Naloxone-responsive hypotension in a patient with an ACTH-secreting tumor

We report a case in which hypotension was corrected by the administration of naloxone in a patient with an ACTH-secreting mediastinal tumor. According to previous reports, reversal of hypotension would not be expected in patients with suppressed central ACTH secretion. The implications of this patient's response on the possible mechanisms for naloxone's action in reversing septic shock are discussed.