Neuroendocrine tumor in liver with positive ACTH receptor: a case report

A rare case of possible primary ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing tumor in the liver mimicking a liver hemangioma is reported. A 9-year-old boy, with Cushing syndrome, was referred for the assessment of ectopic ACTH-producing tumor. Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI of the abdomen revealed a liver lesion suggestive of a hemangioma. (111)In-octreotide scintigraphy revealed focal activity in the liver, indicative of a somatostatin-positive lesion. (99m)Tc-labeled RBC scintigraphy was negative for hemangioma. After surgical resection of the tumor, the cortisol level converted to a normal range indicative of a rare possible primary ACTH-producing tumor in the liver, which was confirmed by histopathology.