient shows severe signs of Cushing’s syndrome. (A) Buffalo hump, hyperpigmentation, (B) acne, supraclaviculare fat pads and (C) pitting edema of the leg. (D) Signs from Cushing’s syndrome resolved within a few months after resection of the tumor.

Citation: Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports 2017, 1; 10.1530/EDM-17-0058

Medical history was, apart from atopic dermatitis, unremarkable.

Investigation

Diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome

Routine laboratory testing showed mild hypokalemia (3.3 mmol/L, normal: 3.5–5.1) and normal glucose values (5.5 mmol/L). Increased 24-h urinary free cortisol excretion (1969 µg/day, normal <136), failed cortisol suppression following 1 mg dexamethasone (302 nmol/L, normal <50), blunted diurnal rhythmicity of endogenous cortisol secretion (midnight salivary cortisol 62.4 and 57.3 nmol/L, normal <8.9) and an ACTH concentration of 78.1 ng/L at 08:00 h (Table 1) confirmed ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome.

Table 1

Laboratory findings.

Parameters Results Reference range
Potassium, mmol/L 3.3 3.5–5.1
Serum cortisol 08:00 h, nmol/L 654 140–640
Plasma ACTH 08:00 h, ng/L 78.1 9–52
24-h urinary free cortisol, µg/day 1969 36–136
Cortisol 08:00 after 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test, nmol/L 302 <50
Late night salivary cortisol, nmol/L 62.4; 57.3 <8.9

Differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome

High-resolution (3 Tesla) dynamic, contrast-enhanced MRI scanning showed a normal sized pituitary with no evidence for an adenoma. High dose (8 mg) overnight dexamethasone suppressed serum cortisol by 71% (Table 2). Subsequently, BIPSS revealed a positive central-to-peripheral ACTH-gradient both during the basal state (central-to-peripheral ACTH-ratio 7.7) and following stimulation with 100 µg CRH (ratio 6.7). The ratios of the centrally obtained samples showed no consistent lateralization pattern (Table 3). Furthermore, a pronounced increase in peripheral venous ACTH 15 min following CRH was observed (+900%). Due to the compelling evidence suggesting Cushing’s disease the patient was scheduled for endoscopically navigated transsphenoidal pituitary exploration.

Table 2

High dose (8 mg) overnight dexamethasone suppression test (HDDST) for differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome.

Parameters Result Interpretation
Cortisol baseline 655 nmol/L
Cortisol at 08:00 h after HDDST 190 nmol/L
% Change from baseline 71% Positive test for Cushing’s disease
Table 3

Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling.

Time (min) ACTH (ng/L)
Left petrosal L/P Right petrosal R/P Peripheral
−10 31.4 2.5 16.4 1.3 12.7
−5 85.2 3.6 31.0 1.3 23.9
0 87.6 7.2 94.0 7.7 12.2
2 115.0 1.2 155.0 1.6 96.3
4 136.0 6.7 41.5 2.0 20.3
6 134.0 1.2 141.0 1.3 110.0
10 148.0 1.2 110.0 0.9 119.0
15 333.0 2.0 345.0 2.1 164.0

Time 0 min intravenous injection of 100 µg CRH.

ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Reassessment of the diagnosis

Only six weeks after the initial presentation rapid progression of several cushingoid features was evident and despite the recent lack of sunlight exposure the clinical exam was remarkable for a conspicuously tanned skin tone. This prompted us to consider a CRH-producing neuroendocrine tumor with subsequent secretion of ACTH-precursor molecules including α-MSH as a differential diagnosis. A thin-cut thoraco-abdominal CT scan revealed a 5-cm tumor deriving from the cecum with infiltration of the appendix (Fig. 2A). Endoscopically obtained biopsies revealed a neuroendocrine tumor. Staging included an MRI of the abdomen and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and showed somatostatin expression in the primary tumor but with no evidence for lymph node or liver metastases (Fig. 2B).

Figure 2
Figure 2

CT scan shows a mass in the cecum with infiltration of the appendix (arrow) (A). In-111 pentetreotide SPECT-CT with somatostatin expression in the midgut NET and gallbladder with no evidence for distant lymph node or liver metastases (B).

Citation: Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports 2017, 1; 10.1530/EDM-17-0058

Treatment

Medical treatment

Due to the severe cortisol excess the patient was started on metyrapone which was gradually increased to 2000 mg per day for two weeks before tumor resection and resulted in rapid clinical improvement and reduced serum cortisol concentrations. Perioperative thromboprophylaxis was administered.

Surgical treatment

The patient underwent right-sided hemicolectomy and concomitant cholecystectomy. Immediately after successful tumor resection serum cortisol dropped to 253 nmol/L. Glucocorticoid replacement was only required for a short, two-week period.

Outcome and follow-up

Histology, immunohistological staining and CRH analysis

Workup of the surgical specimen demonstrated a neuroendocrine tumor of the cecum with locoregional lymph node metastases and a mitotic index (Ki-67) of 4% (G2).

Immunohistochemistry showed only a few cells positive for ACTH, but the staining for CRH was strongly positive (Fig. 3). Plasma CRH concentration measured as previously described from a baseline sample obtained during BIPSS was clearly increased (112.8 pg/mL) (16).

Figure 3
Figure 3

(A) A few cells staining positive for ACTH. (B) Impressive positive immunohistological staining for CRH in a cluster of tumor cells. (For immunohistochemical detection of CRH by DAB staining a self-made CRH antibody (C-13 XVII; 1:250 diluted) was used in combination with secondary goat anti-rabbit biotinylated antibody (1:300) (Vector, Burlingame, CA, USA). As the CRH antibody also detects mouse CRH, mouse hypothalamus tissue was used as positive control. Negative control was performed by omitting the CRH antibody.)

Citation: Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports 2017, 1; 10.1530/EDM-17-0058

Thus, the final diagnosis of a predominantly CRH-secreting midgut-NET pT4, pN1 (3/14), M0, G2 leading to ectopic Cushing’s syndrome was established.

Follow-up

The further course was uneventful. Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome resolved within a few weeks (Fig. 1D). After a follow-up of 15 months, there is no clinical, biochemical or imaging evidence for tumor recurrence. After rapid normalization of the cortisol level, a flare of atopic dermatitis troubled the patient.

Discussion

After a diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome has been established, the a priori likelihood of Cushing’s disease is close to 80%. Since sellar MRI may not demonstrate a pituitary microadenoma in up to 50% of patients with Cushing’s disease and the prevalence of pituitary microincidentalomas is between 10 and 40%, a careful clinical and biochemical workup is required to identify those with an ectopic source of ACTH, prevent unnecessary pituitary exploration and provide a correct therapeutic approach to cure the cortisol excess. In a retrospective series Ilias et al. (2005) reported that 13 out of 90 patients (12.6%) with ectopic ACTH syndrome underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (17). In other case reports, transsphenoidal surgery was also falsely performed, either due to false positive biochemical tests (6, 10, 11, 18) or pituitary MRI findings (11). A rapid onset of profound weakness, severe hypokalemia, peripheral edema and hyperpigmentation due to very high cortisol and ACTH levels is highly suggestive of ectopic ACTH-secretion associated with small-cell neuroendocrine cancers but may not be observed in the majority of cases when low-grade NETs are the source of ACTH (19). Therefore, dynamic biochemical testing is key to rule out ectopic ACTH-excess. Although high-dose overnight and 48-h dexamethasone and CRH-testing are helpful, BIPSS is considered the gold standard test due to its superior sensitivity and specificity (20, 21, 22).

Despite a relatively short history, our patient showed typical cushingoid features and the initial presentation with biochemically moderate hypercortisolism and mildly elevated plasma ACTH was well compatible with Cushing’s disease. The further workup including high-dose overnight dexamethasone testing and BIPSS seemed to confirm the diagnosis. However, the persistent hyperpigmentation, which was not noticed at the initial visit since the patient was working shirtless as a construction worker and the rapid progression of symptoms during the diagnostic workup prompted us to consider an ectopic source of ACTH and/or CRH and a neuroendocrine tumor of the cecum was identified. Hyperpigmentation is a hallmark feature of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome and may be observed in the majority of patients (23). Finally, increased plasma CRH concentrations and strong positive immunostaining for CRH with only scattered positivity for ACTH in the tumor led to the diagnosis of a predominantly CRH-secreting midgut NET. Since it is impossible to distinguish the source of plasma ACTH the diagnosis of a ACTH/CRH co-secreting tumor is essentially based on the immunohistochemical phenotype.

CRH and ACTH /CRH co-secreting tumors are extremely rare and have been described in bronchial and thymic carcinoids, islet cell carcinomas, pheochromocytomas, medullary thyroid cancers, pancreatic tumors, gastrinomas, liver tumors and small-cell lung cancers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). Furthermore, they have been shown to affect the results of dynamic tests and may generate false positive results during BIPSS (5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27). CRH secretion induces diffuse hyperplasia of pituitary corticotroph cells which then oversecrete ACTH but may remain responsive to both exogenous dexamethasone and CRH. Thus, the results of both dynamic testing with high-dose dexamethasone and CRH as well as BIPSS may be misleading and mimic Cushing’s disease. In agreement, the ratio of ACTH/CRH-production has been suggested to determine the response to diagnostic tests (5, 6, 11). Since the measurement of plasma CRH is not routinely available, a high degree of clinical suspicion and careful and ongoing assessment of the patient’s presentation is of paramount importance to consider ectopic ACTH/CRH-production. A CT of the chest and abdomen should be performed if an ectopic CRH- or ACTH-producing tumor is suspected and somatostatin receptor imaging with In-111 pentetreotide and/or Ga-68 DOTATATE/DOTATOC may be a promising additional tool (28).

This case illustrates the difficulty of distinguishing between Cushing’s disease and ectopic Cushing’s syndrome in an exceptional ACTH/CRH co-secreting midgut neuroendocrine tumor. A careful ongoing assessment of the clinical presentation led to the diagnosis of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome despite clear biochemical evidence of Cushing’s disease. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case described in the literature of an ACTH/CRH co-secreting NET of the cecum mimicking Cushing’s disease.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

Patient consent

The authors confirm that they have obtained written informed consent from the patient for publication of the submitted article and accompanying images.

Author contribution statement

Dr R Streuli attended on the patient, wrote the first draft of the manuscript and did the literature search. Dr S Bilz and Dr I Krull supervised the care of the patient and contributed to the manuscript revision. Prof M Brändle is the head of the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes and contributed to the clinical workup. Dr W Kolb is board-certified endocrine surgeon and performed the surgery on the patient. Dr A Enzler-Tschudy is pathologist and performed ACTH-staining of the primary tumor. Prof G Stalla is the head of Clinical Neuroendocrinology at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. Immunohistological staining of CRH (incl. figure) and CRH analysis in the plasma was performed in his institute. Prof M Theodoropoulou did the immunohistological staining of CRH.Acknowledgements

The authors thank U Renner and J Stalla for their contributions (organization and performance of the CRH analysis in the plasma).

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  • Figure 1

    The patient shows severe signs of Cushing’s syndrome. (A) Buffalo hump, hyperpigmentation, (B) acne, supraclaviculare fat pads and (C) pitting edema of the leg. (D) Signs from Cushing’s syndrome resolved within a few months after resection of the tumor.

  • Figure 2

    CT scan shows a mass in the cecum with infiltration of the appendix (arrow) (A). In-111 pentetreotide SPECT-CT with somatostatin expression in the midgut NET and gallbladder with no evidence for distant lymph node or liver metastases (B).

  • Figure 3

    (A) A few cells staining positive for ACTH. (B) Impressive positive immunohistological staining for CRH in a cluster of tumor cells. (For immunohistochemical detection of CRH by DAB staining a self-made CRH antibody (C-13 XVII; 1:250 diluted) was used in combination with secondary goat anti-rabbit biotinylated antibody (1:300) (Vector, Burlingame, CA, USA). As the CRH antibody also detects mouse CRH, mouse hypothalamus tissue was used as positive control. Negative control was performed by omitting the CRH antibody.)

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