Small cell carcinoma of the vagina causing Cushing's syndrome by ectopic production and secretion of ACTH: a case report

Gynecologic Oncology
K M ColleranR I Dorin

Abstract

Small cell carcinomas of pulmonary or extrapulmonary origin are neuroendocrine tumors classically associated with ectopic hormone production, particularly ACTH secretion resulting in Cushing's syndrome. However, ectopic Cushing's syndrome has not previously been reported in the setting of small cell carcinoma of the vagina. A primary vaginal tumor with hepatic metastases was evaluated with light microscopy. Serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels were evaluated by radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay, respectively, during a standard high-dose (8 mg) overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Vaginal small cell carcinoma with hepatic metastases was demonstrated. Electrolyte abnormalities, elevated cortisol and ACTH levels, and failure to suppress ACTH secretion during high-dose dexamethasone administration confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic ACTH syndrome. This case report establishes a clinical association between vaginal small cell carcinoma and ectopic Cushing's syndrome, confirming the neuroendocrine potential of this malignancy and features common to small cell neoplasms originating in other sites.

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Citations

Jul 9, 2004·The Breast Journal·Marie-Françoise PelteChristoph A Meier
Jan 19, 2012·Lung Cancer : Journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·Hironori SatohHironobu Sasano
Sep 7, 2000·Australasian Radiology·H ElsalehJ Thompson
Jan 15, 2014·Rare Tumors·Ryosuke TamuraHideki Mizunuma
Mar 29, 2008·Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease·Johanne WeberpalsAmit Oza
Mar 11, 2019·BMJ Case Reports·Sri Harsha KombathulaBhawana Badhe
Jul 25, 2017·Current Oncology Reports·Brooke E HowittW Glenn McCluggage
Aug 1, 2018·Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism·Agedi N Boto, Pei Hui
Jul 24, 2004·Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine·Zhanyong BingMahmoud A Eltorky

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