Ectopic Cushing's syndrome in a young female with atypical [corrected] bronchial carcinoid tumour

A 17-year-old female with a large mass in the left thorax presenting with ectopic Cushing's syndrome is described. Biochemical evaluation revealed a corticotropin(ACTH)-dependent hypercortisol state. Surgical resection of the tumour resulted in clinical remission and correction of hypercortisolism and normal plasma ACTH levels. The histology was that of an atypical carcinoid. Bronchial carcinoid tumour is an extremely uncommon but well recognised cause of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. These patients may pose diagnostic dilemma in distinguishing form those with Cushing's disease because of the similarity in the clinical, biochemical and radiologic findings.