Cushing's Syndrome Due to Primary Multinodular Corticotrope Hyperplasia

WILLIAM F. YOUNG, BERND W. SCHEITHAUER, HOSSEIN GHARIB, EDWARD R. LAWS, PAUL C. CARPENTER

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this report, a case of Cushing's syndrome due to primary multinodular corticotrope hyperplasia is described. The patient had typical features of Cushing's syndrome and dynamic pituitary-adrenal testing, which suggested an ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome. Results of petrosal sinus catheterization indicated that the pituitary gland was the source of excess ACTH. Total hypophysectomy resulted in complete remission of Cushing's syndrome. Light microscopic and immunohistochemical studies revealed multinodular corticotrope hyperplasia. Plasma corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) was undetectable, and computed tomography of the chest and abdomen disclosed no neoplastic source of CRH. We speculate that either an abnormality in hypothalamic CRH secretion or corticotrope hypersensitivity to CRH might have been responsible for Cushing's syndrome in this patient.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)256-262
Number of pages7
JournalMayo Clinic proceedings
Volume63
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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