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Updated: Sep 23, 2025

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Cushing syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secreting pheochromocytoma
Muhammad Naeem Durrani1, Ubaidullah Popal2
1The Aga Khan University Hospital Main Campus Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract:
In this case report, we present a case of a woman in her late 30s who presented with bilateral motor weakness, headache, hyperglycaemia and hypertension. Investigations revealed very high 24-hour urine cortisol of 90 524, ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pheochromocytoma, normal metanephrine levels and empty sella, which has never been reported. CT chest and abdomen revealed enlarged left adrenal gland with large necrotic mass 4.7×4.0 cm most likely neoplastic lesion. The patient was cured after surgical removal of the left adrenal mass. Histological examination revealed 3.5×2.5×2 cm mass consistent with pheochromocytoma. After surgery and a short stay in the intensive care unit, the patient started improving and both antihypertensive treatment and insulin injections were withdrawn.
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