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Ectopic Cushing syndrome is a condition in which a tumor outside the pituitary or adrenal glandsproduces a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Alternative NamesCushing syndrome - ectopic
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCushing syndromeis the result of too much glucocorticoid hormones being released over a long period of time. About 15% of Cushing syndrome cases are due to ectopic Cushing syndrome.
Ectopic Cushing syndrome is caused by tumors that release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Other causes of Cushing syndrome are:
- Excess release of ACTH by the pituitary gland
- Long-term use of corticosteroid drugs (commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma)
- Tumor of the adrenal gland
Tumors that can, in rare cases, release ACTH include:
- Islet cell tumors of the pancreas
- Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Small cell tumors of the lung
- Tumors of the thymus gland
Ectopic Cushing syndrome tends to have fewer dramatic symptoms than classic Cushing syndrome, but it can occur with higher blood pressure and a lower potassium level. Weight loss may occur due to cancer.
Symptoms of Cushing syndrome are:
- Abdomen sticks out; arms and legs are thin (central obesity)
- Acne or minor skin infections
- Buffalo hump
- Headache
- Impotence (in men)
- Increased urination
- Menstrual cycle stops (in women)
- Mental changes
- Purple stretch marks on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, and breasts
- Round, red, and full face (moon face)
- Tanning or darkening of the skin
- Thirst
- Weakness
Tests that may be done include:
- 24-hour urine for cortisol and creatinine
- Blood tests to check ACTH, cortisol, and potassium levels
- Dexamethasone suppression test
- Fasting glucose
- MRI and CT scans to find tumors
The best treatment for ectopic Cushing syndrome is surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery is usually possible when the tumor is noncancerous (benign).
In some cases, the tumor is cancerous and spreads to other areas of the body before the health care provider can discover the problem with cortisol production. Surgery may not be possible in these cases, but the doctor may prescribe drugs to block cortisol production.
Expectations (prognosis)Surgery to remove the tumor may lead to full recovery, but there is a chance that the tumor will come back.
ComplicationsThe tumor may spread or return after surgery. High cortisol levels may continue.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Cushing syndrome.
PreventionPrompt treatment of tumors may reduce the risk in some cases. Many cases are not preventable.
ReferencesArnaldi G, Angeli A, Atkinson AB, et al. Diagnosis and complications of Cushing's syndrome: A consensus statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88:5595-5602.
Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 14.
What else can I help you with?
The Most common cause of excess blood cortisol?
cushing syndrome is the most common cause. other causes include adrenal tumor and ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone producing tumor
What is crushing syndrome caused by?
Cushing's syndrome is primarily caused by an excess of cortisol in the body, which can result from various factors. The most common cause is a pituitary adenoma that leads to increased production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), stimulating the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. It can also be caused by adrenal tumors or ectopic ACTH production from tumors elsewhere in the body. Additionally, long-term use of corticosteroid medications can induce Cushing's syndrome.
What are causes for cushing's syndrome?
The direct hormone that causes the symptoms is Cortisol produced by the adrenal gland. But the indirect hormone that increases the production of Cortisol is ACTH produced by the pituitary gland.
Why is the dexamethasone suppression test used?
The dexamethasone suppression test is used to diagnose conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or depression by measuring the body's response to a synthetic steroid called dexamethasone. It helps to determine if abnormal levels of cortisol are present in the body by assessing the suppression of cortisol production in response to dexamethasone.
Can you get heart burn with an ectopic pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy has nothing to do with heart burn.
What is the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test for?
The CRH stimulation test is given to help distinguish between patients with pituitary adenomas and those with either ectopic ACTH syndrome or cortisol-secreting adrenal tumors.
If Can an ectopic pregnancy occur in two weeks pregnant If so how long would it last or what would happen?
If you have an ectopic it's a ectopic from the start so yes.
What is it called when a fertilized egg grows in the fallopian tube rather than the uterus?
A pregnancy in which the zygote implants in the fallopian tube abdomen ovary or the cervix is called an Ectopic pregnancy.
You had ectopic?
after ectopic pregnancy, and removed my tube should my stomach be slighty sweld on that side.
How is a ventricular ectopic beat diagnosed?
Ventricular ectopic beats are easily seen on an electrocardiogram
Is one ectopic pregnancy happend again it repeted or not?
Someone who had an ectopic pregnancy is at higher risk for another in the future, but many women go on to have a uterine pregnancy after ectopic.
What and how is ectopic pregnancy happen?
An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilised egg attaches itself outside the uterus. The most common place where the ectopic pregnancy occurs is the fallopian tubes. Other possible areas where the ectopic could occur are the ovaries, abdomen and the cervix. The cause for ectopic pregnancy is mostly unknown. However endometriosis, any surgery to the abdomen, previous pelvic inflammatory disease all increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy.
