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A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Imaging in covert ectopic ACTH secretion: a CT pictorial review
Paul A Sookur1, Anju Sahdev, Andrea G Rockall
1Department of Academic Radiology, Dominion House, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK, paul.sookur@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk
European Radiology
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Ectopic adrenocorticotrophin secretion (EAS) is a rare condition caused by nonpituitary tumors. This review highlights CT imaging findings of these covert tumors to aid in diagnosis and surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Ectopic adrenocorticotrophin secretion (EAS) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by excess adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) from nonpituitary tumors.
- Covert tumors causing EAS are often small and difficult to image, complicating diagnosis and differentiation from Cushing's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the common covert sites and imaging findings of tumors responsible for ectopic adrenocorticotrophin secretion (EAS).
- To enhance the identification of ACTH-producing tumors through computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics.
Main Methods:
- This pictorial review analyzes computed tomography (CT) findings of tumors associated with covert ectopic adrenocorticotrophin secretion (EAS).
- Literature review of associated imaging characteristics and tumor types.
Main Results:
- Bronchial carcinoid tumors are the most frequent cause of EAS, typically appearing as small, well-defined pulmonary lesions on CT.
- Rarer causes include thymic carcinoids, gastrointestinal carcinoids, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with the CT imaging characteristics of tumors causing EAS is crucial for accurate localization.
- Identification of the ACTH source can lead to potentially curative surgical resection, improving patient outcomes.
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