2 Cases of Ectopic ACTH Syndrome due to Thymic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Associated with Different Clinical Manifestations.
- Author:
Yu Jeong PARK
1
;
Moon Kyu LEE
;
Jong Ryeal HAHM
;
Jung Ho DO
;
Sang Taek HEO
;
Ju Sung KIM
;
Yong Ki MIN
;
Myung Shik LEE
;
Kwang Won KIM
;
Joung Ho HAN
Author Information
1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of Medical School, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Thymic carcinoid;
Thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma;
Ectopic ACTH syndrome
- MeSH:
ACTH Syndrome, Ectopic*;
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine*;
Dyspnea;
Fatigue;
Humans;
Mediastinal Neoplasms;
Neck;
Thorax;
Thymus Gland;
Weight Gain;
Weight Loss
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Endocrinology
2001;16(1):115-122
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus (formerly known as thymic carcinoids) are unusual tumors that account for 5% of all anterior mediastinal neoplasms. Thymic neuroendocrine carcinomas exhibit a much more aggressive behavior than those originating from other foregut locations and are associated with the ectopic ACTH syndrome in 38% of cases. Patients having a thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma usually present with symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, a palpable neck mass and sometimes a weight gain. We report on 2 patients with thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma who showed different clinical manifestations each other. One presented with a typical. Cushingoid appearance and the other had symptoms of fatigue and weight loss which is a common symptom of malignant tumors.
