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Ectopic ACTH syndrome due to Grawitz tumor
H Watanobe1, M Yoshioka, K Takebe
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan.
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|July 1, 1988
Summary
This case report details an extremely rare adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing Grawitz tumor in a 56-year-old female, presenting with Cushing's syndrome and elevated hormone levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cushing's syndrome is often caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors.
- Renal cell carcinoma, or Grawitz tumor, is a common kidney cancer.
- Ectopic hormone production by tumors can mimic endocrine disorders.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old female presented with clinical features of Cushing's syndrome.
- Autopsy revealed a left renal Grawitz tumor and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
- Elevated plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol levels were noted.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed renal cell carcinoma (Grawitz tumor).
- The Grawitz tumor contained high levels of ACTH, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphin.
- Large molecular weight forms of ACTH were detected in the tumor extract.
Implications:
- This is the first documented case of an ACTH-producing Grawitz tumor.
- This finding expands the spectrum of ectopic hormone production in renal cell carcinoma.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare tumor types in the differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.