Hypokalaemia and peripheral oedema in a Cushingoid patient with metastatic prostate cancer

L M Schepers1, J M H Kisters, C Wetzels

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Insights

A 75-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer developed Cushing's syndrome. This was likely caused by ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion from a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the prostate.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Metastatic prostate cancer can present with unusual paraneoplastic syndromes.
  • Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excessive cortisol exposure.
  • Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production is a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome.

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