ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumor of thymus with recurrences. Clinical case

Abstract

One of the most difficult in diagnostic and treatment options for endogenous Cushing is the ectopic ACTH syndrome, which causes the development of tumors of different histogenesis localization producing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and much less - corticotropin hormone (CRH). ACTH-secreting tumors varied in location, morphological structure and the degree of malignancy. Most of these tumors are characterized by an aggressive course with a propensity to metastasize and relapse. The article presents data of the prevalence, pathogenesis of ectopic ACTH tumors localized in the thymus, analyzis of clinical, morphological features, the methods of diagnosis and treatment. Based on the current literature, the world and our own experience on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome with localization of hormone production in the thymus, we want to highlight the current state of the problem in order to create the most efficient algorithm for diagnostic search and treatment of this difficult group of patients.

Keywords

• acth-ectopic tumor
• thymus
• carcinoid